A few months ago and a few blocks from my home in Reno, a seemingly amusing post cropped up on the NextDoor app. A herd of cows innocently wandered in from —we’re not sure where — and started grazing on the very expensive front yards of several of my neighbor’s homes. Up here in Reno, we’re used to bears, rabbits, coyotes and depending on your location, a wild mustang herd to two, but cows invading a residential neighborhood? Now that’s unusual! …

One of the hands-down best parts of living in northern Nevada is the access it offers to the Lake Tahoe basin. Case in point? Shirley Canyon. It’s considered one of Tahoe’s most beautiful half-day hikes, complete with tumbling waterfalls, a lake, stunning wildflowers, striking granite boulders, clean mountain air, and endless vistas. Here’s what to know about hiking Lake Tahoe’s dog-friendly Shirley Canyon. Getting Started & What to Expect Trailhead access can be found at the end of Squaw Peak …