To counter the downer of my last post about Las Vegas, here are some damned-near glorious experiences we’ve had here.
Welcome Conversation
At Mojave Brewing in nearby Henderson, we met up with this fun couple, Debbie and Paul, who were recommended to us by a mutual friend back in Maryland (Hi Bob!).
It had been since this summer in Montana when I’d had a real conversation with someone other than a total stranger. I was so excited I babbled maniacally at them.
We hung out with them for an hour, hearing about their publishing business (comics!) and dreams of hitting the road like us, plus we talked about dogs (inevitable), and I cajoled Paul into demonstrating a bit of card magic. Debbie is a writer, and a cool one at that: notice her bat broach!
They’re here from California, so of course I asked them what they like about Vegas. The climate, the economy, the outdoor recreation, the restaurants, and, for Paul, the poker. Fascinating people, and great company. We hope to have them out to the trailer later this week. Maybe after this initial practice conversation with them, I’ll be a little more in control of my enthusiasm. :).
Owl Canyon
The desert around us at Las Vegas Bay Campground is all mesas and washes formed as the rare rain flows down to Lake Mead, plus canyons revealed as the lake recedes.
We hiked a short way along a slot canyon this morning where owls hole up during the day.
We didn’t see any of them, but we saw scat of, possibly, fox or coyote, and unexpected twists and turns, then tunnels under the highway that allow rain through.
We saw blooming creosote bush, plus lots of small green plants that looked like they may be soft but are rough and prickly. As Tracy keeps reminding me, everything in the desert wants to bite you.
Our Campsite Ain’t Bad!
Our campsite is right on the edge of this campground, so our view is out over the mountains by Lake Mead. Down below us is a river running from Lake Las Vegas (I think the river is named Las Vegas Wash) with a green oasis alongside it.
We hear coyotes at night and in the morning, and we’ve seen roadrunners. There is a flock of Gamble’s Quail that pecks around the campsite each day. I think the tree next to us is a Eucalyptus.
The full moon has been rising right smack in front of us each night as we sit outside in the warm night air, and daybreak happens directly through the windows onto the bed.
To feel stuck someplace you’re not thrilled with—this is a mighty fine place. Give us some time, and I’m sure we’ll be singing Viva Las Vegas instead of Bob Dylan. Heck, Tracy’s already singing it.
This is beautiful! I especially like the slot canyon. Very cool.
It is cool, thanks, Lucy!
I don’t have much experience with deserts but from living in Australia I do know about places where everything is trying to kill you. And I also know about Eucalyptus and I agree that is one. You just need a billabong and a jumbuck to go with it 😉
A jumbuck – is that the thing you set on the table in front of you when you’re in Risa and you want to hook up with someone? LOL I did just look that up. I think Banjo would very much like to have a jumbuck.