Neon Lights, Vegas Nights

One of the many bridges crossing the strip creates reflections in all directions.

On a recent whirlwind trip through Vegas, I found myself engulfed by the scale of everything. The Hotels, the strip, the attractions are all massive. With only about 6 hours to explore, I went on a walk…in my dress boots…and the scale became real.

Landing at LAS at around 10pm local time, I caught a glimpse of the Luxor out of the window of my plane just before touchdown. The light was as dazzling as had been promised. I was in town for a convention, but the crowd for the Rodeo and the Raiders game was present as well, so there was no shortage of people dressed in their celebratory or business best. Energy was high.

A walk through the smoky casinos, down the roads with “calling cards”, through businesses with no business, and rides on the monorail later, and I must admit, the glow had worn off a little to reveal some of the seedy side of things.

Still, I can’t wait to go back. In the short turn around I didn’t have the chance to try much food, or see any of the shows. However, I did get to eat in the BennyHanna that was used for the crazy 88 fight scene in Kill Bill Vol. I.

Great Sand Dunes - February 2023

Footprints in the sand only linger for about 15 minutes before being swept away by the relentless winds.

A 22 mph wind pulls at my parka as it shapes the dunes.  This is not the peak season to visit the dunes, and frankly, it’s cold.  A few other brave souls, and an exited young girl dragging her sand sled, are out today.  With so few people, snow on the ground, and the always otherworldly aura of the dunes, it’s easy to feel transported to another time and place.

The dunes were formed when the right combination water evaporation left behind sediment that was then blown around by the winds surrounding the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  They change each day due to the shifting of the sands, the seasons, weather, and light, so your visit and mine will be very different.  I look forward to another trip this spring/summer to see the one major feature missing from this occasion; the river.

Snowmelt from the mountains creates a massive seasonal river that draws people to this mountain beach each year.  I’m also looking forward to taking the Geo Jeep along the Medano Pass, most of which is closed during this part of the year.  This scouting trip was perfect for planning a multi day adventure in just a few months!

The Geo Jeep

Sailboat in the distance, bi-plane overhead, parked on a beach near St. Augustine, FL.

Replaced the Roof Top Tent with a kayak for our trip to lake Cumberland, KT.

I love Road Trips. You can stop and go as you please. You can make that detour down the interesting road. When a plan doesn’t pan out, you can pull out a map and change direction.

I’ve built my dream “Geo Jeep” (reference to the activity GeoCaching) to be capable and enjoyable on and off road. Depending on if we are going into a city, a beach, or the woods, we may have a tent, scuba tanks, kayak, or dogs with us.

Regardless, I almost always have my camera with me.