Vegas

On my way home from my disastrous adventure to cross Iowa on my bike, I stopped in Vegas. There I spent the night with, Dick, and his wife Jeanette. I’ve known Dick since grade school, maybe third grade. He’s always been a nice guy and it was nice to see him again. The last time was about ten years ago at our high school reunion. It was there that we reconnected after many, many years of making our separate ways through life.
I arrived about noon from Salt Lake City after having taken the wrong exit. Well, it was the right exit but off the wrong freeway. But that’s another story. Dick is a very capable direction giver and in no time I was pulling up in front of his home. It was about 102 degrees which to those of us that live in Bakersfield is no big deal.
He and his wife greeted me warmly despite her headache. He and I quickly settled at the dining room table while she, as most wives do, retired to another room. I mean, not many wives want to sit around while a couple of old farts reminisce about their glory days. Of course, the older we get, the better we were and besides, our wives have already heard all that crap. At least a thousand times before.
After a few minutes he asked if I’d like to see the sights. Of course I said yes. Hell, I had money burning a hole in my pocket ready to hand over to any casino in town. First of course, we stopped for some lunch. Then we got back in his car and I was ready to hit the Craps tables. That’s my favorite form of losing, er, that is, gambling. But boy was I wrong.
In short order, we were heading out of town along a two lane highway. In a matter of a few minutes right in front of us were some craggy mountains. Beautiful in red and white and shades of brown. Then we entered Red Rock Canyon. Whooda thunk it? In Vegas? A beautiful, picturesque and totally awesome vision of nature at its finest. It almost left me speechless. This is, to those that know me, quite a feat. And I quickly forgot about giving the casinos my money.
Dick teaches landscape at Southern Nevada Community College and is consequently very familiar with the local plant life. After touring the visitor center, we drove a scenic loop with stops along the way for a little closer look at the incredible rock formations. He pointed out different plants describing their family roots (pun intended). What a big difference being shown around by a knowledgeable guide. It was fascinating hearing about desert plants.
He also mentioned that there are petroglyphs and hiking trails, some with year round creeks. I asked what time of year would be best to return to explore some of the canyons. He quickly replied that April was when the creeks were at their fullest and the flowers were all in bloom. He added that I was welcome to come anytime. It’s possible he might be sorry to have made that offer as I am definitely going to try to get back in April.
I left for home the next day with a whole new perspective of Vegas. Like most others I never thought of Vegas as having homes with people living in them and certainly not as having such natural beauty. I came home richer. Not just because I didn’t leave any money at the casinos. I’m richer for experiencing Red Rock Canyon with an old friend.