What better way than to spend the first weekend of summer somewhere really warm? Like Las Vegas?
A first idea of what is in store one can get from the huge thermometer in Baker at 4 PM.
Those who like even more heat turn left off the I-15 into Death Valley. There they laugh at 111 F. The less hardy ones continue on towards the last ridge of the Mojave National Preserve,
over the pass and down, down into the Ivanpah Dry Lake. Even though it is dry, it is popular for sailing – land sailing that is. With 35 square miles there’s a lot of room for that particular sport.
On the other side of the lake Nevada begins, easily recognizable from the casinos of Primm.
Then it is just another short hop of 50 miles and time for some fun. Most people go for the gambling – some go for the food. There are several great places in Las Vegas to celebrate the first day of summer with some friendly former inhabitants of Maine.
Eat, drink and be merry and forget that at 10 PM it is still 98 F outside. After all, in Death Valley it is still hotter and lobsters turn red at 212 F.
It has been over 40 years since I’ve been to Vegas. I think it’s time for another trip. I’d really like to go spend a couple of days there, just to sight-see.
You won’t recognize the place. Even over the last 10 years I’ve been going there it has changed a lot. As we go to LV at least once, sometimes twice a year, our focus of attention has shifted from the city to the surrounding areas.
I will post more about that in a day or two.