We moved from Boulder City a week ago, stopping for a further week in Henderson, some twelve miles north. After hiking almost without a break for three weeks, we decided to leave 'home' at 5am one morning to watch the sun rise over both Lake Mead and Las Vegas. Above the city, the light-show was spectacular but rather low-key over the water. Sadly, both of us have had bad falls while running down Red and Black Mountains, one each. The poor editor split her lip open and received a few bumps and bruises. These trips were a little different from previous as there was no opportunity to 'pull oneself out of the fall'—it just happened and on each occasion we found ourselves grounded and sliding—losing skin, getting additional holes in the body and on one occasion, torn pants. However, the hike, including the run, is really superb. There's a lot we'll do for some action and fun...it seems.
After picking Jenni up and talking with her, she remarked, "This is nothing. Compared with some of the places where we've pulled each other up and over cliff edges, I feel fortunate." I thought back to just the other day when we were in a precarious position and realized how apt her thoughts and utterance were.
Mount Charleston, west of Las Vegas at 6:10am.
Editor reaches peak after 3 miles at about 6:30am.
Even Las Vegas is stunning when the miracle of light and natural features come into play.
A side-view above Boulder City in the early morning.
Twilight passing.
Looking grey and gloomy...anything but.
Red Rock Canyon with Turtlehead Peak prominent 'hit' by the sun. We hiked to the peak some three weeks ago.
'The Frenchman', a past hike. This mountain can be viewed from every position in the region, probably including
from inside the casinos. (Jenni refused to hike this a second time...I think it was on principle.)
The sun goes to the casinos and misses.
The soft light, facing east, so different from the western view.
Jenni takes in the reflected light of Mount Charleston.
A little 'darker' over Las Vegas. One more for very impressed hikers.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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