Red Rock - Four Days Off!

I got four days off in a row this week so we headed over to Red Rock National Conservation Area to check it out (mainly because one of Dave Matthews Band's best live concerts took place there) and it was amazing! It is a gorgeous area of mountains and fun place to hike. On Thursday we hiked a trail full of rock climbing and scrambling and got a wonderful view at the top of mountains and the city. It was odd to be immersed in nature and mountains and see Las Vegas when we got to the top. We also met a few native mid-westerners on the hike and talked for a while about the birds of Michigan. We had to go back since it's only a half hour drive from our hotel (and I had to test out my new hiking boots - there are 2 REI stores in vegas!) so on Saturday we headed out again. Being immersed in people, lights, city, and noise at all times it is odd to find yourself in the middle of nature and quiet - totally worth the drive. Our second hike was even more amazing being surrounded by large trees and green plants that I've never seen before; we're definitely not in Michigan anymore. Seeing cacti surrounded by snow is an interesting sight. We found a great spring with lots of rocks and waterfalls and forged our own trail (along with another thrill-seeking hiker) along the creek. I felt completely at peace and could go there every day. We found a perfect rock jutting out over the creek to sit on for lunch and we played a round of chess (which Matt is teaching me and I haven't won a game yet). I don't think I could handle vegas for more than 3 months but I think I could live in red rock if I had to.

~L

p.s. thanks for the hiking shirts mom and dad Hall, I felt like a professional in my comfy yet functional outfit - we match too!