No Gambling in Las Vegas After Wrong Turn in Albuquerque

 I saw that which you see here, on Facebook, and it brought to mind a moment on a roadtrip, way back in the 1980s.

Heading south, from Colorado, on what was then State Highway 85. which has since been upgraded to freeway status as Interstate 25, my travel companion had fallen asleep at some point after leaving Colorado.

And then woke up as Highway 85 reached Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Upon seeing the signage indicating what town we were in, my travel companion instantly verbalized confusion, wondering why he was seeing no casinos.

I assumed my travel companions was joking. I was erroneous in this assumption. 

I think I said something like we are a few miles from the Las Vegas strip, on the outskirts of town, hence seeing no casinos.

I do not recollect at what point my travel companion realized we were not in Nevada.

I do remember, when my travel companion eventually got location oriented, me asking how it could be thought we could possibly have gotten from Colorado, to Las Vegas, Nevada, in such a short time frame.

Anyway, I was pleased to see, via Facebook, that Las Vegas, New Mexico has cleverly opted to make clear to the town's visitors, with the town's new entry signage, that the visitor is entering Las Vegas, New Mexico, a gambling free zone.

Even though New Mexico does have casinos on many of the state's Native American tribal lands...

Washington State's Palouse Falls & Palouse Falls State Park

Palouse Falls State Park, in the United States state of Washington, is the location of a beautiful landscape with a powerful waterfall cascading into a deep, blue pool, surrounded by rugged cliffs. 

Palouse Falls, is located on the Palouse River, about four miles upstream from where the Palouse River joins the Snake River in southeast Washington. 

More additional points of interest you will find in the State of Washington...

Did you know? Washington is home to Mount Rainier, a towering active volcano that dominates the skyline and is one of the most glaciated peaks in the continental United States!

Olympic National Park offers three distinct ecosystems—rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine mountains—making it one of the most diverse national parks in the U.S.

North Cascades National Park is nicknamed the "American Alps," with jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and over 300 glaciers.

Seattle, known as the Emerald City, boasts iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the original Starbucks.

San Juan Islands are a paradise for whale watching, kayaking, and exploring quaint seaside towns like Friday Harbor.

Washington’s Mount St. Helens, which famously erupted in 1980, is now a fascinating site for hiking, learning about volcanic history, and witnessing nature’s recovery.

The Hoh Rainforest, located in Olympic National Park, is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., with moss-draped trees and serene hiking trails.

Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-themed village, is a year-round destination for festivals, outdoor adventures, and cozy mountain vibes.

Puget Sound offers stunning views and abundant wildlife, from bald eagles to orcas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Columbia River Gorge, on the state’s southern border, is a windsurfing hotspot with breathtaking waterfalls like Multnomah Falls just across the Oregon side.

Washington is the nation’s leading producer of apples, and its orchards come alive during the fall with U-pick farms and cider tastings.

The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, one of the longest rail-trails in the U.S., takes adventurers through forests, mountains, and historic tunnels.

Another Poetic Look At Arizona's Monument Valley

The photo is from back in the middle 1990s. The group you see, with Monument Valley's Mittens behind them, and myself, the photographer, had been houseboating on Lake Powell, driving down the Moki Dugway after the houseboating, then overnighting at the San Juan Inn in Mexican Hat, in Utah, across the border from Arizona and the Navajo Nation.

It is a short drive from Mexican Hat, south across the San Juan River, to Monument Valley.

Monument Valley is one of America's most unique, most famous, most photographed, most scenic locations.

The following poetic description of Monument Valley accurately verbalizes what is so special about this location. This poetic description was found on Facebook, written by someone named Odessa Wild...

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Monument Valley in Arizona is a place where nature’s artistry is on full display. As the golden sunshine spills across the endless desert floor, the towering sandstone buttes cast long, dramatic shadows that dance with the changing light. The rich reds and oranges of the earth seem to glow from within, illuminated by the warmth of the sun. It's a landscape that feels both timeless and alive, as if the very rocks are breathing in the light of the day.

As the sun rises or sets over Monument Valley, the scene becomes even more surreal. The sky, painted in soft pastels or fiery hues, stretches wide and endless above the ancient formations. The famous Mittens and Merrick Butte stand tall and proud, guardians of a land that has witnessed millions of years of history. Every ray of sunshine seems to tell a story — of ancient rivers, wind-sculpted cliffs, and the enduring spirit of the Navajo Nation that calls this land home.

There is a peaceful majesty in Monument Valley that the sunshine enhances beautifully. The quietness of the desert, interrupted only by the occasional breeze or the distant cry of a hawk, invites a deep sense of reflection. Under the bright Arizona sun, the heart of the valley pulses with warmth, strength, and a kind of sacred serenity that stays with every traveler long after they have left.

My Texas to Washington (and back) Longest Solo Roadtrip Ever

The last time I went on a long Roadtrip was way back in late July of 2001. It was to be the longest solo Roadtrip I've ever driven.

I left Fort Worth, Texas, early on a Wednesday morning, heading northwest on Highway 287, towards Amarillo and my eventually destination of the State of Washington, over 2,000 miles distant.

I filled up the gas tank in Amarillo. $1.17 a gallon. This was to be the cheapest gas of the trip.

I continued on 287, north out of Amarillo, exiting on to Highway 87 in Dumas, continuing on through Dalhart to Texline and over the border in to New Mexico.

The scenery changes abruptly as you leave Texas. On the Texas side of the border there are big cattle ranches. On the New Mexican side the scenery turns desert-like and rugged. With few people in a few small towns. After less than 90 miles of two-lane highway I reached Interstate 25 and the town of Raton.

In Raton I stopped at a very busy McDonald's for a break and a burger.

On the first day of a Roadtrip I have often had the problem of developing a real bad headache. On this Roadtrip the headache arrived before I got to Amarillo.

From Raton I headed north on 25. By the time I got to Pueblo my head was pounding so hard, it was time to stop for the night. I'm not picky about where I stay. A Motel Six was right off the freeway. I always like to be on the top floor of any motel I stay in. This was a two story Motel Six.

I had not stayed in a Motel Six in years. I was surprised at how much the room had been upgraded from my previous Six Motel experience. In the morning when I went to the motel office to get coffee I asked if this was a Six Motel exception, to be told the entire chain had been upgraded. This made Motel Six my motel of choice for the trip.

I was not pleased to wake up that first morning of the Roadtrip to find I was still in headache mode.

I was back on the freeway by 8 in the morning. In Colorado Springs I exited to find a grocery store to buy some ibuprofen.

I forgot to mention. In Texas you notice a lot of litter. And somc locations in Texas don't pay a lot of attention to looking neat and tidy.

By the time I got to Pueblo I was making note of how clean everything looked. And how little litter there was. I thought to myself I am back under the west coast umbrella of environemental influence.

The first day of this Roadtrip I'd driven around 630 miles. I had no idea how far I was going to drive on day two.

Leaving Colorado Springs I sailed past Denver, after the morning rush hour. I stopped at a big truck stop just across the border, in Wyoming, on the outskirts of Cheyenne. Filled up the tank again. I don't remember the per gallon cost, except for it costing more than the Amarillo gas.

Now I was heading west, across Wyoming, on Interstate 80, did not exit in Laramie, was aiming to get to Rawlins where I'd stayed many times on trips back and forth from Texas to Washington. In Rawlins there is a KFC Buffet. That buffet was my goal, hoping for a headache killing pigout.

As I exited the freeway to Rawlins and saw the freeway sign of available services, I saw the KFC Buffet among the signs.

But this was late July. Tourist season. I've never driven through these parts in tourist season. All the fast food joints were packed. A line ran out of Subway. KFC was not operating its buffet. I bailed on the fast food plan and went in a grocery store and got some deli turket meat and cheese and a V-8. Consumed the food sitting in a parking lot, then tried to take a headache-ending nap. To no avail.

Back on the freeway I continued my trek across the vast open spaces of Wyoming. As you drive across Wyoming you see many enticements luring you to visit Little America. By the time I got past Rock Spring it was about 40 miles to Little America.

I stopped at this oasis in the desert and had myself a nice break. My head was still throbbing At this point in time I was mostly on a low-carb diet way of eating. But now I was desperate to feel better. I bought a bag of my favorite type cookie.

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. I also had a few cups of the Little America coffee. I may be mixing it up with Wall Drug, but I think it was a nickel a cup. Or was it the ice cream cone that was cheap?

Feeling a bit better I was back on the road again.

About 60 miles west of Little America, Intestate 80 crosses into Utah. Leaving Wyoming the scenery drastically changes as you drop elevation. About 30 miles in to Utah I exited I-80 to get on I-84, heading in a northwest direction. On its way to Ogden, Utah I-84 passes through a lush, green valley and then a narrow canyon with features with ominous names like Devils Slide.

By the time 84 joined up with I-15 in Ogden, the pressue in my head was feeling significantly better. The Salt Lake Basin is still well above sea level, in the 4,000 feet range.

From Ogden I continued on I-84 another 185 miles, give or take a mile or two, to my final destination for the day, Twin Falls, Idaho. I called ahead when I got gas in Ogden to make sure I had a room waiting for me at the Twin Falls Motel Six.

I had driven around 740 miles from Pueblo to Twin Falls.

The next morning I really knew I was back on the Northwest. The Motel Six coffee was really good.

I left Twin Falls around 8. With about 550 miles to drive to get to Seattle. I figured I'd make it there by late afternoon....

Hell Houseboat: A Lake Powell Houseboat Adventure With Bobcats & Bats

Yesterday going through my archive files I came upon five webpages I made of a Lake Powell Houseboat Roadtrip, which took place over 20 years ago.

The five webpages tell the tale of a four day sail on the waters of Utah's Lake Powell, in October of 1994.

The Hell Houseboat web tale was made back when the concept of broadband internet had not yet been invented, and so images were kept small. On the Hell Houseboat webpages the small images are thumbnails, which when clicked on, open up larger versions of the images.

Hell Houseboat, a Lake Powell Houseboat Adventure, begins with the Bullfrog Basin Launch, heading to Bobcat Cove, visiting Rainbow Bridge the next day, followed by scary Skull Cove with treacherous cliffs, ending at Bloody Bat Cove where we were swarmed by bats when the sun went down for the night.

The houseboats of the type our group floated on have long since been retired, replaced by upgraded houseboats, most of which come equipped with TVs. I do not like the idea that the peaceful solitude of a Lake Powell Houseboat Float could now be intruded upon by a blaring TV.

I recollect being appalled on my second Lake Powell Houseboat Adventure, which took place in October of 1998, that TVs had been added to the pre-boarding lodging at Bullfrog Basin.

The addition of TVs must be the reason I have not been on a Lake Powell Houseboat at any time this century....

The Palm Springs Tramway

Earlier this month two of the State of Washington's newest newlyweds, Chris and Sheila Knappson, honeymooned in Palm Springs, California.

During the course of their honeymoon the Knappsons decided to take a twelve and a half minute ride on the Palm Springs Tramway, from the floor of the Coachella Valley, at 2,643 ft. above sea level, to the Tramway's Mountain Station on San Jacinto Peak, at an elevation of 8,516 ft. above sea level.

Above you are looking at one of Chris and Sheila's pictures of a tram heading down while they were heading up.

An electrical engineer named Francis F. Crocker came up with the Palm Springs Tramway idea way back in 1935. The idea of building an aerial tram up the steep face of Chino Canyon was soon dubbed "Crocker's Folly."

It was to be another 25 years til Crocker's Folly went from folly to fruition with construction beginning in 1960.

The unprecedented use of helicopters in the construction of four of the tramway's five towers is part of why the building of the Palm Springs Tramway is considered one of the world's greatest engineering feats.

The Palm Springs Tramway began hauling people and goods to the Mountain Station in September of 1963.

By the time the Palm Springs Tramway hauled Chris and Sheila to the Mountain Station in November of 2014 the original tram cars had been replaced with tram cars whose floor rotate.

The rotating tram floor, in addition to the steep climb and dropoffs, are what had Sheila letting out the scream and scared look you see in the lower right of the screencap from Facebook.

The new rotating trams started spinning in 2000. The floor of the tram is 18 feet in diameter, rotating steadily throughout the ascent and descent, making two complete spins, allowing everyone aboard the 80 person capacity tram car to see the various views, without walking around in the moving tram.

Once at the Mountain Station visitors quickly discover that the temperature is much cooler, by as much as 40 degrees, than the temperature below in the valley. There are hiking trails which lead from the Mountain Station area. After working up an appetite, from hiking, visitors will find two restaurants in the Mountain Station, along with a gift shop.

The Palm Springs Tramway website is a good source for any information you might need to help plan your visit, including ticket prices, hours, restaurant details, along with special events, like what is planned for Thanksgiving at the Mountain Station.

Regarding Sheila being a bit scared while riding the rotating Palm Springs Tramway, there have been a few unfortunate incidents over the Palm Springs Tramway's 51 year history.

In 1963 a tram was stuck for 13 and a half hours due to an electrical mishap in the tram's control room.

In June of 1984 a tram was heading down from the Mountain Station when a shock absorber bolt snapped, sending a 30 pound chunk of metal crashing through the tram's glass roof, striking a passenger from Ontario, California named Elaine Tseko, resulting in a fatal injury.

A few months later, in September of 1984, while  undergoing routine maintenance a cable snapped and wrapped around the main cable. Luckily this snapped cable wedged itself in a way which saved the tram from being knocked off the cable and plunging down the mountain.

In October of 2003 a steel cable broke leaving more than fifty passengers hanging mid-air for 4 and 1/2 hours, along with more than 100 visitors stranded at the Mountain Station.

Sheila has said one time on the Palm Springs Tramway was enough for her. I don't know if Sheila is aware of the history of Palm Springs Tramway mishaps. If not, she is now.

If I were she, I still would not let that stop me from enjoying that Palm Springs Tramway ride to the Mountain Station again, if the opportunity presented itself...

In The Linq Getting High on the Las Vegas High Roller Tallest Observation Wheel in the World

That is not a spaceship you are looking at on the left. What that is is a passenger cabin, also being called a capsule on the High Roller, in Las Vegas, currently, at 550 feet, the tallest Ferris type observation wheel in the world, 9 feet taller than the previous tallest, that being the Singapore Flyer, and 107 feet taller than the London Eye.

The Las Vegas High Roller began loading the public into its capsules on March 31, 2014.

Each of the High Roller's 32 capsules, can hold up to 40 passengers. The High Roller never stops spinning at its slow speed of one foot per second, as passengers board the capsules.

You can book a private party, for weddings, and such, with a bar and bartender. You may consume alcohol while rolling in a capsule, but only alcohol purchased in the High Roller wheel house. It is a big no-no to sneak booze onboard, so don't even think about it.

There are no restroom facilities in the High Roller's capsules.

It takes a half an hour for the High Roller to complete its rotation. The current cost for that 30 minute ride is $24.95 during the day, $34.95 after 6pm.

The capsules are attached to the High Roller's outer rim, with electric motors rotating the capsules to maintain a cabin floor horizontal with ground level.

What happens during a power outage I can not help but wonder?

I was at the top of the Stratosphere Tower during a two hour power outage. That was not a pleasant experience as the 110 degree temperature quickly penetrated the interior space.

The High Roller's capsules are air-conditioned.

The High Roller is the centerpiece of Caesar's Entertainment Corporation's development known as The Linq.