Mt. Charleston

Since we weren't able to move into our house as we had hoped today we headed off in search of Mt. Charleston.  "Charleston Peak at 11,916 feet, is the the highest of the Spring Mountains of Southern Nevada and the state's 8th highest mountain peak.  It was about a 35 mile drive northwest from downtown Las Vegas.

Map of Mt. Charleston Area

Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort is a year round recreation area.  A sign said they get 140 inches of natural snow in the winter but we saw snow making equipment on the slopes.

It was interesting to see the Saturday morning activity that was going on.  Humm, let's see for some real fun at 9000 feet, let's drag tires up the mountain!

See the dog in the picture below (you can't miss him, he's huge).  We had a close encounter! I came out of a building and before I knew it we were nose to nose! Very sweet dog but WOW.

Sun gear.

If I ever feel homesick for Vermont I now know where to come.  It was 60 degrees here at 11:00.

If you zoom in on this shot you can see the tire pullers!

This is not snow!

Lots of scenic vistas on the way down the mountain.

We stopped at Desert View Overlook.  Very well done visitor area.

The road home cut right through ancient dunes.

What a nice drive.  I probably won't head up that way in the winter months (chains or snow tires required) but it was a great summer trip.  Many locals head up there on a hot summer day to hike, picnic and take a break from the heat.  

Heading out to a baseball game in a little while. The Las Vegas 51"s.  It's 95 right now at 3:00. A nice night ahead for baseball and hot-dogs.  Right now we are watching the Las Vegas Mountain Ridge little league team play in the 2014 US Championship.  Good game but a heart-breaker for Las Vegas.

That's all for now.  The journey continues.

Nancy and Dan