Parrots and Cowboys

On Sunday we visited the Springs Preserve. (Think desert version of ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington, VT.) Just nine miles from home we decided to get a membership. They feature ever changing exhibits, the Nevada Museum, botanical gardens, classes and walking trails.  They even have a train.  Through the month of March the Preserve has performances by Clint Carvalho and his Extreme Parrots.  Clint does a show on the Strip but the one at the Preserve is free with admission on the weekend.  He gave a lot of great information about the parrots and macaws.  ALL of the birds are rescue birds.  He has over 200!  He told us that only about 1 percent can be trained for his show. The rest are freeloaders. His birds seem to love him.  Their wings are not clipped.  They could leave if they wanted too!

This guy loves his job and his birds.

Everyone got to touch this bird which he has only had for about 8 weeks.

Clint was looking for a lot of audience participation and enthusiasm.  A prize would be given.  Guess who the winner was?

We loved the flying demonstration that ended the show.  

The Springs Preserve was a great place to spend the morning.  Lots of things to see.  We only saw a portion.  One of the interactive exhibits is of a flash flood. Pretty impressive and a reminder of the power of water.

We had a great time with Jordan.  One of the things he did with Mom before he left was a 6 mile hike at Red Rock Canyon.  Lots to see. More rock climbers, petroglyphs, steep cliffs and other hikers. It was not nearly as busy as our first trip though. 

Plenty of cowboys are in town for the National Rodeo Finals.  It's a pretty big deal. They have been holding this event in Vegas for 30 years with a new contract for another 10. We wanted to go to the actual rodeo but the tickets were outrageous and hard to obtain.  We have been watching it on TV and when we hear how much the winners and runners up get every night we know why the tickets are so pricey!  I had no idea there was such big money in rodeo.  (For riding a bull for 8 seconds and looking good while doing it the winner gets $19,002. Same goes for the barrel racing women. Glad to see equity here.) The rodeo goes on for 10 nights with winners in each category each night. NOt sure how much the overall winners get!!!

While we couldn't go to the rodeo we did stop by the Las Vegas convention center.  Huge place with hundreds of vendors.  Everything cowboy: hats, boots, shirts and saddles.  There was free entertainment. We "set a spell" and watched the Casey Donahew Band.

But the best event of the day was the Wild Pony Riding.  I nearly had a heart-attack! The way it works is a team of three young cowboys or cowgirls grabs on to a rope with a wild pony on the end and then one of the team members has to get on the pony.  Must be seen to be believed!!! They all got up and walked away!  Two teams were successful! Crazy sport!

More painting in the house happened this week. The entryway and the kitchen are now finished.  One hall and one bathroom to go. And someday maybe, Dan's office!

Watched a police helicopter hover in place for quite a while this morning just a block or two away from our house.  I have no idea what they were looking at/for, we didn't hear any sirens. lol.

Christmas is coming I'd better get started on my shopping soon!  We did get a cute little tree. Avoiding a real tree as they are quite a fire hazard here in the desert!

Stay well everyone.  And stay warm!

It's all about the journey.

Nancy and Dan