How are you spending your day? Please forward your photos and short notes on
how you are spending Black Friday. Email
to mailto:info@toponautic.com
Millions trek out to malls and shopping centers across
the country on Black Friday. In search
of that special price reduced item. This
special breed of shopper is willing to venture out into the darkness of night. Shuffle through endless waiting lines. Brave the rush of backed up people to get at
the deals. Deals that have been kept
secret, released at the last minute, whipping these shoppers into this Black Friday
frenzy.
My spouse is one of these Black Friday Frenzy
Freaks. For the life of me I just don’t
get it. Personally I would rather pay
regular price than to venture into this wilderness complete with its own wild
animals, and life threatening situations. I am sure she will return with stories of her
adventures. Close calls, near misses,
and the thrill of victory!
My preference on this day is to drive a short distance
to Red Rock Canyon. On the way I get to
observe the packed parking lots of some of the shopping centers. I glance over and think to myself, “I am glad
it is not me”. With a chuckle and a slow
shake of the head, I proceed on.
Red Rock Park is just west of Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a very popular destination for hikers
and those wanting to enjoy nature year round.
Vaulting sandstone cliffs, ledges, and crevices offer up many “world
class” technical climbing routes. During
the winter, the cooler months here, this area becomes a mecca for climbers
seeking a place away from their frozen home locations. They find the daytime temperatures during our
winter months are warm enough for perfect climbing conditions.
If you aren’t drawn to climbing that doesn’t mean you
are on the short end of the rope and have to go shopping. You can even drive the
loop through the park in the comfort of your car. Hop out here and there and snap off
photos.
Many ride the loop using peddle power. Cycling is very popular. It offers some spectacular views and riding
terrain. Some ride from town, then
circle the loop before heading back downhill to Las Vegas. The Starbucks at W. Charleston and Town
Center is evidence to this popular exercise.
After the loop ride there is normally a large gathering of cyclists with
their expensive wheels and, colorful bike apparel. This Starbucks offers a large outdoor seating
area. Cyclist friends and companions end
their ride here, relaxing and laughing…..a far cry from what must be going on in
those shopping malls.
I am a hiker/backpacker at heart. Red Rock offers
endless paths and trails to explore. I
have lived in the area nearly 15 years and would not be able to say I know all
the places. Years ago I used to see wild
mustang horses, and wild burros. They
used to roam free and be fairly plentiful.
Word has it the horses were all captured and relocated. The reason given was there was not enough vegetation
and water in the area. I find the water
issue hard to believe since there are flowing springs found all over the
place. They continue to flow even
through this long drought we’ve had.
Many burros have been relocated too.
But some of the burros remain. It
is a real treat to encounter them in the wild.
So I am seeing Red on this Black Friday. I get to enjoy the peace and quiet, except
for that distant baying of a burro or two.
I’m standing on a rise in the trail overlooking the dessert valley and viewing
the distant red peaks of sandstone off to the west. Those peaks jutting up several thousand feet
are bathed in the warming light of sunrise.
I am surrounded by a faint aroma of sage drifting in the air. Black Friday doesn’t seem to fit the day I am
experiencing.
