Pt 5 Exploring the Unseen Side of Las Vegas: A Journey of Surprises

Off we went to our first hotel. I had to smuggle my cats in, breaking all sorts of hotel and moral laws. Once the coach was fixed it was adventure time and oh the sites to be seen.

Jul 10, 2024

Part 1 Welcome to Trains, Planes, and RVing, if you missed it, catch up here.
Part 2 How a Soul's Cry Set This Adventure in Motion catch up here…
Part 3 No Rv’s Over 10 Years Old!
Part 4 Pt 4 I think we are leaking?

Last week I shared with you all our first maiden voyage, a lesson in gravity and fixing the imaginary-nothing leak outside. This week, let’s get into smuggling cats and finally exploring Las Vegas Nevda.

Bold face lying and smuggling cats

We realized we had to fix the imaginary leak, so we ended up outside of Freightliner waiting for our turn. With shore power and onboard water, life wasn’t too bad. We can usually go a week washing dishes and showering before needing more water. Unfortunately, our water pump broke, and I wasn’t about to stay anywhere without the ability to flush a toilet or shower.

Off we went to our first hotel. I had to smuggle my cats in, breaking all sorts of hotel and moral laws. Maybe it’s a Canadian thing or my proper English upbringing, but I’m terrible at lying or doing anything I shouldn’t. Canadians are known for being overly honest to a fault. We apologize to furniture when we bump into it, so this was way out of my comfort zone.

Of course, it just so happen I was the one checking us in and signing all sorts of digital documents for a couple of nights at a local casino and hotel. And then, there it was, in big bold letters: “No pets allowed.” My heart stopped. “Sign here,” the hotel unassuming happy clerk said, shattering my last shred of composure. I couldn’t raise my hand. Trembling and terrified my reddened face, cold sweat, and shaking hands would give me away, I quickly signed and walked away, secretly praying to the Karmic Deities for forgiveness for my bold-faced lie!

There I was, walking up the back stairs with my cats stuffed together in their gym bag-style carrier, and bam—I walked right into security. What were the chances? Karma, of course. My face was a beacon of guilt, flushed red and screaming, "I'm up to no good!" The security guard started chitchatting, and I was silently praying to every deity I could think of that my cats would stay silent.

Miraculously, they did, and I made it past security. But naturally, the rest of our stay was anything but smooth sailing. My 10-year-old cats suddenly decided they wanted to be opera singers, choosing the most inopportune times to get vocal. Luckily, no one reported us, and I made a solemn vow to the Karma Gods to make up for my criminal antics.

Karen 0 Karma 1

I also realized that I needed to have some sort of emergency cat-bag ready to go. But that's a story for a later chapter. As for the hotel stay, we emerged unscathed, and I cleaned up so well, I didn't leave behind a single cat litter crystal.

A week later, our coach was all fixed up and ready for us to finally begin our RV adventure officially.

Hitchin' Post Rv Park

The Hitching Post. I have to say, in the last four years, it's been the most fun of any park I've been to. It wasn't because it was our maiden voyage park, but because of the people. The friends I made there are still dear friends to this day. Get out your violin for a moment and bask in my pity party. I lived in Phoenix for 15 years and couldn't make friends. I know, a pity party. I had one friend, a Canadian kindred spirit who then moved on. I was crushed. Maybe it was because I was just too Canadian. I see that now when I meet a fellow Canadian, even I am overwhelmed. We talk far too fast and get way too excited about everything and I just think that overstimulates Americans unless they are from the East—then we are as kindred as cousins. Ok, end pity party.

The Hitchin' Post isn't in the posh part of town. In fact, there's nothing around but industrial desert. Yeah, let your imagination run wild: the sizzling hot sun baking the dusty crushed gravel, tumbleweeds rolling by, and a lone lizard skittering across the ground while you squint an iconic Clint Eastwood squint and "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly" theme reverberates in your head (Google it). Yep, that about sums it up. Until, that is, you get inside the heavily guarded automatic gate of the campground. Clean, modern, and full of friendly kindred spirits.

During the week, the nearby Nellis Air Force Base, used for air combat training, includes air training right over the park. It's a quick, awe-inspiring display of two fighter jets swooping through the air twice daily, six days a week. Nellis Air Force Base is the most complete military base in the United States of America and people love to line the hillside to watch the drills.

Having a little fun off-roading and gettin lost in the backroads of Las Vegas.

Now, the best part of this place is The Hitchin’ Post Saloon and Steakhouse, an eclectic mix of smoky-filled rooms, slot machines, and the most wonderful characters. Open 24 hours a day, the only thing missing is a live YouTube feed—and believe me, they need one! The things that went on in there were impressive, insane, shocking, and downright hilarious. It’s truly a place where everyone knows your name. Notably, the pub grub was actually quite good. We spent many a night catching up with new friends, listening in on the latest gossip, and watching all sorts of dance moves while the music roared and the machines dinged as people played the slots, hoping one more turn would be the big one.

More to Nevada than just the strip

If you’re not into the main Vegas strip and want an adventure with bright lights, fun, and old-school slots, check out Fremont Street, the classic side of Las Vegas. The best time to go is just as the sun sinks behind the Sierra Mountains. Look up and enjoy the Viva Vision light shows. Want to see the whole strip? Try out the flying ziplines. From gambling and big steak dinners to heart attack-inducing burgers, there are tons of things to keep you mesmerized well into the wee hours. Fremont Street was once the center of commerce in the Las Vegas Valley and a vibrant, albeit illegal, gambling scene. In 1931, the Northern Club became the first legal casino on Fremont Street. Anyone who was anyone would have visited Fremont Street.

It was such a great treat to experience Las Vegas like a local. I have noticed that in the tourist The streets are lined in gold and glitter, showcasing some of the best highway art you'll ever see. Outside of the bright lights, depending on where you are, it can range from downright ugly to beautiful, with palm trees, lush emerald green grass, and waterfalls in the more affluent areas.

There’s so much to do around the area if you’re open to getting away from the strip. I mixed my time catching up with friends, making new ones, and getting some good hikes in. My goal was to meet people from my social media platforms and newsletter subscribers. That plan went straight to the back burner when COVID struck. Now, it seems I must be a bit too quirky (or maybe too Canadian) because I can't seem to get my virtual "friends" to meet in the physical world. It's like I'm living in the 2009 science fiction film "Surrogates." Who knew it would be so difficult just to grab a coffee and chit-chat? I might have better luck getting a moose to join me for a double-double at Tim Hortons (a little Canadian humour)!

We have been to Las Vegas a few times, and these are just some of the things worthy of a visit outside of the strip. The best time to visit Las Vegas and the greater area is during the winter and spring when it is coolest.

Hoover Dam

First up is Hoover Dam. Park on the Arizona side where parking is free. Cough up the money for the tour—it is so worth it. You get to go down 726 feet to the bottom of the dam and marvel at the imagination and engineering of the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere. It is unforgettable.

Lake Mead

Lake Mead National Park is worth a stopover. Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach is separate from the National Park; however, you do have to pay the National Park fee. This park has done a great job of trying to ensure everyone has a view of the lake. Centrally located near Hoover Dam and 30 miles from Las Vegas, it is the largest big rig park on Lake Mead. Tons of boating, jetting, biking, hiking, and driving can be done here with well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and pristine scenery.

Next door is Lake Mead Boulder Beach, owned by the park. There are a total of 135 sites, some lakefront and some perfect for big rigs. There are other campgrounds inside the park, but the two mentioned above are the best for big rigs. Oh, and how could I forget—there is boondocking for miles! This is where you can find big rigs, small tiny campers, and all the schoolies and fun conversions.

Lake Mead has tons of trails, boating, dark skies, and you can drive for miles taking in the beauty of this park. Driving just before dawn breaks will reward you with spectacular views as the sun kisses the mountains and hillside. It’s also the quietest time.

St Thomas Ghost Town

I like to look for the more quirky or off-the-beaten-path spots, which included St. Thomas ghost town. Purchased by the US Federal Government in the 1930s and submerged into Lake Mead with the opening of the Hoover Dam, the town has completely resurfaced due to the long drought since the 2000s. It is now considered a historic site with ongoing research into the history and settlement of the Muddy River.

The hike begins with an 85-foot descent to a flat loop that follows the old roads of the original settlements of St. Thomas. Take Northshore Road just past mile marker 46 and turn onto Old St. Thomas Access Road, which is dirt and sometimes bumpy—a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. The trailhead is located at the end of the 3.5-mile access road. There is a dirt trail leading to the town site from the parking area.

Oh, and a little warning: if there's even a hint of rain in the forecast, you might want to save this adventure for another day. You'll need to cross a couple of washes, and in the Southwest deserts, the water doesn't politely sink into the ground. Instead, it turns into impassable “rivers” that could rival the rapids of the Colorado! So unless you're ready to channel your inner Indiana Jones, it's best to avoid becoming a stranded desert duckling.

Rogers Hot Spring

If you're lucky to find it, also check out Rogers Hot Spring inside Lake Mead National Park near North Shore Complex. It used to be surrounded by palm trees, but the park rangers have been slowly killing them off because they are not native to the area. What doesn't make sense is that neither are the palms at the RV park. Anyway, if you don't specifically look for it, you will miss it.

What makes this little oasis in the desert special is how the water is pumped in and what lives in the water. If you walk around to the mountain side, you will be able to see the bubbling of the Spring flowing at over 1,000 gallons per minute and yet, oddly, it keeps the form of a small lagoon. According to the National Park Service,

“The prevailing theory suggests that much of the recharge water that enters the carbonate-rock aquifer occurs in the high mountain ranges around Ely, Nevada, located 250 miles north of Lake Mead. As this groundwater flows south through the carbonate rocks, it encounters several faults along the way, including the Rogers Spring Fault, which has caused the older carbonate rocks (primarily limestone and dolomite) to be displaced against younger evaporite deposits of the Muddy Creek and Horse Spring formations. Here, the lower permeability of these evaporite deposits, along with high subsurface water pressure, forces the groundwater in the carbonate rocks to flow upward along the fault and emerge at the surface as Rogers Spring.”

The water is about 85 degrees year-round. I've seen numerous YouTube videos where people get in and splash around. No thank you! When there are warning signs about Naegleria fowleri, a parasitic amoeba, I'm out! Not to mention, I'm sure the tropical fish don't appreciate it either! The sunscreen and other lotions are not good for the ecosystem. Instead, grab a picnic and eat among the little fish.

Lake Mead, Nevada 89040 (near the Valley of Fire State Park) GPS Coordinates: 36°22′40″N, 114°26′37″W

Seven Magic Mountains

If you're lucky to catch it, as there has been talk of removing it, check out Jean Dry Lake Bed and take a very short walk to see Artist Ugo Rondinone’s large-scale public work "Seven Magic Mountains." “Seven Magic Mountains”

You can't miss it: the massive, 30-foot-high neon-painted limestone rock totems look like ice cream cones and stand out from the monotony of the Nevada desert. produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and Art Production Fund, the exhibition opened on May 11, 2016, and was originally scheduled to be on view for two years. However, it has become quite popular and might still be there. It’s not an all-day thing—more like a 5-10 minute experience—so add it to your schedule for a quick side tour.

Valley of Fire State Park

Valley of Fire is another not-to-miss destination. I skipped it the first couple of times because I thought I'd seen enough red rock living close to Sedona. However, I’m glad I finally visited. Imagine 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone. Located inside the Valley of Fire State Park, you could spend a lifetime here. There is camping and limited RV sites with water and electrical hookups.

A visit to the visitor center really puts the awe in this prehistoric site. The first thing to do is get there for sunset and bask in the panoramic vistas of stunning red and pink rock formations. This is where you truly understand how the park got its name. The sky lights up, and the rocks seem to catch fire—perfect for those "I was here" Instagram moments.

There’s tons of hiking to be done, and you can marvel at the wonderful formations such as the Beehives, or climb Atlatl Rock to see ancient petroglyphs. Don’t miss taking Mouse’s Tank Road for the perfect photo op. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, or at least into a movie set—cue the dramatic soundtrack in your head!

And if you’re feeling adventurous, try to spot the rock formations that look like things. It’s like a natural Rorschach test. Is that a giant elephant or a forgotten Sphinx? You decide!

Boulder City

About 45 minutes south of the Strip is a fun trip to Boulder City. It’s an eclectic mix of artistic, historic, and outdoor attractions. Originally built to house the builders of Hoover Dam in the 1930s, Boulder City retains a charming small-town feel with a nostalgic touch. Take a self-guided tour highlighting 67 murals and sculptures, illustrating the community’s colorful history on walls, at street corners, and outside shops all throughout Historic Downtown Boulder City. Then grab lunch at one of the quaint restaurants.

If you really fall in love, stay awhile at the ornate gem, Boulder Dam Hotel, listed on the National Historic Registry. This hotel exudes 1930s elegance with its beautifully restored architecture, antique furnishings, and warm, welcoming ambiance. It’s like stepping back in time, but with modern comforts.

Mount Charles

Christmas in the desert should include snow—right? The biggest thing to do on Christmas day is to dress up in your warmest clothes and venture up to Mt. Charleston. This is a local tradition, and I highly suggest going early to avoid the miles-long lineup to get up the mountain. Picture yourself surrounded by snow-capped peaks, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, and feeling like you’ve been transported to a winter wonderland, all while knowing you’re just a short drive away from the neon lights of Vegas.

Mt. Charleston offers not only beautiful snowy landscapes but also a range of activities from skiing and snowboarding to cozying up in a lodge with a hot chocolate. It’s the perfect blend of desert and mountain magic, making your holiday season in Nevada truly unforgettable.

The annual pilgrimage to Mt. Charleston is about more than just escaping to the snowy peaks; it's a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. The winding roads leading to the 12,000-foot high mountain peak are lined with towering pines, their branches dusted with snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. One of the most enchanting parts of these trips is the wild miniature horses. These majestic creatures roam freely around the mountain, adding an almost surreal beauty to the snowy landscape. Spotting a group of them trotting through the snow, their breath visible in the crisp air, is like something out of a holiday Hallmark movie. It's a special treat and a reminder of the untamed beauty of nature.

Some visitors prefer to shack up in Mount Charleston Lodge (at 7,700 feet), enjoying the cozy atmosphere and stunning views. Others take advantage of the hiking, snowboarding, and skiing opportunities. This "sky island" is a stark contrast to the arid, dry, hot, and bland-looking desert below, making it a unique and refreshing getaway.

If you get the chance to spend some time in the Las Vegas area, venture outside of the strip and just experience for yourself all that this part of Nevada has to offer. You will not be disappointed.

There are tons of other things I ventured out to do in the Las Vegas area, but I have much more to share with you. Next week, we adventure on, leaving Las Vegas in our rearview mirror.

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My goal is to release new posts weekly on Wednesdays at 4 am. And, I'll strive to stick to this routine. If you have any questions, comments or a story to share, please share them in the comments section, and I'll be sure to respond. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait to continue sharing my adventures with you.