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 Las Vegas has long been heralded as one of the most thrilling cities in the world. While gaming may be the main draw, there are countless other attractions to keep you entertained. Massive casinos may get all the attention, but here are some other great additions to your itinerary for when you're planning your next vacation to Las Vegas. Attend a Home Game For a long time, Las Vegas had to go without any major sports teams. The recently added ice hockey team, the Las Vegas Golden Knights, was a major turning point. However, the addition of the Las Vegas Raiders has really put this city on the map. After many lackluster seasons in Oakland, CA, the decision to move the team to this new market was met with both criticism and optimism. Now more settled, the Raiders are clearly turning it around. As the team gets acquainted with their new home and accustomed to their hopeful fanbase, their NFL betting odds are steadily increasing and they have started to build their offensive scheme. Things are certainly looking up for the once bottom-tier team, and the community here is thrilled to have them. If you are planning a vacation to Las Vegas, a trip to the Raider's home stadium for a game should definitely be on your to-do list. Take a Food Tour One thing that may shock your average traveler is just how great of a food city Las Vegas really is. Sure, you may have heard all about the prime rib buffets that are a staple on the Strip, but there is a lot more to dig into in this city. To start off, there is Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen, a restaurant made famous by the television show and Ramsey’s signature outbursts. Luckily, all you will have to endure here is fantastic 5-star cuisine and amazing plating that is perfect for your Instagram pictures. Their beef wellington is highly recommended. Next is the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, known for its breathtaking view of the city that you can enjoy as you get started tucked in to their three courses dinners. This is an intimate and romantic venue, perfect for a date, and the menu is divine. With roasted racks of lamb, foie gras, caviar and more, this is a dinner you will certainly remember. Las Vegas is absolutely full of great dining experiences like this. Regardless of your budget, you can certainly find something that is perfect for you. Don’t forget about their food tours that will take you through many different streets to sample a wide array of treats and beverages.  Dive Into Vegas History
For those who are less interested in gaming and more interested in the lore and history of Las Vegas, there are many different attractions and tours that would suit you better. Las Vegas is a marvelous city with a rich story to tell, and the details are everywhere waiting to be explored. From the iconic buildings to the well known landmarks, you can make an entire day trip centered around visiting these great locations. Aside from the Las Vegas Strip and the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, there are some more landmarks that you must see. The Mirage Volcano is a great free attraction for everyone in the area. A few times every evening you will see this volcano erupt, with accompanying music. The Fountains of Bellagio is another must-see for visitors to the city, and also has elaborate light and water shows every night for tourists. Another well known spot, the Stratosphere Tower, is a popular fixture on the Las Vegas skyline that provides a 360 degree view of the magnificent strip and nightlife. Of course, for those who want a real trip down memory lane, there are some places that cater more to history buffs. The Neon Museum is dedicated to preserving the remnants of old Las Vegas among an ever-changing landscape. Here you will find an assortment of signs and promotions that were present in the older days of this city. There is also the interesting Mob Museum, a provocative collection of exhibits that pay tribute to and honors the infamous founding history of this city and mafia activity across the US. In addition, it’s always worth taking a visit to some of the oldest casinos in the city like The Flamingo, to really get a sense of the classic Las Vegas appeal. Helicopter Rides Around the Area One popular attraction that goes right over the head of most tourists, and often gets overlooked by residents too, is the Las Vegas helicopter tours. They are very enjoyable and definitely within your budget. What better way to see the strip lit up at night than by a helicopter tour that circles the city? In addition to this, you can book a day trip that will take you to the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, to the gorgeous hot springs around Lake Mead and more. This is truly the adventure of a lifetime and something far different than the norm. The Incredible Live Entertainment Of course, what would this city be without the world renowned live entertainment? The amazing thing is that regardless of what you are interested in, there are plenty of different shows to satisfy you. There is something for every price range and most shows have more than one performance per night! First off is the classic magic shows. Penn & Teller have been performing here for years, and they still regularly bring sold out crowds. David Copperfield is one of the most famous and certainly among the wealthiest magicians alive. His Las Vegas show has run nonstop for 13 years and counting. For the more modern crowd, Criss Angel is another popular magic show here that is always worth checking out. One name that you have undoubtedly heard many times in your life is the world famous Cirque du Soleil. This entertainment company has been thrilling crowds for decades and regularly has massive performances in Las Vegas. The best thing about this group is they are constantly changing up their performances, bringing in fresh new acts and taking the entire evening in an entirely new direction. From music, to comedy, performing arts and more, Las Vegas has plenty of live events that will keep you coming back time and time again.  I was an abused child. My father, a drug addict and alcoholic with bipolar disorder, hurt me physically, verbally, and mentally. Growing up in this environment impacted me deeply. As a teenager and young adult, I found I had adopted my father's pattern of violence, and I struggled to free myself from his legacy.
I remember the first time I held my newborn son and looked into his innocent eyes. That was the moment my life changed. The realization that I didn't know how to be a father or a husband terrified me. In that instant, I made a promise that violence would not define me, nor would it destroy my family. I immediately embarked on a journey of counseling, reading, and personal development, committed to becoming the best father and husband I could be. If not for that defining moment, I can’t imagine what my life would be like today. It has been the driving force motivating me to break the chain of violence that dominated my family tree for generations. SafeNest, Nevada’s largest, most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to ending domestic violence, has created programs designed to intentionally guide children down the path that I accidently stumbled upon. We need these programs now more than ever. Since the onset of the pandemic, domestic violence rates have surged in Clark County. Requests for SafeNest services have increased by 150%, and the level of abuse has escalated as individuals and families struggle to stay afloat in this new world made worse by isolation, stress, economic anxiety, lack of resources, and substance abuse. SafeNest is meeting the challenge, increasing the number of shelter beds; moving education, counseling and case work to an online platform; providing public service announcements in English and Spanish to support victims and family members; and working with courts and Southern Nevada Legal Aid to get Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) completed by phone. None of this is easy. Or inexpensive. Satisfying the growing demand for services and support takes life-saving contributions from caring individuals like you, as well as families and corporations. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. When you now "Invest in the Nest", your generous donation will be matched up to $10,000! The deadline is the end of the day on Thursday, October 15. Please join me in supporting SafeNest as we work diligently to navigate a very different funding landscape. Let’s use our passion to change the world starting right here, right now! Thank you from all of us at SafeNest and, more importantly, thank you from those we serve. http://weblink.donorperfect.com/InvestintheNest-Robert Donations are tax deductible. Please forward this email to family, friends, colleagues, and businesses who may want to join in supporting this great cause. With Gratitude, Robert Davis Chief Executive Officer Network Security Associates, Inc.  Fly fishing is an exciting way of catching fish using artificial baits to practice as a hobby or use when refining your fishing skills. If you want to learn how to fly fish, then there are a few basics that you must understand. However, keep in mind that the techniques are a little bit complex compared to other fishing methods, but once you master it, nothing will stop you from luring bait and immersing yourself in nature during your free time. Here are four easy steps that will help you master the art of fly fishing.
You can get several physical and mental benefits from hiking, such as getting stronger bones to prevent osteoporosis, as well as relieving you from the stress that can cause anxiety. Perhaps this can be attributed to the fact that you need to exert a physical effort in the trek while enjoying nature and the outdoors. If you are embarking on your first hike, below are some tips to make it successful.  1. Start Easy One of the primary things that you can do to ensure that you will have a successful first hike is to start easy. This entails the need for you to find a trail that is appropriate for your fitness level, neither too easy nor too challenging. A trail that proves to be too easy may be quite boring, while a trail that is too challenging may discourage you from hiking in the future. In parallel to this, also pick a pace that you can stick to for you to save your energy. In choosing where you will hike, make sure to check the weather too because the weather forecast can serve as your guide on what you need to bring, as well as what type of clothes you need to wear. 2. Pack the Essentials To ensure that your first hike will be successful, you need to keep in mind to pack the essentials that you need for the trek. Some of the things that you need to bring include your navigation such as your map or compass, illumination such as a headlamp or a flashlight, fire sources like matches or lighters, as well as first aid supplies and repair tools. As much as possible, go for lightweight hiking gear to ease yourself from needing to carry a heavy load throughout the trek. Remember to pack some food and water to get you fueled up for your hike as well. 3. Function Over Fashion Another thing that you can do for a successful first hike is to prioritize function over fashion. This means that you need to wear the right shoes and socks, as well as the appropriate clothes for the hike. In this case, wear clothes made from synthetic materials rather than cotton because the latter tends to stay damp as soon as you start to sweat. It is also a good idea to wear layers of clothing that you can add or remove as necessary. Thinking about how you look should just come after. 4. Follow Trail Etiquette Even if you are a beginner in hiking, make sure that you already follow one of the most important trail etiquette, which is leaving no trace. This means that you need to pack your trash as you go. It also means that you need to respect wildlife and be considerate of other hikers.  In conclusion, the tips mentioned above are geared to ensure that you will have the ultimate experience on your first hike. Aside from this, make sure to let someone know of your hiking plans for your safety. Soon you will find that hiking can indeed do wonders, not only for your mind and body but for your soul as well.
Allison McNickle (53er) and Bruce Small (Triple 53er) started their “Epic” Hike in the Charleston Wilderness Area on Aug 27th and finished on Sept 1, 2020. The stats: 50+ miles, 26,000 feet of elevation climbed and 21 peaks tagged...4 nights, 5 days Two plus years of talking, several months of planning, and over 60 liters of water cached on the route to ensure they had a successful hike.  Day 1: After being dropped off, Bruce and Alison started their Epic hike at Bonanza trailhead. Their first of 21 peaks was Bonanza Peak (10,400 feet). They continued on the Bonanza Trail losing almost 1,800 feet of elevation and then regaining most of it to the McFarland turnoff. They hiked up to McFarland Peak (10,742 feet) and then over to Baby McFarland (10,436 feet), sub-peak on the mountain. From there they descended to the Bonanza Trail hiking about 6 miles to the Old Bristlecone Trail. Just before the junction of Old Bristlecone and Upper Bristlecone they turned off to the west and gained the northern ridge line below Lee Peak and camped in the forest that night. Three peaks this day.  The start of the Epic Hike: Bonanza Trailhead Day 2: Up bright and early Allison and Bruce ascended nearly 1700 ft in less than ¾ of a mile to summit Lee Peak (11,312 feet). From there they hiked over to the recently named Rocketship Peak (11,140 feet). Their next peak was Charleston Peak, the highest peak in southern NV. They descended to the North Loop Trail and followed it roughly two miles to Charleston Peak (11,918 feet). Next up was Griffith Peak. They followed the South Loop Trail to Griffith Peak (11,056 feet). Allison and Bruce descended Griffith Peak via South Loop Trail and hiked over to and up Trail Canyon a 1/2 mile to their camp for the night. Four peaks this day.  Allison on route to Lee Peak  At the summit of Charleston Peak Day 3: Another early start had Allison and Bruce hiking up Trail Canyon to the junction with North Loop Trail. They scrambled over to Cockscomb Peak (9,650 feet) and back to the junction. They hiked North Loop Trail to Raintree, a 3,000 year old Bristlecone Pine. From Raintree they hiked out to Fletcher Peak (10,319 feet). After a short break at that summit, they retraced their steps to Raintree and hiked the Mummy Springs route to Mummy's Toe (10,319 feet). They camped at the base of Mummy's Toe. Three peaks this day.  At the summit of Cockscomb Peak.  At the summit of Mummy's Toe. Day 4: As the sun rose Allison and Bruce traversed the legs/shin of Mummy Mt. over to the east route to summit Mummy Mt (11,529 feet), the second highest peak in southern Nevada. On the way, they went up to a peak that they thought was MJ, but later found out it wasn't...so they counted this unnamed peak since it was 11,300 feet. Leaving Mummy Mtn. they did the route to Chin (11,040 feet), Forehead (11,043 feet) and Nose (10,748 feet), a popular hardcore route often done by members of the 52 Peak Club. They descended Mummy’s Nose via the typical route out to SR 156 and hiked it up to the Sister's exit route. From there they hiked in about a 1/2 mile to their camp in the forest. Five peaks this day.  Down climbing to Mummy's head loop.  At the summit of Mummy Mtn (Tummy)  At the summit of Mummy's Chin.  On route to Mummy's Nose.  At the summit of Mummy's Nose. Day 5: After a quick breakfast, Allison and Bruce headed up the scenic, tree lined ridge on the east side of the Sisters exit route until they gained the main Sister's ridge and went east to Black Sister (9,650 feet). Then they did the Sister's route in reverse, climbing North Sister (10,175) and then South Sister (10,040 feet). They descended South Sister to the Sister's ridge line following it west to the big, light-colored, gravel, high spot and turned north to follow a ridge that runs between the Sisters and Mack’s Peak. As they crossed this ridge line they discovered another Peak...Rick's Peak (9295 feet)...newly named after Kevin Humes's father who passed away a week earlier. They then connected with the route up to Mack’s Peak, just below the first climb up, and went up to Mack’s Peak (10,033 feet). After this summit they traversed the top of the mountain (not the knife edge...they did that a couple weeks earlier) over to Mack's North Peak (9,820 feet). The start of the descent route from Mack's North Peak was via a ledge that runs down the south side of the peak. The final descent was down the forested ridge that runs on the east side of the normal descent route. This took them back into Mack’s canyon where they ended the "Epic" Hike at the Upper Mack’s Group Campground. Six peaks this day.  Landmark on route to North Sister.  Summit of North Sister.  Summit of South Sister.  Downclimb to Mack's North.   Epic Hike completed. After the completion of the hike their comment was, “If it wasn’t for Hiking Las Vegas and the 52 Peak Club they may have never known how to link all these peaks together in one “Epic” Hike.”
Branch: In my 25 years of hiking in southern Nevada I have never heard of any hiker attempting a hike like this. Congrats!  The great outdoors! Hiking across vast areas of the countryside has a huge appeal to many of us. Fresh air, open spaces, away from the annoyances of modern life. But there are a few things you should always be aware of, to avoid making mistakes while hiking! Why Go Hiking Anyway? Listen, many of us hate to admit it, but we work long hours in cramped spaces feeling rather stressed. John Beye of Outdoorsr.com suggests the outdoors “may even begin to feel like home” which sounds like a magical escape from the cubicle office! The pull of the outdoors is getting away from it all. Tips For Hiking Safety But what mistakes are there which could cause issues while out hiking? The last thing you want is to get in any dangerous situations or cause yourselves any harm. Here are a few tips to make sure your hiking trip is a pleasant one and not a scary affair! Wear The Right Shoes A hugely common mistake when hiking is not wearing adequate shoes or boots for a long journey. Starting a hike in a standard sneaker will only get you so far! You will probably end up with blisters and soaking wet feet. Hugely unpleasant. Make sure you source some proper hiking boots for your trip - and break them in before you leave! Pack For Every Eventuality Underpacking is a huge mistake when hiking. Firstly you need to be prepared for all weather types. It may be sunny and mild when you leave, but in some areas temperatures can change rapidly - not to mention the constant threat of rain! Be prepared with waterproofs and warm clothes. Also, make sure to pack everything you need for an emergency. If you get an injury you need to be able to apply a basic treatment. If you end up lost and out for far longer than planned, you may need supplies for the night! Learn To Read Maps Another common issue people may encounter is their inability to read maps. Even if you are an experienced user of maps, make sure you have the right ones for where you are heading. Also, check over the maps before you leave to familiarise yourself with your planned route, landmarks, and other important spots along your journey. Knowing these things ensures you know you are in the right area if lost.  Understand Nature
Though there’s usually no need to fear wildlife, being completely unaware is certainly a mistake. Make sure you know which animals may be in the area you’re hiking in, and understand how they behave. Pay attention to smells and noises while you walk, helping you know where wild animals may be. Never wear headphones, or walk alone in particularly dangerous areas. These tips will keep you alert and aware of which animals may be nearby. Hopefully, these tips are useful for you when it comes to staying safe while on a hike. A few simple steps can ensure you have a great time whilst out in nature, and not have any issues. Follow these and enjoy your walking! From Red Rock Canyon publicist:
We had to address this issue. We've been pursuing a solution for the last few years, and also contracted a capacity study to help us identify and suggest solutions to address the problem. The Timed Entry Reservation system became available to us this year through Recreation.gov, and it's a path forward to a solution. It won't be an immediate fix, but over time, word will get to our visitors and the majority of people will only arrive during their one-hour timed entry window -- reducing the safety issues and providing a better visitor experience by not having to wait in a line to find out the gates will be closed for a few hours and turned away. The year 2020 has shown us a multitude of ways that the country, Las Vegas included, can adapt to social distancing and a pandemic. The world of real estate has especially seen a shift in the way that business is done. Usually, the process involves multiple people meeting up for showings, signings, inspections, and closings. However, given the current circumstances, more and more people are turning toward the internet and the postal service to complete their bearings. One question that people ask, even pre-coronavirus, is if the seller needs to be present during the closing process. The short answer is: no!
We’re going to go over the ways that buyers can proceed with the closing process without the seller present. Perform a Remote Closing Online One of the easiest and most common methods of closing on a house without the seller present is to do so electronically. Electronic closings became a lot more commonplace in March when the initial, strict lockdowns began to take place in the country. You may be wondering if electronic closings are secure, and the answer is yes. Certain document signing software and applications, like DocuSign, come equipped with security systems to ensure your privacy. Additionally, the process to do so is reported to be seamless and easy. It’s important to note that electronic signings aren’t allowed in every state. Be sure to check with your real estate agent to see what the laws are in your state of residency. Close Via a Mobile Notary While this situation might not be as ideal during the coronavirus pandemic, some areas provide the option to close via a mobile notary. A mobile notary will bring the documents to you and be present during the process, either in your home or your office. Or, they will mail the documents to you and show up at a designated space to approve the signing. Either way, the process doesn’t need to involve the seller. Perform Closings Separately While this option does involve leaving the house, it can be done without the seller or others—aside from the notarizer—in the room. Separate closings will have you come into the notary office and sign any necessary documents under the oversight of the notarizer. The seller would complete a similar process but in another room. This way of doing things also became more prevalent in the recent months due to social distancing measures. In states where this option wasn’t available, there were setups including a long table where both parties were seated opposite from one another. And, even in these cases, there were minimal people involved in the process. The Bottom Line There are several ways to go about closing on a house without the seller present, especially during coronavirus. If remote closings aren’t available in your state, contact your Realtor about ways to workaround the regulations to perform a safe, socially distant, and fast home sale in Las Vegas, NV. The area’s gorgeous landscape, social scene, and hot weather are constantly enticing people to move to the area. Real estate agents and government officials are working hard on finding ways to make the process of buying and selling homes safe and easy. If you’re someone moving to the Las Vegas area after buying a house, be sure to become acquainted with many of the stunning hiking areas in the region and stop by the Hiking Las Vegas blog regularly for more information on exploring the nature in the area!  Life today has become so easy. Thanks to technological advancement, our lives have become more comfortable. As human beings, we made a connection in technology about everything. If we don't know something, we just search on Google for answers. If we run out of food, we can immediately call for a delivery service. We live in a world where everything we need is right on our palm. We are so overwhelmed that a simple problem is like a big burden for us. We often neglect to think much about survival skills in this modern world. If you ask someone if they can survive one night in the wilderness, most respondents can't answer with certainty that they would know how to survive in this kind of situation. So whether you decided to go on a trip to the wild and try to be brave, here are some expert tips that could make a difference and change your perspective in life. Prepare yourself When going on a trip to the wilderness, it is a good idea to take the time to learn everything that you might encounter in the woods. Being knowledgeable and equipped could help you avoid difficult situations. When you're in a survival situation, it is not the perfect time to panic. It is one of the biggest challenges and prone to danger when you're out in the woods. If your mind begins to feel scared or nervous, it will react and make your body out of control. You are more likely to get through it if you focus on maintaining a calm and positive attitude and apply all the things you know beforehand. Build a Shelter Before going into the wild, you need to learn how to protect yourself. Start by learning how to build a shelter. Building a nice, sturdy, and effective shelter can keep you and your companion safe from other elements that could be harmful to your body. Having a shelter can also protect you from animals lurking around the corner as there is a possibility to attack you if you are in an open space. According to this article from Theusmarines.com, finding shelter is the most important rule in survival. There are a few shelters that you can make from the available materials in the wild. Some famous shelters that experts recommend is a lean-to and let the airflow. Another tip that could give you an edge among others is to pick the right location that is near to water, but safe from flooding as it gives you a lot of natural resources in hand.  Set a Fire The temperature in the wilderness can drop rapidly, so it is a good idea to know how to build a fire. Start by collecting twigs, branches, and dry leaves to keep the fire burning. These things are widely available in the wilderness. The next step you can do is to spark a fire, you can do it by having a flint and steel. You can buy a flint set anywhere and they are very affordable. It is also a good investment if you wanted to do it again. If you don't carry a flint, you may improvise a magnifying glass. You can simply put water inside a clear plastic and seal it up like a balloon to reflect the sun's ray and create a fire. A gentle reminder, do not ever light a fire directly on wet ground as it will not spark. Find Water Water is one of your top priorities when you are in the wilderness. However, finding a natural source of freshwater can be difficult. You should avoid collecting waters from puddles or lakes as these bodies of water can be a house of many pathogens and bacterias. The best place to collect water in the wild is the one from running streams or rivers. Nonetheless, it should always be purified before consuming it. Do it by boiling the water over a fire or you can make your portable water filter. Simply find an empty bottle, poke a small hole at the bottom part, fill it up with coarse gravel, sand, charcoal, and fine sand and add water to the top layer of the materials. Collect the water that is coming out of the small hole you created. Finding a clean, free from contaminated water is the key to your survival in the wild. All these tips are key to your survival in the wilderness. Do not make yourself tired. Take some time and focus on the situation. Use the time you have as an advantage. These tips will help you go back to your house in full. Be sure to practice and enhance all your skills and use them to your best advantage. Las Vegas is one of the most famous cities on the planet. Synonymous with the thrills and fun of gambling, Vegas welcomes millions of visitors each and every year. Whether you come for the gaming, the food or the general madness, Vegas has to be seen to be believed. The best way to do this is by touring some of the city’s most iconic casinos on foot, breathing in the unique atmosphere of the place. Whether you head to the grand old casinos or a new up and comer, there are some amazing sites to see across the city’s casinos. In this article, we will provide a guide to the best casinos to hike around in Las Vegas. Let’s get going with a look at maybe the most famous and impressive of the lot. Caesar’s Palace
Certainly, one of Las Vegas’ top casinos, Caesar’s Palace has been welcoming visitors for over half a century. Located right on the strip at the heart of the action, the unique Roman theme of this place remains a draw for tourists to this day. From gondola rides to authentic pizza parlors to a Coliseum-style theater, Caesar’s Palace takes you back to Ancient Rome without ever leaving Nevada! One of the best parts about Caesar’s Palace is the poker, with some of the planet’s highest-stakes tables available to play here. If you’re not pro, don’t worry, this is the ideal place to come and see how the big players roll! Caesar’s Palace has to be the most ‘Las Vegas’ or any casino in Las Vegas. Wild, eye-opening and uniquely strange, this place has to be seen to be believed. Bellagio With plenty of restaurants, an amazing garden and probably the most famous fountains on the planet, the Bellagio is a Las Vegas casino that is a byword for class the world over. A hike through this enormous space is a must for any visitor, with the poker tables also among some of the best on earth. Grab a bite to eat, place a bet, sip a cocktail, the Bellagio is the place to do it all! Although places like the Bellagio can not be imitated anywhere, the truth is that online casino sites are proving more popular than ever. If you are looking to take your gaming from the tables to the web, a collection of the best casino sites can be found here. MGM Grand Did you know that the MGM Grand is actually America’s largest hotel? A hike around this resort might require some serious fuel so you’re lucky that there are literally dozens of restaurants and bars here. With over 171,500 square feet, the MGM is pure Vegas excess! With that said, there are some seriously amazing sites to see here, such as the grand lobby and some of the most expensive restaurants in town. Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, Best known for its tower and the rollercoaster that sits atop it, the Stratosphere is a mindbending casino taking in a massive 80,000 square foot of space. The hotel and casino has a reputation for slots, with over fifteen-hundred available to players of all types. Throw in some great places to eat, cool bars and a whole host of other attractions and it’s clear that a hike around this hotel-casino is a must! |
AuthorBranch Whitney is the author of Hiking Las Vegas and creator of the 52 Peak Club where members hike to the best 52 Peaks around Las Vegas, NV Archives
October 2020
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