Hiking Las Vegas Blog

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Las Vegas - Casino Capital of the World?

11/25/2021

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As Las Vegas went through the transformation from a primarily gambling city into one that welcomed families as well it arguably is not only the most glamorous city in the world but with all the wonderful casino opportunities it offers for all budgets for many Las Vegas is, and will remain, the gambling capital of the world.

Looking Back at the Early Casino Days
It was between the late 1800’s and early 1900’s when explorers during the California gold rush settled in the area known as Las Vegas and began their gambling practices although during a nationwide crackdown on gambling almost totally saw the end of gambling establishments from the area.

But in 1905 Las Vegas was founded - a small town which was used as a stopover for the train journeys between Las Angeles and Salt Lake City, and even though gambling was still against the law there were some casinos that operated secretly - until.

Gambling Comes to Las Vegas and This Time it’s Legal!
It was in 1931 that things began to change for Las Vegas and these changes began with the start of the Hoover Dam which brought thousands of workers into the town. When gambling was made legal in the city the money that it brought in helped the city’s economy exponentially, and prosperity followed - with Tommy Hull who was granted a license to build a casino in Las Vegas.

After his initial success many others came to Las Vegas with many more hotel/casinos being built of which the Flamingo (which is probably the most famous of all) being built by the famous mobster Bugsy Seigel.

Another Great Idea
It was in the 1970’s that the trend of turning hotel casinos into mega resorts really took off. Now Las Vegas was transformed from a gambling city into one that could be enjoyed by all of the family as gambling was not the only form of entertainment.

A Taste of Vegas Online
Of course, not all of us can simply journey over to Sin City whenever we would like to experience the thrill of the casino, enjoying the action such a place offers but there are ways to enjoy casino action very similar to those games you would play in Las Vegas but online.

One of the best online casino experiences you can possibly get today is provided by the well respected site Fruity King where players can enjoy a whole host of online games provided by only the best online gambling software developers around.

Established in 2015 and moving from strength to strength, Fruity KIng has managed to stand the test of time which is testament in itself. To succeed in such a competitive market as the online gambling industry means that the site is doing something right. In fact, Fruity King constantly listens to what its players want and delivers on those wishes, so it’s not a great surprise that the site is the first stop for many online casino lovers today - and all games take place in an environment that is safe, secure and full of fun.

It might not be Las Vegas, but players are guaranteed to experience games that are fully immersive and jam-packed with all the casino action you could want.

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Different Fun Activities to do while you are Hiking

11/15/2021

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Hiking is an activity for a day or two with your family and friends. This is generally a pleasant experience, and hiking usually takes you to a beautiful site with scenic beauty.

There are many small hiking trails in different countries, and people visiting Germany with limited time can travel these well-trodden paths to reach many beautiful places.

Playing games
Playing games can change your mood in an instant, even when you feel tired. The games are not physically stressful and hikers can enjoy games such as sing-along, truth or dare, 20 questions, hide and seek, and many other games that can brighten your mood and distract you from the hike.

Picnic on the road
Of course, the food you bring can also become a fun and memorable activity while on the hiking trail. It will always be a good experience to share a meal with your friends. Keep an Olightstore flashlight alongside you while travelling at night.

Swimming in natural springs
Swimming is a lot of fun and it is also a refreshing activity that you can do while walking. Along the way, you will often come across rivers and natural springs. Then your fun water adventure is right in front of your eyes. A water source like a lake, river, or fountain lends itself to an aquatic environment, swimming, and fishing, right.

Fisherman
As you walk, you can also go fishing on the natural beach that crosses your path, don't get me wrong; this local fish is delicious. Farmers in the area may own some sections of the river or pond, so local fishing rules remain in effect. However, you can always give them a small fee and go fishing. Once you've caught it, you can eat it for lunch or perhaps dinner if you're lucky enough to catch a big fish.

Capture the moment
When you go hiking to beautiful places on any ocean, clicking on the pictures can be one of the best experiences you can have. Taking the photos home and showing them to your friends and family who have not visited that place can be an advertisement for that particular place. The pictures represent the memories of the fun you had, so clicking the pictures is best when you are out on a hike. Always keep a flashlight like Olight alongside you. You can have one from Olightstore.

Picking berries
Nepal is famous for its berries and many other fruits are grown naturally in the forests. As you walk through the woods, you will always find delicious berry patches. There are some killer berries out there too, so make sure you know what to pick. Seasonal fruits are great but you must know what you are eating. Always ask about this to your guide.

The landmarks of the city
People say that it is not the destination, but the journey itself. However, I would say that it is the journey and the destination when you walk to a new place. At first, you will be able to play games, collect berries, click on pictures, and then reach a destination. Thank you for reading the article.

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Review: Banachek's Mind Games Show

9/13/2021

Banachek is an English mentalist/magician who is performing at the Strat (formerly the Stratosphere). To put it simply: He will read your mind!
Kathy and I attended the show on Sunday, the 13th of September. As some of you know I also perform effects that appear to read hiker's minds.
Banachek is at a whole different level. I was both amazed and entertained.

Kathy on Stage with Banachek

Interactive Show

One of the best aspects of the show is it is very interactive. There's a good chance you will be part of the show. This is Kathy on stage during a mind reading effect where she thinks of a word in the book Banachek is holding. The show is family friendly.

Numerous people in the audience are part of the show. Sometimes they do not go up on stage, but nevertheless Banachek reads their minds using books, dollar bills and even have people just think of a card! This one blew me away!

Information About the Show

The show is at 4 pm daily, dark on Tuesdays and Fridays. The doors open at 3:30pm. It runs 75 mins in duration. There's not a bad seat in the showroom and the chairs are very comfortable. As mentioned above the show is at the Strat (2000 S Las Vegas Blvd.) and the Strat has FREE parking. Also, you don't need a GPS to find the Box Office and the showroom :)
Note: The show will be dark from Sept 14 to 21.

The Best Part!

Tyas, Banachek's manager, has given hikers a great discount to the show! Print the coupon below and present it at the Box Office at the Strat to get your discounted tickets.

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed the show and was fooled. This is not a show where tigers appear or mannequins are sawed in half :) This show is about reading your mind! If you are into that, you will love the show.
I did not list all of the effects Banachek does. See the show and you will be amazed.

What You Need to Know Before Moving to Mountain View

9/7/2021

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The land where Mountain View now sits was once simply a stagecoach stop between San Francisco and San Jose located near the crossroads of where El Camino and Grant lie today. It was originally inhabited by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, with the first European settlers arriving in 1777. Part of Mexico until California joined the U.S. in 1850, just two years later, the first store was opened, owned by Richard Carr and managed by John Shumay who gave the city its name in 1854.

Of course, the area has a totally different look today as the home of many tech giants like Google, but you'll still enjoy a gorgeous view of the Santa Cruz Mountains. If you're thinking about making a move to one of the Mountain View apartments, a home or any other space here, there are a few things you should know first.

Thanks to Google You'll Get Free Wi-Fi

While the S.F. Bay Area isn't exactly the cheapest place to live in the country, one of the perks of living in Mountain View is that you'll get free Wi-Fi. With the corporate headquarters of Google here, the city allowed the company to place wireless transmitters on its streetlight poles to create one of the first city-wide free Wi-Fi networks in the country.

Bike Sharing and Public Transport

There are a few cities in the Bay Area that are participating in a pilot bike share program and Mountain View is one of them. That means that Bike Share members can check out a bike from one of the automated stations, use it for a ride to another destination and then return the bike there or at another station. It's a great way to avoid traffic congestion, burn some calories, and enjoy the cycling paths.

This is a city that's very bike and pedestrian-friendly in addition to offering public transport that includes light rail and transit services provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. While it might be easier to get around by car when venturing outside of the city, you don't have to have your own vehicle here.

Castro Street is the City's Heart

The main street in Mountain View is Castro Street, a place that's jam-packed around the lunch hour and in the evening, bringing out a lively crowd who take advantage of the wide range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and boutiques. When the city hosts a festival or an event, this is where

Live Performances

If you enjoy theater, music, and the arts in general, you're in for a treat. The Mountain View Center for Performing Arts features state-of-the-art technology for theater and dance performances year-round. But Shoreline Amphitheatre is where you can often catch those big-name performers in an open-air environment with seats on a grassy lawn or in the stands.

The Weather

If you're moving from a more northern climate where you're used to scraping ice off your windshield in the morning and shoveling snow off the sidewalks, you're not going to have to worry about that here. While it can get warm in the summer, it's not humid, with the average high in July just 81 degrees and there are only 37 days a year with any measurable precipitation. All in all, the climate is mild and you'll be able to enjoy the outdoors pretty much all year-round.

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Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon Update 8-2021

8/30/2021

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Ruby's Inn is the closest lodging to Bryce Canyon (less than 10 minutes away) and is the perfect place for you to stay for an enjoyable visit. Established in 1916 the folks at Ruby's Inn know how to treat their guests. Ruby's Inn and Bryce Canyon are open year-round. The temps in Bryce Canyon are much cooler than Las Vegas due to the elevation ( ~ 8,000 feet) and being about 200 miles north of Las Vegas.

Rooms

There are five different types of rooms you can choose from: Double King, Double Queen with jetted tub, Double Queen, King with in-room spa or Two Room Family Suite.

All rooms include: Cable Satellite TV, Coffeemaker, Iron and Ironing board, Dataports, AM/Fm Alarm Clock, Microwave, Refrigerator, Free High-Speed Wireless Internet and there are 100 Non-Smoking Rooms.

The rooms are spacious, very clean, and there are connecting rooms if you are travelling with a group. If you want to bring your pets, they are allowed.

Dining

Ruby’s Inn has three great restaurants, the Cowboy’s Buffet & Steak Room, Canyon Diner, and Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill. I have eaten at the Cowboy Buffet & Steak Room and the buffet is great. It features high quality food at reasonable prices. Currently, you receive a free breakfast buffet for each night of your stay!

Amenities

Ruby's Inn has an indoor pool and jacuzzi. It's a great way to relax after a long hike! Free towels are provided for your swim.
If you didn't hike enough, there's a fitness center.
Need to do some work? There's a business center.
Staying for an extended period? There's a laundromat.
Forget something or looking for a gift? The General Store is amazing. If you forgot any of your hiking equipment, the General Store has it. There’s also a wide variety of food for your hiking snacks or to eat in your room.

Old West Photos

Getting your photo taken as cowboys/cowgirls is so much fun. There are lots of clothes to choose from and it only takes about 15 minutes. You get your photos a few minutes after the photo shoot.

Activities

There are so many different type of activities you couldn't do them all in one trip.
Here's a list of the activities offered:
Hiking
Horsebacking Riding
Guided ATV Tours
Rodeo
Bike Rides
Ice Skating
Cross Country Skiing
Sleigh Ridges
Snowshoeing
And special events during certain times of the year.

Tip from Branch

If you are into hiking, save the sunrise hike to Queen's Garden for the day you leave. The views are the best in all of Bryce Canyon. This is an easy hike taking about 90 minutes and that allows for stopping for plenty of photos. You can get back to your room, take a shower, and eat the breakfast buffet before driving home. Check for the time of sunrise.

Also, if it is cold walk down the trail just 100 feet and you will be out of the wind.
Directions for the Queen's Garden hike can be found here: hiking directions

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to Bryce, Ruby's Inn is the place to stay. It has everything you could possibly want and is the closest lodging to Bryce Canyon. For more information and to make a reservation: Ruby's Inn

Cerity - Workers Compensation Insurance in Nevada

Red Rock Canyon New Reservation System

How workers comp insurance works

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Best Red Rock Peaks to do this Fall

8/27/2021

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If you have been hiking in Mt. Charleston and other high elevation areas this summer, you are in great shape. Take advantage of your accomplishment and do the toughest peaks in Red Rock this Fall.

You are in great shape to handle these difficult peaks and the days are still relatively long, especially in September and October. Add to that the great temperatures and you have the perfect combination to tackle these peaks.

Which Peaks?

Some of the toughest peaks are: Mt. Wilson, Rainbow Peak, Holiday Peak, Bridge Vista, and Ice Box Peak.
Two of these peaks have numerous routes to them: Rainbow and Wilson.
You should have no problem with your cardio to scramble to these peaks.
All of these peaks require at least class 3 climbing skills to reach their summits.

Smartest Way Climb These Peaks

Is to be a member of the 52 Peak Club. We have hiked to these peaks more than any other hiking club. In fact, we named some of these peaks and found routes to almost all the peaks in Red Rock Canyon.
The 52 Peak Club has weekly hikes to these peaks during the fall.
To learn more about the 52 Peak Club.
To read the route descriptions to these peaks.

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Can I Be compensated If I'm Injured on a Guided Hiking Adventure

8/20/2021

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Hiking by yourself or a group or family is always fun and exciting. It is the best way to explore unexplored destinations across the hills. Los Angeles has multiple gorgeous hiking locations that promise to offer a wonderful adventurous experience. Of course, safety is the topmost priority during a hike. But sometimes accidents can happen.

What if you got injured on guided hiking? If you think you are injured because of someone else’s mistake, then do you know what action you can take? You can hire personal injury attorneys to claim for the accident and get compensation.
Each year thousands of people find that hiking and walking on Los Angeles Park trails are safe and fun. But you need to follow specific safety tips. And in case you get injured, you should know whether you will get compensation or not.

Tours or expeditions
Experience the fantastic hiking trails in Los Angeles is by signing up with a well-known tour or expedition group. Tour guides have a whole lot of information about the hiking area. They can guide you well on moving ahead with the adventure and the best sites to visit. The Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles from a hill in Griffith Park is the most visited hiking trail. More than 45 million visitors visit LA every year, of which 10 million reach Griffith Park.

Traveling with a tour guide ensures that you are safe rather than traveling alone. However, do not forget that even tour guides can make mistakes sometimes. Imagine you get an injury during the hike because of the tour guide’s mistake. What will be the next step that you will take? Let me tell you that if the tour guide commits an error that led to your injury, then you have a choice to file a complaint against the group.

Tour and travel companies owe a duty of care to the visitors. They have to face legal consequences for breaching the duty. Clients sign a waiver for the expedition companies stating they are not responsible for accidents on the hike. It can save them from personal injury claims but does not provide legal protection in case of negligence.

National and State Park hike injuries
Some of the finest hiking locations in Los Angeles are the National and State Parks. However, it is not necessary that the parks are safe for hiking. Unfortunately, many people sustain injuries during a hike in the state and national parks. Government entities are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of properties that include inspecting parks for potential risks.
Earlier, sovereign immunity laws protected government bodies from premises liability, but now it is not the case. LA courts now permit filing a personal injury claim against the federal government. So, if you met with an accident in a government-owned park because of the owner's negligence, you can go for filing a claim.

Hiring a well-versed personal injury lawyer will help you determine whether you have a claim or not. In addition, it will help you seek appropriate compensation and protect your rights.

City trail injuries
Sustaining an injury on city trails during a hike has similar rights to those injured in National or State Parks. You have the right to sue the city or person responsible for neglecting the maintenance of the city trail or property. For example, if you fall on a tool that the maintenance crew left in the trail's middle and sprain your ankle, then you have the right to claim for personal injury.

City trail owners have an ethical and legal responsibility to protect the visitors from hazards on their property. Getting injured because of the owner or employee's negligence will help you take legal action. An experienced personal injury advocate will assist you in legal procedures and documentation.
Property owners are held accountable for not keeping the hiking trail safe for the hikers. In that case, you have a valid legal claim against the trail owner. The lawyer will help you through the negotiation and settlement process.

Conclusion
Yes! You will get compensation for guided hiking on getting injured. If you think you are wounded because of a tour company or government, or city trail owner, you have the right to sue the parties. You need to hire a qualified lawyer who understands the situation and personal injury caused to you. It will guide you throughout the court trial.

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Review: Fenix TK16 V.2.0 Flashlight

6/21/2021

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Lights up the terrain like daylight from 50+ feet. Fenix TK16

This flashlight turns the darkness into daylight. I descended class 2 and 3 rock in the dark! Not only could I see terrain in front of me, I could see landmarks in the distance, which is very important for finding my way down. I was not descending a trail, but a route which is far more difficult to follow.

The flashlight also has lower intensity modes to use around the house or in the garage. The strobe feature can easily blind an intruder at night.

The flashlight features a tungsten steel alloy bezel that can be used in self defense situations and to break glass if you leave your keys in your car.

What's in the Box?
You get the TK 16 flashlight, a carry case with a loop so you can put it on your belt, a battery, a USB cord to charge the battery, a laggard, and instructions.

How to Use:
The main on/off switch is at the rear of the flashlight. Click it once. There's a smaller round button near the main on/off switch. Each time you press it the intensity of the light increases. By pressing and holding only the small button the strobe mode is activated.

Charging the battery

How to charge:
Remove the battery by unscrewing the back end of the flashlight. Plug the supplied USB cord into the battery and the other end of the cord into an USB port on your computer. The tip of the battery will turn red. Once charged it will turn blue. It can take several hours to charge.

Specs:
Led Bulb lifespan 50,000 hours
5 Modes of Operation
Turbo: 3100 Lumens, 2 hr. 40 min., 380 meters
High: 1000 Lumens, 2 hr. 50 min., 220 meters
Mid: 350 Lumens, 8 hr. 20 min., 125 meters
Low: 150 Lumens, 19 hr. 10 min., 80 meters
Eco: 30 Lumens, 43 hr. 20 min., 40 meters
Strobe: 3100 Lumens
Length: 5.6 inches
Weight: 6.5 ounces (with battery)
Powersource: rechargeable Li-ion battery (included)
Anti roll slip body design
Comes with a 5 year warranty

Note: At max intensity the flashlight can get hot after a few minutes. Do not point the flashlight into someone's eyes, unless you want to disable them.

Conclusion:
This is an impressive flashlight. It's lightweight, easy to use, waterproof (up to 2 meters) and durable. The light is so bright it's like daylight. I will always have this in my daypack.
For more information and to buy

Info chart

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The First Quin (5x) 53er: Bruce Small

6/15/2021

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Bruce Small, a leader for the 52 Peak Club, is the first hiker in the history of the 52 Peak Club to become a Quin 53er.
I asked him questions about what motivates him and his background. Below are Bruce's answers.

When did you join the 52 Peak Club? 1st hike was April 15th, 2017 with James Fuentes to Oak Creek Overlook in Red Rock Canyon.

Your current age? 64

When did you become a 53er (first time)? March 25, 2018....delayed 5 weeks because of my heart attack on January 10th, 2018, while hiking for my 48th card.

When and why did you become a leader for the 52 Peak Club?
WHEN.... I remember September of 2017 but I didn't lead my first, solo leader hike, until February 20, 2018, the 2nd chance hike back to Fortification Hill after my heart attack. I hiked a lot with Branch, Oz and Rob to learn routes after I became a leader. So, actual leading my first hike was in February 2018.

WHY...I was asked by several members to approach Branch about becoming a leader. In my career of 25 years, I was a manager for most of those years. I have always been one to encourage and teach those that want to learn. It is a great feeling when you see the smiling faces of hikers after they accomplish something they thought they would never be able to do. With a little encouragement, guidance, confidence building and willingness to learn from the person, most everyone can get there.

What is your motivation to become the first 5x 53er? Motivation?....it's a lifestyle for me. While I am helping people to achieve their goal of becoming the next 53er, they are helping me to attain my goals too.....keep active and healthy while doing what I love and helping others to do the same. The cards and decks help me to organize my goals.

What advice for those hikers who want to become a double or more 53er?
The journey doesn't end at one deck. The mountains don't disappear after that prize. The routes are numerous...try them all. Use the cards as a measurement of how you are doing in staying active and healthy.

Why is climbing peaks so alluring to you? I'm realizing that no matter how you phrase a question about my hiking, it comes back to one common thing....health, happiness, fun, friendships...goals. The benefit of the peak being there....it gives me a goal. The difficulty of the route boosts the accomplishments of the journey to the peak.

What life lessons have you learned since being a member of the 52 Peak Club?
Being healthy is number one. I truly believe that if I was still the corporate, sedentary, behind the desk man and eating things that I couldn't pronounce when I had my heart attack, I probably would not have survived. We are only given so many years to enjoy ourselves and I am embarrassed at times that I spent too many of them thinking that when I retire, I will get out and do all the exciting, fun, outdoor, healthy things.

Well, like I said, if I would have followed that thought process, I may not be here today to experience the happiness, fun, friendships and goals that I have. The hiking community is nothing like any other kind of club that I have been associated with in the past. The common thing that I hear from so many hikers, is that when they are hiking there is not a worry in the world that they need to deal with. All the stresses of their everyday life disappear and there is a calmness that comes about them. The laughs, commonality and friendships create nirvana. Try it! You'll like it!

March 25, 2018

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Review: Colorado Aromatics Springtime Gold Face Cream

5/13/2021

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This is Kathy's review of Colorado Aromatics Springtime Gold face cream.
She liked that the cream is organic and has all natural ingredients.
Her face looked brighter and more radiant after the first time she applied the cream.
It also moisturized her skin. She lives in Las Vegas where the climate is very dry.
Kathy has sensitive skin. Colorado Aromatics Springtime Gold face cream did not aggravate her skin like other face creams.

The face cream last a long time. After using it for one month, Kathy still has 60% left in her jar. It's very economical.
Kathy recommends Springtime Gold face cream and will continue to use it.

Colorado Aromatics Springtime Gold face cream is made for people who like the outdoors; however, sun, wind and weather can make your skin look dry and damaged.
It's a natural face moisturizer, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to restore skin that has been damaged from being outside. With peptides to support collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

To purchase Springtime Gold face cream go to this page: https://coloradoaromatics.com/product/face-care/springtide-gold/

Learn more about Colorado Aromatics Springtime Gold face cream and all their products at their website: https://coloradoaromatics.com/

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