Contrast – Wonders of Nature vs Flashes from the Strip

Clara has always had a special attachment to the desert, so the first excursion she and Sheral embarked upon was a trip out to Red Rock Conservation Area, out Southwest of Las Vegas. When it was first opened in the '70's as a combination scenic/hiking natural area, there were perhaps 20 thousand visitors in a year. Now that number is nearing a million . . .



This first picture shows why it's called "Red Rock" – it's just off the south end of the Spring Mountains and features a 13 mile driving tour through desert, across creeks coming from waterfalls, up to ridges where climbers practice -- while the next shows Clara and her friend Sheral in front of another display of "red rocks." The third is the waterfall at the end of the Lost Creek trail.


Later that day, they went to the Las Vegas Strip. At the brand new Palazzo, the feature was a trio of young women made up and dressed to look like statues, moving into various poses.

Of course, the Venetian has canals with boats and boatmen – all inside - naturally (or should it be "un-naturally."








The Venetian also has a lobby with a spectacular painting on the ceiling.