But first, today's picture of the boys, Landon on the left, Julian on the right. Just after we'd given them their bottles, burped them, and let Mama bundle them into bed. Captions invited.
More pictures below.
Extra-curricular Activity
I went one afternoon to the National Atomic Testing Museum, located just east of the Strip. Years ago, on Sandia business, the nature of which I've forgotten, I visited the Nevada Test Site - the area north of Las Vegas 60 miles or so where above-ground and underground nuclear tests were conducted for quite a period of time. (Why is above-ground hyphenated and underground isn't?) The history of that period is captured in this museum. Some of us remember Dave Garroway on the Today Show in the 50s, I think, waiting in the early morning in the Nevada desert for a shot to go off.
Just to set the stage, here's some video of a video I recorded.
And here's a picture of a picture showing the desert floor pockmarked by underground tests.
There are several interesting exhibits about the times and technology of this era.
In the same building is a rather strange exhibit about Area 51. Area 51 is a military base north of the atomic testing range where various secret government testing of aircraft and weapons goes on. The Wikipedia site gives a lengthy discussion of the projects carried out there. But, Area 51, because of its secrecy, is also an area about which conspiracy theories about UFOs and extra-terrestrial beings abound. And that's what the exhibit here was about. It was creepy. You went through some silly security warnings by a kid pretending to be a security officer before you entered, were given a copy of a 1947 memo about "flying discs," and turned loose among various UFO displays - and yes, including Roswell. It was like going from a Smithsonian exhibit to a carnival show, all in one building. The Museum website says the purpose of the Area 51 exhibit is to present all the myths and let you decide. It will be "fun and entertaining." Sorry, but it was lost on me.
I've done quite a bit of bike riding out here. Often in the very early morning I ride through some of the semi-residential streets not far from the RV park. There are fairly long stretches between stop signs and negligible traffic. And the terrain is flat.
For more interesting mountain bike riding, I've taken my bike out about 10 miles west to the former mining company town of Blue Diamond. It's in the foothills of the Spring Mountains and there are several trails in the area - some too technical/steep for me, but I avoid those trails or walk around the rough or steep spots, most of the time. Got a few scrapes and bruises from when I didn't. Here are some pix:
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On another early morning I went back to Red Rock Canyon (it opens at 6am) to hike the Pine Creek Canyon Trail. A local hiking guide said there were some ferns tucked away in an alcove in that canyon, but I didn't find them (because I didn't read the trail guide carefully or print out a copy to take with me). Nevertheless, some nice views and a nice hike in and out.
Along the road to Red Rock.
Pine Creek Canyon.
The tree that put the Pine in Pine Creek.
In the canyon:
One weekend the South Point Casino, Resort, and Horse Arena, located not far from our RV park, hosted a Barrel Horse Racing competition. That's a rodeo event I like. And it was free. Here's a typical picture:
Almost as entertaining were these three John Deere tractors who came out and smoothed the arena floor every 5 riders or so - well choreographed. I should have made a video.
Several years ago, as I was leaving the NM State Fair one night I passed by the area outside the arena where the next contestant was waiting for her barrel ride. Her horse was so keyed up, so tightly wound, so focused, that it was amazing. Like a dragster revving its engine waiting for the green light. You could feel the power and the tension. It gave me an enhanced appreciation for a rider's ability to control that force and a real appreciation for barrel racing.
As you might surmise from the absence of a crowd, I was there for an early preliminary round, not the finals. Didn't make it back for that.
Here are a couple of grandson pictures. We generally go over to help in one of the afternoon feedings.
Julian with Grami.
Landon with Grandpa.
This past weekend we took a trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Great trip. Some pictures on Rob's Facebook page. Tuzigoot posting TBD.
As this is written, Monday, June 11 (Heidi and Joey's First Anniversary!) I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a conference in Boston. From there I'll go to Cedar Crest for the weekend, then back here early next week. We'll load up Tuzigoot the end of that week and head back to Cedar Crest. Chapter 1 in the Twins' Tale closes.
Cheers,
Rob and Susie
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