Coyote Sighting & Nature Center

Aloha Everyone,

“Coyotes have the gift of seldom being seen; they keep to the edge of vision and beyond, loping in and out of cover on the plains and highlands. And at night, when the whole world belongs to them, they parley at the river with the dogs, their higher, sharper voices full of authority and rebuke. They are an old council of clowns, and they are listened to.” - N. Scott Momaday

Frank heard a coyote calling her young ones. We tried to step gingerly on the gravel paths as to make the least sound. It was thrilling to finally see a coyote out in the open. Beautiful and proud, she probably was watching us long before she decided to allow us to get a glimpse of her. My iPhone camera does not do justice but then I can happily share the photo with J.J. and our family.

In the afternoon, I accepted Denise’s invitation to go back to the Nature Center to get a closer look at the displays and gather more information about the wildlife at the Wetlands Park.

According to the handouts we received, the Wetlands has over 70 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Over 310 species of birds also reside at the Wetlands including tiny Anna’s Hummingbirds. On a rare occasion, we even saw a golden eagle soar against the blue sky.

Aloha -- Cathi

Las Vegas Casino Implosions

Aloha Everyone,

Old casinos in Las Vegas are imploded and replaced with newer, bigger and more upscale buildings. Some of these implosion events had attracted visitors to the city and have gained television audiences worldwide. So what happened to the rubble?

Mounds of rocks along the Wetlands Loop are some of the remains of casinos and hotels. An interesting and informative displays at the interpretive center helps us understand how these fragments are recycled, playing a very important role in the ecological health of Las Vegas.

Aloha -- Cathi

An Overnight Trip to Saint George, Utah

Aloha Everyone,

The distance between KOA Sam’s Town (borders Henderson, NV) and Saint George, UT is a total of 260 miles round trip. J.J covered it in 2 hours driving one way. This area is always one of my favorites. It is familiar and beautiful.

My medical appointment took 45 minutes followed by blood tests at a nearby hospital.

J.J. and I stopped at the Honolulu Grill in Saint George for Hawaiian plate lunches of Chicken Katsu and Garlic Chicken. Both were delicious and large quantities, enough to feed us two meals.

Safely back at KOA Sam’s Town by early afternoon. I was able to take a quick nap and thereafter, finished my daily walk within the RV Park.

Aloha -- Cathi

Activity Filled Day

Aloha Everyone,

Began my day by meeting my walking buddy, Frank at little past 7:00 am. At Wetlands Park, the two of us took one of our regular Duck Creek Trails. This Wetland Park is a hidden gem. Unfortunately, discarded household items from the Las Vegas wash eventually ends up in the area below the bridge. Accumulated debris are truly environmentally hazardous and an  eyesore to visitors. Photos of contrasting beauty and ugliness makes you cringe.

According to Frank, cleaning crews will come for its removal but these trash are a sad reminder to all of us to be proactive in protecting our environments.

Lunch at Cracker Barrel’s in Saint George. I enjoyed my garden salad and grilled Rainbow trout and J.J. had today’s special, chicken Pot pie.

Aloha -- Cathi

Clark County Wetlands Park

Aloha Everyone,

Wetlands Park, established in 1991 is truly a hidden gem in Las Vegas for nature lovers like me. Comprised of 210 acres in the Clark County Water Reclamation District, it is dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural habitats. Frank Grande, my walking buddy whom I met last November, invited me to join him. The nature preserve is open daily from dawn to dusk, and over the past three mornings, Frank and I traversed most of the 3 miles of paved pedestrian paths.

During our stay at KOA Sam’s Town, I plan to join Frank as he makes daily morning visits as a volunteer. The park has many opportunities to watch various bird species that are seasonal visitors to the Wetlands Park.  

On several occasions, Frank and I diverted to gravel paths looking for coyotes, bobcats and roadrunners. But so far, all we’ve seen are distinctive scats of predatory mammals or blurs of elusive roadrunners.

Even though it’s been windy requiring me to bundle up for our walk, it is worth getting up early. This is almost perfect walking weather and certainly the surrounding natural beauty is spiritually uplifting!

I highly recommend a visit to Wetlands Park the next time you are in Las Vegas. www.ccwetlandspark.com

Aloha -- Cathi