Henderson (A day of R&R)

Not every day will be a red-letter day for activities and photographs. Sometimes a break is required. Today was one such day. After yesterday’s excitement I needed a reset. I decided to take today for some R&R. The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa was just the place for this. The day was cool, but clear and sunny, so I decided to take an outing with the primary goal of exercise.

The Clark County Wetlands Park is walking distance from the Westin, so I decided to hike out and hoped I might see some waterfowl worth photographing on the way. The trail splits into two at the beginning of the Las Vegas Wash, within which the wetlands park is situated. I initially took the fork that looked like it would more closely follow the water. It did, but it also meant I was looking directly into the sun if I faced the water channel. I backtracked and took the other fork which faced away from the sun but offered only obscured views of the water. The water on which very little of birding or photographic interest was happening. The waterfowl were apparently in a foul mood (sorry for the bad pun) and not in the mood to pose. I got in a good 7 mile urban hike, but no photos of interest. Welcome to wildlife photography.

To relax from the hike I swam some laps in the heated outdoor pool and then relaxed some more in the not-so-hot tub. This is characteristic of hot tubs in hotels. They are always lukewarm. It must have something to do with liability. Nevertheless, I met Rich and Kristy from South Dakota in the tub and they gave me some tips on what to visit when I make it to South Dakota later in the year.

I capped off the day with some spa services expertly provided by Petra, and then dinner at the bar. I should be ready to resume more exciting activities tomorrow.