pre-dawn red rock hijinks.

I didn't sleep well last night, as is usual when two living things are missing from my bed. I was up at 5:00, so I went to Red Rock Canyon.

In keeping with the bad luck, my phone decided it couldn't get the right hook-up to make maps work, so I had to find my way to Red Rock from memory in the pre-dawn darkness. I was amazed that I was successful. I arrived at the gates just as the ranger was opening them, and at 6am I was the first car in. The sky was still that unique blue-black that reminds me of Morocco.

I started on the trail when it wasn't light yet-- need to bring my headlamp next time-- and ran on toward the dawn coming over the hills East of Vegas. It didn't take long to realize I lack the fitness I had when I frequented this trail just before my wedding, and I was trudging up the hill. I didn't bring a bottle - who needs one in the middle of winter? - which was a mistake. It wasn't very fun at that point.

I hit the pass, though, and smelled that familiar cedar as the trail leveled momentarily before diving into the canyon. Ice and snow speckled the trail, and the white and grey rock underfoot turned to burnt orange. It was light out now, but the canyon was still cool. I had it to myself, and ran the downhill at a conservative clip. Even leaving the park, I saw just 3 cars total.