Wandering The West

How's the unnatural landscape out West? Let's take a look.

The Phoenix skyline.

Night approaching in Laughlin, Nevada.

Future subdivision, Bullhead City.

Getting misted at a resort near the Tonto National Forest.

Parking lot, Kingman, Arizona.

Loveland Pass, Colorado

Time to head up, way up.

James was there for another Ford Truck Challenge. First, it was heat in Laughlin, then altitude at Loveland Pass. You can check out the finished video here.

The lonely parking lot at the top.

Scouting selfie.

Lonely Laughlin, Nevada

Laughlin, Nevada is a small, sleepy town compared to bustling Las Vegas, a couple of hours to its north. When the temp soars, nary a person can be found beyond the casino floors.

No one needs a taxi.

Or feels like moving a trailer or motor home.

Wait! A person! Oh, just an employee in charge of cleaning empty fountains.

You can always gaze at the questionable architecture. Or count the days until Oliver North makes an appearance.

Even the gun weather vane isn't moving.

Lovely Laughlin, Nevada

James does a lot of work for Ford and one of the company's favorite places to go test its trucks is also one of the most unforgiving areas of the United States. Welcome to Laughlin, Nevada.

Laughlin is down at the southern tip of Nevada, tucked in between the state line and the Colorado River. It's another created gambling mecca, but, shall we say, with the budget roller in mind. For James and the rest of the crew working with Ford, it's the closest place to grab a bed. And then grab your suitcase and get out of there.

Beautiful greenery and a nice skyline.

Fooled ya! It's all haze and desert just beyond the casino sprawl.

The Colorado River makes an appearance, but lacks any "wow" factor.

Best to head for the pool or tennis court, if you can stand the punishing 100+ degree summer weather. The lights come on at night, adding a layer to the obscurity.

With the temps so high and the window tint so thick, the light becomes other-worldly.