The Desert Road to Las Vegas

We Set off from San Dimas to Las Vegas in the mid-morning to attend a Star Trek Convention.  As the sun climbed high in the sky, the desert heat became almost unbearable. The air conditioning hummed faithfully, keeping us comfortable as we made our way along the 210 and 15 freeways. The landscapes transformed from urban sprawl to arid expanses of the high desert.

After a couple of hours on the road, the thought of coffee was irresistible. Our break came in Baker, California, a small town stretched out along the 15 Freeway with bevy of oversized gas stations and World's Largest Thermometer; a towering reminder of the area's extreme temperatures.

This colossal thermometer wasn't merely born out of whim; rather, it stands as a tribute to a remarkable historical event. The marker pays homage to the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth – a staggering 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius). This record was set in nearby Furnace Creek Ranch in Death Valley on July 10, 1913. The extreme heat wave that gripped the region during that time has etched its place in meteorological history.

The concept for the thermometer was conceived by Willis Herron, a local businessman, and Bob Byers, a contractor. Together, they envisioned a towering structure that would serve both as a landmark and a thermometer, capturing the essence of the scorching temperatures that characterize the area.

Standing at 134 feet (40.8 meters), the height of the thermometer aligns perfectly with the historic temperature record. The temperature scale itself is positioned on a massive digital display, making it visible even from a distance. The thermometer's design incorporates a bold red neon display that lights up at night, making it a beacon in the desert darkness.

Coffee in hand and back on the road.  A few more miles north, just south of the Halloran Summit, we encountered an overturned semi.  Traffic slowed to a crawl as the shoulder and right lane were blocked. After about 30 minutes, we finally passed the wreck and made it to the top of the Halloran Summit. 

Peaking the summit, a breathtaking vista stretches before you, offering a panoramic view that captures the essence of the surrounding landscape. As you gaze downward, your eyes are drawn to the town of Primm, nestled in the embrace of the desert. The scene before you is a blend of nature's rugged beauty and the man-made allure of the State Line casinos.

The desert seems to stretch infinitely, its palette shifting from golden sands to earthy tones, a stark reminder of the rawness of the land. The undulating terrain creates an almost painterly effect, with rolling hills and valleys playing tricks on the eye as they converge into the distant horizon.

Amidst this vast expanse, it's the State Line casinos that truly capture your attention. They gleam like jewels against the desert backdrop, their neon signs and bright lights punctuating the serene canvas of sand and sky.  Except if you stop.  The State Line casinos are pretty tired.

Back on the road, anticipation grew as Las Vegas neared. The landscape shifted once more, this time into the iconic lights of the city. Our destination, the Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, awaited.   More about the Nugget, later.