CHRISTMAS TREE PASS by Marion Ekholm


The name Christmas Tree Pass brings up many images, and they’re mostly  incorrect. I’ve been down this dirt road west of Laughlin, Nevada, on the way to Las Vegas, at least a half dozen times and never saw a typical evergreen Christmas tree. It’s not a road you’d take a normal car over, although there’s always a few people without common sense who try. On one occasion, we pulled out a vehicle from the soft dirt on the edge of the road. Lucky for them we came along, because I’ve gone the entire distance without coming across any other vehicles. Nor are there any buildings along the twelve deserted miles.

But it’s a beautiful ride. In this picture you can see the desolation.

 
 
In warmer weather, I’ve seen a rattlesnake curled in the middle of the road, sunning itself. Desert turtles lumber through the area along with all sorts of small rodents, fodder for the hawks that circle above us.

Last year, when my daughter and I traveled the road in her all-wheel vehicle, I learned at least one reason for the name. Some of the low trees and bushes were decorated with Christmas balls and different trims. One had strings of popcorn that several tiny creatures happily devoured.

  
 

           It was a true delight to see how many different ways people had used to bring the few travelers who came down this road some happiness.


 
My thanks to the many people who added this pleasure to my trip.

May you have a truly wonderful Christmas. 

 

Comments

  1. That's so cool, Marion. There's a massive evergreen tree on the median on the highway to the next closest town where we live. It's a green area, but the only tree, by its lonesome, on the median for miles and miles. Every year, some organization (don't know who) decorates it for Christmas.

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    1. I've seen that here in Arizona, as well: a single tree on a main highway that's decorated by the unknown. That really makes the season special.

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  2. Marion, that's so interesting. Wouldn't you like to know who trims those trees? Or better yet, who in the world named the road Christmas Tree Pass. Happy holidays one and all.

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    1. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas story - something to put on the Hallmark station.

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  3. Marion, that's so interesting. We have a bridge that spans a bay between Astoria and Young's Bay, and a little misshapen Douglas Fir sticks out of the earth beneath the bridge at about the middle and is mysteriously decorated every year. Isn't it nice to know that it occurs to people to brighten the day for others? In this case, someone has to stand on a ladder on a boat or hang over a bridge to do it! Like Roz, I'd love to know where the name, Christmas Tree Pass, came from. (I've forgotten - are you in Arizona?) Merry Christmas to each and every one of the HH Sisterhood.

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    1. I'm in Arizona. I've looked up Christmas Tree Pass on the internet and so far haven't found the reason for the name. Enjoy the season.

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  4. LOL, looks a little like my backyard.

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  5. I wonder how Christmas Tree Pass would look with the snow we've had in the Northeast...Merry Christmas, Marion, and best wishes in 2014!

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    1. I've seen that area in Nevada with snow and it's absolutely beautiful.

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