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.