Blogs from Mesquite, Nevada, United States, North America

Just outside of Las Vegas a little over an hour, you can find some of the most beautiful rock formations and open country in the area. You'll have to work for it though as the route to Gold Butte is a bit rough, a lotta bit rough to be honest. This country is BLM land and has been a long time focus of advocates who'd like to see it become a national monument. With our popular House representative on his way out soon, this may just be the year this far out of the way place changes ownership. Luckily, a friend took me out with her and her on the trip and I am super thankful for that - I needed a break from dissertation and this job search! Also, this has been at the top ... read more

The Desert Tortoise is an herbivore that may attain a length of 9 to 15 inches in upper shell (carapace) length. The tortoise is able to live where ground temperatures may exceed 140 degrees F, because of its ability to dig underground burrows and escape the heat. At least 95% of its life is spent in burrows. There, it is also protected from freezing while dormant, November through February or March. The Sonoran Desert Tortoise is flat and pear-shaped, compared to the Western Mojave tortoise which is more of a butterball shape; they are usually active in spring. The Sonoran Desert tortoise is more active in summer and seeks shade under large rocks and boulders. It is possible that northern and southern Desert Tortoises may one day be designated as different species or subspecies. The presence ... read more

Geo: 36.804, -114.067... read more