Chapter 17: Hawai'i

 There are many things Las Vegas is not compared to Hawai'i. The islands of Hawai'i were created by volcanoes. On Hawai'i, pineapples and sugar cane are grown. Many great surfers like Eddie Aikau have impacted the sport of surfing. Hawai'i is very different compared to Las Vegas. Instead of the tropical paradise of Hawai'i, Las Vegas is filled with resorts attempting to replicate the feel of paradise.

This is a pool in the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. It has the feel of paradise like Hawai'i with the palm trees and tropical feel. The waterfalls are also a nice touch of this small paradise in Las Vegas.

However, the biggest difference between Las Vegas and Hawai'i is that Hawai'i is one of two states that gambling is illegal and Las Vegas is prominently known for gambling and casinos.

 Sources:
http://hotels.about.com/od/lasvegas/ig/Flamingo-Las-Vegas/Swimming-Pool.-SZl.htm
www.pokerbettingguru.net

Chapter 16: Pacific Northwest

Traveling to the Pacific Northwest use to be so difficult before continental railroads. When the continental railroads were built, the population and economy of the Pacific Northwest grew. An important aspect to any place is transportation and accessibility. How do i get there?

Tourists and travelers can get to Las Vegas by car, bus, shuttle or plane. Those driving by car from Los Angeles may take these routes. The distance is approximately 270 miles, which will take about 4 hours.

Some do not like to drive long distances, so some people opt to travel by bus or shuttle. Some buses that travel to Las Vegas from LA are Greyhound, Megabus, or Amtrak. The travel time with a bus or shuttle is about 5-7 hours depending on its route and location sites.

Others who just don't want to be on the road at all can opt to travel via plane. Las Vegas has an airport and flight time for LA travelers is a little over 1 hour. Some airlines flying from LAX are Spirit Airlines and Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.







Sources:
http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/ss/los-angeles-to-las-vegas.htm

Chapter 15: California

California consists of many different landforms and many different climates. California is filled with diversity all over. California has beautiful coast lines, amazing mountain ranges, and even desert climate.

Las Vegas is not near a coast nor near mountain large mountain regions. Las Vegas is surrounded by desert. From California to Las Vegas, one must drive through the Mojave Desert. Many people from California drive 4-5 hours to visit Las Vegas. Some even fly to Las Vegas since LAX has multiple departures a day to the Las Vegas airport.

In this video is a summary what you can do in Las Vegas and a few tips of tourism told by a Californian traveler.

 
Sources:
http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-las-vegas-road-sign-image2762377
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44ZRZDVVjuw

Chapter 14: MexAmerica

MexAmerica is a southern region below Las Vegas, Nevada. This region consists of Mexico, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. MexAmerica consists of mountains and valleys. However, a characteristic common between MexAmerica and Las Vegas is the region's dry, hot weather. MexAmerica also has numerous types of plants and animals throughout the area.

Las Vegas consists of desert vegetation and few wildlife. Not as diverse and numerous in the MexAmerica region. However, the desert wildlife around Las Vegas is still notable.

There are birds, mammals, amphibians, lizards, snakes, turtles, fish, and invertebrates. This website shows the multiple species around Las Vegas. However, here are a few pictures of some creatures noted around Las Vegas.

 Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas#Geography_and_climate
http://www.birdandhike.com/Wildlife/_Wildl_index.htm

Chapter 13: Intermontane West

Las Vegas, Nevada is located in the Intermontane West. It is the largest metropolitan area in the region. In fact, the most populated regions of Nevada are along its border to California.  Recently many retired people have been attracted to this area because Las Vegas is a highly populated area of entertainment. It's the city that is constantly entertaining with gambling, shows, and alcohol. The most action is noted along the strip.

But amidst the shuffle of entertainment and all the buildings to entertain, near Las Vegas lies the beauty of nature's desert. The region around Las Vegas which includes Mohave Desert and Death Valley where less than 8 inches of rain fall each year. It is considered the "true desert." Although the arid climate is so dry, there is so much beauty in the formations of rock.

Sources:
http://naturallyearthfriendly.com/mother-nature-is-fascinatingly-close-to-the-las-vegas-strip/
http://shellysoundsoff.blogspot.com/2013/02/will-i-see-you-in-las-vegas.html

Chapter 12: Rocky Mountain Region

The Rocky Mountain region is to the east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The weather in this region is mainly dry descending air. Thus the precipitation in the Rocky Mountains is usually scarce. Therefore most of the area is arid, just like Las Vegas. However, the Rocky Mountains do get a little more moisture than the deserts to the west.

In higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains, there is more precipitation. During the winter, the mountains have lots of snow and by spring, the snow melts providing water for desert communities like Las Vegas. The melted snow from the Rocky Mountains goes to Lake Mead.
 

This is where Las Vegas obtains about 90 percent of its water source- Lake Mead's reservoir. Water is pumped from here to supply water to Las Vegas.

Sources:
http://www.lvvwd.com/wq/facts_hard.html
http://exleftist.com/tag/lake-mead/

Chapter 11: Great Plains

The Great Plains are located to the east of Las Vegas, Nevada. The terrain is very much flat with slight slopes and dunes. To the west of the Great Plains are the Rocky Mountains. Las Vegas on the otherhand is surrounded by mountains with the Spring Mountains to its left. This is a picture of the Spring Mountains.

Also, the Great Plains weather varies in the sense that it is always changing and very unpredictable. Regions close in proximity can experience a difference in weather at the same time. Whereas in Las Vegas, many can experience sunshine throughout the year. So sunscreen is a must anytime you travel to Las Vegas.

Sources:
http://www.lasvegas.com/listing/spring-mountains-national-recreation-area/1499/
http://blogs.involutiondigital.com/blog/bid/249894/Top-10-Stupidest-Things-Tourist-do-in-Las-Vegas