My Life Family Events: Dawn and her family in Las Vegas

Leaving Oregon's Fir Covered Slopes

Visiting Dawn and her family
Although Oregon and Nevada are adjoining states, it took me two days to traverse the vast open spaces between Roseburg, Oregon and Las Vegas, Nevada. For awhile I traveled south near the old Oregon Trail which brought tens of thousands of pioneers to the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century. The hills were so steep that the pioneer's oxen could not always pull the covered wagon up the slopes. Family furniture and other heavy items were often left by the trailside. Sometimes the oxen died while climbing and the family would only be left with what they could carry on their backs.

My journey was long but not arduous. I stopped often to take pictures, contemplate the expansive view and relish in the solitude of the open desert. Frequently I would drive 100 miles or more without seeing a town or gas station. Unlike the early pioneers no hill was too steep nor any distance too far for my car and I to travel. Country music singers Martina McBride and Faith Hill gently sang to me while fresh coffee kept me alert to the ever changing scenery I was passing through. The sun was bright, but in the high desert in September, the temperature barely broke into the 80's.

Canyon shadows at the days end.

Karah and Dawn

Dawn has two children, Karah and Ethen. Karah, pictured to the left, was born on October 5th, 1997. Nathan was born on June 17th, 1995. Dawn first saw this world on September 7th, 1975 in New Haven, Connecticut.
I arrived in Las Vegas one day before Dawn's 29th birthday. The next morning I rose early and found a flower shop where I purchased two dozen, lovely yellow and pink, fragrant roses for Dawn. Christopher was staying with Dawn and we agreed to meet around 1 in the afternoon. Las Vegas is a town that is more alive at night than during the day. Dawn and her roommate Debby work until the early hours of the morning and then sleep until noon.

Dawn's younger brother, Christopher, moved from the Colorado Springs homestead to Las Vegas, early in the summer of 2004. His birthday was January 16th, 1981 which made him 23 at the time of my visit. He left behind his older brother Ricky and his youngest sister, Susan. All were originally born in New Haven. They lived in Fair Haven, Connecticut until their Dad, my older brother Larry, decided to go west in the early 1980's. Debby also came from the east by way of Michigan. I sensed that I was in the company of modern day pioneers. Individuals and families who ventured afar to test themselves and find a place in the world they could call home. A place that was comfortable, safe and of their own creation.

Christopher, Debby and the pets.

Comfy on a cat quilt

Dawn, like her younger sister Susan, is a cat lover. Both sisters are strong willed and independent while keenly aware of the comforts and love a warm home often contains. They blaze their own paths and learn from their mistakes. Neither can be told what to do, but both will accept a helping hand graciously. Like their feline counterparts, Susan and Dawn are territorial and protective of their space. They appreciate a kind touch and wish to be accepted as they are.
Dawn also has a cute little dog that sometimes acts like a cat. He curls up in his own chair, is protective of his territory and gets along well with the real cats.

All too soon the afternoon turned to evening as the September sun dipped below the western horizon. The lights came on in Las Vegas and the city started to awaken from its daily slumber. Dawn and Debby had to prepare for work. Matt soon left with Ethan and Karah. I gathered my belongings, gave everyone a hug and sadly said good-bye. It would be at least a year before I was back in this part of the country. I had my pictures and memories; those would carry me through until our next rendezvous.
The next morning found me climbing through the desert north of Las Vegas. I was headed to Salt Lake City via the vastness of Nevada and the red rimmed canyons of Utah.

Dawn's home in Las Vegas


America's Loneliest Road - Highway 50	A relentless sun bakes the desert floor


Back on the open road...	Ascending a red rock canyon road


Is dinner ready yet?	Dawn's pet dog