A Different Kind of Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. In my 58 years of life, this is perhaps the strangest one I’ve celebrated yet. It was wonderful receiving greetings and good wishes from family and friends, via social media, but I have to admit it was almost a relief knowing there was no pressure this year to do something extra special or traditional. The circumstances we are all living under ensured it would be a day of simple pleasures; not parties.

Mark had done a lot of research, knowing I wanted to do an interesting hike if we could find an uncrowded area. He discovered we could travel a mere 37 miles and be transported from the Las Vegas desert floor to an alpine winter wonderland. Humboldt-Toyiabe National Forest is the largest National Forest of the US; outside of Alaska. The Spring Mountains (a part of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest) have almost 40 miles of trails that along with elevation changes and the virtual absence of flat terrain make for some strenuous but beautiful hiking. Add some snow and you have all the ingredients for an amazing birthday hike.

We finished the evening with dinner and a movie. Maybe not your typical Las Vegas birthday, but perfect for me!