NEVADA is
without doubt the most desolate state in the
US, consisting largely of endless tracts of
bleak, empty desert. Its flat sagebrush
plains are cut intermittently by angular
mountain ranges, and the lack of rainfall or
fertile soil has ensured its maintenance as
untouched wilderness. Apart from the huge
acreages given over to mining and to grazing
cattle and sheep, much of Nevada is under
the control of the military, who use
it to test aircraft and weapons systems,
including Stealth fighters and atomic bombs.
Dozens of intriguing small towns are
scattered around the state, some showing
signs of strong Basque influence. Many more
are fairly decrepit roadside ghost towns,
often little more than a
gas-station-cum-general-store, flanked by a
saloon and perhaps a brothel – Nevada is
the only US state not to have outlawed prostitution,
though it is illegal in Las Vegas.
Though millions of people pass through on
their way to and from California, there’s
only one real reason why anyone ever visits
Nevada, and that is to gamble: as
soon as you cross the state border, you’ll
be attacked by a 24-hour onslaught of neon
signs and gimmicky architecture, each
advertising the best odds and biggest
jackpots, nowhere more than in the surreal
oasis of Las Vegas. Even the smaller
and more down-to-earth settlements of Reno
and state capital Carson City revolve
around the casino trade. At least the
casinos’ energetic pursuit of passing
trade keeps rooms and especially food
inexpensive, so the towns make good places
to break a long journey – and, with
Nevada’s relaxed marriage and divorce
laws, make or break a relationship.
Click here to go to Nevada State
web site. |
