Spur of the moment has a barb

Heading to Vegas, baby, for a workshop on Monday. So I figured I'd camp the weekend away, then drop in to the resort for the session and hit the road. Nice plan but, I didn't do adequate research and made no reservations.
My plan was to camp at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area but I got a late start and the sites are few and the weather got warm. En route, I decided to go to Mount Charleston where there are more campground options and the elevation would mean more comfortable temperatures.

I'll spare you the details and just say that I am "camping" in a room at Saddle West Hotel Casino in Parhump.  Nice grounds, basic but spacious and truly non-smoking accommodations, good drinking water and less than $100 a night.
I'm hoping to get a spot in Red Rock for tomorrow night.

Don't get me wrong, the day was not all bad.  It was a lovely, easy drive. Lunch at the Mad Greek was big enough for dinner, too. There are some wildflowers in Kyle Canyon (leading up to Mount Charleston) and the blooming Joshua trees, viewed late in the afternoon in Lee Canyon, enticed me to stop for photos. Much of the vegetation here looks happier than its SoCal counterparts.

These views look toward Mount Charleston from the northeast. I will try to figure out the name of the distinctively-shaped hill. The shot below was made in the Sawmill picnic area. Only one picnic party - they had the run of the place.