California's Central Valley produces much of the food we take for granted, but temperatures can be harshly extreme, and the air quality is not good. I'm glad farmers live there, and I'm thankful I don't.

The farms end as the foothills begin.

The Sierra Nevada are hard to overlook. You know they're coming when the plane starts bouncing around in the turbulent air above them.

Spring is just beginning in the Sierra. Campsites in the forests down there might be open in 2 months.

I need more time off! I'd go walk up that canyon...

Many geographical borders are just lines on a map. You can see why they ran the California-Nevada border where they did.

Meanwhile, cocktails, beer, and premium wines are available in the main cabin for $5.00. Exact change is appreciated. Our complimentary beverages are listed in the back of our in-flight magazine, located in the seat pocket in front of you.

A can of sparkling water is welcome as I look out at the dry Nevada mountains.

Not far east of the Sierra Nevada, only the highest peaks have a dusting of snow.

We begin descending to the Las Vegas desert as we pass over Red Rock Canyon.

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