A couple more things:
First, somehow some of the searches got the idea that the cement water drainage ditch to the east of the search was just done a few months ago. I highly doubted that when I heard them say that today. Now, that I am looking at the satellite I see that I am right. It is very easy to see in Google Maps. These people were thinking that maybe Steven could have been covered up when the ditch was made. But, I now know that is not possible since the ditch was already there when he disappeared.
Second, for all you that were not there. The area we searched was the "triangle" section directly south of the airport. It's an upside down triangle if you look at the satellite photo on Google Maps. Fairy1 and I were on the left/west far side of the triangle. Eventually the area narrowed down to where I could easily cross to the east side and actually walk along the drainage ditch north back to Volunteer Blvd. On that walk the only thing that stood out to me is that allow there is a chainlink fence that protects the ditch, every once in a while there is a door where the ditch can be accessed. And the chainlink doors are not locked. You can open them right up, no problem.
Third, what you cannot tell from the satellite map is that the ground goes uphill as you go south from Volunteer until you get to a plateau. It is a very gradual rise but it is definitely noticeable from Volunteer. Plus, the drainage ditch to the east sits downhill, almost straight downhill from that plateau. In fact, Fairy1 watche me perilously negotiate that steep hill as I worked my way down to the ditch.
Fourth, a few different people while I was there today asked me how far it is from the search area to Evening Lights. Driving: 5 to 7 mins. Walking if by the streets: 45 mins. Walking if trying to go by a straight line: No idea. And don't be confused by the satellite photo as it looks like is just a very straight walk ENE from Evening Lights to the search area. That area is very hilly and bounded by several walls between Evening Lights and the search area. And even in a straight line the walk is about 6000feet. That's a mile and an eighth. And not an easy walk.
Fifth, being a decently fit 39yo guy, I do not believe one person could carry Steven into that search area. With training, like they do in the military, I suppose. But just some guy off the street? It would be difficult. Even two guys holding arms and legs would have their hands full. The terrain is uneven. The road is decently well traveled. There are houses that look on to the search area. MAYBE if someone took a car up the dirt road on the west side of the triangle. Then, it would be easier to take a body out into the area. But, big trucks go up there and dump rock. And I walked along the edge of that road for most of my walk. Nothing there.
Sixth, there has been mentioning of rain between December and now. That would definitely affect the area. You could go out to that area six months from now and it would look totally different. Not even us Las Vegans realize how the desert becomes a river when it rains hard. If anything of any consequence was in the area, it could have been wash away. Just sayin'
Lastly, having said all that, there was evidence that people do go out in that area. I personally found a gravesite for a dog named Jazz. I think Fairy1 saw the site as well. I also found rocks piled up right near the ridge overlooking the drainage ditch. So, people do go out there. But carrying somebody out there? Hard to imagine it.
