It is hard to believe that we have already been in Las Vegas for four days. We had done as much as we thought we wanted to do but as usually always leave behind things to do in the future.
The rain we had did bring the temperatures to more tolerable levels (88 degrees) but surprisingly the high humidity made the cooler temps uncomfortable too. We weren’t expecting humidity in Las Vegas but I guess they experience it as well.
The drive to Valley of Fire was only 55 miles on good road so we made decent time. The desert is kind of bland but as we got closer to the park we could see subtle changes in the color of the landscape.
The roads are long and lonely so the last 30 miles or so seemed very long and were very desolate despite not being very far from the big city of Las Vegas.
We arrived at the Valley of Fire State Park and once again were awed by its beauty. Six years ago we did a whirlwind visit and promised ourselves that we would return in the MH and spend at least one night here. Neither one of us can believe we are really here and the best part – they added new camp sites with water and electric. Definitely need electricity with the temps back up into the low 100”s.
All the camp sites are huge and most are nestled into or along the beautiful rock formations of the Valley. It was very hot (112 degrees) when we arrived at 2 PM. We had lunch, took a nap, read then around 5 PM (Temp down to 103) decided to take the 2 mile loop around the CG and check out the area.
Our first stop was the Atlati Rock with examples of ancient Indian rock art or petroglyphs. I remember the climb up to view the petroglyphs and because the sun was behind the rock we were in a shaded area which made it much more comfortable.
The petroglyphs – well preserved in the dry heat of the desert.
We stopped to take pictures of the beehives, unusual sandstone formations weathered by the eroding forces of wind and water. They really look like beehives.
Next was the Arch Rock – a much smaller arch then we had seen at Arches National Park.
We left Arch Rock and were driving to the Petrified Logs when we saw two cars parked on the side of the road. We looked beyond the cars and thought we were seeing things. On the rocks was a tall silver pole and OMG a Pole Dancer. Yes, I said a Pole Dancer being photographed. Of course we just had to get a picture for the blog. Oh, and by the way, she was quite good at her art. We weren’t expecting this outside of Vegas but there she was!!!!!! You never know what you will see in the desert. LOL
Once we got over that adventure to headed off to see the Petrified Logs. Somehow we thought they wouldn’t be as interesting. The logs and stumps displayed were washed into the area from an ancient forest over 225 million years ago.
We completed the two-mile loop and went back to our camp site. While I was making dinner Ron was going to take Jewel for a walk. Little did I know that Jewell had taken off chasing a critter before Ron could get her on her lease. She thinks she is a great hunter and once she gets a critter in her sight there is no stopping her. Ron came back to the MH and asked if I knew what had just happened. Of course, I did not. Jewel had disappeared and he was searching for her but could not find her. heart sick he asked a neighboring camper if they had seen a little white dog. yes, he had – she was right under our MH. What the heck, Ron was all over looking for her and she was under our MH!!!!!
Yes, indeed, she was. She had chased the critter under the MH and of course when Ron called her she didn’t respond. Too busy cornering the critter between our tires and getting her face dirty.
After a bath for Jewel, a dinner for us and Ron calming down we walked around the CG snapping pictures of the magnificent scenery around us. The color in the rocks changed as the sun was setting giving you a different perspective and feeling. Too beautiful to capture on film.
After an eventful day we sat outside the MH and enjoyed the views - not the toes Ron. LOL The temp had dropped to 99 so it was comfortable for us after the heat of the day.
Despite the searing temps we enjoyed the day. Our plan for tomorrow is to get out early before the temps hit the 112 again.
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