Vegas, Fire and a Lake

So when I started this blog, I said that I was going to intermingle my past adventures with some new one.  Well I just returned from a long weekend with Buddy the Bison and Lori P in Las Vegas, Nevada.  We did way more than just Vegas, as a matter of fact, we put close to a thousand miles on the car we rented.  I am not going to try to put it all in one blog entry.  So I am going to tell you about what we saw in Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead Recreational Area.

The Iconic Vegas Welcome Sign

Neither Lori P or I are big gamblers.  So does one do in Vegas, when you don't gamble, can't afford the price of shows, but love touring?  We made a list of things we each wanted to see in Vegas that was dirt cheap, all of them were free.  The Vegas sign is located just south of the Mandalay Bay resort, in the middle of a boulevard.  There is ample parking, and they have added a pitcher's mound and AstroTurf for all those that want to get their picture taken. 

The fountains at the Bellagio are also free, just find a parking spot at the Bellagio's ramp, walk either out front or just stand on the walkway to the Strip.  It is choreographed to music and goes off every half hour or so.  Walking around the inside of the Bellagio is a treat also.  They have an awesome ceiling in the reception area, and a mirrored horse.

Silver and Gold Horse from Bellagio

After watching the fountains, we headed too the Fremont Street Experience.  Again, there is ample parking for an inexpensive rate.  Fremont street was pretty dead while we were there, I am certain it is hopping during the summer, but one can get a drink every couple steps, and there are several casinos in the area.  If you have money to burn, check out the Neon Boneyard.  This is where old Vegas Neon signs go to die.  The night tour is $25.00, looked interesting, but we were on a budget and decided against it.  Next time though, I am touring.

 We stayed at Texas Station, a cute off the Strip resort, that is connected to several resorts in the area (all ending in Station), the rooms were being renovated, but the food and drinks were awesome.  The staff was very friendly, and their is a Starbucks on site if you are addicted like we are (I drink any kind of Coffee and Lori P is an Iced Chai Tea addict). 

The next day we got up early, found a casino on the way with a great breakfast bar (Lucy's Bar and Grill), then off to the Valley of Fire State Park.  Located next to the Lake Mead National Recreational Park, Valley of Fire shows off some of Nevada's Red Rock, in the most spectacular way.  There is a $10.00 fee per car load, which is good for 7 days in the park.  The Ranger's are super nice and the Visitor Center has a great display.  There are hiking trails if you are an outdoor person, but heed all warnings, cell service is very intermittent.

Red Rock in Valley of Fire

The Cabins in Valley of Fire

Animal Tracks in the Red Sand in Valley of Fire

More Red Rock, Valley of Fire

Desert with Red Rock, Valley of Fire

After spending a couple hours in the Valley, we drove a couple yards and entered the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  There is a small fee for here also.  $10.00 per car for 7 days.  This area is huge, and well worth the trip.  During the summer, the bay areas and resorts are packed to the brim, while we were there, most everything was buttoned up for the winter.  We entered at the North gate and a couple miles down was a stop for Roger's Spring.  This is totally awesome.  An underground spring that runs through the mountains comes up at this point, full of fish, and warm water.

The drive was incredible.  Between the water views and mountain views, it was breathtaking.  There are plenty areas to hike, but again, the cell service is very poor.  The drive around the lake takes you between the Black Mountains and the Muddy Mountains, with various areas for stopping and looking, or roads down to the lake.  The Bible Visitor Center is located just a couple miles from Hoover Dam off Route 93, with a movie, gift shop and displays.  There is also a fabulous view of the lake and the mountains from there.  Take your time in the park, stop and tour, you will not be disappointed.

Part of the Muddy Mountains, Lake Mead NRA

Boat Launch at Echo Bay, Lake Mead NRA

Buddy with the Welcome sign (he is the small brown thing under the IO)

Lake Mead, NRA

View from Bible Visitor Center, Lake Mead, NRA

Rogers Springs, Lake Mead, NRA

Coming soon to a blog near you, Fort Stanwix in Rome, NY, the Erie Canal, and the Hoover Dam.  But until then, safe travels, enjoy life and get you bucket list checked off.