Month: January 2018

Viva Las Vegas!

Gallery | Posted on by Rich & Susan

What can I say about Las Vegas? Glitzy, flamboyant, amazing, crazy, glamorous, busy, and proof positive that money can do just about anything if enough is thrown at it!!

 Visiting here was a blast!  On top of the list was the chance for Susan and I to visit her cousin Judy and husband Les. It was such a pleasure to sit and enjoy lunch and catch up with family. 

To add to the enjoyment was an impromptu class reunion of Susan’s best high school class buddies.  Of course not one of them has changed in 40 years, (Right! Let’s go with that!) although it was amazing to hear the years dissolve away as they reminisced days long gone by.  Listening to their banter, I couldn’t help to think of a lyric line from the song “Another Aule Lang Syne” written by song artist Dan Fogelberg:  “Just for a moment we were back in school.”

Thanks Dale for being the the social director!2017 Nov. Las Vegas_11 08 17_5019

Like to people watch? Come to Las Vegas! Like to gamble? Come to Las Vegas! Like great entertainment? Come to Las Vegas! Like hotels that go on for blocks?Come  to Las Vegas! Like peace and quiet and no traffic? Well you obviously read the wrong brochure!!

Below is just a glimpse of some of the sights in this amazing city!

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So much fun!

It’s on to Kerrville Texas where we will spend the winter and take a break for 3 months before making our way back to Michigan for the Summer.

Into the Valley of Fire!

Image | Posted on by Rich & Susan

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4789_edited-1

When we think of a desert, our minds usually conjure visions of drifting sand as far as the eyes can see. We might envision Arabian Knights mounted on camels with attire covering them head to toe blocking the sun’s searing heat.

Carved out of the vast Sonoran Desert is The Valley of Fire located between Mesquite and Las Vegas Nevada. The landscape is nothing like what we think of a desert. Dry for sure though greenery grows everywhere. Blazing sun and cloudless skies but pleasant temps in the 70s during our visit. Towering red rock formations are everywhere!Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4919_edited-1

There are a number of hiking trails available throughout the park depending on your level of skill and risk tolerance. Getting lost in this place could end very badly! Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4927_edited-1

Looking at the map and our surroundings we thought it best to choose a hike that was, according to the description, easy.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4858_edited-1

Wait! They call this EASY!!

Somewhere in the midst of the rocks is a trail…..I think! Thank goodness I bought the hiking stick. (And since I had it, Susan held on to me!) It really helped us to stay vertical.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4856_edited-1

Sure we’re going down there…….ARE Y0U KIDDING ME!

We made it down without bumps of bruises! Look carefully at the pic above and you can see a plaque denoting the site of a movie set shot here in the 70s.

Continuing on, the trail goes between two massive rock formations and follows a wash. It was a little eerie as well as fascinating as we made our way through.

So the question that comes up when we mention being in the desert is “did you  see any snakes? Well despite all the warnings that rattle snakes, scorpions, and other not to friendly critters were indeed around, the only sign of life was these tracks,Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4812_edited-1

and some overly aggressive desert rats trying to swipe our lunch!

We never would have guessed that being in the middle of the desert would be such an enjoyable experience. It’s beauty lures you in but if you aren’t careful, it will ruin your day!

Below, enjoy some more beautiful shots from the Valley of Fire.Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada_11 01 17_4763_edited-1

 

On to Las Vegas!