Friday, February 18, 2011

Leaving Las Vegas


The true beauty of the Vegas area lies outside the Strip. We took several day trips, the first one was to Red Rock Canyon. I had never been there this time of year and there was a lot of green. Beautiful!


I see a lot of faces in these rocks, do you?



This rock climber was far away. I would never do this, not in a million years.
I did make my mom climb up into a hole in the red rock.



Close by Bonnie Springs Ranch has an old timey town to explore and a small zoo.
Looks like it was built in the 1870's but was really built in the 1970's for tourists. Probably more fun for kids than adults. They had a staged 'neck tie party' as my grandfather used to call it.


Found a tree full of chickens and roosters.
Who wouldn't want one of these?
Cowboy alarm clock?



Beautiful lynx. I believe they are native to the area.




This strange critter is a Patagonian Mara. Looks like an alien to me!


A trip to Mount Charleston was next.



So beautiful and still a lot of snow on the ground.
Cars were pulling over to let their kids get out and roll in it. Very funny!
The houses and cabins nestled in the mountains were really neat.


Our third outing was to Lake Mead. We were lucky enough to get to go out on a houseboat.


 A great view of the Hoover Dam that most people don't see.
 After 9/11 you can't get up close.


 Loads of carp around the marina. People come to feed them popcorn.
Ducks on top of the fish even.



Pretty redhead duck I've never seen this type before.



View from a top Hoover Dam.


Back to Las Vegas, my Grandmother's husband had to show us the new Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.
It's not every day that one gets to see a Frank Gehry building! It looks like something from Dr. Suess.



The sunset from my grandmother's back yard.


On a separate note, I have finally reached 500 blog followers!
To celebrate I will be having a giveaway soon. More details to come.

11 comments:

Jennifer Rose said...

great photos :) i love going to canyons like Red Rock :) so much to see and explore. I went into a few cave holes when I was at writing on stone in Alberta and was really surprised by how much cooler it was compared to outside.

and what an odd looking building that institute is. makes me dizzy just looking at it lol

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos again Jen! The red headed duck is a Canvasback.
:-)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

These photos are just amazing! This was such an incredible trip. I would have adored seeing all these fabulous birds and animals. :) Thanks for sharing. And congrats on reaching 500 followers! Hurray!!! Theresa

Anonymous said...

Looks like you've had an amazing trip! And as always your photos are gorgeous!

LuLu Kellogg said...

These photos were amazing! I love the little Patagonian Mara!

Wishing you a lovely Saturday!
LuLu~*xoxo

Jeanne said...

Wonderful photos! I felt like I was right there seeing it all! Thanks so much for sharing!

Erica Lea said...

What a cool trip! I feel like I got to travel with you through your great photos:-) We lived in southern Utah for a while, so are very familiar with the red rock scenery. Don't think I would do the rock climbing, either, lol! Oh, and congrats on all the followers - you have such an awesome blog!

Dom said...

Such an awesome collection of shots.

Lin said...

COOL! Love the photos--love the animals and the building. Hoover Dam is something--my son had to research it for a project years ago and it is quite the feat to accomplish.

Looks like you are having a great trip!

Janine said...

Your photos look wonderfull
The anyons are impressing but most of all I love that chicken-tree. Hve a great week
Janine

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

I have sooo enjoyed your photos from Vegas and the surrounding area. I miss living in the West so much! Thank you for such beautiful memories.