The Valley of Fire State Park – Mesquite to Las Vegas, Nevada 6/8/2013

JUNE 8, 2013 (Saturday)

Moving day. We are excited to be leaving. This place isn’t dirty or bad, but it wasn’t a good fit for us as there was no internet easily available, the pool was too far away and too dirty, and there were no activities going on.

We got up early and headed out. Checkout was easy and the staff were chatty and nice. We headed to Las Vegas and debated whether or not to take the turnoff to The Valley of Fire State Park. We decided we might not be back this way so we went for it, (singing, “We may never pass this way again.”).

We were so glad we did. What a beautiful place. I (Edie) thought, “Oh no, not another Zion or Bryce.” Yes, it has the beautiful colored formations but it was a totally different feeling and look.

We love plants growing in near impossible situations, like the hollow of this rock.

Desert plants growing out of rocks, tenacious life, so admirable!

We both simultaneously stated and saw a panther, lion, or cat of some sort was in this rock. — We both simultaneously stated and saw a panther, lion, or cat of some sort in this rock.

Looked like a giant cobra head from behind.

The red rocks in the Valley of Fire had the most unusual shapes and holes that made it unimaginable how the water and wind worked their relentless cutting, sanding and drilling to produce such odd shapes and holes.

109 degrees, Edie sent me to photo the petrified logs while she stayed in the car. You can just make her out in the passenger seat.

We did the whole route with several side trips and photo’s, and then exited out the east gate to the Lake Mead route to Las Vegas. The entrance into the State Park was $10.00, but the entrance into Lake Mead cost us nothing. Love Michael’s Lifetime Senior pass.

We got into Las Vegas and the Cliffs at about 2:30.

Check in was quick and easy. The girl at the front desk made sure we were checked in for two weeks in the same unit. We were asked if we wanted upstairs or down (we like upstairs), and then we were given papers with what was the next weeks schedule (not much but they have a lot of shuttles going to different places). We were then given our keys and directed to get our “parking pass” at the; let me schedule you for a timeshare presentation counter. We went for it and opted for the $80.00 Visa. We’ll let you know more about this tomorrow as we’re supposed to go to lunch there and learn about recent changes.

We got to our “home” and were delighted. We have reasonably acceptable internet (3 mb/ps), beautiful home, washer and dryer, and a walk in closet. I could easily live here, no problem. It’s beautiful. We have a lovely little patio that we’re looking forward to enjoying for breakfast while here. We figure it’s too hot to eat dinner outside, but breakfast might work.

Dining room, door to balcony and bedroom.

The first building is the weight room and the pool is just beyond.

I’ve started the laundry and have begun unpacking. Loving it here. Looking forward to some exciting adventures.

Edie's favorite part of this place. We are thinking about doing a book on laundromats across America. — Edie’s favorite part of this place. We are thinking about doing a book on laundromats across America.