Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Valley of Fire in Nevada

Part of how Amazing Guy enticed me to come on his annual trip to Vegas was the chance to spend part of or all of one day on a photo tour of a Nevada desert.

To say I'd been looking forward to this part of the trip would be an understatement. I was practically salivating at the prospect of trasping through rocks and sand, photographing cacti, rocks and big skies. A friend came along although I think she came because AG was worried I would be lonely. How can I be lonely with my camera?

The tour guide, Chance, picked me and our friend up at 7:00 am. Now, does anyone else think of Abba's Take a Chance on Me at this point of the story? Chance didn't find my pop culture reference all that funny. Nor did he think the other couple's comment about taking a chance in Vegas was funny either.

After the 45+ minute drive down Interstate 15 we were in the Valley of Fire, a Nevada state park. I was shocked at how few people were there. It was an inspiring place. The valley is made of petrified sand dunes. There are ancient, Native American petroglyphs - carvings on the side of rocks.

So sit back, click the slide show below and enjoy the 60+ photos I'm particularly proud of. Out of the 400+ photos I took in about four hours. And if you sit through the entire thing you'll get a treat - the red snakeskin cowboy boots will make an appearance. With a certain person wearing them. Doesn't that entice you?

And you can see some of the photos even larger at Looking Into.

One last photo-related item - fair Brillig has nominated Jenn and my joint photo site - Looking Into - for a 2008 Bloggie Award. Go to http://2008.bloggies.com/ and nominate us!

12 comments:

Jen said...

It looks absolutely stunning. I'd love to see that area.

Jenn in Holland said...

Ah-hah! So you took your time coming back to make us a little slideshow didja? I love it! It is stunning and just smacks of home sweet home to me.

Welcome back!

Jenn in Holland said...

sorry. realizing my phonetic dutch spelling probly doesn't translate very well. Meant to say didya as in DID YOU but with a slangy type attitude and all. I think I was thinking y'all would know that the j is a YA sound by itself. But I actually think it just looks like one really big typo up there. A lot like the word probly in this comment. But see, I meant that to look just as is, so as you might begin to think I was just a hillbilly or some such.

I should probly shut up now and go to bed.

Really am glad yous back.

Jan said...

Beautiful Pictures ! That's one area I have never visited but I would love to go there just once. Welcome back ! I missed you. (((HUGS)))

Alex Elliot said...

I can't wait to see them. I going to sit back and relax and enjoying them!

Flower Child said...

So beautiful. Actually tempted to visit the LV area.

Ambassador said...

A--


Wow! Now I'm actually excited about my trip to Vegas for work at the end of the month - how long was the tour? OK to head out on my own in the rental car? Great photos, my dear! And like NOLA, there's more to NV than casinos! K

Jenn in Holland said...

If you change your mind, I'm the first in line, honey I'm still free, take a chance on me!

Seems like Chance needs to lighten up a little!

Lovely, lovely, lovely...
Fun end of the country, eh?

Goofball said...

it looks breathtaking! I am totally jealous.

Wholly Burble said...

Ah you get me right where I live--I'm an earth sign--a rockhound--a nut for rock formations, etc.--I SO enjoyed the show. Thanks for sharing. I spotted those boots ;-)

painted maypole said...

we went there when we went to vegas! it is really cool!

Jan said...

Those rock formations are just awesome !!! Love the pics ! (((HUGS)))