Of all the trips I’ve made to Nevada, I’d never been to the Valley of Fire State Park. A few weeks ago, I visited this magnificent natural wonder – well worth the drive from Vegas – to witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty of these incredible rock formations.
Going for an Ansel Adams vibe on this photo.
Valley of Fire State Park is a public recreation and nature preservation area covering nearly 46,000 acres located 16 miles south of Overton, Nevada. The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, the Aztec Sandstone, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. Wikipedia
I rose every morning before daybreak to watch the sun rise, hear birdsongs in the trees as I sipped tea. Who’d want to sleep through this?
These gliders were my favorite place to sit to enjoy my view any time of day…..a close second – the hot tub.
Sunrise over Wears Valley
In love with this view.
The kitchen had everything I needed to prepare meals (except my cast iron skillet which I brought with me) as well as peppers and herbs from my garden. You may notice 3 bottles of red wine, those would be mine. 🍷
Cozy cabin
Dreamy bed, slept like a baby each night which is rare for me, so restorative.
Jacuzzi tub, perfect for a daily soak. #relaxationisgood
Michigan has been my home for all of my 59 years. By November, leaves are off the trees, the variety of fall colors are a sweet but fading memory. And it’s time to break out the jackets – or at least the sweaters.
Not this year. The Autumn of 2015, has to be the most beautiful in my recollection. On Monday it reached 79 degrees at home though I was en route to Traverse City (northwest Michigan) with my lifelong BFF. I think Traverse City easily reached 75 degrees on Monday with Tuesday and Wednesday equally warm. On Tuesday at 5:00 p.m., I was standing in the sand, wearing flipflops and taking photos of the crystal blue water, lighthouse, sunset and amazed at our good fortune.
The color change, which historically would be over by now, was in full glory. It wasn’t just warm, it was sunny and the sky was brilliant, painting the trees with light. Driving the two lane roads throughout the countryside, we marveled at every turn. I love Michigan and this time of year is always something special, though often it’s brief. I’m so grateful to be able to experience it in retirement.
Still blooming in Frankfort Michigan
These geese caused traffic to halt in the charming town of Frankfort
Geese have the right of way
Everyday, this was my view – it was hard to leave such beauty. You can smell the fresh scent of pine in the air.
Morning
At dusk
As we were packing the car for our return trip, I noticed mushrooms sprouting along the forest floor.
