March 2004 & March 2007 ...........

Valley of Fire State Park: Located six miles from Lake Meade and 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas via  I-15 on exit 75. It's the oldest and largest state park, dedicated in 1935. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations, formed from great shifting sand dunes during the age of the dinosaurs, 150 million years ago. Prehistoric users of the valley included the Basket Maker people and later the Anasazi Pueblo farmers. The span of approximate occupation has been dated from 300 BC to 1150 AD. Fine examples of rock art left by these ancient peoples can be found at several sites within the park. Winter temperatures range from freezing to 75 degrees. Summer highs usually reach 100 degrees, however can be as high as 120 degrees. Plants include the creosote bush, burro bush, and brittle bush, and beaver tail and cholla cactus are common. Many species of lizards and snakes can be found, as well as coyote, kit fox, spotted skunk, black tailed jack rabbit and antelope ground squirrel. You may be lucky enough to see a desert tortoise, it's rare and protected, so don't bother it. We didn't get to see one. There is a visitor information center, camping, and picnicking areas. We took a day trip from Vegas to tour the park, a very worthwhile day.
In 2007 Harold and Margaret Winsinger, our dear friends, spent the winter in Arizona at the same RV park, and went to Vegas to help get Laurel's mother's house ready to sell when she moved to assisted living. We are blessed with friends like them. Lower photo is Dean, Laurel and Harold.

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