You know how I mentioned that once you pick a destination it seems that’s all you hear about? Well as predicted I’m tripping over  Tennessee but also Las Vegas. Facebook is a wonderful thing for keeping up with people and what did I see today? A post from a friend from the Bellagio.  He’s in Vegas now and posted pictures of the floral arrangements in the lobby.

I asked if he was staying there and he said no, at the Flamingo! So of course I mentioned the Wildlife Habitat. I hope he stops in there and posts some comments or pictures.

Speaking of Vegas I think we’re coming to the end of the Free list. One last Free attraction that I found is the Volcano at the Mirage, nightly shows from 7 – 11 pm, all free.

I hope we have time to take an break from the fire shows and lights and get outside the city. Believe it or not, Las Vegas is within a few hours drive of some of the most uniquely beautiful state and national parks in the United States.

Nevada’s Great Basin National Park lies near Las Vegas. It includes the limestone Lehman Caves, the Wheeler Peak glacier, and Lexington Arch, a natural limestone arch more than six stories tall.

Valley of Fire is Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, dedicated in 1935. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyphs.

A National Historic Landmark, Hoover Dam is the highest concrete dam in the Western Hemisphere, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River. Attracting more than a million visitors a year, Hoover Dam is located in Black Canyon, just minutes outside of Las Vegas.

There are several animal and bird sanctuaries and Desert National Wildlife Range. My reading about Desert National Wildlife Range or Desert NWR make me think this might be a good place to skip on this trip. It sounds rugged and many of the roads can become  unpassable or require 4 wheel drive. But if we get bored  there’s always the Grand Canyon. There are  a number of tours to the Grand Canyon that depart from Las Vegas and even though I’ve seen it twice it would still be worth another visit.

I think it’s going to be a great trip.