Zion National Park, Camp trip , Utah

 Took a couple days off of work and drove 2 1/2 hrs from las vegas to Zion Park in St. George Utah. Paid the 25$ entry fee (good for 7 days) and the 16$ a night to camp out fee. Finally set up tents, food and supplies, and headed out to start our adventures.

As we set off for our first hike , we came face to face with this guy. He didn't seem phased at all, guess they are used to people here.

We took the free Zion shuttle bus for a scenic drive to the Emerald Pools Hike (about a 4 mile round trip hike)

A random cave/tunnel along the up hill hike to the pools..

A canyon wall you walk through  to the other side..

Most deserved view from atop the mountain of the furious Virgin River in Utah

.We then finally reached one of the 4 pools with waterfalls.

Calling it a day 4 hours later, we get back to the campsite to see this: They were all over the campgrounds just feeding and not bothering anyone, wildlife at its finest!

Waking up with some morning coffee by the Virgin River..

Day two. We decide to tackle "The Narrows". This is a 10 mile hike through water, and only water. It's no joke. It starts smooth, then you get into white water rapids, slippery rocks, algae walls and a strong current. Advice for this hike, bring a long sleeve shirt , dry clothes, lots of water/food, sturdy shoes with ankle support and a walking stick. We made the mistake of not having enough dry clothes and I got a bout of hypothermia on the way back, not fun. You get wet on this one, and there is not alot of sun in the canyon with the very narrow walls. At one point you have to swim one section. Be prepared, its not for beginners.

Water and Jet Skiing Lake Mead

Took the day to learn to waterski on Lake Mead, Hemenway Harbor

boated out to the hoover dam cove for some site seeing

  amazing being this close, spectacular views on a gorgeous day!

Anchored down to do a little hiking to a cave

flyboarding- the new sport out here on the lake, water propelled jet pack/board..unreal

Swimming with the dolphins in Las Vegas

 The water has always brought a sense of calm to me, living in the desert, water is few and far between..but I always seem to find it..here we have the dolphin habitat at Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip. Get up close and personal, and wet! cost 16 for locals, 20 for visitors, well worth it. They also have a lion and tiger habitat within this "sea world" feel park..

 Dolphins playing before the show..

Swimming with the dolphins

underwater view of the dolphins..

This was unbelievable how cosmo just came right up to us and posed for probably 2 minutes, worth every minute

Lion Habitat Ranch henderson

In the middle of Henderson Nevada, but on the outskirts, off st. Rose pkwy, little signage..you have to really look for this hidden ranch..

Pepper, hello there...

 Playing with the lions and cubs.they were so playful, kissing and rough housing with him, but in a gentle way..but still...

  

Massive lion, sticking his tongue out, he did a roar, surreal to hear and be so close up..his paws are about 3 or four of my hands put together..his head, massive, and the teeth and mouth..again surreal to see in your backyard

  hanging out with the cubs, amazing their loyalty

they mean business..dont mess!

This ranch is located off st. rose pkwy and near the 515/m resort. its 20$ to get in, best days are sat and sun, as you can see the striped tigers and ranch , its huge. only open fri-monday 11am-4pm. Cub viewing time is 11-2pm only.  You can take a picture with the cubs, but will cost 30$ and if you want to interact with the cubs for 10 min, it costs 200$ cash only..., no way! 

Welcome to Vegas, who knew we had lions, tigers and cubs oh my in our back yard!

Primm to Baker California

 Last minute drive to Primm California to get a lotto ticket, this is a rollercoaster going through the mountain, hotel and over waterslides, pretty neat!

Line was too long in Primm so I continued on to the next town, Baker California, stopping at the Mojave Desert for a hike and some lunch..

Mojave Desert, Yucca and Joshua trees for miles!

Climbed one of the trees to find these mysterious fruit...still not sure what they are

in Baker, they have a famous Area 51 Alien Green Jerky store..weird..

And finally the worlds Largest Thermometer!

Started the day launching off Callville Bay , and found a hidden cove only accessible by kayak, about 20 feet in depth from surface to bottom, you can beach here and see down to the bottom from your boat..Crystal clear waters..

 Swimming with the sharks of the bottom!..so many species below you can find if you are patient and stall to no wake.

Beaching on the island for a swim..

These guys appear if they hear plastic , no joke, they think its food coming out! They all just sat around me the whole time.

beautiful day today, always something new to find out here!

China Ranch Date Farm/Hot Springs California

When traveling through the Death Valley area consider visiting beautiful China Ranch, near Tecopa California. China Ranch is a family owned and operated small farm, a lush piece of greenery amidst the forbidding Mojave Desert near Southern Death Valley. Imagine towering cottonwoods and willows by a wandering stream, date palms and abundant wildlife, all hidden away in some of the most spectacular scenery the desert has to offer.

The Ranch is also rich in history. The Old Spanish Trail is within walking distance, as is the historic Tonopah & Tidewater railroad bed. Hike to nearby abandoned mines or just relax and  Enjoy the Hot Springs!