Time is the fire in which we burn.

Last night after a quick bite to eat I slept for a couple of hours in the car in a gas station parking lot before waking up and deciding to drive a bit from Mesquite, NV to the Valley of Fire State Park. I pulled over just a few miles from the park around 3 o'clock and threw out my sleeping bag and pad and slept under the stars next to the car. This way, I was able to get a relatively early start in the park. I spent the morning exploring a few of the slot canyons, roadside pull-offs, and various trails. A lot of people have recommended this park and I can see why and am glad I took the time to stop in. I passed right by the entrance on my last trip to the area, however I just didn't have enough time left to make stop in. The weather was comfortable and I got a bunch of neat shots throughout the park as I started to play with different exposures so I could try my hand at HDR processing when I returned home.

After staying for most of the morning and early afternoon, I headed back towards Vegas. Since I had time before my evening plans, I decided to head to Red Rock canyon one more time (my third visit) so I could do the driving tour once again. If I lived in the area, I think I'd definitely try to make it here on a regular basis and get into rock climbing a lot more. After meandering my way through and stopping at the various vista, I headed back towards Vegas and went to the Pinball Hall of Fame. This is a Mecca for a pinball fans and serious players and I would rather spend more money here than nearly any casino. After a few games I headed off to find the elusive $7 steak dinner (with beer) before finally heading back to the Monte Carlo to get a shower and some rest. My travel companion's cousin was quite gracious enough to get tickets to the performance of 'Ka'. We were joined by one of my travel companion's work contacts and enjoyed a good performance. I was still as enthralled with the stage work during this event as I was the first time I saw it in 2007. Since it was already a bit late when the show ended, I was only barely able to make it back prior to collapsing from a pretty exhausting, and worthwhile, couple of days.