The Colors and Critters of Valley of Fire
The Colors and Critters of Valley of Fire
We left Utah the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and headed south. 20 at night, is just too cold. Plus, we had everything done we needed to do as far as art stuff. This was the first time we hit the road without Roxy. She did love the desert, and she is watching and traveling along I’m sure.
We don’t have any art shows in Arizona until January, so we have time to explore. We like to stay at Lake Mead not too far from Valley of Fire every time we pass this way. Something different this trip was wild burros were we boondock. We sometimes see them in the general area, but never right were we camp.
Honestly, these guys are just too cute.
The first two days we were here it was super windy, and not very warm. Plus, with it being a long weekend we felt it was best just to stay in the RV and not go anywhere. Not a hardship when you can get out and wander the desert.
I even found a burrowing owl. Which honestly surprised me.
Monday and Tuesday we finally went to Valley of Fire. As many times as we have been there, I never tire of it. I always see new parts of the landscape to photograph. The colors and textures are unrivaled anywhere. Red, yellow, white and lavender. All in one place.
And yes, the sky really is that blue.
Torrey likes it because dogs are allowed everywhere. On leash of course. She was posing sans leash for me for a minute.
Even the plants lend a hand in the beauty. I wish I knew what this plant was. We only saw one, it was small and it was the most spectacular indigo color.
This was dry, but the leaves looked almost like a chain pattern.
A few years ago on a trip to Valley of Fire we saw so many ravens everywhere. It must have been an odd year because we have never seen that again. There are always a few around though.
This is a composite image I did with three images of this raven walking, or strutting.
And then there are the desert bighorn sheep. Fall is when the rams are looking for girls, so they are more visible.
The landscape these guys live in is so colorful, and just makes the most beautiful background.
This guy was not letting this ewe out of his sight. She was either ready to mate, or he was incredibly hopeful.
They do making a striking portrait.
We are planning a few more days here, I think anyway. It’s suppose to get pretty cold the next two nights, and we found out yesterday there isn’t one drop of propane to be found anywhere nearby. Al is fixing a part of the roof, and that needs to sit for a couple days, so it’s kind of up in the air. Other than being cold, I’m OK with some more days at Valley of Fire for sure.
Beautiful photos Mary! Kind of bittersweet without Roxy, but as you said she is with you. Only been to Valley of Fire once. Didn’t see any wildlife as it was just a drive through. These pictures make me want to go back. Just gorgeous. Torrey is such a pretty model.
Good luck finding propane!
Sheree
Wow. I need to go there. Everything is fascinating and strikingly beautiful.
Amazing Shots Mary! I have yet to see a Big Horn Sheep…
and love seeing Torrey.
Enjoy seeing your pictures each and every time!
The shots you got of the bighorn (with truly big curls!) and the ewe are outstanding! What a pair. Must have been fun to observe their behavior.
I was blown away the first time we drove down into that valley. One of those scenes where you literally just gasp at the beauty.
I took a road trip last year at this time. Camping /sleeping in my Honda Element.
Everywhere I went (desert Southwest) the temp got down in the 20’s at night… I was not a happy camper. ;)
Lesson learned, winter is winter no matter where you go!
PS burrowing owl = my heart!
MARY! You post came up in my inbox, finally! These burro photos, they are among the best. The one I love is where the two are together but you can only see the one in the forefront with the other guy’s ears and BUTT showing…making this one guy appear to have two pairs of ears and two arses! HAAHAH
The burros are always the very best. I just love them! The mountain goats are pretty nice too. Hope you can stay warm!
Your photos are outstanding. I live in NJ and born in NY city so I have never had the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat like this. Amazing!