Inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center you will find both steamy, and cool relaxing environments. There is plenty of wonder, including plants, flowers, iguanas, and of course butterflies. There is also a large waterfall which provides a nice background audio track as you enjoy the different levels of the exhibit.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is an awesome place to visit as you will see from the next few sets of photos.
In Hermann Park, there is a small Japanese Garden that you can visit. It is a nice spot and home to several special plants, gold fish, and turtles. I was thinking that it would be great to visit in the springtime when everything is in full bloom.
My trip to Las Vegas was wonderful. Of course I got to the Airport early so I could explore, eat some lunch, check out the views, and feed the slot machines for one last time.
In the future, I would like to spend some nights at the Zion Lodge. It would be nice to wake up and start exploring. Even if you just make it to the Lodge, you have accomplished a lot. The scenery in the Zion Canyon is most impressive without even striking out on a trail. Go and visit if you get the opportunity.
Zion is such a great adventure. If you drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, about 6 miles from the Visitor Center, you will find the Tunnel. It is about 1.1 miles long, and when it was completed in 1930, it was the longest tunnel of its type in the United States. It is a dark and spooky drive with a few openings along the way that let in some light and some views of the mountains. Beyond the Tunnel is a completely different section of the Park with some great hiking spots to explore.
This was a special sighting of Bighorn Sheep at Zion National Park. I was so thrilled that they gave me a moment to take some photos before they continued grazing and went on their way looking for dinner.
It is about a 3 hour drive from the Las Vegas Strip to Zion National Park. 164 miles according to Google Maps. This makes for a full day trip if you want to see and experience a piece of this awesome park. Right from the parking lot at the South Entrance, you know you are in for something special.
If you follow the road from Nelson Ghost Town towards the Colorado River, you will reach a spot with views of the El Dorado Canyon. I arrived at dusk which made for less than perfect photos, but you can get an idea of what the area looks like. I hope to return again for some hiking, swimming, and exploring.
I think this is what surprised me the most about my trip to Nelson Ghost Town. I was not expecting such beautiful desert views. This place does not disappoint. If you are in Vegas, this is a most worthy day trip.
earthrobert 