Our ninth day in the USA was a fantastic blend of natural wonder and urban excitement! We were starting the day with an early drive away from Las Vegas. We packed the car with our essentials – water, snacks, and of course, the all-important camera and set our sights on the fiery landscapes of the Valley of Fire State Park.
Breakfast with a view: An unexpected Air Show!
As we cruised down the I-15, our stomachs began to rumble. Spotting the familiar golden arches, we pulled into a McDonald's in Nellis for a quick breakfast. Little did we know, this casual pit stop would turn into an unforgettable experience! Suddenly, the air filled with a thunderous roar. We looked up to see not one, but two formations of three fighter jets performing incredible aerial stunts right above us! Circling, diving, and soaring with breathtaking precision, it was a truly spectacular sight. Then the penny dropped – we were right next to the Nellis Air Force base and it was the United States Air Force Thunderbirds! Breakfast with a view doesn't even begin to describe it; it felt like our very own private air show, and the boys were absolutely thrilled. What an amazing and unexpected start to our day!
Journey to the Red Rocks: Exploring the Valley of Fire
Fuelled by our exciting breakfast and anticipation, we continued our drive towards the Valley of Fire. We've been enjoying the ever-changing desert scenery throughout our road trip, but nothing could have prepared us for the majestic beauty that awaited us. As we approached the entrance, the first glimpses of vibrant red rock formations began to appear, hinting at the spectacle within.
For just $15, we entered the incredible Valley of Fire State Park, and were given a helpful map detailing the scenic route, viewpoints, and hiking trails. We spent the next few hours exploring this geological wonderland. The majestic red rocks, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion, were simply breathtaking. The next few hours were spent in absolute awe. Every turn in the road revealed a new and incredible vista. The drive itself through the valley was, without a doubt, the most beautiful drive I have ever experienced. We stopped frequently, cameras in hand, trying to capture the grandeur of the fiery landscape. We could have easily spent an entire day lost in the beauty of this park, hiking and taking in the panoramic views.
Fremont Street Thrills: Flying Superman Style!
Reluctantly, we began our journey back towards the city, the memory of the stunning Valley of Fire etched in our minds. Our next destination was the vibrant Fremont Street Experience. Charlie had been particularly excited about this, wanting to try the "SlotZilla" zip line – Superman style!
We had pre-booked tickets online for the SlotZilla zip line, taking advantage of the unlimited flights before 5pm offer for $79 each, I had already done this on a previous trip so this was time for Mark and Charlie to enjoy it. Louie and I watched from below as they soared like superheroes high above the crowds, underneath the viva vision canopy. They absolutely loved it and their faces were beaming as they landed although that could have been something to do with the topless woman dancing on the bar We quickly escorted the boys away laughing at some of the other sights on the street, dancing Monkeys, random dancers and singers, it's so much fun people watching here.
While Mark and Charlie took advantage of the unlimited flights offer, me and Louie headed off to find a sweet treat. He asked for a slush but most were alcoholic so we found a Dunkin' Donuts inside the Fremont Hotel and Casino, right in the heart of the action. A hot chocolate for me, an iced chocolate for Louie, and a box of donuts to share (saving some for the daredevils, of course!) was the perfect mid-afternoon treat and the perfect way to relax and watch the vibrant street life unfold.
Buffet Dreams vs. Reality: The Garden Buffet
As evening approached, our thoughts turned to dinner. We hadn't made any specific reservations, but a Las Vegas buffet was high on our list after seeing so many in vlogs during our trip planning. Based on reviews, we decided to try the Garden Buffet at the South Point Hotel.
The hotel itself was impressive, it's huge and stands brightly on the edge of the desert. The buffet offered a vast selection of dishes for a really good price, it was $33.95 per adult and half price for children, with soft drinks included and reasonably priced beers. It definitely ticked the boxes for eating on a budget. However, while the variety and value for money was great, after some of the truly exceptional meals we'd experienced earlier in our trip, we left feeling a little underwhelmed.
Day 9 was another action-packed and memorable day on our USA adventure. From the unexpected air show to the stunning landscapes of the Valley of Fire and the thrilling heights of Fremont Street, we were all ready for a good night's sleep, excited for more adventures.
#ValleyOfFire #Nevada #LasVegas #FremontStreetExperience #SlotZilla #USARoadTrip #TravelBlog #FamilyTravel #DesertAdventures #Thunderbirds #NevadaStateParks
Add comment
Comments