Expedition to the West - Day8

=== Las Vegas ===

We got a red eye flight back to DC so we still had a full day in Vegas.  We walked down the strip again until we were so exhausted.  The sin city cannot keep us any longer.  We were ready to go home.

Expedition to the West - Day7

=== Kelso Sand Dunes ===

I love sand dunes, for whatever reason.  Two years ago we went to The Great Sand Dunes national park.  It was a blast.  Kelso Sand Dunes is not as massive but it is still quite a challenge.

The boys gave up half way but I still wanted to finish up the challenge.  Every angle has an amazing view.  I love places where I don't see people around.  So close to the nature!

The lizard was not scared of me.  It let me take my time to have a good picture.

I used selfie to prove that I am reaching to the peak.

Look how far I have conquered.

=== Joshua Tree National Park ===

After Sand Dunes, we continued for 1.5 hours to Joshua Tree National Park. The park has two unique deserts: the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert.  Each ecosystem's characteristics are determined primarily by its elevation.  Mojave Desert has higher elevation and cooler temperature.  It is surrounded by Joshua Trees.  Can you believe this spiky tree is in the same family as the Yucca/Lily?  

The Colorado Desert is at a lower elevation and has variety of cactus.  The Garden of Cactus is beautiful beyond my imagination.

The park also provides many easy hiking trails and rock climbing experience.

=== Las Vegas Fremont Experience ===

The drive itself today was 6 hours.  By the time we got back to Vegas, it was nearly 9 pm.  However, we didn't want to miss the old town Fremont Experience so we went straight to it before dropped dead on our bed.

Expedition to the West - Day6

=== Sand Hollow State Park ===

We left the camp site in the morning and continued our journey to a nearby state park - Sand Hollow.  The sandstone and the deep blue water makes a perfect picture!

We rented a UTV to ride freely on the 20,000 acres sand dune.  That was the best experience ever!  It was a crazy ride to the top of the sand dune.

The golden sand was just too fun!

Then it was my turn to drive back.  I got the UTV stuck in the sand and got the family straddled in the desert!

We were rescued eventually.  The two hours UTV costs the same as our 8 days car rental but it was worth every single penny!

=== Las Vegas ===

After a hot shower and big buffet at our Treasure Island hotel, we regained the energy to walk down the strip.  Mason finally learned that the city wakes up at night and sleeps during the day.  We walked back to the hotel around 11:30 PM but the street was still overcrowded by all tourists.