Have you ever been to this side of Las Vegas?
We had just returned from Red Rock Conservancy, and Valley of the Fire when I saw Sophia offered a challenge to shoot photos using the bokeh effect. While a new word for me, bokeh is an effect I love to use.

Simply put, bokeh uses an out-of-focus background to enhance or define a photo. The first photo was from my coffee spot looking at Mt. Charleston, Nevada.
The heart art from our campsite in Valley of the Fire was where I put my morning messages.
The goal of the trip was to get off the grid and do some hiking. Dale’s Trail at Red Rocks was necessary since it is my husband’s name. I knew he would tackle it, while I meandered along looking for photo opportunities. A splash of Indian paintbrush is what I need after startling a snake.

And a field of bluebirds? Do you believe they are the symbol of joy and hope? I did that day.

It is Spring in the Nevada desert. Lambs were grabbing independence and were as curious about us as we were of them.

Not to worry as mamas were within earshot.

And rain on the horizon at sunset?
Ambience.
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. – V. Greene

Sophia, thank you for bringing bokeh to light this week.
Wind Kisses, Donna
Inspired by Lens Artists/Bokeh
Oh, Donna, this looks like a wonderful trip. I always feel envious when I see the photos of your trips because we can’t go there yet. One day but not now. I loved all these shots but that last one is my favorite!
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You will in time. If you could have walked through my last 3 years….you’d know I mean that.
I didn’t think I would have time to put something together and was grateful Sophia made it easy for me.
I WILL do two separate posts of the area. It was good. A deep breath and this “second time around” brought us so many gifts. Thank you again.
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I love your bokeh effect, Donna. I was just putting mine together before dinner. You’ve inspired us to go back there. We are stopping in Vegas for a couple of nights on our way back from CA. I doubt that we will do that much walking though. Too hot! Have a wonderful time if you are still there and Happy Easter! Xxx hugs!
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Thanks Marsha. We really enjoyed the trip. You would enjoy the Rocks Rocks drive. It’s meant to enjoy without leaving your car. And honestly, with all the places we have visited, they had one of THE nicest visitor centers I have seen. ( reservations are required to keep numbers down). It was nice to be back out there…. Thanks again.
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Ooooh, I love the idea of not leaving my car when temps climb towards the 100 degree mark. Thanks for the tip about the Visitor Center.
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I certainly would not have thought of these stunning bokehs when you mentioned “Las Vegas”! An unexpected and delightful view of such desert loveliness!
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Thank you Ju-Lyn. We loved this side of Vegas. The strip and shows of the city are fun, but we definitely enjoy the outdoors. Thank you again.
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Another great adventure Donna. I bet the snake was as scared as you were. The Mountain Sheep on the rocky cliff is my favourite 🙂 Is that a female Big Horn?
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The snake looked pretty content to be slithering along the sandy, and green landscape. I think sometimes it is good for me to see them, so I know they aren’t REALLY stalking me and ready to pounce on me. lol.
It was a treat to see the Big Horn. It was a herd of about 12. Three lambs. Nature is a wonderful thing and it was great to be back out there. Las Vegas….our way. Thanks Brian.
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Yes do go again. Maybe a big male Big Horn looking splendid 🙂
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We did see two. They were not with the herd and cant be bothered with humans, so they didn’t stick around much. We will return
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Beautiful! I especially love the animal photos! 💙💙💙 Great job, Donna!!
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It was a great way to see Vegas. I loved the lambs. We sat for the longest time just watching them.
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Red rocks always look like we are in a different planet. I loved your photography. It’s so beautiful and amazing.
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Thank you so much. It really is a different landscape with the red rocks. Donna
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I guess Arizona doesn’t have a monopoly on beautiful sunsets. 🙂
I was hoping to get to the Valley of Fire the last time we were in Vegas, but it didn’t happen. I need to prioritize it a bit higher.
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Yes, A beautiful sunsets…most nights. It is a small park. Many people do it in one day, just plowing through. We walked every hike (except one). It is a very accessible park, meaning you can see most highlights from your car or overlooks. It was so worth our time. Thanks for your visit John. Now I need to actually write a post about our trip. Donna
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I’ll look forward to reading your post.
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Beautiful images using bokeh to great effect 🙂 My favourite has to be the blue bird!
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Thanks Sarah. It was fun to wander into a bunch of them in one place. Bokeh was a fun prompt. Thanks for stopping in. Donna
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It looks like an amazing place, your photos sell it well. I love the first two, very creative and also beautiful. I’m glad you enjoyed this challenge!
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I did! Thanks Sophia.
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I love your set of images, donna. The first one is a cool shot. Beautiful bird and lamb images! The sunset is breathtaking.
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Thank you Amy. The were both beautiful places.
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Beautiful post and one showing bokeh! I’ve been to Valley of Fire once, but it was for the day while we were in Las Vegas. It was more than I expected. Your images are great.
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Thank you. It really is a pleasant surprise .
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Beautiful! I don’t miss Vegas (my husband was stationed there long time ago), but I do like Red Rock and Valley of Fire. I love the blue bird contrasting with the background. Great use of the bokeh effect.
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I imagine Vegas would get old after living there. A good temporary duty station though. Bet you got lots of company. Lol. We definitely prefer the outdoors and we happily drove by the strip without stopping.
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