FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/8, 1/250 sec, ISO1600)

When you are on a road trip through the South West of the USA Las Vegas is an obvious destination. This time we passed it literally.

We have been here many times. On our USA trips we started from San Francisco, Los Angeles or Las Vegas. We always stayed in Las Vegas at least for one or two nights because of the nice hotels but this time we couldn’t wait to see the great nature of the National parks again.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/2.8, 1/250 sec, ISO4000)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/4, 1/250 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/4, 1/450 sec, ISO160)

But when we reached Las Vegas it felt strange to just pass it by on the highway so we decided to drive through it. To do this would be crazy in Europe or practically anywhere in the world but here it is different. The strip isn’t that busy around lunch time at all. So here are some images from Las Vegas even though we haven’t stayed there this time.

When we drove down the strip I remembered all the hotels we stayed in. The Tropicana on our first trip when we drove around in a 29 ft RV, the MGM Grand and the Paris. But most times we stayed in the Caesars Palace. One time even in the Nobu tower when we were upgraded because the had no non-smoker standard rooms available.

Even if you don’t plan to gamble or to see a shown I think Las Vegas is a must see if you visit the South West of the USA for the first time. Without it your trip would not be complete.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (34.2mm, f/4, 1/1250 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (21.3mm, f/4, 1/1100 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/4, 1/900 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (22mm, f/4, 1/680 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (20.6mm, f/4, 1/640 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (36.5mm, f/4, 1/950 sec, ISO160)

If you want to see a show of one of the super stars you need to visit during winter. We only saw the advertisements for Rod Stewart, Elton John or Celine Dion.

All the pictures were taken out of the car while driving and mostly from the passenger seat.  So most were taken by my wife. I usually prefer to take those pictures myself because of the perspective from behind the wheel but I think it is not a good idea to do that in a stop and go traffic.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/4, 1/480 sec, ISO160)
FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (16mm, f/4, 1/600 sec, ISO160)

After a long ride we finally made it to the Bryce Canyon NP. One of our favourite parks in the South West. Another must see if you come here for your first time but it is beautiful enough to see it again and again. Just like many of the other parks. Sure there is San Francisco or Los Angeles but the reason we come here again and again are the parks, the mountains, the deserts and the coast of California.

Next time we might stay in Las Vegas for a night or two in order to visit the Valley of Fire park again.

FUJIFILM X-Pro3 (55mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec, ISO160)