Las Vegas
16th Feb - 3rd March 2013 Las Vegas and surrounding areas; is Las Vegas one of the world's best fly/drive destinations? apart from the "Strip" and all that is Vegas, you have the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and National Parks of Zion, Valley of Fire and Red Rock, and of course Route 66 all within a few hours drive. This trip will be one off of my bucket list.
Fly to Vegas for 4 days, then a drive for 6 days, taking in the Hoover Dam, along Route 66 stopping at Seligman, then up to the Grand Canyon for 2 nights, then along to Monument Valley for a night at Goulding's Lodge in Navajo country, back towards the Zion National Park for 2 nights, then a drive-thru the Valley of Fire near Lake Mead and back to Vegas. Then a day out to the scenic Red Rock Canyon and maybe Death Valley, then back to Vegas for the last 3 days.
SPOT ADVENTURES: http://findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=320291
Fly to Vegas for 4 days, then a drive for 6 days, taking in the Hoover Dam, along Route 66 stopping at Seligman, then up to the Grand Canyon for 2 nights, then along to Monument Valley for a night at Goulding's Lodge in Navajo country, back towards the Zion National Park for 2 nights, then a drive-thru the Valley of Fire near Lake Mead and back to Vegas. Then a day out to the scenic Red Rock Canyon and maybe Death Valley, then back to Vegas for the last 3 days.
SPOT ADVENTURES: http://findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=320291
Videos of the trip, sadly the quality has been reduced for a number of reasons;
Up and down the Las vegas Strip to Hooters casino Hotel
A drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park
A drive in the Zion National Park and into Springdale
Driving towards Yusayan and the grand hotel nr the Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon drive along the South Rim
Kolob Plateau and Kolob Canyon
Lovely US roads
My drive into Monument Valley and Gouldings Lodge
My drive into Navajo Memorial Park in Monument Valley
Red Rock Canyon to Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon
Route 66 and Seligman
Santa Fe Railway nx to Route 66
Sunrise over the Grand Canyon, at a freezing -17C
Valley of Fire
Zion National Park's scenic drive and the town of Springdale
A drive along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park
A drive in the Zion National Park and into Springdale
Driving towards Yusayan and the grand hotel nr the Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon drive along the South Rim
Kolob Plateau and Kolob Canyon
Lovely US roads
My drive into Monument Valley and Gouldings Lodge
My drive into Navajo Memorial Park in Monument Valley
Red Rock Canyon to Las Vegas
Red Rock Canyon
Route 66 and Seligman
Santa Fe Railway nx to Route 66
Sunrise over the Grand Canyon, at a freezing -17C
Valley of Fire
Zion National Park's scenic drive and the town of Springdale
16/02/13
A very long day………….
Up early, didn’t sleep a lot, and caught the 06.33 train to Gatwick, arrived at 08.10, having already checked in online I went straight to the bag drop off area bypassing the queues, that done. Up through passport control/customs, 20 (twenty) mins after getting off the train and I was in the departure lounge, amazing.
Excellent service throughout by Virgin Atlantic, boarded a few hrs later and took off. A 10hr flight, got a bit tiring, food ok, seats a bit small, landed in Las Vegas 14.20 local time, 8hrs behind UK.
Took a hour and a half to get through passport control, fingerprint scanning, photo taken etc and then curtly asked why was I travelling alone, after the brief interrogation, picked up my suitcase and went to join the queue for customs, which wasn’t, straight out into the late afternoon sunshine.
Taxi to the hotel and a first glimpse of the strip, I’ve seen many pics, but on the ground it is an amazing place. Checked in to Hooters Casino Hotel, no problem, pleased with my choice, got a lovely room overlooking the pools. Showered and hit the strip, only locally for a couple of hrs just to get my bearings. Back to Hooters for dinner and a bit of R&R. What a day!
A very long day………….
Up early, didn’t sleep a lot, and caught the 06.33 train to Gatwick, arrived at 08.10, having already checked in online I went straight to the bag drop off area bypassing the queues, that done. Up through passport control/customs, 20 (twenty) mins after getting off the train and I was in the departure lounge, amazing.
Excellent service throughout by Virgin Atlantic, boarded a few hrs later and took off. A 10hr flight, got a bit tiring, food ok, seats a bit small, landed in Las Vegas 14.20 local time, 8hrs behind UK.
Took a hour and a half to get through passport control, fingerprint scanning, photo taken etc and then curtly asked why was I travelling alone, after the brief interrogation, picked up my suitcase and went to join the queue for customs, which wasn’t, straight out into the late afternoon sunshine.
Taxi to the hotel and a first glimpse of the strip, I’ve seen many pics, but on the ground it is an amazing place. Checked in to Hooters Casino Hotel, no problem, pleased with my choice, got a lovely room overlooking the pools. Showered and hit the strip, only locally for a couple of hrs just to get my bearings. Back to Hooters for dinner and a bit of R&R. What a day!
My first 2 days in Vegas......
17/02/13
Went to bed early last night, awoke at 01.00hrs, couldn’t sleep, got up at 02.00hrs and went downstairs to the casino and bars, where it was buzzing, but it is a Saturday night. One thing that surprised me in this risk-adverse, health-conscious country, Is the fact you can smoke indoors on the casino tables, slots or at the bars. Yes I know it’s not 1 Country it’s regarded as 50, but it still surprised me.
Got to bed about 04.00 and awoke at 06.00 (playing havoc with my sleeping pattern), showered, then downstairs to have great breakfast in “the mad onion”. Sorted myself and hit the strip on foot, crossed the strip and walked down to the Mandalay hotel, then all the way up passing and going in and out of various hotels; Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, TI or Treasure Island, Circus Circus and up to view the Stratosphere, crossed the road and back down again. Passing the Rivera, Encore and Wynn towers, Palazzo, Venetian, Harrahs, Paris, and finally through the MGM Grand, where I got lost again, this place is massive, it took me 15-20mins just to walk through the casino without stopping.
So after some 5hrs got back to Hooters, my little feet protesting, and while I stopped for lunch and a break, it was still a walk.
Thankfully from the start, the weather is glorious, a slight chill first thing, then high 60’s, low 70’s, sunny and warm most of the day, my kind of weather. Had a kip, got up and a nice T bone steak dinner, and hit the tables where I won $75, though I did lose $50 early morning. Retired to the bar, for a drink, and it was 1 drink, as this flu was still with me and didn’t feel like it, hope it goes soon!
18/02/13
From the start I love Las Vegas, it’s so different, it’s clean, the people are friendly, the weather is good, and it’s a surreal place.
And Hooter’s hotel? I read the reviews before I came, about poor service, too near the airport and unclean rooms, but I got a good price and it’s close to the strip; the service is very good, and my room is big and clean (with so much going on, a big, clean room wasn’t high on my priorities anyway), the food is good to excellent, especially, the American breakfast, steaks and burgers, tried the famed Hooters wings, didn’t quite do it for me, don’t know why.
The Hooters girls are fabulous, really stunning and friendly, as is all the staff. Hooters Casino hotel like all hotels operate 24/7, so if want to gamble at 04.00, eat at 03.00 or drink at 07.00 you can.
So up at early, well 07.00hrs anyway, had breakfast, sorted out my car hire from the valet service, and hit the strip again, but this not walking as far but as long as I wanted to go inside and nose around the some of the amazing hotels and so it was.
The hotels being; Luxor- an amazing pyramid shaped hotel with all sorts of Egyptian statues and buildings , Excalibur-a castle like building, again with medieval themed buildings, New York New York-it is as it says and done well, just bizarre, Monte Carlo-old sort of art-deco place, Caesars Palace-an amazing roman themed hotel, TI or Treasure Island-pirate themed everywhere, Venetian-with its gondoliers LOL, WOW and fresco paintings everywhere, Paris-an amazing French themed hotel with ½ sized Eiffel tower and inside a full on French village, and finally through the MGM Grand with a Rainforest café and huge casino area, where I got lost again! This place is massive; I see why some say a walk from my room in Hooters across the road to the MGM Grand lobby is quicker than if I stayed at many of the rooms at MGM.
Stopped, at the Harley Davidson café on the way back, excellent food and service. But like everywhere, eating here is not cheap.
Got back to the hotel, knackered again, a kip, up, showered and hit the tables, lost $50 (my enforced limit), oh well, had a drink and a burger before turning in. Even played some of the slots in various hotels over the last 2 days, don’t see the appeal normally, but the megabucks slots have currently a $10million, yes that’s correct, jackpot, so worth throwing a few $ at it, you never know.
Went to bed early last night, awoke at 01.00hrs, couldn’t sleep, got up at 02.00hrs and went downstairs to the casino and bars, where it was buzzing, but it is a Saturday night. One thing that surprised me in this risk-adverse, health-conscious country, Is the fact you can smoke indoors on the casino tables, slots or at the bars. Yes I know it’s not 1 Country it’s regarded as 50, but it still surprised me.
Got to bed about 04.00 and awoke at 06.00 (playing havoc with my sleeping pattern), showered, then downstairs to have great breakfast in “the mad onion”. Sorted myself and hit the strip on foot, crossed the strip and walked down to the Mandalay hotel, then all the way up passing and going in and out of various hotels; Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, The Mirage, TI or Treasure Island, Circus Circus and up to view the Stratosphere, crossed the road and back down again. Passing the Rivera, Encore and Wynn towers, Palazzo, Venetian, Harrahs, Paris, and finally through the MGM Grand, where I got lost again, this place is massive, it took me 15-20mins just to walk through the casino without stopping.
So after some 5hrs got back to Hooters, my little feet protesting, and while I stopped for lunch and a break, it was still a walk.
Thankfully from the start, the weather is glorious, a slight chill first thing, then high 60’s, low 70’s, sunny and warm most of the day, my kind of weather. Had a kip, got up and a nice T bone steak dinner, and hit the tables where I won $75, though I did lose $50 early morning. Retired to the bar, for a drink, and it was 1 drink, as this flu was still with me and didn’t feel like it, hope it goes soon!
18/02/13
From the start I love Las Vegas, it’s so different, it’s clean, the people are friendly, the weather is good, and it’s a surreal place.
And Hooter’s hotel? I read the reviews before I came, about poor service, too near the airport and unclean rooms, but I got a good price and it’s close to the strip; the service is very good, and my room is big and clean (with so much going on, a big, clean room wasn’t high on my priorities anyway), the food is good to excellent, especially, the American breakfast, steaks and burgers, tried the famed Hooters wings, didn’t quite do it for me, don’t know why.
The Hooters girls are fabulous, really stunning and friendly, as is all the staff. Hooters Casino hotel like all hotels operate 24/7, so if want to gamble at 04.00, eat at 03.00 or drink at 07.00 you can.
So up at early, well 07.00hrs anyway, had breakfast, sorted out my car hire from the valet service, and hit the strip again, but this not walking as far but as long as I wanted to go inside and nose around the some of the amazing hotels and so it was.
The hotels being; Luxor- an amazing pyramid shaped hotel with all sorts of Egyptian statues and buildings , Excalibur-a castle like building, again with medieval themed buildings, New York New York-it is as it says and done well, just bizarre, Monte Carlo-old sort of art-deco place, Caesars Palace-an amazing roman themed hotel, TI or Treasure Island-pirate themed everywhere, Venetian-with its gondoliers LOL, WOW and fresco paintings everywhere, Paris-an amazing French themed hotel with ½ sized Eiffel tower and inside a full on French village, and finally through the MGM Grand with a Rainforest café and huge casino area, where I got lost again! This place is massive; I see why some say a walk from my room in Hooters across the road to the MGM Grand lobby is quicker than if I stayed at many of the rooms at MGM.
Stopped, at the Harley Davidson café on the way back, excellent food and service. But like everywhere, eating here is not cheap.
Got back to the hotel, knackered again, a kip, up, showered and hit the tables, lost $50 (my enforced limit), oh well, had a drink and a burger before turning in. Even played some of the slots in various hotels over the last 2 days, don’t see the appeal normally, but the megabucks slots have currently a $10million, yes that’s correct, jackpot, so worth throwing a few $ at it, you never know.
Chillaxing day in Vegas....
19/02/13
My last day in Vegas for a week.
Up early with the hazy sun and decided to do some, internet stuff etc first, then showered, breakfast and a short wander around the local sights, across the strip (use the overhead escalators or crossings, don’t jay walk, you’ll get a big fine) to New York New York, a good wander around, back onto the strip, across again passing M&M World and an excellent Mexican food place.
My right foot started to ache again, with that and a blinking viral infection that’s has been around for about 4 weeks, I was feeling the worst for wear. Though got some advice from a pharmacy and was able to buy some strong “expectorant & cough suppressant” (yesterday) which seems to be improving it albeit slowly. So found a café and just sat watching the world go by along the strip.
After an hour or so, I wandered back to the hotel just to recoup and gain some strength for tomorrow onwards. Because of building work to the MGM, you currently have to divert through the hotel to get to East Tropicana Ave. And this time I didn’t get lost.
An afternoon kip was in order, got up had a good swim, and a lovely time in one of the outdoor spas, after feeling a lot better, got showered, dressed and wandered around the tables and slots for a while, just a chillaxing afternoon and evening.
My last day in Vegas for a week.
Up early with the hazy sun and decided to do some, internet stuff etc first, then showered, breakfast and a short wander around the local sights, across the strip (use the overhead escalators or crossings, don’t jay walk, you’ll get a big fine) to New York New York, a good wander around, back onto the strip, across again passing M&M World and an excellent Mexican food place.
My right foot started to ache again, with that and a blinking viral infection that’s has been around for about 4 weeks, I was feeling the worst for wear. Though got some advice from a pharmacy and was able to buy some strong “expectorant & cough suppressant” (yesterday) which seems to be improving it albeit slowly. So found a café and just sat watching the world go by along the strip.
After an hour or so, I wandered back to the hotel just to recoup and gain some strength for tomorrow onwards. Because of building work to the MGM, you currently have to divert through the hotel to get to East Tropicana Ave. And this time I didn’t get lost.
An afternoon kip was in order, got up had a good swim, and a lovely time in one of the outdoor spas, after feeling a lot better, got showered, dressed and wandered around the tables and slots for a while, just a chillaxing afternoon and evening.
Route66 and beyond....
20/02/13
Got up early feeling a lot better, but my foot wasn’t, should of known better to walk miles in new shoes, idiot.
Picked up the hire car from budget, by the time I added all the insurances it came to $700 for the 8 days, more than I expected, but hey ho, Budget did pick me up from the hotel which was convenient, sorted the paperwork out and drove off in a VW Passat, full auto so it was easy driving.
As was driving in Las Vegas, took my Garmin with me with my routes on it and just followed the Interstate highway 515(I 515) and the US93 south to the Hoover Dam, which was an incredible sight, then across the border into Arizona which is 7hrs behind UK, hit the US93 highway again towards Kingman and the start of my trip along the Route 66.
Kingman seemed a nice enough place, and apart from a few small towns, notably Peach Springs, Valentine, Hackberry and of course the Hualapai Indian Reservation, nothing but a long straight road that is this part of the historic route66 and into Seligman my stop for the night.
Seligman is a lovely little town, the inspiration behind the animated film Cars, because when the I 40 was built the town nearly died, but the local barber who’s still shaving customers at 86, one of which is Billy Connolly, fought the town hall to keep funding the little town and now it’s a very authentic Route66 place, a must visit, diners, stores, garage and of course motels, I immediately liked the place. Checked into the Canyon Lodge, where the service is friendly and excellent, the room was clean and big enough. I got the “Elvis” room, all the rooms are themed, showered and out for a little walk (foot still hurting) and a drive up and down, fuelled up at under $4 a gallon, advised to eat at the Lilo’s Waterside café, and what a meal, huge, typical American portions, sadly couldn’t eat it all, but tried.
Darkness fell along with more snow; well we are at 5000ft, watched TV and fell asleep.
21/02/13
Up early, I was off the Grand Canyon, looked outside and only a few inches of snow fell, heard over a light breakfast that nowhere as much snow fell as expected, it stayed south, fine by me.
Paid up, thank the hosts and re-joined Route66 and I 40 towards Williams and then Highway 64 to Tusayan which is just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, I was there mid-morning far too early to check-in, but confirmed my reservation at the Grand Hotel, expensive but the only reasonably priced place I could find, but pleased with my choice, rooms are big and the king bed is comfy.
Off into the park, it had been snowing on and off all morning and the cloud cover was low, so I wasn’t expected to see much but I still had to enter the park and see.
$25 for a week pass to enter, pretty reasonable really considering, with the low cloud I was told the better views were over the East side of the South Rim and they were right, couldn’t see a lot but what I could see was awe-inspiring.
Drove and up and down this 25+ mile stretch of icy/snowy road, walked a bit, took a few pics, after a few hours drove back to Tusayan, picked up some stores, a spot of lunch and then checked-in.
I like the Grand Hotel, modern, yet has an authentic feeling to it and well done. I relaxed for the rest of the day, had a small dinner, TV and bed. Another great day! But the weather was due to be sunny tomorrow, we’ll see.
Got up early feeling a lot better, but my foot wasn’t, should of known better to walk miles in new shoes, idiot.
Picked up the hire car from budget, by the time I added all the insurances it came to $700 for the 8 days, more than I expected, but hey ho, Budget did pick me up from the hotel which was convenient, sorted the paperwork out and drove off in a VW Passat, full auto so it was easy driving.
As was driving in Las Vegas, took my Garmin with me with my routes on it and just followed the Interstate highway 515(I 515) and the US93 south to the Hoover Dam, which was an incredible sight, then across the border into Arizona which is 7hrs behind UK, hit the US93 highway again towards Kingman and the start of my trip along the Route 66.
Kingman seemed a nice enough place, and apart from a few small towns, notably Peach Springs, Valentine, Hackberry and of course the Hualapai Indian Reservation, nothing but a long straight road that is this part of the historic route66 and into Seligman my stop for the night.
Seligman is a lovely little town, the inspiration behind the animated film Cars, because when the I 40 was built the town nearly died, but the local barber who’s still shaving customers at 86, one of which is Billy Connolly, fought the town hall to keep funding the little town and now it’s a very authentic Route66 place, a must visit, diners, stores, garage and of course motels, I immediately liked the place. Checked into the Canyon Lodge, where the service is friendly and excellent, the room was clean and big enough. I got the “Elvis” room, all the rooms are themed, showered and out for a little walk (foot still hurting) and a drive up and down, fuelled up at under $4 a gallon, advised to eat at the Lilo’s Waterside café, and what a meal, huge, typical American portions, sadly couldn’t eat it all, but tried.
Darkness fell along with more snow; well we are at 5000ft, watched TV and fell asleep.
21/02/13
Up early, I was off the Grand Canyon, looked outside and only a few inches of snow fell, heard over a light breakfast that nowhere as much snow fell as expected, it stayed south, fine by me.
Paid up, thank the hosts and re-joined Route66 and I 40 towards Williams and then Highway 64 to Tusayan which is just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, I was there mid-morning far too early to check-in, but confirmed my reservation at the Grand Hotel, expensive but the only reasonably priced place I could find, but pleased with my choice, rooms are big and the king bed is comfy.
Off into the park, it had been snowing on and off all morning and the cloud cover was low, so I wasn’t expected to see much but I still had to enter the park and see.
$25 for a week pass to enter, pretty reasonable really considering, with the low cloud I was told the better views were over the East side of the South Rim and they were right, couldn’t see a lot but what I could see was awe-inspiring.
Drove and up and down this 25+ mile stretch of icy/snowy road, walked a bit, took a few pics, after a few hours drove back to Tusayan, picked up some stores, a spot of lunch and then checked-in.
I like the Grand Hotel, modern, yet has an authentic feeling to it and well done. I relaxed for the rest of the day, had a small dinner, TV and bed. Another great day! But the weather was due to be sunny tomorrow, we’ll see.
Grand Canyon
22/02/13
Up early today, 05:30 and with clear skies, with a sunny day in store and clear sunrise over the Canyon was an opportunity not to be missed.
Showered, wrapped up and glad I did, with the slight wind chill, the temp was near Zero degrees F (about minus 17C), brass monkey weather, glad I brought a coat and woolly hat. It took some 15 mins to get the car above freezing; even the bottles of water inside the car had frozen.
Got going and into the park, one thing about the US there’s a lot of info out there and the staff at the park were very helpful, gave me some good tips and park info. Drove to Yavapai point and watched the glorious sunshine over the canyon, stayed for about an hr, taking pics, talking to others, but it was bitterly cold.
Feeling ready for some warmth, drove back to the hotel for breakfast, shown a table, sat down and waited 10mins, nobody came, I didn’t want to waste a day like today, so got up and drove up the road for a quick snack and back in the park.
Drove all along to the Desert View car park, and then ambled back all along the whole length of the South Rim to Hermit’s Rest, stopping at Navajo, Lipan, Moran, Grandview Points and then to the West to Mather and Yavapai Points, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Trailview Outlook, Maricopa/Powell/Hopi/Mohave Points, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point and finally Hermit’s Rest. As many places and lookouts that I could really, it is one of the wonders of the world, so vast, different colours changing the scenery all the time and in glorious sunshine and it got to 28F in the afternoon.
After some 5hrs I headed back to the hotel and some deserved R&R, a quick nap, did some laundry, internet stuff, and some drink and some dinner.
Off to bed with a smile on my face, a grand day out.
Up early today, 05:30 and with clear skies, with a sunny day in store and clear sunrise over the Canyon was an opportunity not to be missed.
Showered, wrapped up and glad I did, with the slight wind chill, the temp was near Zero degrees F (about minus 17C), brass monkey weather, glad I brought a coat and woolly hat. It took some 15 mins to get the car above freezing; even the bottles of water inside the car had frozen.
Got going and into the park, one thing about the US there’s a lot of info out there and the staff at the park were very helpful, gave me some good tips and park info. Drove to Yavapai point and watched the glorious sunshine over the canyon, stayed for about an hr, taking pics, talking to others, but it was bitterly cold.
Feeling ready for some warmth, drove back to the hotel for breakfast, shown a table, sat down and waited 10mins, nobody came, I didn’t want to waste a day like today, so got up and drove up the road for a quick snack and back in the park.
Drove all along to the Desert View car park, and then ambled back all along the whole length of the South Rim to Hermit’s Rest, stopping at Navajo, Lipan, Moran, Grandview Points and then to the West to Mather and Yavapai Points, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Trailview Outlook, Maricopa/Powell/Hopi/Mohave Points, The Abyss, Monument Creek Vista, Pima Point and finally Hermit’s Rest. As many places and lookouts that I could really, it is one of the wonders of the world, so vast, different colours changing the scenery all the time and in glorious sunshine and it got to 28F in the afternoon.
After some 5hrs I headed back to the hotel and some deserved R&R, a quick nap, did some laundry, internet stuff, and some drink and some dinner.
Off to bed with a smile on my face, a grand day out.
Monument Valley
23/02/13
Up early, showered, packed, checked out and back through the park.
I love US roads, wide, big, mostly empty, long and straight. Today’s route of about 180mls had less than 12 turns, Highway 64 all the way to Cameron, then North on US89, then right on US160 through Tuba City and finally left up US163 into Monument Valley and Navajo Country.
Made good time, found my lodgings at Goulding’s Lodge and what a lovely place it is as well, another good pick for the night’s rest.
And off to explore, first to the Navajo Reservation Center, which has an info desk, excellent shop with genuine Navajo made goods, café and restrooms. Spent some $$ there buying gifts, had a bite to eat in the café overlooking a stunning view of Monument Valley and then thought I’ll go for a horse ride.
And I did, couldn’t believe really, drove down a dirt track to a Navajo horse station, met my Navajo guide “Gary” who’s lived on the reservation all his life, paid $55 for an hr, got up on one of the Mustang horses, named Bonita and spent a lovely hr riding around a true Western movie scene, for this part of the Monument Valley has been in a lot of Westerns, many starring John Wayne “The Duke”. It was all a bit surreal really, and I thorough fully enjoyed.
That done, I drove out to Mexican Hat, a small town in the opposite direction on my lodgings, I wanted to see more of the Valley, then turned around and got back to Goulding’s Lodge at about 16:30 to check-in. They gave me a lovely 2nd floor kingsize room with a balcony overlooking Monument Valley.
Just sat there in awe of the view and then a snowstorm came, which was a surprise, had a bit to eat, did some internet stuff and turned in. Another great day!
Monument Valley to Zion National Park
24/02/13
Up Early, another glorious day, showered, had a great breakfast and visited Goulding’s lodge museum and John Wayne Museum, both of which were very interesting.
Refuelled and hit the road, US163 back to Kayenta, then south on the US160, right on the US98 to Page (town built 1957, currently 4000 inhabitants), and over the Glen Canyon dam all the way to lovely Kanab, built like an old pioneer town and done well, I liked it.
Right on US89and left on route 9 through the lovely Zion National Park, very different to the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon is vast and it feels like you’re looking at nature, in Zion, you’re in Nature, if that makes sense. Drove all through the park and into Springdale, found the Desert Pearl Inn (another great choice, glad my planning was paying off) where I was staying for 2 nights, checked-in and relaxed the rest of the day. Had a mug of tea overlooking the Zion Mountains from my room, a bite to eat and to bed watching the Oscars, another good day.
Up Early, another glorious day, showered, had a great breakfast and visited Goulding’s lodge museum and John Wayne Museum, both of which were very interesting.
Refuelled and hit the road, US163 back to Kayenta, then south on the US160, right on the US98 to Page (town built 1957, currently 4000 inhabitants), and over the Glen Canyon dam all the way to lovely Kanab, built like an old pioneer town and done well, I liked it.
Right on US89and left on route 9 through the lovely Zion National Park, very different to the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon is vast and it feels like you’re looking at nature, in Zion, you’re in Nature, if that makes sense. Drove all through the park and into Springdale, found the Desert Pearl Inn (another great choice, glad my planning was paying off) where I was staying for 2 nights, checked-in and relaxed the rest of the day. Had a mug of tea overlooking the Zion Mountains from my room, a bite to eat and to bed watching the Oscars, another good day.
Zion National Park and Kolob Canyons
25/02/13
All day to explore the Park today in glorious sunshine again, but still very cold (20F – 50F) most of the day, but dry and sunny, so I didn’t care, just wrapped up.
Another great day! Really lucky I am, had a lovely day driving all the through the Park and then returned stopping at all the outlooks, taking pics etc, I love Zion, the mountains, the fresh air, the quietness, it’s just great, I could live here.
Drove around the park, then north on the Zion Canyon Scenic drive all the way up to the “Temple of Sinawava” car park and then all the way back stopping at various places, taking pics and just taking it all in, it is really a lovely place.
Drove out of the park, through Springdale and Rockville and into Virgin (no really), right on the Kolob Terrace road, drove for a long way along this scenic drive, hoped to get up to the Kolob Plateau, but snow stopped me, road unplowed, so turned around.
Back to Virgin, and drove to La Verkin which is a busy little place, then north to Toquerville and then Interstate 15 north to the Kolob Canyons, which is another great scenic drive, all the way to the top viewpoint, where I stopped and just sat for a while just taking it all in.
After a while, drove back to Springdale which is a lovely, mostly modern and well done, loads of motels, shops and eating places (though most still closed until mid-March). Back for a kip, a mug of tea, some internet stuff, ate again at a Pizza and Pasta place just up the road, and just relaxed the rest of the day.
I have really enjoyed the US National Parks, they're well maintained, friendly rangers, litter free and just so easy to get around. Hope to drive through the Valley of Fire National Park tomorrow, on the way back to Vegas.
All day to explore the Park today in glorious sunshine again, but still very cold (20F – 50F) most of the day, but dry and sunny, so I didn’t care, just wrapped up.
Another great day! Really lucky I am, had a lovely day driving all the through the Park and then returned stopping at all the outlooks, taking pics etc, I love Zion, the mountains, the fresh air, the quietness, it’s just great, I could live here.
Drove around the park, then north on the Zion Canyon Scenic drive all the way up to the “Temple of Sinawava” car park and then all the way back stopping at various places, taking pics and just taking it all in, it is really a lovely place.
Drove out of the park, through Springdale and Rockville and into Virgin (no really), right on the Kolob Terrace road, drove for a long way along this scenic drive, hoped to get up to the Kolob Plateau, but snow stopped me, road unplowed, so turned around.
Back to Virgin, and drove to La Verkin which is a busy little place, then north to Toquerville and then Interstate 15 north to the Kolob Canyons, which is another great scenic drive, all the way to the top viewpoint, where I stopped and just sat for a while just taking it all in.
After a while, drove back to Springdale which is a lovely, mostly modern and well done, loads of motels, shops and eating places (though most still closed until mid-March). Back for a kip, a mug of tea, some internet stuff, ate again at a Pizza and Pasta place just up the road, and just relaxed the rest of the day.
I have really enjoyed the US National Parks, they're well maintained, friendly rangers, litter free and just so easy to get around. Hope to drive through the Valley of Fire National Park tomorrow, on the way back to Vegas.
Back to Las Vegas via the Valley of Fire
26/02/13
Up early, a cup of tea, checked out and eager to get going.
Another glorious sunny day drove back through Virgin to La Verkin, and south towards Hurricane, which is a rather nice town, typically American, wide roads, shops and places to eat everywhere, I liked the place.
Onto the Interstate 15 South towards St George, which is seemly a very large spread out town, taking up 5 exits off the Interstate, stayed on the Interstate out of Utah, in and out of Arizona and finally into Nevada, where I came joined the Highway169 through the Moapa Valley towards Lake Mead National Park.
Drove through the barren, yet scenic park, before heading into the very scenic Valley of Fire State Park, which is different and most enjoyable. Drove around for a while and finally out the other side towards Interstate 15 again, all the way into Las Vegas, found the car hire place where I was going to return the vehicle in a couple of days just to confirm the location.
Then had a pleasant drive down the strip, parked at Hooters Casino Hotel, had a spot of lunch, checked in, was given another good room and just relaxed the rest of the day.
Up early, a cup of tea, checked out and eager to get going.
Another glorious sunny day drove back through Virgin to La Verkin, and south towards Hurricane, which is a rather nice town, typically American, wide roads, shops and places to eat everywhere, I liked the place.
Onto the Interstate 15 South towards St George, which is seemly a very large spread out town, taking up 5 exits off the Interstate, stayed on the Interstate out of Utah, in and out of Arizona and finally into Nevada, where I came joined the Highway169 through the Moapa Valley towards Lake Mead National Park.
Drove through the barren, yet scenic park, before heading into the very scenic Valley of Fire State Park, which is different and most enjoyable. Drove around for a while and finally out the other side towards Interstate 15 again, all the way into Las Vegas, found the car hire place where I was going to return the vehicle in a couple of days just to confirm the location.
Then had a pleasant drive down the strip, parked at Hooters Casino Hotel, had a spot of lunch, checked in, was given another good room and just relaxed the rest of the day.
Red Rock Canyon
27/02/13
Awoke to another glorious sunny day, my last day for driving about, this time a visit to the Red Rock Canyon.
Had another great breakfast, a couple of mugs of tea and I was ready. First a quick drive up and down the Las Vegas “strip”, a visit to the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and drove a rather pleasant 20 odd miles out to the Red Rock Canyon.
OK, the clue was in the title “Red Rock”, and for a $7 entry fee is was OK, I prefer the Valley of Fire, but a scenic drive around the this park was done in a hour, and yes glad I did it, but no I wouldn’t do it again.
So a leisurely drive back to Las Vegas, going via the “Little Church of The West Wedding Chapel” which was built in 1942, which probably makes it one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas.
Back to the hotel, played a few hands of blackjack, a few slots, then sat in the sun soaking it up, a kip, a wash, a mug of tea and I was ready again.
Took a stroll around the bottom of the strip, just to stretch the legs and back to hotel for dinner and play some blackjack, lost again oh well at least the drinks were free.
A lazy evening and to bed, watched some TV, which is even worse than UK TV and fell asleep.
Awoke to another glorious sunny day, my last day for driving about, this time a visit to the Red Rock Canyon.
Had another great breakfast, a couple of mugs of tea and I was ready. First a quick drive up and down the Las Vegas “strip”, a visit to the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and drove a rather pleasant 20 odd miles out to the Red Rock Canyon.
OK, the clue was in the title “Red Rock”, and for a $7 entry fee is was OK, I prefer the Valley of Fire, but a scenic drive around the this park was done in a hour, and yes glad I did it, but no I wouldn’t do it again.
So a leisurely drive back to Las Vegas, going via the “Little Church of The West Wedding Chapel” which was built in 1942, which probably makes it one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas.
Back to the hotel, played a few hands of blackjack, a few slots, then sat in the sun soaking it up, a kip, a wash, a mug of tea and I was ready again.
Took a stroll around the bottom of the strip, just to stretch the legs and back to hotel for dinner and play some blackjack, lost again oh well at least the drinks were free.
A lazy evening and to bed, watched some TV, which is even worse than UK TV and fell asleep.
Downtown Las Vegas
28/02/13
Up early, showered, mug of tea, drove all the way up the strip and around a bit, dropped the rental car back, walked up to Circus Circus, was going to the Sahara Pavillions, but they had been closed for about 1yr.
So wandered back, found the monorail station nr Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), a $5 ticket took me all the way to the MGM Grand Hotel, where I found my way out, across the road and into Hooters.
Did some internet stuff and spent the rest of the day near the pool just chillaxing.
Had a kip, and thought must see the “Fremont Street Experience” and I did, took a “Deuce Bus” (these run up and down the “strip” 24/7, $8 buys you a 24hr hop on/hop off ticket), got a bus outside the Tropicana all the way to Fremont Street, spent a lovely couple of hrs there and at 19:00hrs the light show began and for the next 7mins this whole massive canopy came alive, fantastic, really pleased I saw it.
Back on a bus down the strip, back to the hotel, played quite a lot of blackjack and lost, oh well at least the rooms were very cheap. Got to bed at about 2am.
Up early, showered, mug of tea, drove all the way up the strip and around a bit, dropped the rental car back, walked up to Circus Circus, was going to the Sahara Pavillions, but they had been closed for about 1yr.
So wandered back, found the monorail station nr Las Vegas Hotel (LVH), a $5 ticket took me all the way to the MGM Grand Hotel, where I found my way out, across the road and into Hooters.
Did some internet stuff and spent the rest of the day near the pool just chillaxing.
Had a kip, and thought must see the “Fremont Street Experience” and I did, took a “Deuce Bus” (these run up and down the “strip” 24/7, $8 buys you a 24hr hop on/hop off ticket), got a bus outside the Tropicana all the way to Fremont Street, spent a lovely couple of hrs there and at 19:00hrs the light show began and for the next 7mins this whole massive canopy came alive, fantastic, really pleased I saw it.
Back on a bus down the strip, back to the hotel, played quite a lot of blackjack and lost, oh well at least the rooms were very cheap. Got to bed at about 2am.
The last day in Vegas
01/03/13
A very lazy day today, didn’t get out of bed until about 08:00, skipped breakfast, spent some time sunbathing and swimming, had lunch and a glass of wine, more sunbathing and swimming.
A kip, a lovely prime rib steak for dinner before the sacrificial slaughter at the blackjack table, had a drink, watched TV and turned in.
02/03/13
Up early, showered, breakfast, 2 mugs of tea, last walk around bottom end of Vegas, taxi to airport, checked in, through passport control and TSA, get on plane, land 10hrs later at Gatwick (03/03/13), train home, end of holiday.
A very lazy day today, didn’t get out of bed until about 08:00, skipped breakfast, spent some time sunbathing and swimming, had lunch and a glass of wine, more sunbathing and swimming.
A kip, a lovely prime rib steak for dinner before the sacrificial slaughter at the blackjack table, had a drink, watched TV and turned in.
02/03/13
Up early, showered, breakfast, 2 mugs of tea, last walk around bottom end of Vegas, taxi to airport, checked in, through passport control and TSA, get on plane, land 10hrs later at Gatwick (03/03/13), train home, end of holiday.