Sandra & Graeme

Sunday

Hoover Dam

After our ride from the Canyon Via Route 66 and a overnight at Kingman we went to The Hoover Dam  what a view and the workmanship in building this masterpiece is second to none we were looking at the view and Des, Pat Martin & Rachael joined us we had coffee and ice creams  then carried on our journey with them to  Vegas.

Sunday/Monday

VEGAS

Getting into Vegas no problem finding the entrance to the hotel Horrendous after finding it our car was whisked away by valet on entering the Vdara it was wows all-round the views of Vegas from the 34^th floor amazing! the room was even better, talk about luxury!!!

We met up with Des, Pat, Martin & Rachael to get our bearings and have a wander about the lights and the immense size is just unbelievable, we had our tea in a bar and then wandered to the Luxor where they were staying what a building the lifts go up at a angle to the pyramid shape.

Monday we met up with them again and wandered through Paris & Venice where there were gondolas  gliding through between the shops  in the waterways with the guys singing to their passengers what a sight, The Caesars Place was very much a wow it was enormous!

We wandered all the way down the strip to the stratosphere (the tallest building for miles) where we went up in the lift to view the sights and the idiots bunging off it! Very scary even more so was a ride were it dropped off at the side then slid back , needless to say none of us went on it. We then rode back on the monorail to have a drink and say bye to others as martin and Rachael were heading to LA to meet some friends and Des and Pat to go to San Francisco  via the southern route. Then to bed very tired .

VEGAS!

We arrived at our hotel South Point and if we thought Harrah's had been big then we had no idea! This hotel has a massive casino, 16 movie theatres, 64 lane bowling centre, grand hall, etc etc etc. Then to top it all it has the biggest equestrian centre in the country:

The South Point Equestrian Complex is the finest indoor horse facility in the country. With a 4,600-seat arena and 1,200 climate controlled horse stalls, the South Point Equestrian Center hosts some of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. The Center features a 250' x 125' show arena floor and overlooking bar. The stalling area of the South Point Equestrian Center is for boarding of participant's livestock only during their event. The general public is not able to board their horses in our facilities. Complete Equestrian Complex 4,600 Seat Equestrian Arena 250' x 125' Show Arena Floor 1,200 Climate Controlled Stalls Hospitality Bar Overlooking Arena Concessions & Snack Bar 270' x 90' Indoor Practice Arena 275' x 150' Outside Covered Arena

We spent the evening having  fab buffet in the hotel and exploring the local area.

Wednesday 6th

We spent the day enjoying the pool and especially the spa! After getting changed we headed to the strip to find Treasure Island hotel. After tea we made our way back to the TI hotel and went to see Cirque Du Soliel.
It was fabulous and something I have longed to see for a long time. The story was a little 'confusing' but the costumes and act were magnificient! I was a bit gutted that you weren't allowed cameras in the show.
Afterwards we walked along the strip taking photos and watching the wonderful watershows etc. Stunning!

 

Route 66 To Hoover Dam

Setting off along the old Route 66 from Williams to Kingsman,the weather was fab and the route is extremely pretty. You culd just imagine indians sitting along the ridges of the canyons watching you go by. Just itching for a white man's scalp lol.

We arrived at Hoover Dam over the huge bridge that crosses it. I have to say that I did not appreciate it's height as we went over it but from the bottm looking up it is HUGE!
We had a lovely walk around the place and then went on the tour which took you underneath the dam to see the generaters etc. It was certainly an unbelievable achievement and the manpower to build it is staggering. You wonder how men even contamplate starting such a project. 'Oh yes let's change the path of the Colorado river and then build a huge Dam using probably about a gizzilion tons of concrete...we have no way of getting there? Oh well build some towns and railways then!....EASY!!!'
So Vegas here we come!

Grand Canyon

Monday 3rd

The morning started off at -7 degrees so we broke open the windproofs and set off. The ride took us up to the Navero trading posts where all the local indians sell their jewelllery and pots.After buying a new ring we headed along the desert rim of the Grand Canyon. What an absolutely stunning ride. It has to be one of the very best bike rides ever, taking you through stunning forestry, along winding roads with glimpses of the Canyon as you go.
Our first view of the Canyon was from The Desert View point. Words fail me to be able to explain to you just how stunning and totally mind blowing that view was! I am terrified of heights but was totally unaware of the height as I took in the awesome view before me. It quite literally made me cry and the man beside me showed me his arms, which were coverd in goose bumps! He said it is the fourth time he has been to the Canyon and it still affects him that way.
The photos as beautiful as they are really do not do it any justice at all. Definitely somewhere that everyone should visit if they can.
We stopped off at a number of view points and everytime you thought the view was out of this world, the next one proved even more stunning. However not one of them beat the Desert View one!
We headed back to Williams for the night along the old 'route 66' and had tea at Doc Holidays steakhouse to talk over the most wonderful day.

This is the money shot.

Meteor Crater Flagstaff Arazona

Sunday 3rd

After making contact with home and updating the blog etc we set off for the Meteor Crater. What a wild ride that was. We were attacked by tumbleweeds and drove at 45 degrees the whole way! The weather is rather colder than we are used to here so we broke out the jackets! It was 55 degrees rather than the usual 100 and there was snow on the local mountains!
The Crater was amazing and well worth the visit. They reckon the meteor that caused it was 150ft across but the crater is HUGE at nearly a mile wide and 580ft deep!
A really pleasant hour or so back at the hotel and then after tea we went to the cinema to watch Battle for Los Angeles.

 This was the view through the wall of the Meteor Crater Centre!