Friday, 8th October 2010
After a prolonged breakfast (how long can it take to poach an egg?) we were
soon on our way back to Las Vegas. Arriving late afternoon, it was soon time to
congregate for dinner at the Italian restaurant. A delicious meal was followed
by a coach trip into the centre of Las Vegas to take on the Fremont Road
Experience. Words can’t describe the music (or should I say NOISE), the visual
effects on the semi-circular roof, the variety of stalls, the people dressed up
as statues, Darth Vedar, etc. From here we walked to The Ballagio to watch the
dancing fountains, a show of water, music and light thoughtfully interwoven, the
most ambitious, choreographically complex water feature ever conceived.
Next on the agenda was Treasure Island, where the 'Sirens of TI' lure a band of renegade pirates into their cove, transforming the 17th century story into a 21st century revelry of song and dance. With the pirates safely aboard the Sirens' ship, it was time to return to The Stratosphere, - a BRISK 40 minute walk back to the hotel. But, the night wasn’t finished yet. A trip up the tower took in the views over Las Vegas with all the lights still ablaze.
From Grand Canyon Lodge . . .
there are spectacular views across The Transept to Oza Butte . . .
and from the outlook . . .
a different angle
Grand Canyon Lodge with its well-placed observation room
Unfortunately, we are leaving the Grand Canyon . . .
but the Kaibab National Forest . . .
sports lots of autumn colour . . .
for us to enjoy . . .
on our way to Las Vegas
A stop at Hurricane . . .
and time for lunch . . .
before we explore . . .
the various displays . . .
and enjoy a little frivolity . . .
before the serious business of thanking the leader and the coach driver . . .
and posing for a group photo
Driving into Las Vegas - and homing in on the Stratosphere
Night time . . .
from the observation deck