Las Vegas

Saturday, 9th October 2010


A leisurely breakfast was followed by another trip up the tower to take in the daytime scene and watch the 'victims' brave enough to explore the various rides. Shaded area on the pool deck were ideal to 'chill out' before the long journey home - little did we know just how long it was going to be! A delayed take-off, due to a technical fault, was followed by a medical emergency which necessitated an unscheduled stop at Chicago. Another technical fault, coupled with the fact that it was the middle of the night in Chicago and the engineers hade to be dragged from their beds, meant that we were about 5 hours late arriving in London. Fortunately we were able to transfer our booking to a later shuttle and eventually arrived home at 11pm.

X-Scream resembles a Vegas rollercoaster unlike any other ever seen. X-Scream propels you and several other riders headfirst, 27 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower. After being shot over the edge, you'll dangle weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled over again for more.

Insanity the Ride is a truly mind-bending experience! A massive mechanical arm extending out 64 feet over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower at a height of over 900 feet, this Vegas ride will spin you and several other passengers in the open air at speeds of up to three 'G's. You'll be propelled up to an angle of 70 degrees, which will tilt your body into one position — straight down! If you're brave enough to keep your eyes open you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of historic downtown Las Vegas. Experience Insanity and walk away to tell the tale!

SkyJump is the ultimate Vegas free fall from the 108th floor. Before the jump, riders are prepped and suited up in Stratosphere’s custom jump suits and given a safety lesson. After a short elevator trip to the top of the Stratosphere Tower, the jumper is connected to a high-speed “descender” and led to the edge of the platform. Just take that last step and plummet through the sky 855 feet, or the equivalent of 108 floors, the highest controlled free fall in the world.

 

Daytime . . .

 

from the observation deck . . .

 

of the Stratosphere . . .

 

and a chance to explore . . .

 

Insanity - The Ride . . .

 

but you wou;dn't get me on there . . .

 

even if they paid me

 

Now for X-Scream . . .

 

which goes down . . .

 

and up . . .

 

then down again . . .

 

and more . . .

 

and just when you think it's over . . .

 

it goes up higher

 

Look Mum, no hands!!!!

 

All dressed up and . . .

 

his friend gets ready . . .

 

standing on the platform . . .

 

and off he goes . . .

 

followed by the second 'victim'

 

We decide to 'chill out' by the pool . . .

 

but with no swimming costumes . . .

 

we just enjoy some shade . . .

 

with a good view of the Tower . . .

 

and more people . . .

 

brave enough to take that step . . .

 

of faith!!!!

 

Zooming in the 'roller coaster' carriage  . . .

 

is at work again . . .

 

and the Sky Jump platform doesn't look any more inviting from down here

 

Heading for the airport . . .

 

and a last look . . .  

 

at the delights of Las Vegas

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