Friday, 24th September 2010
Heading to the dining room for breakfast we were amazed to see a large number of people trying their luck in the Casino - a different world to the one I know!!!!
Heading north-east from Las Vegas, we stopped at Mesquite to stock up on food and sandwiches for lunch. It was then on to St George, where we visited the Mormon Temple. This is the oldest operating temple of the church and was originally dedicated in 1877. It is built of red sandstone and plastered white. Continuing on our route we diverted to Snow Canyon, where white and red Navajo sandstone, black lava rock, and sand dunes create an incredible landscape. An easy walk took us along a clear trail to a rocky outcrop before returning by the same route. Now on our final leg we travelled to Cedar City and our accommodation at the Stratford Court Hotel.
The Stratosphere boasts a tower with revolving restaurant and the world's highest thrill rides
At 1,149 feet it takes less than a minute to reach the observation deck . . .
where you can check out the SkyJump (855ft), X-Scream (27ft over the edge at 866ft above ground), Insanity (a roundabout 64ft over the edge and 900ft above ground) or go up another level to Big Shot (shoot 160ft into the air at 45 mls an hour)
Early morning, and not much traffic around . . .
as we leave Las Vegas on our way to Cedar City
A stop at Mesquite . . .
where a fire engine sparkles in the morning sun
Driving into St George - no grass verges here . . .
and the school buses are out in force
A stop at the Mormon Temple . . .
where the striking white exterior . . .
contrasts with the cloudless blue sky
Walking through Snow Canyon . . .
a narrow passageway has to be navigated . . .
before opening out . . .
onto an easy path . . .
which leads us on past . . .
a variety of trees and bushes . . .
a prickly pear . . .
and more arid looking areas
A large lava rock tell its own tale . . .
and a rocky outcrop . . .
is just waiting for us to climb it . . .
and take in the views into another valley . . .
where the erosion of the rocks . . .
can be clearly seen
Looking back down our approach route . . .
more of the group have arrived . . .
and Geoff checks out the view
Could be a desert garden . . .
or a sea of Old Man Sage
Back at the car park a Road Runner heads for the road . . .
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and the Indians are on their way!!