#rogusroadtrip2016

After going to bed at 4am we figured a sleep in was in order. We headed out for late breakfast at the Mirage. We met up with Jacqui & Pete for a leisurely wander through Caesars Palace shops, while the girls shopped at Victoria's Secret, the boys browsed the Sports and Memorabilia stores close by. Basically, a great many things have huge collectable value and these stores are full of that. Signed picture of Russell Crowe in Gladiator - $900, Mickey Mantle baseball card $120k. Go figure.

The interior of Caesars is just amazing. Filled with haute couture shops it is quietly restrained compared to rest of the casino. Down one end they have some animatronic Poseidon story that culminates in balls of fire surrounded by an aquarium. Where do they get these ideas? Anyway, it was down here we got some coffee at the Cheesecake Factory. Inevitably we had a bit of cake. It was small and plain, oh that's right, this is Vegas – it was elaborate, massive and delicious.

Afterwards we thought we would spend a quick hour at one of the Outlet stores. As soon as we drove out the traffic was stopped (remembering it is Sunday here). Turns out that today Obama is in town to support the Hillary campaign and of course in addition to the street being closed around the airport a whole lot of people were going to see him. We quickly decided to return to the Strip as it just got busier. A bit of decisive driving got us back to get ready for dinner at Gordon Ramsey’s Pub back at Caesars. Walking over the weather had got windy as well as still cloudy.

Ramsey’s here (there are at least three restaurants) is casual trying to be a pub but pricey ($20-40 mains) but the food and service was good. The deserts were especially good with the Eton’s Mess and Sticky Toffee Pudding, yum.

We decided to brave the rain and enjoy the spectacle that is the Bellagio fountains. After a couple of musical fountain displays (they run every 15 mins) we moved on to the Cosmopolitan with its crazy chandelier (Rosie was told she couldn’t take photos in here, with that kind of camera – too late already had all the ones I wanted).

Finally, Paris with its Eiffel Tower and Arc. Unfortunately, we were delaying the sad reality that we were farewelling Pete and Jacqui tonight as they are off to LA and we are off northwards tomorrow.

Highlights:
Rosie | Girly shopping
Angus | Actually saw it rain in Las Vegas

Peter and Jacqui picked us up this morning to travel out to Hoover Dam. It was fun to find that traffic was similarly tolerant as we got out of town. There's heaps of construction going on and we were quickly being checked out by the Feds that we were okay to enter the Dam area.

The tour was amazing showing the background and then walking through the power house and inspection corridors. The intricacies of making a big concrete structure like seemed amazing that they could see it through. It is hard to believe but here’s some pretty compelling proof. The art-deco details on everything are hard to miss and keep this a great tourist treat.

We then passed through Boulder City with its history of being the worker construction town it still has a historic feel with a main street of cafes, antique and craft stores. Lunch was ok spoiled a bit by the disinterested service but the quaint street eating ad food made up for it.

We returned to Vegas to get ready for the "Marriage can be murder" show up the Fremont. As “Australians” we were good targets for ribbing from the host, Mimi, who had great wise cracks for everyone. From the YMCA being called YMCA-Eh by the Canadians to all Utah folks being polygamous we got the wise cracks about being rude drunks. Angus reinforced this by responding that one reason to kill someone would be if they stole his beer. Rosie was called up for a bit of showgirl high kicks and aiding For the investigating policeman off with his microphone cover. Pete was required as a Pall-bearer for the three ‘murders’. The show had a great ending and the food yummy this time.

Had a stroll through Freemont St with its zip-lines and illuminated ceiling. The people are the stars in Las Vegas and no matter how odd/weird/strange you are, there are odder/weirder/stranger in Vegas in abundance.

Back down to the Strip to the High Roller. This is the big wheel (biggest in the world apparently) in Vegas that rotates slowly over 35 minutes offering some great views of the light show. We were lucky to have the Bellagio fountain put in a performance. The ‘off the strip’ lane that contains the Wheel was decorated for Halloween with zombies and monsters in abundance. Great atmosphere with obvious groups of brides/birthdays and others having a good time. The girls even found a rather handsome, muscly chap happy to have his photo taken with them.

Then before Pete and Jacqui returned to their hotel we got into some late night pancakes at Dennys (2 for $2) to round out a long, fun day.

Rosie and I ventured out to check out a few vantage points for some photos to finish the evening as it had quietened down a little. Then off to bed, as it’s now after 2am. Las Vegas may not sleep but we could do with a nap.

Highlights:
Angus | Starbucks Boulder – ‘see ya Latte’
Rosie | Quick pic with the hot black guy

Starting out from Pete and Jacqui's this morning saw us showered and out to one of the local natural attractions at Red Rock Canyon. The drive up to the canyon ring-road was pretty short. You could almost see the range from their Hotel.

The views were growing in drama as we approached through the suburbs. The route was ever changing. The feature, the red rocks, were contrasted by an older grey mountain range lifting from the big flat area that Las Vegas sits on. And by mountains, I mean they are sheer vertical and seem to rise hundreds of metres, attracting rock climbers to the faces and hikers up the paths.

When we arrived up at the visitor centre a big group of ladies in black Lycra noisily complained about the hike they were taking together. They were hilariously whining about the walk from the car park but I think they were, like us, a little humbled by these amazing views. The Centre also had a great natural history part explaining the unique fauna (they have tortoises up here!) and flora (the Joshua trees were amazing).

While we were at one of the photo sites we met Rebecca and Nicko from London cruising on an awesome hired Indian motorcycle. They let everyone get on their bike and have photos with the amazing backdrop which was fun.

Then there was Bonnie Springs. Well there once was a western town reproduction in the 1950s. They seem to have just carried on doing that. An audacious audience participation production was a little sad despite the enthusiasm of delivery. It was redeemed by the petting zoo that was full of pretty happy-looking, good condition animals. The goat, burro and some kind of deer were supported by chickens and were all free to roam. All of them could wander off. Others, possibly fenced off from the people included the wolves-which were way too large for comfort - and some cutey-pie chip mink things.

The Black Bear diner is a chain that we've always enjoyed and that's where we had lunch. The portions were way too huge but yum. It was difficult to leave such yummy food.

A visit to the iconic Las Vegas sign. It was buzzing with activity as the sun was setting. There was a pretty organised queue for the main angle but otherwise you could just wander and take your shots. We scored some excellent priced last minute tickets to Keith Urban playing at the T-Mobile Arena so retired to our respective hotels to freshen up before heading out.

Using the Tram we were able to get close but it was still a bit of a hike. Everything in Vegas is a bit of a hike. The arena was massive and everyone enjoyed the concert. Keith was very personable and made sure there was old and new songs and keeping everyone engaged. He went down into the audience and amiably chatted even though they were super enthusiastic. It was a large well behaved crowd of all ages.

After the show it was almost midnight so we made our way back.

Highlights:
Angus | Red Rock Canyon – have to hike here another time.
Rosie | Keith Urban singing happy birthday for her (must have been, he wasn’t clear)

Amazing decorations in the casinos

Keith Urban concert

So many people at Keith's concert

Cute animals in the petting zoo

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Day 3-0181

Red Rock Canyon

Me on a bike lol

Jacqui & Pete

Cute couple

Red Rock Canyon

Climbing Red Rock Canyon

Group selfie in Red Rock Canyon

BFFs

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon

Boys lol

Red Rock Canyon

Gotta warm up when you get your Lycra on.

Mini road trip to Red Rock Canyon

The Vegas sign

Las Vegas

After yesterday's mammoth day we treated ourselves to a late start. First stop we took the car to refuel (we came in on the fuel light so Angus was relieved it started today!). It cost $37 at $2.5 a US gallon (that’s about $0.60 per litre).

The view from our room.

The Little Church of the West is a much-maintained oldest building on the strip in Las Vegas. There have been some famous weddings here and it is most interesting because it isn’t like everything else in Vegas. There was a wedding going on so we had to keep a bit distant but it certainly was cute!

Wedding Chapel

The traffic was crazy today. Even after midday it was crawling. Luckily the good people of Las Vegas are very tolerant of our often being in the wrong lane. We also traveled up to the Old Mormon Fort, the first European building hereabouts but the urban park it is in was closed. Never mind we were too hungry as we hadn’t eaten yet. Lunch at Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen was a yummy crunchy fried chicken extravaganza.

The Strip

Trump Tower Las Vegas

We needed to get to Wal-Mart at Arroyo Market Square to get some food and maybe an Esky. The GPS guided us to a massive shopping zone. Always a fun shopping experience we got a nice esky for the car for $20. We also checked out Best Buy and got Keith Urban’s new CD for the long car trips ahead.

Soon we were at McCarran Airport and greeted Pete and Jacqui. It was amazing how many people seemed to have dogs with them. We couldn’t work out where the passengers came out so Rosie got some tips from Jason, a waiting chauffeur.

Las Vegas Airport carpark

Las Vegas Airport

Doggies at the Airport!

Finally Jacqui and Pete appeared - the girls squeeled on seeing each other. They were looking great from having just cruised the Panama Canal but bushed from a long day and the time-zone change. It was great to see them and so much to catch up on.

They're here!!

Dinner this evening was a nice easy meal at Dennys (which is adjoined to our hotel). After having the best waitress in town (Jessica) who entertained us for our entire meal. We left at midnight. With a quick stop in at Walgreens for a hairbrush, we couldn’t get over how busy the store was at midnight. But this is Vegas. Then it was off to bed as it’s a big day out tomorrow.

Nighttime Las Vegas

Highlights of the day:
Angus | Shopping in Wal-Mart
Rosie | Jessica making us laugh at dinner

It was nice being driven to the airport by McKay. A definite bonus once your offspring get their licence. O'Regan was happy to keep us all company.

Day 1 | Preparing - checking the list.

Brisbane Airport

Once on board we found that our cunning plan to pre-book seats with extra room had been foiled as Qantas had changed the configuration and adopted the "Kangaroo Configuration". Lucky for us though, we had no one in our third seat. It was a busy flight so the extra space was very welcome. We also made some new friends who had also been caught out. It was great to chat to Heather and Harry during the flight, it certainly made time fly. We had also pre-ordered our food, but Qantas again failed - they ran out, second choice was okay, so all good.

Day 1 |We're ready !

Day 1 | On board

We both only watched a couple of movies as the new seats had much smaller screens so almost impossible to watch.

LAX, like Brisbane, have now also adopted the automated chip reader, meaning equipped passports can now process through a kiosk. Anyway, that failed for us too and so got so had to go through the friendly immigration staff. It was super speedy as we landed at 6.00am and were through in less than 40 minutes.

LAX

We waved goodbye to Heather and Harry who were off to New York, and headed out to catch the bus to the rental car pick up. No hiccups for the rental pick up from National (yay) and after sitting in the four different cars we were offered we choose shiney black Ford Explorer.

Day 1 | Sunrise over LA

First stop Glendale Galleria to get reconnected through T-Mobile. We could have gone closer but it turns out that they don’t open until 10 am so it gave us some time to find coffee and a couple of essentials from Target. This is one of the multi-story Targets with the trolley escalator; it goes by itself while you ride next to it.

Once open, Katie at T-Mobile, had us sorted and back on line.

Day 1 | LA tunnels

Now we were on our way to Vegas! It is about a four-hour drive with a quick stop for lunch at Peggy Sue’s 50s Diner complete with dinosaur garden. Its located in the middle of nowhere about half way to Vegas. Food and service was great. Both the chicken-fried steak and the cheeseburger were delicious, as were their accompanying salads and curly fries.

Day 1 | Inside Peggy Sue's

Day 1 | Uniquely Peggy Sue's

Traffic on arriving in Vegas was very heavy. We later found out that Trump and Hilary were hanging out in Vegas so the roads were a bit clogged. We checked into the Casino Royale and got ready for Elton John!

WOW what an absolutely fantastically candid concert just proving what a talent he is with a repertoire of songs everyone knows, and his voice was right on key.

Las Vegas

Elton John concert

Elton John

Then Maccas snack before bed. We’ve been going 36 hours without much sleep, so that’s it for today.

Highlights of the day:
Rosie | Definitely Elton - totally blown away.
Angus | Elton and his band (original) very slick

See the itinerary of this trip, and details about each destination.