We gave Izzy some hugs and put out her automatic feeder. We are heading to Las Vegas for the day.
The new bridge at Hoover Dam is finally open; it’s been 5 years in the building and is supposed to be quite an engineering feat. We decided to take the long way to Vegas so we can check that out. It’s a steep climb out of Laughlin, with some rugged and striking western desert landscape. Big Red ran up that steep drive like a sports car, without the HitchHiker and cargo trailer behind.
The sun and clouds made for some pretty light on those mountains.
It’s been years since we’ve driven this road; RVs and big trucks have not been allowed to cross the dam since 9/11, due to security concerns. The new road is nice near the Hoover Dam... you don’t get to see the spectacular span bridge until you are right on it. We took the turn off for the Hoover Dam - this is the old road... amazing that we drove our big coaches over this narrow, twisty 2-lane.
We stopped to take some photos of the bridge and the overview of the Hoover Dam area. It truly is an engineering marvel. And then a short hike up the hill to see the bridge up close and personal. There is a pedestrian walkway across the bridge.
Then on to Vegas. The Strip just seems wall-to-wall with big casinos. It is nearly overwhelming to drive and try to take it all in. We drove north, then came back south and had lunch at the south end of the Strip.
With all the big glitzy new casinos, New York - New York is still our favorite. It seems that the newest places have gotten away from “themes” in favor of trying to be the most upscale. $300 and up for a room for a night at many of those places. We walked around a bit, but decided to not take on the crowds on the Strip. The Consumer Electronics Show is happening right now; it’s one of the biggest conventions to come to Vegas... timing.
We were back in Laughlin before dark; early enough for us to walk down to the Edgewater... where we continued our Joan up, Jim down trend.
2 comments:
New York is a favorite of ours also. We also like the Venetian. Never took the Gondola ride, but enjoyed walking around the indoor canals. Lots more to see though at NY. We are in North La that is Louisiana for the wedding of our granddaughter. May have to stay over for another day or so until the ice and snow melts. Bah Humbug.
Walldog, Willie and Jake.
Hi Herb,
We did see some of that nasty white stuff on the mountain tops on the way to Vegas... close enough. I enjoyed seeing it on the mountains in the Tetons, but don't want to have to drive through it anymore. See you in a couple weeks - I am anxious to get back on the boat.
Drive careful.
Jim
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