Arizona - Grand Canyon

After leaving Las Vegas and the Hoover Dam, we headed to the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  

Greeting us at the entrance was Smokey the Bear who reminded us that "only YOU can prevent forest fires." We took the advice and vowed not to start any fires in the Grand Canyon park. 

When we got into the park, we went to the very first lookout spot we could find.  The Grand Canyon was nothing like we had ever seen before.  It was so vast.  The river looked like a stream from the top where we were standing.  Words cannot describe and my camera could not capture.

After enjoying the view from the first lookout for a while, we made our way down the trail and Adam decided he wanted to take the road less traveled and we went on a nature hike.  We admired a creek, various trees and rocks, and then came upon a mysterious pile.  Adam loves to watch survival shows on TV and just like Bear Grills would, he bent down and inspected the scat!!  

Nope, not a rock!

I was of course disgusted and then it got really bad when he picked it up.  I then got an education on all of the ways this could be used in a survival situation.  Adam then got an education on how I was going to leave him there in the woods if he did not drop the crap and get me back on the designated path!  I really didn't care what the animal had for lunch.

It smells sort of like a prairie dog?  Do they live here too?

Finally, we got back to the rim of the canyon and marveled at the sights.

Adam on the very edge of course

Me, safely 6 feet from the edge just like the tourist map instructed

Earlier in the morning, we had set up a helicopter ride.  I have been told that this is the best way to see the Grand Canyon.  Adam wanted to take the donkey rides down, but unfortunately for him there was a 200lb weight limit he exceeded.  He asked for a big mean donkey, but the company said no. 

We got to the airport 45 minutes early to check in and watch the video about how to open the doors in case it crashed and you were the only one alive.  This "safety" video did nothing to settle my nerves. I was excited for the adventure but also nervous because I have never been in a helicopter.

Cool as a cucumber

So it is finally time for us to board and we get in line and are belted with a life jacket around our waist.  We walk outside and are getting our picture taken by the helicopter when we are ushered back inside because the winds are too strong.  We are told to wait and after an hour, the pilot leaves.  That was our cue to get a refund.  They would not be flying the rest of the day.  We were really disappointed.  

After some dinner, we made our way back to the park for sunset.

The sunset was beautiful and I wish I had a better camera to capture it.

The next day we packed up and drove through the Painted Desert area on our way out of town.  Simon even got to experience the Grand Canyon that day.

Simon wanted a better look

Probably the greatest Grand Canyon photo ever!!

Nevada

IT'S VEGAS BABY!

We got into Las Vegas at about 11:00 pm and called around to some of the hotels for vacancy.  Most did not allow dogs and the ones that did charged extra cleaning fees or $500 deposits.  So we stayed at the Motel 6 just off the strip where dogs always stay for free!  High class, that's how we roll!  It was clean and we didn't have to sneak Simon around so it all worked out.

The next morning we hit the streets.  Man was it hot!  And there were people everywhere.

Lion exhibit at MGM

We stopped in for lunch at Cabo Wabo Cantina on the strip.  We didn't want anything too heavy like a casino buffet and Mexican is always a favorite.

I had a pear margarita and 1 taco and 1 enchilada.  Adam had a beer and super nachos.

That lunch costs us $80!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a rip off.  The salsa was really good though.

After lunch we hit the casinos!  We played slots and blackjack and marveled at the sites.

Glass platter ceiling at the Bellagio, my fave

Love this chandelier! It changed colors

After a full afternoon of gambling we... lost.  I had high hopes of winning thousands of dollars or maybe a new car.  But no, it just wasn't in the cards for us that day.  

DEFEATED!

We did however have just enough money for the $9.99 prime rib dinner at the Hooters Casino!  (We should have planned better.)

After dinner we watched the amazing fountain show at the Bellagio.  They synchronized the fountains to music and I was so happy when Lee Greenwood's Proud to be an American piped up.  I love that song.  It was pretty magical.

 Feeling like the casinos had taken enough money from us, we left Las Vegas and made our way to the Hoover Dam.

When we got to the parking garage, I asked the attendant if dogs were allowed and she said no.  It was 106 degrees outside and we could not leave Simon in the car, so we just drove around the dam. 

The new memorial bridge they built was cool.  And the water at the base of the dam was a beautiful greenish blue.  It was neat to see, but I don't think I ever have to visit it again.  Hoover Dam, a once in a lifetime experience.