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.