Report- Part Vegas
Apr 13th, 2011, 09:18 AM
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Report- Part Vegas
Headed out of Charleston, SC for Vegas ealy morning. Thunderstorm rolls in, delayed an hour. Sign of things to come? Already concerned over possible gov't shutdown of National Parks. Excitement and trepidation... and we're off..........
Got into Vegas around 11:30- rental car shuttle/set-up are excellent. Headed out in the Red Rider Camry by 12:30 to Hoover Dam since we couldn't check in yet anyway. First view of this part of the country. So dry, red and rocky. Very nice. Hoover Dam was awesome. Took the Power Plant tour.(all the guides, generally older gentlemen, were extremely nice, funny and loved what they did and where they were)
After a few hours we turned back for LV. Made sure to come up the South strip to get the cliche "Welcome to Las Vegas pic". (more there later) Cruised up to Bally's where our great rate found us staying. Didn't realize it was connected to Paris. Very nice introduction stroll. At check-in requested a North tower room and was given at no charge(not sure how grand an accomplishment but was told rooms were better) Room was good. Nothing outstanding but clean and more than enough for less than a President Grant. (although I might pay extra for any hotel shower head that suits someone 6'3", oh well)
Set out to hit the South strip and did the usuals. Caught as much of the free stuff; MGM lion exhibit(great) Bellagio fountains(classic-many times) and so on. Our biggest chore was finding casual eats that didn't break the wallet for a snack (ha, I know, it's Vegas)
Day 2 headed North. Love the Venetian, who doesn't? Hit the discount ticket stop at Bill's- only 1 ticket for each Cirque Love show that night(maybe a good thing-more later) "Settled" on Phantom at the Venetian. Glad we did. Classic show at a classic hotel. The custom theater is great with the effects and scenery. After, decided to eat at Jasmine in the Bellagio over-looking the fountains. Unfortunately the view was the best part. Not bad food just routine and could be found anywhere for 1/3 price. Maybe it was what we ordered(for the price it should all be great) but unimpressed is putting it lightly. This was worse meal (per $) of the trip that included stops at Baja Fresh and Wendys
Oh well, you learn.
More later................
Got into Vegas around 11:30- rental car shuttle/set-up are excellent. Headed out in the Red Rider Camry by 12:30 to Hoover Dam since we couldn't check in yet anyway. First view of this part of the country. So dry, red and rocky. Very nice. Hoover Dam was awesome. Took the Power Plant tour.(all the guides, generally older gentlemen, were extremely nice, funny and loved what they did and where they were)
After a few hours we turned back for LV. Made sure to come up the South strip to get the cliche "Welcome to Las Vegas pic". (more there later) Cruised up to Bally's where our great rate found us staying. Didn't realize it was connected to Paris. Very nice introduction stroll. At check-in requested a North tower room and was given at no charge(not sure how grand an accomplishment but was told rooms were better) Room was good. Nothing outstanding but clean and more than enough for less than a President Grant. (although I might pay extra for any hotel shower head that suits someone 6'3", oh well)
Set out to hit the South strip and did the usuals. Caught as much of the free stuff; MGM lion exhibit(great) Bellagio fountains(classic-many times) and so on. Our biggest chore was finding casual eats that didn't break the wallet for a snack (ha, I know, it's Vegas)
Day 2 headed North. Love the Venetian, who doesn't? Hit the discount ticket stop at Bill's- only 1 ticket for each Cirque Love show that night(maybe a good thing-more later) "Settled" on Phantom at the Venetian. Glad we did. Classic show at a classic hotel. The custom theater is great with the effects and scenery. After, decided to eat at Jasmine in the Bellagio over-looking the fountains. Unfortunately the view was the best part. Not bad food just routine and could be found anywhere for 1/3 price. Maybe it was what we ordered(for the price it should all be great) but unimpressed is putting it lightly. This was worse meal (per $) of the trip that included stops at Baja Fresh and Wendys
Oh well, you learn. More later................
Apr 13th, 2011, 02:39 PM
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...continued
Part 2- Grand Canyon/Zion
Fueld up in Kingman (car and stomach). Headed into the gusty wind. Had to hold the car on the road for most of the I-40 stretch. Quicker trip that expected. Got to G.C. around 3pm. Settled into room at Maswik lodge and then walked over to the rim. On the way ran into 4 Deer grazing a few feet away. The canyon of course was impressive but when you know to expect awesomeness it's hard to be awed. But it is everyhing everyone says. Began a trek down Bright Angel trail. After about 30 min. the clouds and light rain came in. We decided to play it safe and came back to the rim where the winds had picked up even more. Walked down to El Tovar-very nice. In no time things cleared a bit so we started over. Hiked down for over an hour. Got better views this time. Made our way back around 7pm to find a dnner spot. Decided on the Bright Angel Lodge. Huge pork loin here. Back to the room after dark- flashlight tip came in handy. Room is basic with a bit of a squeaky floor when walking in certain spots. Felt badly for those under us- sorry folks. Next morning hoped to do Kaibab trail on Eastern end but weather didn't allow. Woke up to light snow and by 10am it was really strong. Decided we had "done the Canyon" and checked it off our list. Wanted to try and get in front of the weather as much as possible. Desert View East. Thank you snow plow that pulled in front of us. A good number of miles at 30 mph. Exactly 1 hour later we were in the clear, sunny skies. Found some really good photo-ops on this route to Cameron. Stopped at the Cameron outpost for a burger and continued toward Page and Utah enjoying the scenery .......................... ............
Part 2- Grand Canyon/Zion
Fueld up in Kingman (car and stomach). Headed into the gusty wind. Had to hold the car on the road for most of the I-40 stretch. Quicker trip that expected. Got to G.C. around 3pm. Settled into room at Maswik lodge and then walked over to the rim. On the way ran into 4 Deer grazing a few feet away. The canyon of course was impressive but when you know to expect awesomeness it's hard to be awed. But it is everyhing everyone says. Began a trek down Bright Angel trail. After about 30 min. the clouds and light rain came in. We decided to play it safe and came back to the rim where the winds had picked up even more. Walked down to El Tovar-very nice. In no time things cleared a bit so we started over. Hiked down for over an hour. Got better views this time. Made our way back around 7pm to find a dnner spot. Decided on the Bright Angel Lodge. Huge pork loin here. Back to the room after dark- flashlight tip came in handy. Room is basic with a bit of a squeaky floor when walking in certain spots. Felt badly for those under us- sorry folks. Next morning hoped to do Kaibab trail on Eastern end but weather didn't allow. Woke up to light snow and by 10am it was really strong. Decided we had "done the Canyon" and checked it off our list. Wanted to try and get in front of the weather as much as possible. Desert View East. Thank you snow plow that pulled in front of us. A good number of miles at 30 mph. Exactly 1 hour later we were in the clear, sunny skies. Found some really good photo-ops on this route to Cameron. Stopped at the Cameron outpost for a burger and continued toward Page and Utah enjoying the scenery .......................... ............
Apr 14th, 2011, 01:35 PM
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Part 3- Zion
Decided on a quick glance at Page, AZ in hopes of beating weather to Zion. No luck there but got an experience that was worth the road conditions. Entered Zion on Hwy 9 in a winter wonderland. Ranger at entrance was very nice- chatted up for a while. Parks/Gov't shutdown was still to be decided so he offered suggestions in event of worse case. Arried at Majestic View Lodge and was very impressed. Room was perfect, clean and even majestic.
Things were a bit gloomy looking so we took the shuttle into Zion to get a look and familiarize ourselves for the next day. Had dinner that night at Wildcat Willies. Excellent. Day 2 on and off snow but nice enough so we started on the Emerald Pools trail. Snow-covered and nice. Got very muddy on the lower trail(melting ice does that). From there went on up to Temple of Sinewava stop and did the River walk to the Narrows entrance. Would have loved to do this hike but of course too much water/run-off. Got an odd treat while there, snow that we'd never seen before. Looked like a combo of snow/hail and "dippin dots.(those little ice cream things) Very cool as we were the only ones there. Made our way back for dinner at Zion Pizza and Noodle. BBQ chicken pizza-yumm.
Next day we set out for Angels Landing. A nice stroll that turns into a good work-out then to a strenuous hike then to re-thinking your plan. At Walter's Wiggles things were really slick and challenging but a managable slow-go. At the over-look folks started turning back. Their wisdom coming out We proceeded on hugging the cliff face, the cold chain and trying to find footholds with no ice. This was a bit.... interesting. Heights are not my favorite. Heights on a slippery non-existant(at times) surface give me the willies. But since the Narrows were out this experience was going to be done. Trying to cross over the other souls who were coming down proved to be a great challenge-"hug up against me all you want sir or lady, let's just all survive"-
Made it to the "top". Or so we and a few others thought. We couldn't see the final ascent from our stopping point/ledge. Afterwards when looking at a better picture of the mountain we saw that we could have gone another 50-75 yards. Kinda glad that decision didn't present itself. Under ideal conditions this would be fun and challenging. Under these conditions, a bit uneasy without proper shoes. Made it back down, at times on my butt. Just in time for lunch at the Visitors center and to dry off. Next venture, Weeping Rock and Hidden Canyon. Weeping rock, steep but short and no ice. Good waterfall pics. Hidden canyon, not as steep but longer and plenty of ice. Made it to what seemed to be the final turn on the inside on the canyon/cliff but the narrowing trail and ice made the decision easy. Our challenging hikes were done. Took the River trail back, saw the usual turkeys and deer to go along with the beaver and chipmunks. Was hoping for bigger game sightings but what can you do.
Dinner at Spotted Dog cafe was excellent. Had the Beef and Elk meatloaf. Didn't expect it to be quite as nice. "Cafe" and "Casual Dinning" under-played the quality(and price, but worth it unlike certain aformentioned dining) Stopped off for some Bumbleberry pie to go to top off the day.
Overall, Zion is everything I had heard it to be.
Next morning headed back to Vegas. Hit some of the spots we missed before- a quick drive through Fremont area. Decided to check the Show schedule for that night and got a good price for Cirque Mystere. Having seen shorter versions of Cirque shows and having heard so many good things about the Vegas versions we were excited about the tickets and price. Wrong! I wanted either my money or my Hour 1/2 back. Preferably both. After 20 minutes it was far too redundant.
The music was as if Yanni was put in charge of the Gladiator soundtrack. I guess there was a reason the theater was only 70% full while other shows sold out. The talent, skill and strength are incredibly impressive. But the entire production is full of itself for the sake of itself. IMO
To end on a positive note; Phantom was excellent. The Venetian, Paris and Bellagio were our favorites. Grand Canyon is what it is. A must see for posterity. Zion is incredible. Especially for those not accustomed to this type of land and topography. I thought the weather would be a negative but it provided some views and shots that were awesome. And considering we're starting into 6 months of 100-110 heat and humidity some snow and cold were a nice diversion.
Looking forward to our next travels, God willing.
Decided on a quick glance at Page, AZ in hopes of beating weather to Zion. No luck there but got an experience that was worth the road conditions. Entered Zion on Hwy 9 in a winter wonderland. Ranger at entrance was very nice- chatted up for a while. Parks/Gov't shutdown was still to be decided so he offered suggestions in event of worse case. Arried at Majestic View Lodge and was very impressed. Room was perfect, clean and even majestic.
Things were a bit gloomy looking so we took the shuttle into Zion to get a look and familiarize ourselves for the next day. Had dinner that night at Wildcat Willies. Excellent. Day 2 on and off snow but nice enough so we started on the Emerald Pools trail. Snow-covered and nice. Got very muddy on the lower trail(melting ice does that). From there went on up to Temple of Sinewava stop and did the River walk to the Narrows entrance. Would have loved to do this hike but of course too much water/run-off. Got an odd treat while there, snow that we'd never seen before. Looked like a combo of snow/hail and "dippin dots.(those little ice cream things) Very cool as we were the only ones there. Made our way back for dinner at Zion Pizza and Noodle. BBQ chicken pizza-yumm.
Next day we set out for Angels Landing. A nice stroll that turns into a good work-out then to a strenuous hike then to re-thinking your plan. At Walter's Wiggles things were really slick and challenging but a managable slow-go. At the over-look folks started turning back. Their wisdom coming out
We proceeded on hugging the cliff face, the cold chain and trying to find footholds with no ice. This was a bit.... interesting. Heights are not my favorite. Heights on a slippery non-existant(at times) surface give me the willies. But since the Narrows were out this experience was going to be done. Trying to cross over the other souls who were coming down proved to be a great challenge-"hug up against me all you want sir or lady, let's just all survive"-Made it to the "top". Or so we and a few others thought. We couldn't see the final ascent from our stopping point/ledge. Afterwards when looking at a better picture of the mountain we saw that we could have gone another 50-75 yards. Kinda glad that decision didn't present itself. Under ideal conditions this would be fun and challenging. Under these conditions, a bit uneasy without proper shoes. Made it back down, at times on my butt. Just in time for lunch at the Visitors center and to dry off. Next venture, Weeping Rock and Hidden Canyon. Weeping rock, steep but short and no ice. Good waterfall pics. Hidden canyon, not as steep but longer and plenty of ice. Made it to what seemed to be the final turn on the inside on the canyon/cliff but the narrowing trail and ice made the decision easy. Our challenging hikes were done. Took the River trail back, saw the usual turkeys and deer to go along with the beaver and chipmunks. Was hoping for bigger game sightings but what can you do.
Dinner at Spotted Dog cafe was excellent. Had the Beef and Elk meatloaf. Didn't expect it to be quite as nice. "Cafe" and "Casual Dinning" under-played the quality(and price, but worth it unlike certain aformentioned dining) Stopped off for some Bumbleberry pie to go to top off the day.
Overall, Zion is everything I had heard it to be.
Next morning headed back to Vegas. Hit some of the spots we missed before- a quick drive through Fremont area. Decided to check the Show schedule for that night and got a good price for Cirque Mystere. Having seen shorter versions of Cirque shows and having heard so many good things about the Vegas versions we were excited about the tickets and price. Wrong! I wanted either my money or my Hour 1/2 back. Preferably both. After 20 minutes it was far too redundant.
The music was as if Yanni was put in charge of the Gladiator soundtrack. I guess there was a reason the theater was only 70% full while other shows sold out. The talent, skill and strength are incredibly impressive. But the entire production is full of itself for the sake of itself. IMO
To end on a positive note; Phantom was excellent. The Venetian, Paris and Bellagio were our favorites. Grand Canyon is what it is. A must see for posterity. Zion is incredible. Especially for those not accustomed to this type of land and topography. I thought the weather would be a negative but it provided some views and shots that were awesome. And considering we're starting into 6 months of 100-110 heat and humidity some snow and cold were a nice diversion.
Looking forward to our next travels, God willing.
Apr 14th, 2011, 10:06 PM
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Apr 15th, 2011, 08:09 AM
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Thanks all. True Dukey1. That was the one thing I didn't get reliable input on; "upscale" eats. Coming from an excellent food town I was hoping for some quality hype in the bright lights. Just picked the wrong one I guess.
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