Friday, June 25, 2010

Homeward bound day. Drove back different, much faster, still scenic day drive to Vegas. Stopped off I-15 to see Kolob Canyons part of Zion Park that is not accessible from southern part. Just did scenic drive, pull outs, etc. Lots of day hike options in this area as well

Got to Vegas about 2pm, a nice 104 degrees. Parked at the Bellagio, looked into seeing Cirque show, decided $450 for four could be better used someway else. Culture shock after beautiful stuff we had seen. Walked thru 3 casinos, now about 4 pm, 106. Thousands of people around. I just don't get the attraction at alllllll, especially when it is 106 out. Went to old Fremont section of Vegas, but light show not on. Ate simple dinner, still only 7pm, we are taking red eye flight home that leaves at 11:30 pm. We are bored, I suggest going to Hoover dam, so we take off. Get there shortly before sunset, visitor center closed, but dam is cool anyway.

The west will sometime have a water crisis, no doubt. Depending on the Colorado for so many people will result in problems, sometime. The "bathtub ring" shown in the next pic was IMO about 30-40 feet deep, showing how low the dam pool is. This is on a reservoir that is like 60 miles long. That is a lot of water to make up. Good luck.

Back to Vegas in time for the lights to come on. Dad was very nice chauffer, and drove the whole strip again, madness at 8:30 pm on Friday night. Took about 45 minutes to go 6 miles, but kids loved it. Thousands of people walking around temp down to a cool 93. Let me outta here, how could people consider that place a vacation?

1,247 miles driven, 9 nights in 6 different hotels, unbelievable country seen, great hikes, no squabbles at all, quality family time, doesn't get much better.