Grand Canyon to Vegas

Another long day ahead, we fought our way through the throngs to get our breakfast (they had a bizarre machine that pooped out pancakes - great but such a massive machine for a tiny pancake!)

We had to double back to get back to Route 66 for a little bit and then off Route to get to Vegas. Annoyingly we missed one of the places I wanted to visit as we lost loads of time stopped on the road for no discernible reason. Turns out they we spraying the road black? We were sat for aaaagggges.

Favourite stop was Seligman. Alas we arrived at the same time as about 15 coachloads of tourists ( I know we’re tourists too but it was a lot for such a little town)
We went to the snow cap which does various munchies, but more to the point the chocolate dipped ice cream in the picture. They have a history of pulling pranks on people which was great fun ( especially as Rich was the subject of them! - including the trick door handle)

Quick stop at Kingman before heading for the mountains. Route 66 turns into the Oatman Highway - Oatman is an old mining town which was abandoned during WW2. However the burros (donkeys) that served the mines were left and bred so the town is covered with them - see additional photos. They are constantly after food and we did see a man trying to fight a donkey who had stuck its head in his boot which was hilarious. The rest of the town is styled in old west style but is quite touristy and gimmicky.

The main highlight (or not as it was for me) was the road to Oatman that twists it’s way up the mountain. It is narrow. It is seriously twisty. It has sheer cliff drops. And NO BARRIERS!!! I’m not kidding I nearly shat myself. Rich was driving so I was on the outside looking down the cliffs. He doesn’t like it when I start getting nervous and gripping the door so he told me to sing. I couldn’t think of a song so he picked Kylie Minogue, I should be so lucky. I sang it. By the top of the hill I’d gone through the whole Kylie and Jason era repertoire - and started on Les Mis. The way back down was not too bad as we were on the inside.
I must say that some of the views were outstanding so it was worth it!!

After Oatman we doubled back again and jointed the 93 to start up to Vegas. We diverted via Hoover dam which we drove over and walked over too. It was colossal and mind boggling, as is the memorial bridge which crosses higher up.

So now we were in Nevada another new state. We made quick time approaching Vegas but pretty slow going down the strip as it was now 7.30pm and Vegas is insane. Plus Rich was having trouble concentrating because of all the massive and ridiculous buildings and lights. We made a right pigs ear of getting in the Venetian and dropping the car off for valet parking because we had never done it before. As we learned you have to be confident (and preferably arrogant it seems) in Vegas to get anywhere. Once we had the car dropped off and our bags off somewhere ( which I did wonder if we’d ever get back as we forgot to tip the valet) we went to check in. The Venetian is stunning and jaw dropping. When we got into the suite I nearly cried. We had two beds and a living room. And two TVs!!! Not forgetting the fluffy dressing gowns which I immediately put on.

As it was late we decided to go and get food ( I changed out of the dressing gown but it would probably have been acceptable as there were girls dressed in essentially pants(UK version)and bra all over the place) and had an explore of the hotel including the Grande canal shoppes ( yes it’s spelt like that) . Found a nice Italian and had our most expensive meal of the trip so far, as we had expected
We then went into the casino and lost a load of money on slot machines! Even worse we failed to find anyone to get us drinks - Rich refused to believe me that they were free when gambling.

After betting as much as we were prepared to (we didn’t go crazy or anything) we retired to our suite and had a bed each to sleep :)

What a day!!!