I have only been to Vegas one other time, and Vegas is its own beast. Because so many of its inhabitants are transient the activity feels very chaotic. There is a cross between the determined traveler or local, trying to get to a specific place at a specific time. Then there are the people kind of riding the life wave and not really paying attention to anything but what is directly impacting them. Vegas can be fun, and at the same time open a box in your life that maybe should have stayed closed. Don't worry I have a clear goal in mind in both my trip and in life, so I didn't get sucked into the madness.
My day started at the Grand Canyon and while I was up early enough to catch the sunrise I decided to pack up first and missed the crest of the sun by about 15 minutes. I still saw the beautiful remnants of what was indeed a glorious earth spin and then road off towards Vegas watching the many elk in the park on the way out.
I made excellent time and pulled off at the Hoover dam to see lots of people and very low levels of water. For first time visitors, if you can get there early, do so. It is always dam hot in the summer. Also start at the Pat Tillman bridge if you are up for a hike. That walkway has the best view of the dam but it is a dam hike. Then once you get through security, if you don't want to pay for parking follow the road over the bridge and into one of the free parking lots on the hill. It is a bit of a hike down but it is dam free.
Family friendly comedic magician Mac King was on my list of eventual things to see in Vegas. As soon as I got done with lunch right around the corner, Mac's show was starting. He was hilarious and worth the visit. You can't go wrong seeing the guy Penn & Teller recommend you see.
Vegas at night. This is the shot people want to see. Noah and I went to Delano's Skyfall Lounge and had coffee and chatted while the sun went down. So many people there partying like it is there last night in earth and I just wanted to take in the view and chat with an old friend.
Speaking of friends, here is me and Noah on the elevator heading back down to the lobby. I had only seen Noah once since we joined the same career field 10 years ago. I could go on and on about linking up with friends from the past, but from my other entries, you get the point. Thanks Noah for good company in Vegas.