Back in February, when we were in AZ, I took an ATV ride out of Tombstone and enjoyed it quite a bit, although it was a pretty tame trip on well-traveled, graded roads. In Vegas I found Adrenaline ATV Tours that promised a more challenging ride in the Nevada desert, so I signed up. Seven of us boarded a van and traveled about an hour NE of LV to a site north of the Valley of Fire State Park, where we donned helmets and goggles, got some quick instructions on how to drive/ride an ATV, and off we went. Self-portrait.
And it was a challenging ride. Lots of humpy stretches, rocky patches, and washboardy sections. We had some experienced riders among us and our guide set a good pace. I was on the edge of losing control a couple of times, but all went fine. We had about two hours of riding plus lunch and a couple of (too) long breaks. Some scenes:
Still thinking I'd like to have an ATV, somewhat beefed up so I could plow snow out of the driveway, drive to and from the mailbox, take grandkids for rides, etc.
Sunday afternoon we went to the Las Vegas Dancing With The Stars show at the Tropicana. Susie's a huge fan of DWTS, so she was thrilled. I caught a few winks, so I'll have her give the highlights.
SUSIE: As my granddaughter, Kaci, knows she is fulfilling my Broadway dreams, so I have resigned to the fact that another way to fufill this dream is vicariously, thus, Dancing With The Stars. Heidi had told me tbere was the show at the Tropicana so we went. There were a handful of previous contestants and pros plus a four couple dance group of Vegas dancers.....who were FANTASTIC! I just heard on TV this a.m. that some of the pros currently performing on TV will be coming to Vegas to dance in the show after the DWTS finale tonight......which brings to mind that the birth of the twins is tomorrow, thus not interfering with tonight's finale,,,,,Hum! Rob was a good sport although he did say that he liked the costumes (or lack of) the best! He's even commenting on the skills of the contestants, too.
Next, for old times sake, we visited a couple of the casinos where Heidi worked in the past. A favorite site at the Bellagio is the Conservatory, where seasonal floral displays and fanciful creatures are featured.
The Bellagio was in the news over the weekend. A couple of guys walked into a high-stakes blackjack room, pepper-sprayed the dealer at one table, and grabbed handfuls of chips and tried to run out. One was tackled and subdued by an alert Bellagio employee.
After a traditional ice cream stop in Bellagio we went over to the City Center and strolled through the Crystal's shopping center and the Aria casino, which was where Heidi had her last Strip job (an office job on the Las Vegas Strip, I mean). This sign got our attention:
As this is written on Tuesday, it's one day left until the twins, Julian and Landon, arrive, or, I think I should say, emerge.
Monday morning I dropped Susie off at Heidi and Joey's and drove out to Red Rock Canyon, just a few miles west of Vegas. Lots of pictures at the link. Here's one of mine:
I got there late in the morning; plan to go back on an early morning to get better light for pictures - and lower temperatures for hiking.
I did a hike into Ice Box Canyon. In the rainy season there are waterfalls and pools in this canyon, maybe even ice in the winter. Here's a view of the canyon entrance.
I didn't get all the way to the end of the box canyon, as seen in pictures at the above link, because of underbrush, rocks, heat, and steepness, but it was a good hike nevertheless.
Thought this valiant little flower in the "trail" was worth a picture.
Here's the scene looking out from the canyon. Hmm, Kemosabe. Outlaw gang approaching.
Duck!
From Red Rock I found my way to Bonnie Springs, a funky, old-west resort and restaurant, a few miles south of Red Rock Canyon. There I had lunch: barbecue ribs topped off by apple pie a la mode.
Also stopped by the village of Blue Diamond. I had heard that this was an area for mountain bike riding and a map on the front door of a closed-on-Monday bike shop confirmed it. Lots of trails in the area that I will check out later, weather and family fun permitting.
Tomorrow is D-Day - Delivery Day!
We'll be in touch soon.
Susie and Rob
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