Today’s post is all Laura. Here we go!
Our drive started with a moonlit excursion on Rt. 15 through the mountains – a different kind of beautiful view. Cactus dot the landscape. Next, Hoover Dam. Alas, the elevators were not working, so there were no tours today. But, the day was bright. We took pictures from the lookout…we walked across the bridge. The dam is immense and impressive. So many engineers and laborers to design/construct this engineering marvel. We saw a film, then a slide show talk about the Hoover Dam’s history. We also toured the displays in the Visitor’s Center. Our pictures reflect its strengthened beauty.
11:35 a.m.- onto Las Vegas and The Stratosphere. The Stratosphere is Huge! It is crazy to come into the hotel to register via the casino floor. People at the slots and gaming tables – looking either happy, in a trance of slightly off-kilter. We had a (really late) lunch at the Peppermill. Retro neon, curved booths, NO background music (yay!), cool vibe. Cheesesteak, hot pastrami and pineapple burger. COLD beer. So cold, the foam was frozen. Mom called to say hello. (Mom and Helen, we’re glad you are enjoying the photos. In fact, everyone, thanks for all your comments. We love them!)
Back at the Stratosphere, we went up to the top of the hotel. The observation floor was stupendous! More pictures! We also watched people do the (harnessed) free fall and also a scrambler car ride at 700 plus feet atop the hotel. CRAZY!
Song of the day: Ol’ 55 by Tom Waits
Ahhh Las Vagas! I did not know they picked a name for their NHL team. The Golden Knights, while “acceptable”, I would have gone with an edgier name like the Lost Bank Rollers, Pawnshop Crawlers or, my personal favorite, the Unrepentant Sinners.
Hoover, Damn! Lots of great views and the Art Deco styling makes it double cool. When I was there the water level was even lower. Max please add this to the list of bridges (though technically NOT a bridge). Maybe you should keep a log of all of the Civil Engineering Wonders that you have visited.
Dave, the First Generation stuff is a Tiny Town throwback which I just love.
Wow I remember seeing some of these sights they are amazing