It’s a bit rough getting up for a 6am pick up. But needs must. This time there are 5 of us. An Australian couple from Melbourne ( always and forever an Australian in the mix), a German woman who’s lived in the US for 25 years and her German Mum. And then there was Alfonso The Guide, the redoubtable, ever enthusiastic Alfonso in his giant Mexican sun hat.
First stop the Welcome to Las Vegas sign for a photo op. Oh well, join in the fun!! There was a guy dressed up as Elvis hanging around who obviously has his photo taken with the tourists and probably does some busking as well. The Germans were desperate for a photo with him but a more bad tempered Elvis you’ve never seen. They took their photos but Elvis looked as if he’d rather eat them than have his photo taken with them. They didn’t think they had to tip him which may explain a bit.
Onwards for brekky at…you guessed it, McDonalds. Yuck, my least favourite thing. We each had to order what we wanted and I said an Iced Coffee. The girl smiled at me, said ‘sure’ what flavour would you like that, Caramel, strawberry etc,etc…Coffee I said. Yes but what flavour? Fortunately Alfonso came to the rescue before I throttled her. What…no flavour???
Next stop…more or less, was the Hoover Dam. That was a killer because Alfonso drove across the Dam, parked the car and we had to walk back across the Dam for photos etc. It was huge for me. Already over 40C and a very solid walk.with the prospect of having to walk back to the car. Fortunately Alfonso worked out that we were rather hot and bothered and went and got the car to pick us up at the other end. But bad start to a long day of walking under the scorching sun. The Hoover Dam is really very impressive but in my view one large Dam is like another large Dam.
Then through the Joshua Tree Forest. I just love a Joshua Tree. They are so quirky and totally unique and the big ones are so old. I’m excited by them so loved seeing so many in a large forested area.
Next stop, West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Well there is no doubt that this is a most amazing geological phenomenon. We had to leave our car at the entrance and proceed by shuttle bus. Lots more walking in the heat from bus to rim at Eagle Point, to Skywalk. The Skywalk was smaller than I thought but nonetheless took us out over the Canyon on a glass walkway which was nothing if not scary as you looked down into the Canyon way, way below. Still amazing views and a completely awe inspiring structure. Back on the shuttle for another viewpoint Guana Point. Then back in the Shuttle to the car. Exhausted.
A word about the Hualapai tribe whose land this part of the Canyon is on. They run the whole show and live in that small area under their own laws.
Back to my little bit of tinsel town with one minute to spare until Happy Hour ended. So I burst in and gasped to quickly give me a glass of wine. They weren’t too impressed but they did. I then thought I’d actually eat something so I went to Chin Chin. A new experience. I got a chicken salad that was great. The freshest food I’ve had so far. The Expresso martini was cheaper than a glass of wine so I had one of them too.
I’ve retreated to my room to listen to the roller coaster trundling past my window until midnight. Surprisingly not a sound that worries me.