Thursday, June 10, 2010

SW Road Trip: In the Grand Canyon



Chad and I found a trail we wanted to hike in the Grand Canyon; the South Kaibab trail. It is just a short shuttle ride to the trailhead from the visitor center. Even though we had a late start it was a great hike. The pictures say it all.

The hike to Skeleton Point and back was a six mile trip, there and back and took us five hours with adequate breaks. If we had more time a hike to the river would have been awesome but they do not recommend doing so in one day. In fact, they strongly discourage it as you can end up spending a cold night in the canyon unprepared even if you think you are in good shape. Maybe next time!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

SW Road Trip: Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon Part I



After a few errands in Las Vegas we head east. First stop the Hoover Dam and the Dam tour.

It is a five hour drive to the Grand Canyon so we arrived just in time to see the sunset. The National Geographic Visitor Center is open late so we were able to watch the IMAX on the Grand Canyon before eating a late Mexican dinner and going to bed. The Grand Canyon IMAX was filmed in 1984 and follows the history of the first inhabitants and explorers including Powell's trip down the Colorado into the canyon. It is really good and the MOST WATCHED IMAX.

We have big Grand Canyon plans the next day and need to get some rest.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

SW Road Trip: Las Vegas



Chad and I met Le and Clarence in Las Vegas, Friday May 7.

We drove all night to arrive in Las Vegas around 5:30am from Winter Park, CO. His parents flew in and got there around 10am. First things first we had lunch at Spago in the Caesar's Palace Forum. Very beautiful place and the food was fab. Since I've been in the frozen land of Winter Park, CO, for maybe too long, I headed to the pool and Chad went back to work.

Our evening began with an elegant wine and cheese spread that was sent to Le and Clarence's room in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary by Lynne (Chad's sister) and her family. That was awesome. After sharing the wine, beer and cheese we went to the hotel's restaurant The Hash House A Go Go. The portions were LARGE and the food and drinks were really good.

Time was of the essence as we had to get going because we had a limo waiting for us as a surprise for Le and Clarence. We rode around for awhile, thinking it was a tour of Vegas, when we arrived at the Wedding Chapel which was adorable and we broke the news that we were surprising them with renewing their vows. It was really neat. Elvis was there, sang a song then walked Le down the aisle. There was a ring and vow exchange that was pretty emotional and then a photo shoot that lasted about as long as the ceremony. The CD of the ceremony was purchased so we can share this experience with anyone who wants to view it.

After this we were on our way to the Mirage for the 9:30 show of the Beatles Love Cirque du Soleil. That was my first time seeing the Cirque and I loved it. Everyone really enjoyed it and I believe I would go to Vegas again to see the exact same show because there is just so much going on I think you could watch it 5 more times and see a different part of the show each time. Highly recommended.

Our evening was not quite over, we walked down the strip to see the water show at the Bellagio before we could finally call it a night. Immediately after we went to our rooms. We were exhausted and had to be ready for Saturday as that is the day we would see the Grand Canyon.