Beyond the ever-present “clinking” of the slot machines… and the in-your-face
card “clickers” on the streets… Las Vegas has some incredible things to see.
It’s the details. It’s the colors. It’s the textures. It’s Vegas, Baby!!!

It was our last day in Las Vegas.  Finally.
And as if we hadn’t already walked well over a hundred cement miles
over the past two weeks… we decided to go hiking in Red Rock Canyon
with our new friend John who now lives in Las Vegas. It was an
incredible day off the Strip – enjoying the natural beauty of Vegas!!!

We started out on the Calico Hills hiking trail. It was beautiful introduction
to the red rock formations. It was a rigorous climb through the rocks, up and
over boulders and through tiny crevasses. It was a great day of hiking…
and an incredible change from our time on the Strip!

Of course there was some “fun” along the way… like Scott trying out his best pose!
He saw Haley do it – and knew he could do better… like back in his modeling days.
And the group becoming “trapped” in a small sliver of light!

We then moved along down the road, a scenic loop that goes through the park.
Our next stop was the hike along Pine Creek Canyon… and a hidden pool and
trickling creek that we could cool our feet in. It was a nice rest at the end of the trail
before turning back… and returning to civilization!

At the end of our day, we all went back to John’s house to enjoy the comforts of his
hospitality… and his backyard!!! Which includes a pool, hot tub and fire pit! John
pulled out all of the stops with a great barbeque, chips & dip, cookies, brownies,
gourmet cupcakes and a chocolate fountain!!! I even got to toast marshmallows
in the fire! What a great way to end our journey – relaxing in the desert and
hanging out with new friends.

Another sunny day in Las Vegas… where else should I be but by the pool?!
So I’m playing in the pool, resting on my chaise, soaking up the rays…
and looking at the banner on the top of my hotel! Love it…

Later that night, we went out for a wonderful sushi dinner… where one of
my dishes was very thinly sliced beef that I actually cooked on a hot rock!!!
Then we all went to see Cirque du Soleil’s “LOVE.” We had purchased our
tickets and advance and I had been anticipating this night for a LONG time!

It was an incredible show – I loved it!!!
The entrance to the show itself is pretty darn impressive!!!
In fact, it is definitely my favorite Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas!!!
With a soundtrack that everyone knows & loves – and the visuals that
Cirque du Soleil adds to the evening… it was a magical mystery tour!

After working “constantly” during the past two weeks, it was finally time
to get away from the hustle & bustle of the Vegas Strip for a quick road trip
to the Hoover Dam. It’s a nice drive through the desert, past Lake Mead
and along the Colorado River. Today I was in BOTH Nevada and Arizona!!!

I’ve been there before… and it’s still just a big slab of cement!
Still a modern marvel of technology. Still impressive. Still huge.

The coolest part this time was the fact that they are currently building
a new highway to cross the Colorado River – most likely to lessen the
traffic on top of Hoover Dam. It was pretty cool to see the large bridge
spanning across the river and not quite finished!!!

Back in Vegas, it was an afternoon by the pool… followed by a night in Venice!
Yes… Venice. Or at least something very similar as only Vegas can do!!!
Dinner at a great Italian restaurant celebrating the big job being done!

And a sign of things to come…
tomorrow night – and I can’t wait!!!