Day: September 27, 2011

Today was a travel day from Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Mostly interstate driving with the last 100km on a two lane highway.
The day started off with a trip to the Hoover Dam. Quite the structure. Ok, that’s an understatement. This thing is huge! The pictures don’t even come close to showing how deep the dam is.
From there it was off to the canyon. Once paying my vehicle entrance fee ($25US for 7 days) it was a quick trip to the campsite to set up home for the next three nights.
Then it was time to see what the canyon was all about. My first impressions? Holy Cow! I can’t describe the width and depth of the canyon. I hope the pictures give you some idea of the size, but it is something you have to see for yourself. I took multipole pictures of the same rock formations during my brief first trip. the sun was setting and the colours were changing. Have a look on my SmugMug set and notice the difference waiting 20 minutes can make on the light.
On a side note, there is no cell service in the park, however, there is free wifi at some of the area lodges. The cool thing is that everyone is in the lodge on their computers uploading the days photographs. It’s quite the show with everyone checking out other’s pictures and coming up with their own ideas for future pics.
As for tomorrow, I’m taking two bus tours. One is an early morning departure and 3.5 hours in duration. The second is a sunset tour and I’m really looking forward to that trip.
How will tomorrow’s pictures look? Stay tuned to this blog to find out!

Today was a fairly mellow day. It started with a call to Budget Rent-A-Car to let them know that the license on my rental would expire while I was on the road. Solution was easy. Come in and they would exchange the vehicle, or see if the plates had arrived. So, off to the car rental center I went. 30 minutes later, I had new plates on my car and was good to go.

The next issue was the non-booting Mac. I guessed the issue could easily be fixed and when I explained my problem to the tech, he thought the same. Well, we were wrong! Turns out Snow Leopard had to be re-installed. The whole process took about 90 minutes. While waiting, I visited a local cookie shop and enjoyed a cookie and a smoothie!

So once the problems were out of the way, it was time to resume the normally scheduled day. Today was tourist day and my plan was to cruise the strip. So, starting at the MGM, worked my way north up to the Bellagio where I caught the fountain show. What a busy place! All along the strip, it was elbow to elbow. People were everywhere! After the fountain show, I worked my way back to the MGM then back to the motel. Highlights of the tour included visiting the Coke and M&M’s store.  Also, I checked out the CSI show in the MGM where you get to solve a crime.  Turns out it was the Butler in the Dining room with the candle stick!  Overall, a great day.  Just a note.  Pictures are available on my SmugMug site.
Tomorrow, it’s off to the Grand Canyon where I’ll trade in the king size bed for my sleeping bag. The TV for a fire. Stay tuned to this blog to see how it goes.