Tonight we are going to the 'ChuckWagon' races at Lone Pine Indian Reserve, where they race horse teams pulling a covered wagon.
Other than that is my birthday tomorrow - if I was in Australia it would be my birthday already!
~Riley
Friday, 29 June 2012
The Bertoia's
We made it where we have planned to stay for the next month - with our very close family friends, the Bertoia's. Since here, we have had a bit of time to relax, though we have still been flat out! Some of the things we've been doing over here has been shooting the .22's, riding the quad bikes, eating poutine (fries, covered with cheese and then covered with gravy to melt the cheese). I also mowed all the lawns on the ride on, doesn't sound that exciting but I was paid with .22 cartridges.
Tonight we are going to the 'ChuckWagon' races at Lone Pine Indian Reserve, where they race horse teams pulling a covered wagon.
Other than that is my birthday tomorrow - if I was in Australia it would be my birthday already!
~Riley
Tonight we are going to the 'ChuckWagon' races at Lone Pine Indian Reserve, where they race horse teams pulling a covered wagon.
Other than that is my birthday tomorrow - if I was in Australia it would be my birthday already!
~Riley
Monday, 25 June 2012
Saskatchewan, Canada
10 and 1/2 hours in the car is too long I've decided! From Deadwood, SD, through North Dakota, across the Canadian border, and into 'Moose Jaw, SK'. You would would think with a drive that long you would think there would be a few interesting parts in the trip. No, 10 and 1/2 hours of flat, boring land. The most interesting part was going past a caravan park that had no less then 150 permanent caravans, all the same, all lined up.
The original plan was to stay the night in North Dakota and cross the border tomorrow but we were travelling fine, so it was decided to keep going, with only a short drive to 'Cut Knife, SK', where our family friends live - our base for the next 4 weeks.
There isn't much more to tell except that Bailey and I just spent 2 hours at the indoor water slide at our hotel, and we are very excited for tomorrow!
~Riley.
The original plan was to stay the night in North Dakota and cross the border tomorrow but we were travelling fine, so it was decided to keep going, with only a short drive to 'Cut Knife, SK', where our family friends live - our base for the next 4 weeks.
There isn't much more to tell except that Bailey and I just spent 2 hours at the indoor water slide at our hotel, and we are very excited for tomorrow!
~Riley.
Sunday, 24 June 2012
The Badlands
I need a rest, everyday in South Dakota has been huge! What a great place to visit. Yesterday we travelled through the Badlands National Park. Red striped rocks and huge cliffs surrounding you, along with the Mountain Goats, Buffalo, Rock Squirrels and Rattle Snakes.
After seeing some of the sights, we went to a archaeologist dig. Some of the fossils they were digging up were attached to some bizzare animals!! Whilst at the visitor centre inside the 'Badlands National Park'we got talking to a really nice couple from Toronto who were travelling with their Corvette Club. We saw so many Corvettes - it was great. Scott & Kay were actually in Australia earlier this year for a similar event. We are looking to catch up with both Scott & Kay when we get to Toronto in late August - it should be fun.
On the way home - and on the way there - we were noticing signs, every 100 metres of the same store, over and over again! The store was called 'Wall Drug' (the town was called Wall), and we saw no less then 500 signs for it. We decided that we had to go see if it lived up to all the signs, and it turned out to be about 15 stores in one big superstore!
We were nearly home when it was decided we had to go have a try of American Miniature Golf. Gena won for probably her first ever time! With Riley coming second and Bluey and Bailey coming equal last. Once that was finished we decided to go and have dinner at the 'Firehouse Brewery Co.' It looked like it was going to be great as we walked in there, though I will say that the food was pretty underwhelming.
So far today we have gone and visited the 'Gutzon Borglum Museum' - the sculptor who was responsible for the design and construction of Mt. Rushmore. What an interesting person. There are so many things that we see in America that he had a hand in - it is amazing. I think Bluey had the most fun there, spending twice the amount of time on the audio tour then any of us! We then swung by Mt. Rushmore one last look and another 30 or 40 pictures. It is a pretty amazing phenomenon.
There is a very scenic road leading up to Mt.Rushmore which is off the beaten track a little and quite windy, but the as you can see from the picture above, you travel through tunnels at different points of the road, each of them giving you a view of the Presidents. Very clever I reckon.
From there we have made our way to Deadwood, Sth Dakota, where we are staying for the night before travelling up to Nth Dakota tomorrow. Deadwood is a famous Western Town from the 1800's and still looks like it. Wild Bill Hickok, famous gunslinger, lawman and gambler was shot dead here in Deadwood on August 2, 1876 and the town has nightly recreations of the capture of his assassin and the subsequent trial, which we witnessed this evening. It was entertaining. The infamous Calamity Jane also had Deadwood as her resting place.
After seeing some of the sights, we went to a archaeologist dig. Some of the fossils they were digging up were attached to some bizzare animals!! Whilst at the visitor centre inside the 'Badlands National Park'we got talking to a really nice couple from Toronto who were travelling with their Corvette Club. We saw so many Corvettes - it was great. Scott & Kay were actually in Australia earlier this year for a similar event. We are looking to catch up with both Scott & Kay when we get to Toronto in late August - it should be fun.
On the way home - and on the way there - we were noticing signs, every 100 metres of the same store, over and over again! The store was called 'Wall Drug' (the town was called Wall), and we saw no less then 500 signs for it. We decided that we had to go see if it lived up to all the signs, and it turned out to be about 15 stores in one big superstore!
We were nearly home when it was decided we had to go have a try of American Miniature Golf. Gena won for probably her first ever time! With Riley coming second and Bluey and Bailey coming equal last. Once that was finished we decided to go and have dinner at the 'Firehouse Brewery Co.' It looked like it was going to be great as we walked in there, though I will say that the food was pretty underwhelming.
So far today we have gone and visited the 'Gutzon Borglum Museum' - the sculptor who was responsible for the design and construction of Mt. Rushmore. What an interesting person. There are so many things that we see in America that he had a hand in - it is amazing. I think Bluey had the most fun there, spending twice the amount of time on the audio tour then any of us! We then swung by Mt. Rushmore one last look and another 30 or 40 pictures. It is a pretty amazing phenomenon.
There is a very scenic road leading up to Mt.Rushmore which is off the beaten track a little and quite windy, but the as you can see from the picture above, you travel through tunnels at different points of the road, each of them giving you a view of the Presidents. Very clever I reckon.
From there we have made our way to Deadwood, Sth Dakota, where we are staying for the night before travelling up to Nth Dakota tomorrow. Deadwood is a famous Western Town from the 1800's and still looks like it. Wild Bill Hickok, famous gunslinger, lawman and gambler was shot dead here in Deadwood on August 2, 1876 and the town has nightly recreations of the capture of his assassin and the subsequent trial, which we witnessed this evening. It was entertaining. The infamous Calamity Jane also had Deadwood as her resting place.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Rapid City/ Mt. Rushmore
According to Bluey, this was the best day of the whole trip! And if it wasn't, it was pretty damn close! The day started with a nice sleep in, no time requirements. After breakfast we went down the road a few miles to the 'Reptile Gardens'.
We spent 2-3 hours at the Reptile Gardens, seeing a bird show, snake show, and best of all the Crocodilian show, where the guide showed us his alligator wrestling techniques. We also saw a bald eagle, a couple of 100+ year old tortoises, Prairie dogs and walked through the main attraction, their animal dome. Once we had finished looking at animals, we went over to the food court, and tried our first funnel cake, delicious!
Next stop was what was called 'Bear Country', a drive through park where you went through Moose enclosures, (each enclosure was a few hectares of hilly grasslands), Reindeer, Mule Deer, Arctic Wolves, Long Horn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goats, and the best of all, the biggest enclosure, the Black Bears.
Once we had finished the drive we went area where all of the babies of each species were kept, here we ate lunch. In the babies area they also had a couple of massive Grizzly Bears, and about 60 Black Bear cubs.
We were soon finished there and on to our next destination, Custor City (named after General Custer). It was a beautiful town, and before we knew it we had spent 3 hours there, looking at all the Native Indian shops, little cafés and all the Monuments and Murals (and Gena is still toying with the idea of buying an Indian Headdress).
We had to get a move on though as we had to be at Mt. Rushmore by 9:00pm for the evening 'Light Show'. We took the scenic route, which gave us terrific views, and we also drove through 2 tunnels that were designed to give you a direct view of Mt. Rushmore as you drove through them. It would of been better if Bailey and I weren't as green after we finished driving it - very windy roads.
The light show was great and gave us a great in look of the creation of Mt. Rushmore, and the story behind each of the presidents carved in granite, how they impacted on the history of their country, leaving no doubt why they were the ones chosen to be immortalised.
~Riley.
We spent 2-3 hours at the Reptile Gardens, seeing a bird show, snake show, and best of all the Crocodilian show, where the guide showed us his alligator wrestling techniques. We also saw a bald eagle, a couple of 100+ year old tortoises, Prairie dogs and walked through the main attraction, their animal dome. Once we had finished looking at animals, we went over to the food court, and tried our first funnel cake, delicious!
Next stop was what was called 'Bear Country', a drive through park where you went through Moose enclosures, (each enclosure was a few hectares of hilly grasslands), Reindeer, Mule Deer, Arctic Wolves, Long Horn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goats, and the best of all, the biggest enclosure, the Black Bears.
There would have been no less then 100 bears walking all around you, the closest one got to me was within touching distance, bumping the tires of our car, and generally trying to create havoc. They were everywhere! Strutting up and down the road, climbing on cars, even saw a few having a go at creating new life, and right in the middle of a big pack of other bears? One of the more different experiences I've had in life, but it was amazing.
Once we had finished the drive we went area where all of the babies of each species were kept, here we ate lunch. In the babies area they also had a couple of massive Grizzly Bears, and about 60 Black Bear cubs.
We were soon finished there and on to our next destination, Custor City (named after General Custer). It was a beautiful town, and before we knew it we had spent 3 hours there, looking at all the Native Indian shops, little cafés and all the Monuments and Murals (and Gena is still toying with the idea of buying an Indian Headdress).
We had to get a move on though as we had to be at Mt. Rushmore by 9:00pm for the evening 'Light Show'. We took the scenic route, which gave us terrific views, and we also drove through 2 tunnels that were designed to give you a direct view of Mt. Rushmore as you drove through them. It would of been better if Bailey and I weren't as green after we finished driving it - very windy roads.
From left to right, George Washington (1st President who went from War Hero to the first leader shaping the way for future leaders), Thomas Jefferson (3rd President who wrote the Declaration of Independance), Theodore Roosevelt (26th President, visionary who set the country up for their future as a world power) & Abraham Lincoln (16th President, wrote the Emancipation Proclimation, ending slavery. He also guided the country through and out of a Civil War, somehow keeping the States United at its conclusion).
The light show was great and gave us a great in look of the creation of Mt. Rushmore, and the story behind each of the presidents carved in granite, how they impacted on the history of their country, leaving no doubt why they were the ones chosen to be immortalised.
~Riley.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
On we go to South Dekota
After a day of adventure, it was time for what was supposed to be a short drive from Sheridan, Montana across to Rapid City, South Dakota (approx 3 hours). That was until I decided we should make a 10 minute detour just before the border into a town called Sundance. This turned it into a 4 hour detour.
For anyone who has likes old movies - like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid....... well, the Sundance kid (real name Harry Longabaugh) was from this area and actually faced court in Sundance in the late 1800's and was convicted of Grand Larceny & Armed Robbery in the town's court house of which the actual court house furniture is still on display as well as the court documents from his trial. Not to be done with this, Bluey then decided we needed to backtrack 30 miles to take a look at 'Devil's Tower'. This massive rock is to the American Indians, what Ayers Rock is to our Aboriginal community. There is an Indian legend tale that goes with this rock and in 1906, Devil's Tower became the USA's first ever national monument. Made from Volcanic rock, Devil's Tower stands at 1280 feet and is more than 20,000,000 years old. Now that is old!
For anyone who has likes old movies - like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid....... well, the Sundance kid (real name Harry Longabaugh) was from this area and actually faced court in Sundance in the late 1800's and was convicted of Grand Larceny & Armed Robbery in the town's court house of which the actual court house furniture is still on display as well as the court documents from his trial. Not to be done with this, Bluey then decided we needed to backtrack 30 miles to take a look at 'Devil's Tower'. This massive rock is to the American Indians, what Ayers Rock is to our Aboriginal community. There is an Indian legend tale that goes with this rock and in 1906, Devil's Tower became the USA's first ever national monument. Made from Volcanic rock, Devil's Tower stands at 1280 feet and is more than 20,000,000 years old. Now that is old!
I am loving the B&W photos out here in the Wild West - makes it look like we are reliving the era.
Eventually we got back to heading in the right direction and are now situated in our Rapid City accommodation. We have 3 nights here as there a lot to see in this part of the world. We will be seeing Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse tomorrow amongst many other things. It could be a long day as if we are able to last it out, we will stay for the nightly light show at Mt. Rushmore.
~Bluey.
White Water Rafting
Probably my biggest day for the trip! Once breakfast was over we packed up our suitcases and headed across the car park to Geyser White Water Rafting. We spent about half an hour of checking in and getting our wetsuits, jackets, booties, life-jackets and helmets fitted. Once this was completed we all grabbed a paddle and hopped on the bus.
It was a 20 minute trip to the start of the rapids, with a family of 3 from Michigan joining us on our raft, along with Ryan, our guide. Once we set off we finally realised just how cold the water was. We are in Montana's 'run-off'season where all the melted snow runs directly into the Gallatin River, leaving it at about 3C, very cold. I now know why they had us put so many layers on! For the early parts we were mostly in level 2 rapids, every now and then hitting some level 3 rapids (rapids are ranked 1-6, 6 being equivalent to rafting off the edge of Niagara Falls) all the time working really hard in the raft to the orders of our guide. We were approaching the level 4 rapids (known as the Mad Mile) but we had to pull over as Bailey had to get out of the raft whilst we tackled the treacherous first half of the Mad Mile, including the infamous 'House Rock'. As soon as we negotiated this part of the river we again pulled over to pick up Bailey to tackle the second half of this section and then ride the last half an hour to our take out spot. When we finished we were sopping wet, and absolutely freezing but it was one of the best things we have done on this trip.
Once we had returned to the main shop, we dried off and put warmer clothes on. At this point, Gena & Bluey surprised me by letting me know that they were taking me up to the mighty Big Sky Resort to do a 1.5 hour zip-lining adventure as an early birthday present. Therefore, we went straight from rafting up to Big Sky, where I got fitted out with 7 other people and the 3 instructors. We then had to go on a 20 minute hike up a steep trail to the first zip-line.
I was up first, with my family underneath the line with cameras. What a great way to see the mountains & forest - and get an adrenalin rush at the same time? The second line was the longest, taking me across a wide canyon and gave an even better view. My favorite though was the last line, where I had to jump off a cliff to start and the view was sensational. That, and the fact that I did it the whole way, hanging upside down....
Once zip-lining was over, we were back in the car for another 5 hour drive, through and out the other side of Montana and into Wyoming, where we have reached Sheridan. We are only staying here one night and we are off to Rapid City, South Dakota in the morning. This is home to Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands National Park and 'Bear Country'- a drive through a park full of bears, that often will climb over vehicles if they think there is something in them of interest. I hear great photo opportunity!! Bluey hasn't decided whether he is going to let Bailey & I cover the wheels of our car in honey... (ha ha).
~Riley
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Yellowstone National Park
From Salt Lake City to Yellowstone via Idaho Falls. We went through another 3 states, Utah, Idaho, then into Montana before crossing into Wyoming as we went into Yellowstone NP.
When we stopped for lunch in Idaho Falls we saw a spot of rain for the second time in the whole trip, while sitting in front of the man-made falls.
Driving into Yellowstone was beautiful, and the first thing we had to do with what light we had was go see Yellowstone's most renowned Geyser, (water blow-holes) 'Old Faithful'. On the way we stopped to picture Bison, Deer, and Squirrels. We got to Old Faithful just in time though, it was set to erupt at 7:05pm and we were there at 6:55pm.
Watching it go was amazing though, I have never seen anything like it! It went for about 2-3 minutes and Bluey got it all on video. Once it was finished we were back in our car for our 50 mile drive to the other side of the park where our accommodation was. The building was an 'old style' hotel, with shared bathrooms and showers. Bit of a 'different' experience for Bailey and I, no TV, no Wi-Fi, no air-conditioning. But we got through the night.
It must have taken us 5 hours to make our way around Yellowstone National Park, even though it is only about a 150km trip. There is just that much to see as you go along. There isn't too many varieties of forest animal that we didn't see, from Bison, Deer, Squirrels, and at one stage we stopped for about an hour to watch a Black Bear lay guard at the base of a tree as her cubs played merrily in the tree above.
Today we booked a night at a hotel outside the park, back in Montana and also booked a 2 hour white-water rafting trip, very keen! Gena and Bluey decided we had to do some hiking today, not as keen.. When I get a CD Drive for my lap top, I have a heap of photos to put on!
~Riley.
When we stopped for lunch in Idaho Falls we saw a spot of rain for the second time in the whole trip, while sitting in front of the man-made falls.
Driving into Yellowstone was beautiful, and the first thing we had to do with what light we had was go see Yellowstone's most renowned Geyser, (water blow-holes) 'Old Faithful'. On the way we stopped to picture Bison, Deer, and Squirrels. We got to Old Faithful just in time though, it was set to erupt at 7:05pm and we were there at 6:55pm.
Watching it go was amazing though, I have never seen anything like it! It went for about 2-3 minutes and Bluey got it all on video. Once it was finished we were back in our car for our 50 mile drive to the other side of the park where our accommodation was. The building was an 'old style' hotel, with shared bathrooms and showers. Bit of a 'different' experience for Bailey and I, no TV, no Wi-Fi, no air-conditioning. But we got through the night.
It must have taken us 5 hours to make our way around Yellowstone National Park, even though it is only about a 150km trip. There is just that much to see as you go along. There isn't too many varieties of forest animal that we didn't see, from Bison, Deer, Squirrels, and at one stage we stopped for about an hour to watch a Black Bear lay guard at the base of a tree as her cubs played merrily in the tree above.
Notice the bear cub backing down the tree in the centre of the photo
Today we booked a night at a hotel outside the park, back in Montana and also booked a 2 hour white-water rafting trip, very keen! Gena and Bluey decided we had to do some hiking today, not as keen.. When I get a CD Drive for my lap top, I have a heap of photos to put on!
~Riley.
Monday, 18 June 2012
Zion Canyon
From St. George to Salt Lake City via Zion Canyon today. The whole family was a little tired today but we managed to get up and spend 4 hours at Zion and I must say, it was worth it! We took a shuttle up the mountain to the top stop, where Gena and Bluey hiked up to the 'Narrows' (photo at bottom of post) while Bailey and I stayed back and swam in the 'Mighty Virgin River'.
Once swimming became boring Bailey and I decided we needed to do some hiking of our own, so we went up a steep trail on the opposite side of the river. At the top we made our way down to a mini valley at the base of the limestone cliffs, that looked amazing with trickles of water running down them, (it was about 110F, 40+C).
When Bluey and Gena returned we took the shuttle back to the neighboring town of Springdale, where we had a late lunch and got back on the road. At about 8:30pm we reached Salt Lake City and since then Bluey and Bailey have had a swim, while Gena and I went and got some food and ice-creams for dinner.
We are only spending a night here and hit the road tomorrow, headed for Yellowstone National Park, with a planned stop at Idaho Falls.
Once swimming became boring Bailey and I decided we needed to do some hiking of our own, so we went up a steep trail on the opposite side of the river. At the top we made our way down to a mini valley at the base of the limestone cliffs, that looked amazing with trickles of water running down them, (it was about 110F, 40+C).
When Bluey and Gena returned we took the shuttle back to the neighboring town of Springdale, where we had a late lunch and got back on the road. At about 8:30pm we reached Salt Lake City and since then Bluey and Bailey have had a swim, while Gena and I went and got some food and ice-creams for dinner.
We are only spending a night here and hit the road tomorrow, headed for Yellowstone National Park, with a planned stop at Idaho Falls.
The Narrows at Zion Canyon
~Riley
Sunday, 17 June 2012
St. George, Utah
Yesterday we travelled through 3 states in 15 minutes. From Nevada, into Arizona, to Utah. Coming out of Las Vegas we stopped in at the Shelby Motors Factory & Museum, some serious cars in there, old & new! If you ever order a Shelby Cobra or a Shelby Mustang Super Snake, it will be hand made in that factory. Bluey was in heaven!
It was a 2 hour drive from Vegas to St. George, stopping only to take photos of signs and for Bailey to jump back and forth over borders. It was a little cooler than Las Vegas but still above 30C, very good swimming weather we decided. That night we met up with another of Bluey's Fantasy Sports mates, Dan and his wife Colleen and had 'tepenyaki' with them. A dinner where the chef cooks in front of you, puts on a show and throws food at you.
We got to bed early that night. There was a huge day to follow.
This morning we were gone early and over to ATV Adventures where we were doing a 4 hour tour of Zion National Park on 4-wheel All Terrain Vehicles. Bailey rode with our tour guide on the back of his bike, whilst Bluey, Gena & Riley all rode their own machines. Definitely in the top 3 things we have done so far in the whole trip! Our tour guide Jay was terrific and the route was great, stopping for pictures in some of the most amazing places.
At night we had a great dinner at Dan and Colleen's house and after went out to watch 'Hairspray' at the St. George Amphitheatre, an outdoor theatre built in amongst the red canyon rocks - what a venue!
There is plenty more to write about all this but it's 2am and we have a long day's drive through Zion National Park tomorrow morning, then on to Salt Lake City. Photos will also follow soon.
~Riley.
It was a 2 hour drive from Vegas to St. George, stopping only to take photos of signs and for Bailey to jump back and forth over borders. It was a little cooler than Las Vegas but still above 30C, very good swimming weather we decided. That night we met up with another of Bluey's Fantasy Sports mates, Dan and his wife Colleen and had 'tepenyaki' with them. A dinner where the chef cooks in front of you, puts on a show and throws food at you.
Masterchef Lookout!!
There was only 1 person there crazier than the Chef.
We got to bed early that night. There was a huge day to follow.
This morning we were gone early and over to ATV Adventures where we were doing a 4 hour tour of Zion National Park on 4-wheel All Terrain Vehicles. Bailey rode with our tour guide on the back of his bike, whilst Bluey, Gena & Riley all rode their own machines. Definitely in the top 3 things we have done so far in the whole trip! Our tour guide Jay was terrific and the route was great, stopping for pictures in some of the most amazing places.
At night we had a great dinner at Dan and Colleen's house and after went out to watch 'Hairspray' at the St. George Amphitheatre, an outdoor theatre built in amongst the red canyon rocks - what a venue!
There is plenty more to write about all this but it's 2am and we have a long day's drive through Zion National Park tomorrow morning, then on to Salt Lake City. Photos will also follow soon.
~Riley.
Friday, 15 June 2012
Criss Angel - beLIEve
Early morning today.. Out of bed at 1:30pm.. (Didn't get to bed until about 3:00am that morning!) Gena and Bluey were downstairs trying to get us tickets to Cirque du Soleil. They arrived back and broke us the news that they couldn't get tickets to any of the circus', Bailey and I were shattered! They conveniently forget to mention that they got tickets to Criss Angel instead! We were booked into the 7:30pm show at the Luxor Casino.
There was one episode of 'MindFreak' where Criss Angel actually floated above the Luxor. I'm not sure what Gena and Bluey thought about Criss Angel but Bailey and I thought it topped going to the circus!
6:15pm came around and we were off to the Luxor as we were required to get there early, and as you entered the hallway of the theatre it was filled with Criss Angel Memorabilia from earlier years, including 11 spectacular Choppers custom made for him.
The show was a mixture of intensity, and funnily enough, comedy! (Get it? Funnily enough, comedy?) With two big acts, one where he makes one of his Choppers appear in the middle of the stage, and the other being where he saws a girl in half.
Once the show was finished we made our way over to the New York New York Casino where Bailey and I had multiple rides on their Roller Coaster that goes around the hotel while Gena and Craig checked out the bars upstairs.
There was one episode of 'MindFreak' where Criss Angel actually floated above the Luxor. I'm not sure what Gena and Bluey thought about Criss Angel but Bailey and I thought it topped going to the circus!
6:15pm came around and we were off to the Luxor as we were required to get there early, and as you entered the hallway of the theatre it was filled with Criss Angel Memorabilia from earlier years, including 11 spectacular Choppers custom made for him.
The show was a mixture of intensity, and funnily enough, comedy! (Get it? Funnily enough, comedy?) With two big acts, one where he makes one of his Choppers appear in the middle of the stage, and the other being where he saws a girl in half.
Once the show was finished we made our way over to the New York New York Casino where Bailey and I had multiple rides on their Roller Coaster that goes around the hotel while Gena and Craig checked out the bars upstairs.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
Stratosphere & Grand Canyon
Up there with the biggest, and the best days we have had so far!
I didn't wake up until 11:30.. - I am on vacation? But first on the agenda was for Gena, Bailey and Riley to visit the Stratosphere, tallest building in Vegas and home to not just the highest thrill ride in the world, but the 3 highest.
I didn't wake up until 11:30.. - I am on vacation? But first on the agenda was for Gena, Bailey and Riley to visit the Stratosphere, tallest building in Vegas and home to not just the highest thrill ride in the world, but the 3 highest.
The Insanity, X-Scream, and the best of all, Big Shot. Big shot was a 'Giant Drop' like ride, only 115 stories high and it shoots you up before it drops you! Insanity is aptly named as you spin around really fast whilst hanging out from the tower - 112 stories up!
Once Bailey and Riley had their couple of hours fix, it was a rush to get back to the room and get ready for a helicopter ride over Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. We were picked up by a limousine at 5:00pm and driven to the airport where we were weighed, name tagged, and escorted into a helicopter.
The ride over was great! It was my first time in a helicopter, and what an experience. It is amazing to see how Las Vegas was found as flat country in the middle of huge mountains and volcanoes. Even after seeing all the sights, the best part was easily when the helicopter dropped into the Canyon itself.
We landed in the Grand Canyon for a late lunch, time to take some pictures, have a look at the Colorado River and enjoy the sunset. Once this was done we were back in the helicopter and on way back, taking a different route this time.
By the time we were nearing Las Vegas it was fully dark and everything was lit up. The last part of our trip was a fly down the Strip, lit up by the night. I've walked it, and driven it, but nothing beats flying it! Amazing!
It was about 10:00pm by the time we got back to our rooms, but Bailey and Riley still had the wristbands from Stratosphere on, so Bluey, Bailey and Riley walked to the Stratosphere to experience it at night. Even better! The views are breath-taking from that high, not that we can show you because someone forget the camera again...
It is past 2 in the morning now, and I am stuffed! Need more hours in the day for what we fit in..
~Riley.
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