Alarm again caught us sleeping, funny about that...The reason for its necessity this morning was a 6.05am pick-up for a tour to another state - Arizona - A state rich in history, hope & a dirty big hole called the "Grand Canyon" - 8th wonder of the world, or is that the "Big Pineapple"??.
Our journey took us through the Joshua Tree Forest, past "Lake Mead" & the Hoover Dam for a photo opportunity: Lake Mead is 110-miles long, provides many summer-time recreational options for the locals and was formed as a result of "Hoover Dam".
The graceful curve & art-deco style of the 726-ft "Hoover Dam" contrasts superbly with the stark landscape. Originally called the "Boulder Dam", this "new deal" project was completed in 1935 @ a cost of $175m. Its original intent was flood control, but it now helps supply Colorado River with seasonal water & hydro power to thirsty cities, including Las Vegas.
From the Dam it was onto a stop in the middle of nowhere to change buses for the last 22 miles on a dirt track to the dramatic "Grand Canyon". Although Cass & I have visited here before (1996), when we did the more popular "South Rim", which boasts the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous, this time we elected to do the quieter "West Rim", which as we were soon to discover, was no less spectacular.
Upon arrival, we were met by a rep. of "Papillon Helicopters" & after some pre-flight arrangements, boarded a Bell 206-jet helicopter for the 4000ft descent through the heart of the canyon. Spectacular and totally amazing are 2 adjective that only just begin to describe the sights & experiences of dropping over the sheer face of this awesome natural wonder, looking at rock formations millions of years old & watching the tiny snake of the Colorado River get bigger & bigger as we fast approach Earth. One was truly humbled by the experience.
Once safely on the canyon floor, we boarded a pontoon boat for a relaxing 30 minute journey down the mighty Colorado River, the 3rd longest river in the USA. Our guide, a Hualapai Indian (the original owners of this land), provided various facts & figures about the unique wildlife, fish & plants that inhibit this part of the world. The view looking up the 4000ft walls of the Canyon were breath-taking to say the least & the entire 30 minutes were taken up with photos & further feelings of humbleness.
We ascended the Canyon Walls the same way & transferred to "Guano Point Lookout" for lunch, but not before driving past the new "Sky-Wall", that just opened today & so was inundated with tourists & journalists - Didn't walk out on it. No big deal considering what we have just seen & experienced.
Arriving back @ our hotel around 6.30pm meant that we only had about an hour& a half to get ready for the big party - Stu's 40th, the reason we were all this far from home. The dinner was @ "Prime" - The Bellagio's famous Steakhouse. A handsome space dripping with Baccarat chandeliers & plush velvets & suades; Travel & Leisure Magazine recently said, "Prime is by far the grandest of all Las Vegas steakhouses!"
Met up with everyone (16 of us) @ 8pm & proceeded to enjoy a truly sumpterous & decadent night of the finest food & drink that money could buy.
The menu was:
Shellfish Extravaganza, Coast to Coast
Prime Caesar Salad
Choice of
Filet Mignon, Sauce Bearnaise (My choice - "Mouth-watering oral sensation", would be my reply if asked to describe it - The Best steak I have probably had would not be too far from the truth...)
or
Grilled Alaskan Salmon with Citrus Vinaigrette
or
Rosemary Garlic Roasted Chicken with Tomato Confit
All served with Prime's specialty potatoes & vegetables)
Prime Desert Samples & Birthday Cake followed.
Following that gastronomical tour-de-force, we ended the night @ the Blackjack table, "when in Rome..." as they say, and by 4am walked away $163us up for the night. All in all a top, top day & when you walk away from Vegas with money in your pocket, it's even better.
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