Day 17 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Day 17 (12 July) - We left Salt Lake City and the greater area seemed to keep going until we finally reached the desert. The long drive south went quicker when we reached the fastest state speed limit to date - 80 mph. We had a short cut through Arizona and it almost immediately looked and felt like we were on the moon. We passed through enormous barren mountains and canyons and we were amazed at how imposing they were. Before long we were out of the mountains and into the deserts of Nevada and well on our way to Las Vegas.

The heat haze seemed to color the horizon with a purplish tinge and when we saw that the car consistently registered the outside temperature in the low 110's degrees F we understood why. I swear that I saw a lizard holding an umbrella in one hand, sipping a cold drink in the other whilst standing next to a sign that said 'Welcome to Hell,' but then maybe it was the heat. The only things that I could think of as we drove along was hoping that we did not break down in an area without cell coverage and water and that I might make my fortune if I come back as an air-conditioner repairman. Again, we imagined ourselves in the 1800's in a wagon-train and all I could think was "those lucky so and so's in Montana and Wyoming" - it might have been tough there, but it was brutal with a hint of cruelty and suffering here.

It was a 113 degrees F (45 degrees C) and a very dry heat when we entered Las Vegas and we certainly felt that our decision to cancel the KOA camp ground booking and rent a two bedroom villa at the last minute was completely justified. In Salt Lake City we had checked the weather forecast for the three days we are in Las Vegas and the average was 107 degrees F. Today was supposed to be 106 degrees F, but the mercury was definitely higher. I could not imagine struggling through our time here in the canvas tent.

When we finally reached the Desert Paradise Resort and checked into the villa we were delighted. The staff were great and the comfort level is high - exactly what we need to enjoy this Bright Light City. We had an offer to listen to a time-share presentation and then get complimentary tickets to a show. We're happy to give up a couple of hours whilst the kids swim in the pool for $300 worth of tickets to 'The Ultimate Variety Show" at Planet Hollywood Casino tomorrow night. Then we will hit the Strip and see the sights and there are plenty of them.

One thing I didn't realize, that the concierge told us, was that parking in town is free. Regardless of whether you are staying at the best casino/hotel or not, you can drive up to the valet parking and they will park your car for free. You just have to make sure that you tip them appropriately - will let you know how much that is.

The villa has a kitchen so it was a treat to visit a decent supermarket (Whole Foods) and Andrea whipped up a storm in the kitchen - it was fantastic to have vegetables. We are really looking forward to the next couple of days.