More Grand Holes and Monuments (Cortez, Colorado Post)

We were passing through on our way to Monument Valley, so to decide which rim we liked better,we stopped at the South Rim.   

The parking lots reminded me of Disney, with the parking lot signs so you don't lose your car.  We happened to park in the Raven lot.   

The Grand Canyon

We saw a squirrel, not an Abert's or Kaibab, but your regular squirrel.  We interrupted its breakfast.    

At the visitor center store, I saw these.  One looks like Jake.  The other is an Abert's squirrel.  I didn't buy any, but if I found the pot of gold at last night's rainbow, I would have.

The Desert View Watchtower.  This is the coolest place!

Hey!  I know those people in the window!

The inside decor.

I didn't realize I captured the bird in my picture until I looked at it later.  I think it adds a nice touch, don't you?

I did prefer the North Rim over the South Rim, because the North Rim seemed more peaceful and serene.  It also seemed more natural because there were fewer buildings and less developed areas.

Heading into Monument Valley.

Looks a bit like a small Devils Tower off into the distance, but that's in a different state.  

Staring intently out the window.  

East and West Mitten

Mexican Hat in front of cliffs that have swirly designs on them.

The sunset had a completely different palette from last night.  

Hoover Dam and Route 66 (Just Outside of Grand Canyon South Rim Post)

We left the city and headed to Hoover Dam.  

The dam from the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  

The two men this bridge is named for were both the perfect example of patriotism.  O'Callaghan was a soldier who lost his leg in duty.  He later became governor of Nevada.  Pat Tillman was a successful young football player, who after the September 11, 2001 attacks, put his career on hold and put off a big contract to enlist.  He was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2004.   

The bridge and back of the dam.  

The dam was completed in just four years during the Great Depression.  It proves America's ability to work together during adverse conditions.  The American Society of Civil Engineers has named the structure one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.  

The High Flyer sculpture honoring the workers that lost their lives during the construction of the dam. 

Yup, we stopped in a town on the historic Route 66!

I like these pretty yellow flowers, because the petals look like butterflies.  

The sunset's colors included an all pink rainbow, faintly etched into the clouds. 

Facing the other direction.

At one point you could see the entire rainbow, and its end.  Time to look for leprechauns and gold! :)

Amy

The City That Never Sleeps (Los Vegas, Nevada Post)

 We took a detour on our way to the Hoover Dam through Las Vegas.  

There was a desert, and then, the city in the background.  

Welcome to Las Vegas!

 The first time we drove down the Strip, it was overwhelming.  So many people, buildings, cars, and excitement.  In some areas, the architecture looked like ancient Rome, ancient Egypt, and Italy, Paris, and New York.

We drove past the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, which of course is featured on the History Channel show, Pawn Stars,  we didn't go in as the line wrapped around the building. It also appeared that they were filming for the show because we saw film crew members.

The front of the store and the line.  

Poor Timber isn't a city girl.  She tried to plead with my parents to leave the city!

While we were in Vegas, we decided to get tickets to see Criss Angel's show Believe.  We thought that Andrea (my cousin) would be upset if we were in Vegas and didn't see the show, but would be disappointed we went to see it without her.   

The Luxor looked like an Egyptian Pyramid complete with sphinxes and hieroglyphics.   In the background, you can see a sign for the show.  

Believe was fun and entertaining, and it left me wondering how Criss Angel could do the illusions and tricks shown.  We all really enjoyed the show!

Look at the Strip all lit up at night! 

What city are we in anyway?  I didn't think we were in New York City.  

Now I am really confused.  

The Eiffel Tower

The city was an interesting experience, but it wasn't quite my thing.  I am glad that we are heading back out into the "wilderness" or as close to the wilderness you can get driving around on highways in an RV.   

Amy