Catching Up

Very busy the past couple of days. On Monday we left Flagstaff and headed to Vegas where the temperature both days was about 108 degrees. We've been to Vegas twice before, but every trip is different. The first time we went about five years ago we were like babes in toyland. The neon and glitter floored us, and we shot pictures like we were visiting a foreign country. This time we put the cameras away and tried to look and act more sophisticated. Of course there are limits to your sophistication when you're playing penny machines and have blown your budget inside of three hours.

If you have not been to Vegas and plan to go in the future, be sure to buy a Monorail pass. We bought two one-day passes for nine dollars each after a modest discount with coupons. These passes entitle you to unlimited rides for 24 hours. There are other passes available for longer durations. There are about 6 or 7 stops at popular locations along the Strip. It's easy to access the Monorail, and it's a great time-saver even if you enjoy walking as we do. If you're on a tight schedule and are trying to make a show on time there are as many taxis as in NYC. Also an efficient bus service.

Last night we attended the Folies Bergere at the Tropicana Casino/Hotel. It is patterned after its namesake in Paris. The Paris version of Le Folies Bergere has been around since the late 19th century. The Vegas version is fifty years old and is the longest continuously running show in Vegas. The topless scenes (about a third of the 13 scenes) are tasteful and are not bawdy. I would have no problem recommending this show for mature teenagers. The scenery, costumes, staging, music and dancing are as good as any broadway show we've attended. Needless to say, the young men and women are attractive and energetic. The comedian performed for about 15 minutes before the show's closing scenes. Very funny. No foul language. Sorry, no photography allowed!

After the show we walked to New York New York which we think is the most "authentic" of the theme casinos. As you walk through the streets of the casino you would easily think you're strolling through familiar Manhattan streets. We stopped at ESPN Zone and overindulged to our regret this morning.

Winds were gusting most of Tuesday and were especially strong in the evening. Some of the gusts were 35-50 mph. The winds were so strong that the Bellagio had to cancel several of their evening fountain shows. The fountain show is one of the most photographed free events in town, along with the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, the shark tank at the Luxor (I believe), the lions at MGM Grand, the pirate show at Treasure Island and the canals at the Venetian. You should also visit the newest mega casino, the Wynn Casino/Hotel. It's almost a city unto itself. Every visit we promise to visit the old sections of the Strip, but never seem to work it into the schedule. Too much to see in a short visit.

This morning we departed for a 375 mile drive to Three Rivers, CA. Again the winds were almost enough to blow you off the road. Most of the trip was in or near the Mojave National park which is almost entirely desert scenery. The last 50 miles of the trip we entered lush farm land where the orchards and other crops stretched as far as the eye could see. When you are traveling through Florida it's difficult to see much of the orchards except what's along the roadside because the land is so flat. In California with the rolling hills it is easy to see the full scope of the scenery. Very impressive to see the fruit on the trees (and ground), but did not see any farm labor. We did see large trucks on the way to packing plants with full load of fruit and vegetables.

Tomorrow we make a short drive to Sequoia National Forest and on Friday to Kings Canyon. We'll start up again with the digital photos and will forward them to all.