Flagstaff

Once we got moving for the day, which had been later than previous days, and our first stop was the Lowell Observatory, which is where Pluto had been discovered.

We cought the tail end of a tour group that just started. We observed the different buildings on the campus, including two observatories, and even peered into the sun using a solar telescope. The tour guide informed and showed off the power of the telescopes, which funnily enough only use about 20lbs of force to move a 50 something foot scope. Solar flares were seen exploding into the sky from the sun. 

Our tickets were day passes, which permitted re-entry into the park until 10pm.

We departed the park to refuel. Our Dark Sky Brewing pick was quite strange. We sat at a table outside and we're told that we were going to have two servers. One for food, the other for beer....it appeared the lot was split by two companies. Liz got a flight and nailed one pick called Electronaut, which was a heavier stout that sat in a barrel of cinnamon, coconut, vanilla and various others which gave a great taste. We opted to check out a local deli place for food, which we split a panini.

Afterwards we explored the Walnut Canyon area. The native life of living within the cliffs in which they built rooms is hard to appreciate being in the modern world. To scale the cliffs, forage, grow, and ultimately survive in these areas seemed beyond grasp. Although the cliffs did provide protection from the harsh elements and predators.

We toured a loop, checked out the visitor center, then left to get a hotel room for the night. A couple hours later we returned to the observatory and we looked through multiple telescopes at the night sky. A tour of the stars was presented and fun to experience as the guide used a powerful green laser to point out constellations.

We exhausted the day and rested for the following days adventure. Slowing it down from the day before, exploring around Flagstaff was a good decision.

Dam Views

After getting out of the hotel in the early morning we were excited for the Hoover Dam. Before arriving at the dam a pathway leading onto the memorial bridge for an overlook of the dam.

We walked out to the middle of the bridge as my knees were weak. Liz of course confidently walking atop of this bridge, which I should mention was suspended 890 feet into the air above the Colorado river. I held onto the divider wall which had vehicles passing by at highway speeds. The Memorial bridge should have an admission price. The Dam is a feat of engineering as it appeared to seal the canyon walls into one giant wall.

We departed the brige to my delight and entered the visitor center. After watching a short video about the Dam we joined a tour group which led us down into the dam by 10 person elevator, which dropped hundreds of feet. The air was cool and humid as we were informed about the diversion tunnel that hosted a 56ft diameter pipe which water would flow through. We were then led to the generator room, which is where massive generators (70ft or so tall) would produce the electricity that the entire demographic area depends on. Upon leaving the tour, checking out the exhibits, which included a fantastic diorama of the a construction scene, we walked across the bridge.

Liz had officially stepped foot in Arizona, as the bridge is shared between the States. After admiring the Dam we departed in excited anticipation of the next stop, the Grand Canyon.

Along the way we explored another side of Lake Meade, at the protected hatchery. The scene of the Lake from the closest highway looked like a small pond as it sat at the base of the mountains that surrounded it. 

After hours and hundreds of miles of driving we exited the Camaro and walked to the canyon. Obviously but funny enough, we couldn't see any part of the canyon until just feet before reaching Mathers point overlook at the South Rim. The colors, layers, and depth of the canyon is almost confusing to look at. Our eyes played games with our brains trying to understand the vastness of the Canyon, and it's expansion across the State. 

With a lack of hotels and plush camping grounds, we were forced to head South to Flagstaff, AZ. After an exhausting day we obtained a room for the night and crashed.

French Toast and Sunshine

After emerging from the hotel the morning streets of the strip were less populated. We went to breakfast and we're in good hands, as our neighbors paid for our meal! 

We left the area and began to explore. Freemont street was our first stop. A unique street with a canopy that extended over the entire street which provides an enormous amount of shade and provided our unaccounted PA bodies from the 85+ degree temp without a cloud in the sky. Freemont street encompassed stores, casinos, and bars, and those hustling. We were in shock to see an older man above 80 years of age in what appeared to be one large cock strap that extended over his shoulders. His ass bare, every body part exposed, except of course his tightly wrapped pecker. The motto of Vegas should be something like, "Vegas, the land of no shame."

After leaving the area we toured the beach and protected area of Lake Meade. The beach was rock, the water was a cool blue shade, and the backdrop was unbelievable. The mountains surrounded the area. We grabbed some grub, a hotel, and began to prepare for the following day.

After emerging from the hotel the morning streets of the strip were less populated. We went to breakfast and we're in good hands as our neighbors paid for our meal! 

We left the area and to explore the city. Freemont street was our first main stop. A unique street loaded with a canopy that provides an enormous amount of shade and provided our un acclimated PA bodies from the 85+ degree temp without a cloud in the sky. The street encompassed stores, casinos, and bars, and those hustling. We were in shock to see an older man above 80 years of age in what appeared to be one large cock strap. His ass bare, every body part exposed, except of course his tightly wrapped pecker. The motto of Vegas should be something like, "Vegas, the land of no shame." 

After leaving the area we toured the beach and protected area of Lake Meade, which was located a short distance from Las Vegas. I'll The beach was rock, the water was a cool blue shade, and the backdrop was unbelievable as the mountains surrounded the area. We grabbed some grub, a hotel, and began to prepare for the following day.

Earthshine

Excitingly the trip began as we woke from sleep and prepared last minute tasks before heading off to the the Philadelphia airport. Our flight to Las Vegas wasn't until 4pm.

We arrived, moved through the system, and ended up landing in Las Vegas with no issues. 

The city surrounded by desert. One of the first thoughts I'd assume a lot of people would inquire about is the access to water. The surroundings of Vegas were deserted as the power of man's ingenuity allowed for green grass in a forsaken place. Only possible due to the Hoover Dam sitting  45 or so minutes away by vehicle. The color and design on the landscape of the city, as well as, the area itself was intriguing.

We shuttled our way to choose our Chevy Camaro in white from the rental agency. We loaded her up and off we went into Las Vegas.

An hilarious display of directionally challenged couple trying to navigate the hotel access (Linq) was tiresome. I think we walked a few miles total before our bags were able to be tossed into the *hidden* room 16066. Our ignorance of casino/hotel/promenades designs shone as the just navigating the area was an affair. With the bags off of our hands we set off to explore the strip.

The nightlife of Vegas on a Tuesday night in April was surprisingly alive. If you enjoy people watching as a hobby, this is a great place for it. Interesting characters all around. The odor of pot ever present as those plainly walking around showcased. The lights and sounds seemed permanent. People crowded the streets, performers hustled tourists, strip club promoters didn't fear rejection, and it seemed 20% of those walking around were sloppy.

We stumbled into our hotel in the early morning hours after we put some miles on our wobbly legs as we partook in the inebriation.The casinos were extravagant and an immense fun. The outdoor fountain and fire shows were exciting. Beware however, the debauchery of the area can't be unseen.