Calgary to Las Vegas Jan-2nd to Jan-11th

Happy New Year 2008 "on the road again" heading to California,Arizona and points south of the Canada-USA Border.

Jan. 2,2008

We left Calgary at 10 am with our friends John and Lynda Brooks and arrived in Great Falls, Montana about 4 pm. We hit extreme high winds south of Claresholm and Lethbridge.
We shared a hotel room with the Brooks.

Jan. 3,2008

We left before 7 a.m. trying to get ahead of the big storm coming up the Pacific Northwest.
We encountered some drifting snow through the Monida Pass,Idaho,but the roads were good.
We drove through Salt Lake City,Utah during rush hour-large city with lots of traffic. After 12 hours of driving we spent the night in our 5 th wheel in the parking lot of the Flying J gas station south of Salt Lake,7 Deg. C.

Jan.4.2008

We hit strong winds at Cedar City,Utah. It was a long downhill drive through the mountains from St. George to Mesquite,Nevada (some construction). Red cliffs,palm trees, cacti and no snow greeted us at the Oasis RV Park and Casino in Mesquite at 12:30 pm. Brian and Shirley Regan arrived at 6 pm. We had dinner and checked out the 1 cent slots. Some rain and wind.

Jan. 5th

We enjoyed a two for one breakfast for $6.99. We had fun playing the 1 cent slots and drinking free strawberry daiquiris,beer and rum. The 6 of us had a great prime rib dinner at the Virgin River Casino for $4.99. Cloudy and windy today. Temp 9 Deg.C.

Jan. 6th

Brian and Shirley left this morning for Apache Junction,Arizona. John,Ralph and Lynda
toured around while I relaxed. After dinner we went to the Oasis Casino and played the slots.
Sunny but windy - the storm seems to be passing.

Jan. 7th

Beautiful day-- sunny, no wind, temp 11 Deg. C. We left the campsite ($16.00 a night) at 11 a.m.We stopped to wash the truck and 5th wheel on the way to Vegas. We arrived at Sam's Town, Las Vegas about 1:30p.m. It is a very large complex with RV Camping. We played the 1 cent slots and went to a $8.99 Buffet dinner. 17 Deg. C today.

Jan. 8th

Cloudy and cool.We took a free shuttle bus to downtown. We toured the casinos and enjoyed the Fremont Street Experience-a covered dome over the downtown with a awesome light and sound show in the evening. The downtown has improved since we were to Vegas last.

Jan. 9th

We drove 96 miles through the desert and mountains into Laughlin,Nevada--a smaller gambling city but quite enjoyable. Temp 17 Deg. C in the valley. Had a good day touring the casinos in Laughlin. Back at Sam's Town we watched the Mystic Falls-laser light and water show.

Jan. 10th

We drove 30 miles to Hoover Dam. It was constructed in the 1930's --a engineering wonder of the world,damming the Colorado River between the mountains of Nevada and Arizona,creating the man-made Lake Mead(500 feet deep). We enjoyed the dam tour - a must see.
In the evening Ralph and I caught the free shuttle to the Las Vegas Strip. We saw the amazing performance of Cirque du Soleil "O" at the Bellagio Hotel---showcasing high divers,synchronized swimmers,acrobats,fire dancers and contortionists in a 25 ft. deep pool.

Jan. 11th

Ralph,John and Lynda toured around while I cleaned and did the journal. Sunny day 18 Deg.C
The four of us took the free shuttle to the Las Vegas strip. Wow !! it has changed. Lots of people,traffic, lights and glitter.
We went to Caesars,TreasureIsland,Bellagio,Wynns,Palasso,Venetian, etc. We did plenty of walking. Food is expensive on the strip. Lots of free shows and free drinks while gambling. The hotels and casinos are magnificient - out of this world.