A big drive today, 302 miles to Las Vegas. After breakfast we set off at about 7:40 to head south of the Canyon for about 50 miles to join the I40 west at Williams. The plan was to divert off the 40 at Seligman and drive along part the famous Route 66 before joining the 93 at Kingman. Helen took over her excellent photoing duty again from the car, and we stopped at Peach Springs to stretch our legs at the Roadkill Cafe. The scenery changing every ten miles or so with plenty of desert now with 'settlements' as I called them in the distance - much to Helens amusement. We did wonder what people do to make a living out here, everything seemed so remote.
We stopped for another quick break on the outskirts of Lake Mead, the vast reservoir the side of the Hoover Dam. Due to fast straight roads with hardly any traffic (especially along the 66) we had made it to the Dam by 12.30 and decided not to pay the ten dollars parking fee opting instead to drive across the dam to the free parking on the other side and walk back to the visitors centre. By now the temperature had risen to 118 degrees F, and as we stepped out of the air conditioned car the heat was intense. Neither of us experiencing this before. Now I knew why people pay the 10 dollars to park closer!
The Dam is vast, and didn't look as old as it was, amazing engineering structure with many parts designed in that 1930's Art Deco style. Great to wander around and enjoy the exhibits before climbing the 72 steps back up to the car park - 119 degrees now !
Next stop the last 40 miles to 'Vegas', and our three night stop at 'The Venetian' where we arrived at 2.30 pm. Not bad considering the higher mileage day. We can't get our heads around the size of this hotel. We went to one of the many restaurants for a good Steak, after a swim in one of its four pools before wandering around in amazement at its many shops and bars before retiring to our gorgeous suite for a much needed rest.
'Settlements' 😁
One end of Lake Mead.
Both the same hourhis time of year.
One of the 30 foot diameter water pipes that feed the hydro-electric generator.
I'm 'cooking' man !
Giant sluice gates and the temp reading in the car.
Lake Mead Reservoir.
Our first view of Las Vegas.
The lobby at the Venetian. As we checked in there were row upon row of cars waiting to be valet parked. We just passed the keys, unloaded the car and checked in to our suite on the 11th floor.
Helen, in the hotel shopping mall. Can't remember what floor, just so many, this is above the restaurant Row.
Bigger Gondolas here than the real Venice .. clearly for bigger people. No need for us to worry 😉😆.
Hotel Casino.
