Mr and Mrs T's West Coast Tour - Day 2

[TractorBoy]

Usual first nights sleep. Rubbish! Awake at 12.30, then 3 before finally giving up at 4.30 and getting up to make a cup of coffee.



Nice view from the window when we opened the curtains.

Today was the only reason we even thought of going to Las Vegas. Elaine is 60 in July so the thing she wanted to do was take a helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon. Today was the day.

We had bought breakfast in Walgreens last night. Yoghurt parfait and a container of fruit. We knew we would get a lunch when in the Grand Canyon so were not bothered about going somewhere for breakfast.

had a 9.45 a.m. pick up in a stretch limo that would take us to McCarran airport where Sundance is based. Showered and got ready and we were sitting outside just after 9.30.

Our transport arrived just after 10 who had another pick up at the Tropicana before dropping us off at the Sundance office. We checked in and were weighed before waiting to meet our pilot Fred.

Had pictures taken in front of the helicopter before a safety briefing by Fred. We were sitting in the back with another couple from the States while in front with Fred were an old couple of Australia.

We had never been in a helicopter before so were not sure what to expect but we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Amazing!

Soon we were lifting off and after a short trip down the strip we were on our way to our destination. Soon flying over the Hoover Dam which Fred banked over so we could all get a good view.





After flying over some stunning scenery and with Fred giving us some insight to what we were seeing we approached our destination.

For once I was lost for words to what we were approaching. All I could say was WOW!





We landed and Fred took some pictures of us in front of the helicopter before telling us the best places to go and the ones to avoid because of the rattlesnakes!

We walked down to the edge of the canyon and standing somewhere that we had really been looking forward left us speechless. I can honestly say that I had a tear in eye. Daft I know but what was in front of me really got to me. It was awe inspiring and I felt really privileged to be here.







Lunch was laid out by Fred and with a small glass of champagne it was a lovely way to finish off our visit and the conversation was good as well. We would have loved to have spent hours there just taking it all in but soon Fred was loading us up for the return flight. We were still in the back but on the opposite side, it would have been nice to be in the front but we still got some wonderful views.

Slightly different route back but the views were still stunning. Landed at the Sundance base where we said our goodbyes to Fred. Bought the picture that had been taken earlier of us in front of the helicopter. It was mounted on a wooden base and will be found a nice spot at home.

The stretch limo returned us to the Carriage House where we could not stop talking about the experience we had just had.



Put our feet up for a while before venturing out up to the strip for an afternoon/evening of hotel hopping.

Had been playing MyVegas over the past few months so needed to get my Mlife card and also sort out the reward I had claimed for the buffet at the Mirage.

We walked down to the Linq with the idea of having a ride on the High Roller. Saw it would cost us $55 plus for the ride so gave it a miss. Walked to the Mirage where we found the Mlife desk and sorted out the card and also how to claim the reward on the buffet. We walked through the casino and found it very smokey which encouraged us to walk through quickly.

Found the Cravings Buffet and after paying for one meal we were shown to table and told what was on offer. Beer and wine is free with the meal so after hitting the prime rib station I went and got us a couple of drinks. Elaine added shrimp to her prime rib but I just had the mash and veg. It was delicious.

Then it was onto the Asia station. Again delicious. Elaine found the sushi which she said was lovely. Then we headed for the sweet section. I have a very sweet tooth so had to have another visit just to make sure everything tasted OK for other diners.
This was all washed down with 3 glasses of Bud Lite and 3 glasses of white Zinfandel.

We left very impressed. Well actually we waddled out.

It was now a very slow walk down to Caesars Palace. Walked round the shops. It looked a lovely hotel. Walked down to the Bellagio to play the voucher from last nights big gamble. Seemed much more smokey tonight. Did not enjoy the experience if honest.

Decided we had done enough so we visited Walgreens for some water and Elaine got some make up which cost her in dollars what it is priced in pounds back in the UK.

Walked back to the Carriage House and it was nice to see so many police about – most of them on bikes. The area felt really safe.

[Guest]

Sounds like a fabulous first full day!

[KarenG]

I can't believe Elaine is 60! She looks 50 at most

What an amazing day. The GC is such a spectacle.
,

[Pussycat Doll]

Lovely day, fantastic photos of the Canyon. I find some of the casinos can be a bit on the smokey side too. Pussycat

[SuzyM]

Looks amazing - what a great experience!

Suzy

[Twentyyears]

That Canyon is wonderful and like we did, to fly over it for the first time is still the best way to see it!
Happy belated Birthday! And hope I look like that at 60!

[abiknox]

Great day, we loved our time at the Grand Canyon. Awe inspiring isn't it!

[smedley]

Great day! A helicopter trip to the canyon is at the top of our list of things to do, and if I'm honest pretty much the main reason we are going to Vegas lol!

[OB1LukeLucas]

Great day. Brings back lots of memories. What a shame no one swapped seats on the helicopter, we were obviously lucky on our trip as we got the chance to sit in the front seats on the way back. I loved flying back over the strip. Off to catch up with the other days😀

[Guest]

Just love helicopter flightsand to the Grand Canyon. Sounds like you had a lovely day.