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Old 25 May 19, 05:45 PM  
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Joosebug1987
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Mobile L.A.S Vegas four times - Day 4 - Hoover dam, grand canyon, Rio

The alarm was set for horrifically early this morning! We were being picked up at 6.15am and had to be at the pick up point 10 minutes before. The only time I usually see the hour we were getting up was travel days to get to the airport haha! No morning coffee this morning either as it wasn't open yet boooo!

We got ready and packed some sun cream and drinks ready to go and met the others in the casino area. You may notice I for some reason wore a denim jacket. For some reason I thought it would be cold at the canyon. I was wrong! We stood outside chatting for a while waiting for the mini van. We had booked our tour with Grand Adventures for the west rim skywalk tour. This was $180 per person with food, drink, transport and the sky walk included.

Pick up was prompt and our tour guide introduced himself as Cruz. I was initially a bit disappointed as our van was pretty run down compared to others we saw come and go. Also as soon as we were picked up he said the van was fully booked today so would be ideal for one of us to jump in the front. I ended up doing this as the pooh shaped one and to be fair I do get travel sickness sometimes so made sense. I was really disappointed at first as we booked the tour on the advertised promise that everyone has 3 seats between 2 which obviously was now not happening. Also I was a little jealous the other 3 were chatting in the back and I was 3 rows forward of them. As it turned out it was fine as most people slept and I was super comfy!

We picked up at a couple of other hotels and Cruz then gave us a run down of the day ahead. First stop was the Vegas sign followed by Mcdonalds for breakfast. We were then headed to hoover dam before heading to the canyon.

We stopped at the sign first and all had photos. It was weird being there this early - so quiet and no queue!



Photos taken we were back in the van. We were having issues with one of the doors sliding open so Cruz rang the depot for another van but they said would be a while as all vans were already out so they were going to have to hire one. With this in mind Mcdonalds wasn't far so it was decided the van switch would happen there.

We pulled up at Mcdonalds and were told order whatever we wanted and he would bring it over. We ordered a stack thing that I can't remember the name of sorry! It was basically sausage, bacon, egg and cheese on a muffin. It was really nice and very filling. I also ordered a frozen mocha as my guilty pleasure in Vegas - yes to whipped cream obviously! It may only be 7am but I can take it! I was a little worried about eating Mcdonalds for breakfast before a long car journey mind!

We were really lucky and had a lovely group of people on our tour. We had a canadian couple who were sat behind me and Cruz on the bus, a couple who had just landed yesterday afternoon so took advantage of their jet lag for the early start! We also had a young couple on their honeymoon doing a bit of a trip with their next step being New York! All really nice and never felt judged or uncomfortable.

We went back to the van and Cruz now told us we weren't getting a new van as he'd fixed the door. The couple sat by the door werent overly happy at first but their safety assured we were then on our way.

The journey to Hoover dam didn't take too long - at a guess about 40 minutes. Cruz gave us a few facts and talked us through when our front end was in Nevada and rear end was in Arizona. We had a weird little security check where we were made to open the doors and someone looked in the boat which apparently started after 9/11 happened. We parked up and were allowed some free time to have a wander and take photos.

















There was also a toilet here which we were advised to use as it would be a bit of a way before our next stop. Cruz was great at giving information like this which helped the day run smoothly. The mens toilets were a bit of a walk away near the gift shop so me and Liv stopped at the ladies while Tom and Neil walked on. I tried my hardest for a Mcpoo but nothing happened! At this point I realised I was boiling. I left the jacket in the van for the rest of the day! I smothered myself in sun cream multiple times while here alone. I burn so easily! Despite multiple factor 50 applications I still got a pink arm!

We all met up at the van. All minus Tom and one of the couples who eventually were spotted sauntering towards us. Tom had ended up going in the gift shop and bought himself a lovely t-shirt!

We then had a bit of a drive to the canyon. I can't remember fully but think it was just under 1.5 hours. We drove through a town which was like nothing I've ever seen before. It was a very old fashioned area with lots of caravans and they had mail boxes in areas for them. There was a big library and very little else! It was in the middle of nowhere too.

We stopped off at a little petrol station / convenience store where there was a toilet and souvenirs and any snacks. We bought some cheetos to replace the ones we lost the other night!



I also bought a cap after realising it was hotter than the sun and Tom bought a god awful bandana! It wasn't so much the bandana so much as the colour not going with his outfit and how cool he thought he was in it! To date the bandana is still present in my household having not yet had a tragic accident...

On to the canyon and I have to admit when we pulled up at the first car park I thought "huh?" as it didn't seem that big! There was quite a queue for the sky walk, probably around 30 minutes or so. There were free lockers to use here for all belongings as nothing was allowed on the sky walk. We had to put some odd shoe covers on to protect the glass walk way. These made me feel a bit nervous as they felt slippier than normal shoes! We were on the sky walk where it was confirmed I am braver than I thought I was. Genuinely didn't bother me at all, I was straight onto the glass bit and straight looking down. Liv and Neil had the odd moment up here including where I had to walk Liv back from the edge to the bit without the glass floor! Tom dropped a penny through the gap and that really showed how high up we were as it kept going and going and going until we lost sight of it. You could also see really tiny hellicopters in the distance going down into the canyon!

Sadly no photos are allowed on the sky walk except the ones you buy. Cruz told us he would take better photos of us round the other side anyway so we didn't pay for the photos. I kind of regret this but the ones we saw did look a little super imposed.

We wandered to a photo spot where some guys were going beyond the safety lines. The man kept ignoring the security guard who eventually went mad and was shouting that him and his whole party would be evicted if he did it again. I didnt blame him as there has been a couple of deaths already this year from people ignoring the warnings.

Back onto the van and to the next stop where we had some cool photos and really realised how massive the canyon was. The colours of the rocks are amazing which I didnt see at first though my sunglasses. Blonde moment right there whoops! Some of the photos we took were really scary to watch people do. Here is where my ok with heights wasn't quite as good. I'm ok with heights but not ok with how clumsy I am and the thought of tripping and plummeting to my death! I am the sort of person who can stumble over standing still so I wasn't going to the edge!
















Liv was in paradise here as she is a rock geek due to her degree and job. Was really nice seeing her so excited!

I seem to remember there being one more point we drove to but its all a bit of a fantasic blur. Our tour was great as we got to stay in our van rather than using the bus - not all tours are allowed to drive in so I would definitely recommend going with a firm that can. The queues for the buses were huge and it was nice keeping our things in the van when not needed to. I also didn't feel rushed and we knew our van wouldn't leave without us.

Back on the van we enjoyed our picnic lunch. I think this was meant to be outside but we'd ran late with the van door scenario earlier on and the massive sky walk queue. Our picnic was so good. It was an Arbys sandwich which me and Tom shared a beef and a Turkey. They were so loaded and absolutely delicious! There was also grapes and cheese and crackers but I was too full for these.

We had a very quiet journey back to the strip with most people choosing to nap. We came back via the joshua tree forest. We had the option of a photo stop here but noone wanted to which was a shame. We drove through the same town as before and most people had a doze. I even managed a bit of a snooze myself which was unusual!

I felt myself get bitten on my inner lower leg in the van and it really hurt. No idea what bit me but ouch!

We got back to the hotel after a couple of drop offs and had a bit of a miscommunication on the tip. The first two couples to get out didnt tip which I'd heard was poor form. I got a $20 out for me and Tom out of my purse ready and as we excited the van Tom gave a tip so I then didn't give the $20. Turned out Tom had given $5! I was so embarrassed as poor Cruz had been with us for a 9 hour day, taken our photos and generally been a great guide all day and I thought $5 was a bit of an insult. It was my fault as I'd been doing the tips all holiday so I don't think Tom really knew the expected. Oh well too late now!

We went back to the room and decided to shower as the canyon was so hot and we all felt a bit sticky and it was a great way to wake back up after the napping drive home! My feet felt really quite painful so I decided I'd wear my boots for a change of footwear from trainers and sketchers.

We headed downstairs and decided to use our breakfast credit for a beer and some crisps! When in Vegas! To be fair this was probably the longest we'd gone without a drink as it must have been 6ish by now lol!



Our original plan was to do the stratosphere rides tonight but we didn't want to spend more time up high and didn't fancy the rides so instead decided we'd go play Kiss Crazy golf at the Rio as I'd bought us all a voucher for Christmas. We got an uber to the Rio and decided to buy a frozen cocktail from Purple Zebra all in souvenir glasses.



Originally it was just me and Liv and the men were going to get manly man beers but they saw ours and caved! I had a swirl of pina colada, peach and I think raspberry or similar. It was really tasty!

We had a sit down with them first of all while the other 3 had a fag and then headed on to Kiss Crazy golf. My feet were really starting to hurt so the sit down was lovely!

Kiss crazy golf was pretty cool. Just the same as twiligh zone golf at ballys but with different pictures.





It was good fun and I was terrible as always! Fairly certain I was either last or second last! I have to admit half way round all I wanted was to sit down. My feet were pulsing like nothing I'd ever felt before. It was pretty horrible. I struggled on to the last hole and then sat down at the little bar area outside while the boys checked out the merch.

After sitting down for 10 my feet felt a little better. As soon as I stood up they felt bad again though.

We decided to head up for a drink at voodoo lounge as I wanted to check out the view side on of the strip and it was another place on our list where we had never been. We all fancied a sit down and a chill too as the week had been pretty full on so far and it had already been a long day with the early start.

We got up to voodoo with no charge as it was around 9pm. The view was incredible! Loved it up here. We ordered drinks and were told we couldn't sit down in the many empty seats without buying a bottle. The cheapeat bottle was $300 so that was a no! The bar staff were really quite rude to us here telling us we were welcome to go get a cheap drink and sit in a car park somewhere but we wouldnt have their view!









Tom was really annoyed at us not being able to sit down. It was such a shame as the atmosphere was lovely and the songs were great - it was quite a mixture of various age pop! The fact we couldn't sit down probably talked them out of a couple more drinks from each of us at quite epensive prices!

We took some photos and had such a laugh. The bouncer offered to light our faces and literally shone a tiny torch in our faces without waiting an answer which me and Liv found absolutely hilarious so there are some great photos of us laughing our head off. Such a nice little snippet I won't forget.

We sat inside to finish our drinks before going back down to the casino.

My feet were unbelievably painful so we all sat down at various slot machines. I felt something was wrong so took my shoes off. My feet were the most swollen I've ever seen them. I had lines in my ankles where my ankle socks had been. My feet were pulsing but they felt much better when I was sat down and barefoot so I became one of those women walking around barefoot in a casino! From memory I had quite a lucky run on electric craps and played a couple of fun slots I'd not seen before.

The waitresses at the Rio were super efficient and very free with the drinks so we accidentally ended up staying all night which was great as it turned out as I don't think my feet could take anymore walking. We kept saying we'd leave soon then we'd get another free drink!

We all ended up sitting on the electric big wheel and we had such a good time! We didn't spend a lot but had loads of free drinks and such a laugh. A lady came over to us and told us she'd just been to see a show as her dog had died and then another lady came over who had the same handbag as me but in black! We had such a good time here and it was perfect with my feet situation too.

We realised it was a good 10 hours since lunch and were all starving so we went to the food place by the sports book. The lady there told us to help ourselves to water and the machine allowed anything so I had a nice huge diet coke which probably saved a bad head in the morning! We had nachos and chicken tenders. They were incredible and just what the doctor ordered.



We were now ready to leave so got an uber back to Ballys after a fantasic night. I don't think any of us struggled to sleep tonight!
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Old 25 May 19, 09:14 PM  
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KarenG
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Loved your photos from the Grand Canyon - we haven’t been to that bit but went to the South Rim which we loved.

Kiss crazy golf looks like great fun!

Poor feet
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Old 25 May 19, 09:17 PM  
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Joosebug1987
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Kiss crazy golf was really good but it did feel a bit long. It was 18 hole and I was kind of done by 12. Twilight zone golf in ballys is same concept but newer and I think I preferred that one - seemed to go really quick!

I know :-( took a good week once home for them to go back to normal!

South rim is next on my list ;-) did you do by plane?x
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Old 25 May 19, 09:22 PM  
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great pics and info,its on our must do list
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Old 25 May 19, 09:25 PM  
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KarenG
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Originally Posted by Joosebug1987 View Post
Kiss crazy golf was really good but it did feel a bit long. It was 18 hole and I was kind of done by 12. Twilight zone golf in ballys is same concept but newer and I think I preferred that one - seemed to go really quick!

I know :-( took a good week once home for them to go back to normal!

South rim is next on my list ;-) did you do by plane?x
I get bored with 18 holes too (probably because I’m always last!). We walked past Twilight Zone many times but never made it in!

We drove to the South Rim, there were four of us (me, DH and our two kids) so the plane would have been super expensive. So we made it a day trip, drove a chunk of Route 66 including Seligman, and stayed overnight at the Canyon (awesome).

I’m glad your feet are better but a week?! Nightmare
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Old 25 May 19, 09:30 PM  
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Joosebug1987
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Originally Posted by Steve.S View Post
great pics and info,its on our must do list
Thanks :-) even though our van had seen better days I really couldn't fault the content of the tour with Grand Adventures.

Thanks for reading :-) x
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Old 25 May 19, 09:33 PM  
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Originally Posted by KarenG View Post
I get bored with 18 holes too (probably because I’m always last!). We walked past Twilight Zone many times but never made it in!

We drove to the South Rim, there were four of us (me, DH and our two kids) so the plane would have been super expensive. So we made it a day trip, drove a chunk of Route 66 including Seligman, and stayed overnight at the Canyon (awesome).

I’m glad your feet are better but a week?! Nightmare
Oh wow that sounds amazing! Im scared of driving abroad as I'm not that great over here haha! I bet the overnight stay was great too - nice change off the strip for a night!

I also came last so I can sympathise! I do wonder if I preferred twilight as only two of us did it ie took half the time of four and less waiting around!x
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Old 26 May 19, 10:06 AM  
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Originally Posted by Joosebug1987 View Post
Oh wow that sounds amazing! Im scared of driving abroad as I'm not that great over here haha! I bet the overnight stay was great too - nice change off the strip for a night!

I also came last so I can sympathise! I do wonder if I preferred twilight as only two of us did it ie took half the time of four and less waiting around!x
Yes that definitely makes a difference... I still bear the emotional scars of mini golf with 12 of us (including my very competitive family lol) - it took forever!
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Old 24 Jul 19, 03:40 AM  
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Great photos of GC. I too have only been to south rim and stayed over. It was just amazing. Your poor feet. You did so well walking all that time and in pain. Hope they are all better now . Another long but great day for you. Thank you for making me laugh again
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Old 24 Jul 19, 08:16 AM  
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Originally Posted by JoS View Post
Great photos of GC. I too have only been to south rim and stayed over. It was just amazing. Your poor feet. You did so well walking all that time and in pain. Hope they are all better now . Another long but great day for you. Thank you for making me laugh again
I'd love to stay over there - possibly one for our next trip! Any excuse to go back lol. Thanks again for reading x
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