Catching up

Last I wrote, we were leaving Arches on our way to Vegas. Much has happened since then including an "experience" like no other, the grand canyon, and an exciting little blowup at my brother (more on that to come).

First, let's talk Vegas. The drive from Arches to Vegas was not all that special. There were some cool rocks along the way and all, but the majority of it was desert. Because of that, approaching Vegas is quite humorous. At first it appears to be a mirage off in the haze, but then you realize that those buildings out there are real and home to a whole lot of machines that give you money if you're lucky...oh, and shady people of course.

Our link in Vegas was our old friend Julie from the good ole Lassiter HS days. By old friend, I'm talking back to middle school band...Yeah!!! Julie's long journey since high school has landed her and her fiance Adam (also a friend from high school) in Vegas. It had been a very long time since we had seen each other and unfortunately Adam was not in town, but Julie and Tucker MF(the dog) were EXCELLENT hosts! Rehabilitating Tucker was especially fun.

We began our Vegas experience at the fabulous Liberace restaurant. For those who don't know, Liberace was basically the predecessor to the wonderfully flamboyant Elton John. He played at this piano bar/restaurant before his death and the inside was hilarious and full of glitter and pizazz. The next stop on our Vegas tour was the strip. I really had no idea of what to expect on the strip, but all those people who compared it to Disney World were right. I prefer the Epcot comparison just because of the different cities and countries represented by the many casinos. There's Paris, New York, Venice, Rome, and even Margaritaville to name a few. We walked for literally hours up and down and around casinos until our feet could not take anymore. Luckily when your walking the strip you are encouraged to continue your walk in order to collect all the porn baseball cards you can find. Men are lined up and down the streets slapping cards of naked women and trying to force them in your hand. For the first several hours, we tried to avoid these cards, but after awhile we gave in to the exhilarating experience of collecting naked woman baseball cards. Fred was particularly fond of Skye.

Next up on the experience was what else, but a baseball game. I know what you're thinking. Why the heck would you go to a baseball game in Vegas? The answer. I have a problem...really an addiction, and I don't have money to gamble anyway. The game was cool. Julie, like the good sport she is, came along probably wondering what was wrong with us and our baseball obsession. After the game though was the best part of the experience...THE FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE!!!

Fremont Street is old Vegas at its best. Neon lights, a band dressed up as a variety of 80s artists, drinks in a football shaped cup, and of course a new age light show on the ceiling. I know I know. Words don't do it justice. It was by far the best way to end up the trip to Vegas. THANKS JULIE!!!

Up next...Arizona and the blow up.