One of the primary goals of this trip was to drive my convertible, top down, down the Las Vegas strip. Because I had always wanted to do that. It’s the kind of thing people would warn you not to do because of the traffic and congestion. Nuts to that! I have three more goals that fall squarely in the “not prudent” category, and I’m doing them. Dammit.
Left Death Valley behind with a slow drizzle. Didn’t take too long before the temperature rose and the rain stopped. Top down, no looking back. The fact that death valley, the most desolate place in the US – is less than 2 hours from the Las Vegas strip – is strange to me.
I’ve been having a logistical issue with laundry, but found a laundromat in Las Vegas that did it all and folded it for probably less than what hotel detergent and change would cost. Win. They did the work, I went to the Hoover Dam. Which was interesting, nice to say I’ve been there, but I’m good.
Coming into Las Vegas I had mixed feelings. I hate Elvis and the casino lounge act culture and vibe. Now most of the acts are magicians. Question: If you were a viral sensation and scored a show at the best casino, and then after 6 months when everyone got tired of your gimmick, do you just quit or have a show at the Flamingo? I’m looking at you Puff the Magic Dragon’s brother.
Had a good wander down and back up the strip. It’s all different but all the same as it was 10+ years ago. Tired feet, but great people watching. I feel exhausted but rejuvenated by the sheer volume or lighting!
Five hour driving day tomorrow, and I want to get it over with as quick and early as possible. Seeing my Aunt and Uncle! Very excited!
Deets
- License Plates: MA, ON
- States: NV, AZ, NV
- Departed: 8:45am PDT, 76 degrees
- Original ETA 10:57am PDT
- Arrival: 11:00 am PDT
- Warmest/Coldest: Death Valley 90°, Wallace ID 22°
- Weather: Bright, warm
- Food: Subway sub, Crepe from Paris (casino)
- Music: Beastie Boys – Hello Nasty, Prince – Sign O The Times, Bush – Deconstructed, Lady Gaga – Mayhem
Observations
- The drive to Vegas had much more desert like I thought I would see. Flat, lots of scrub, going on endlessly to mountains that are very far away
- For a state that’s made up of dry stuff and has a shortage of water, they sell an awful lot of fireworks
- Vegas has gutters crossing sidestreets, which inadvertently are speed gutters
- Vegas drivers seem like they’ve been brain afflicted. Very aggressive but also very confused about what they’re doing.
- I got my car searched at the Hoover Dam because I had two large black containers in my back seat. Once they saw they were full of sweaters and shoes, they waved me on like I was an idiot. Which I am.
Pictures
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