Las Vegas 24′ – Day 4

We decided on breakfast in our suite this morning (not room service but out of the little kitchen area), as we had purchased a few items (Granola / Yoghurt) and were ready to roll. With some Starbucks in hand from the main lobby of the Elara, we used the time to juggle a few attractions / reservations that we had moved to make things fit. We rarely spend a lot of time in the room on vacations, unless it’s part of the attraction (like our plaza balcony view in Madrid) but, admittedly spent time every day looking from this lofty perch. Our wi-fi, and the runway from nearby Harry Reid, had us somewhat transfixed 😳 as we rallied for the second half of our stay!

Let’s talk weather for a minute! It seems that the climate here this time of year is far less dynamic than home. A comfortable range for sure, from daytime highs near 20°C, to cooler nights of 8-10°C. In essence, a little warm for windbreaker in the day, and a little cool without it in the evening. Some cloudiness, but nothing close to rain. Yet, several peaks in the distant Sierra Nevada range boasted snow covered peaks (Nevada in Spanish means “snowy” and the naming of this state is related to it’s mountainous snow capped tips). I’d think summer would be rather unbearable, but I’m sure that AC rules that time of year.

Next up… bit of a Scottish Bus Tour, using up the balance on our 24 hr RTC Passes. In short, we see a bus, get on, ride to the terminus, then return. Cost us about $4 US each 😂. We caught the Deuce out past the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign which we had kind of skipped on Day 2. Visitors were already lined up for photos there at 9:00 AM. Then to the end of route. On the return run we viewed the city skyline northbound. Great lookout from the second floor of one of these double decked buses… and we noticed the front seats / second deck were coveted (especially by kids).

This morning we went for something totally different, as we had come to the point where we wanted to branch out from the Strip. Janie found a company online, and booked us a place with Red Rock Electric Bike Tours. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located about 25 minutes west outside the city, and is well known for its geological significance. Most notable, you geology nerds, for the Keystone Thrust Fault, which is a unique layering where older rocks have been pushed over younger rocks. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect, but were ready for pickup up @ 10:00 AM.

Here’s how it rolled. Post-commute, our group of 10 rallied in the parking area for riding instructions, a safety review, and a test run! Then off on this guided e-bike tour through some absolutely gorgeous terrain. The bikes were well maintained, easy to use and worked hard on our behalf. The guides were awesome too… safety conscious, a wealth of information, and just so incredibly down to earth! As for the setting, simply stunning! Bike lanes (and 14 miles of one lane loop traffic) negotiated the sometimes hilly, always twisty, and never dull tour through the mountains/plains. Several excellent stops, including brief trail views and guided talks regarding flora, fauna and first nations history (even pictographs) complimented the tour. This attraction sits in the “Highly Recommended” bracket folks! Vegas is definitely not known for its natural / adventure tourist type offerings, but this is a super product. So worth it.

After the e-Bike Tour, and all that “sort of” exercise, we were in the mood for some food. Lunch today was a Hinchey recommendation… and never once have he and Kathy steered us wrong! This afternoon we ate at the Ocean One Bar & Grille. Couple of things one should know before coming… there are no reservations, the portions are generous, the space is super busy, and the meals are excellent and priced at $5.99 from 11-5 PM! We waited maybe 10 minutes and opted for an available “bar seat” as opposed to holding out for a table. Ordering/service was quick, and we enjoyed some classic comfort food sampling a huge Caesar Salad and a club sandwich! An absolute treat here on the Strip located in the Miracle Mile. All round, looking at cost / taste / service / atmosphere, surely our Foodie Highlight of Day 4! #mikeknowsfood

On Tuesday evening we headed downstairs to our last show while here, The Ultimate Variety Show! We were looking for a sampling of Vegas. Maybe some comedy, some magic, music 🎶… so to us some sort of a variety show made sense! Not knowing what to expect, we took our seats in the V – Theatre, kind of a grungy little venue actually, and were treated to what might be best described as “buskers on a stage”. Very cool… from juggler to comedian, contortionist to balancing acts… all done in great showmanship, audience participation and with a huge sense of humour! It was really a bunch of shows rolled into one featuring fun, fast-paced specialty acts mixed with daredevil stunts… At times on the edge of your seat. We loved it, really shaking our heads at some of the performers… they are at the top of their game 👍!

Last stop for our night was the High Roller, the 550ft observation wheel that takes passengers on flights with views over the Strip and the expanse of Vegas! We almost “balked” at this while in the line-up… I think we were watching $$$ totals add up from the continuing costs that seem to creep in as one roams about from one thing to another in Vegas. However, we threw in and legitimized by saying, “We may only pass this way once”. And, gotta say, it worked out quite nicely. Holy nighttime vantage point… catches 360° of bling and the lights of Vegas in all directions. The trip around takes about 1/2 hr with our flight including a nice mix of kids/adults and lots of room to roam and take in picturesque Vegas. Prices are a bit steep, but, as they say, go big or stay home 😂! Good night!

… Las Vegas 24′ – Day 5