Coddiwomple Stardate 180616
Wednesday we are heading for Grand Canyon. On the way just
out of Page we had a look at Horseshoe Bend. Thought we would get there before
it becomes too hot and too many people. We arrived at 8.15am with the parking
bay already full of Asian tour buses. It was a great view of the Colorado
River bending around the Canyon in a shape of a horseshoe. When we got back to
the carpark at 9.00am we passed many more people wanting to get a look.
Next stop another donation to Navajo Nation to see Little
Colorado River Gorge. The park was established in 1962 as a Navajo Tribal Park.
It was a nice canyon and worth the stop. Then it was the mother of all canyons.
We came in from the less popular east side and our first stop was Desert View
Watchtower. The Watchtower was built in 1932 is 70ft (21m) high and has great
views over Grand Canyon. Next stop was Tusayan Museum and Ruin. I had no idea what
this was about. When we arrived Ranger Ted was about to conduct a tour so I
joined in. Sharon wasn’t interested. There were stone ruins dating back to 1100’s.
Ranger Ted did a great job in explaining the history of the ruins. I never
realised American Indians built brick structures and grew crops way back then.
Ranger Ted told me because we were in the eastern end of the
park it is quieter than the main area. I looked for a camp area before reaching
the main part of Grand Canyon. It was Wikicamps first failure. The free camp
area had been closed. We had no choice but to try and find camping in the more
popular area. There is only one camping area available in the main centre. We
arrived at about 3.30pm to take the last available spot out of 320 campsites.
There was nothing available for us the next night so one night in the Grand
Canyon it is. The camping area was very spacious and plenty of trees between
each site. We even had Elk just wandering through our campsite.
After setting up camp we went to the visitors centre to find
out what to do on Thursday. Had a look at a documentary on Grand Canyon then
went to see more of this vast canyon. That evening had dinner in the Lodge and
tried to ring our property manager because she had left an urgent message. At
10.15am Perth time we still only got there answering machine. Getting
frustrated with trying to ring all different contacts we gave up and went and
had a look at the sunset over Grand Canyon.
Thursday we both got up at 5.00am to have breakfast and
break camp. We had to catch a shuttle bus to South Kaibab Trailhead to meet
Ranger Livia & Ranger Dan for a guided walk down to Ooh Aah Point &
Cedar Ridge by 7.00am. We started at an elevation of 7260ft (2213m) &
descended to 6120ft (1865m) & round trip of 3 miles (4.8km). We have seen
many spectacular sites in the USA so far. Grand Canyon is huge. Something you must
see to appreciate its size. Viewed from the top it didn’t have they wow factor
like many NP we have seen. Only when you descend into the Canyon itself can you
start to get that big wow factor. Out of 6,500,000 visitors a year only 10% descend
the canyon. I’d say they are missing out on the best part.
Rangers are always trying to emphasise the danger of the
canyon. Make sure you are prepared always carry plenty of water. Once we had
reached Cedar Ridge we were left by the Rangers to make our own assent. I went
off a little further and Sharon stayed talking to people. The French couple
Sharon was talking to had been further down the trail but had dropped their
water bottle and did not have enough water for their ascent. We had plenty so
Sharon gave them some of ours. Half way up the trail we came across a group of
late teens early/20’s boys. One was in a very bad way and they were trying to
carry him back up the trail. Sharon tried to make them go and get help from the
Rangers, so they could get medical help. Fortunately, two mules came up. One
was carrying an injured person who had hurt his leg the other had a radio, so
she called ahead for assistance. Sharon asked for her help as none of the young
guys were going to. What amazed us was one of the young guys in the group was a paramedic
and didn’t seem to be assisting at all. Another one of the young guys was told
not to play with the squirrel that was hanging around us. Of course, he kept
playing with the squirrel until he got bitten. Out came our first aid kit to patch
up the nice puncture wound to his finger. It was a four hour round trip after
all the first aid help and many stops to rest on the way back. We passed Ranger
Livia & Ranger Dan they were on there way back down to help the young guy.
Maybe it is a good thing that only 10% of people hike below the rim.
After this we caught a shuttle bus out to Hermits Rest then
it was time to leave Grand Canyon. We got phone reception half way to the town
of William’s and booked a motel for the night. The motel is on Route 66. We
also found out why our property manager wanted to get hold of us urgently. Our
tenant has decided to drive his four-wheel drive into our carport wall structurally
damaging the exterior and interior of what was Jason’s bedroom.
Friday and our last day with the hire car before returning it tomorrow. We didn't leave Williams until 9.30am. We spent the morning on sorting out what to do after Alaska. Before we left Williams we did a drive on the historical Route 66. It does a loop through the town. There were many restaurants that had something to do with Route 66. Mainly old cars at the front of buildings. Williams was quite a nice town and could of spent a day there.
We are heading for Hoover Dam. Had a look on Wikicamps for things to see. It is another Interstate with a 75mph (120kph) limit so its driving only. Also looked at driving more of Route 66 there was nothing on that as well. It is a 185 mile (300km) drive.
For lunch we drove back onto Kingman and Route 66 again. Sharon always wanted to go to a real diner. I found one called Mr. D’z. All decorated in teals & hot pink. Next door was a car yard selling classic cars going back to the 1930’s.
After lunch we had about another 70 miles (112km) to get to Hoover Dam. We were being passed by many police cars. We came across an overhead sign saying the border between Arizona & Nevada was closed due to a police incident. I was driving and asked Sharon to find an alternative way around. There was none. Where we stopped a couple of young guys also stopped. They were on there way to a concert in Las Vegas and also looking for an alternative route. They informed us that a shooter had barricaded himself in an armored vehicle and stopped across the bridge that is Arizona Nevada border. The bridge is near Hoover Dam. Traffic both ways were stopped and all cars and people had to be evacuated from Hoover Dam. Apparently he had issues with Trump. We turned around and headed back towards Kingman. There was no other cars on our side of the road. Half way back again the shooter decided to drive across the border into Arizona and was promptly arrested. The traffic was blocked for miles so we keep going our alternative route. It added an extra couple of hours to our trip. It ended up being a great drive. The direct road was flat and uninteresting our new route was mountainous and crossed the Colorado River at Laughlin another Casino Town and through the Mojave Desert. We booked into Boulder City at a motel for the night. After 18 days in the car all our gear from our backpacks was spread everywhere and we need space to sort it out. Plus the desert wind was howling and still 35 degrees.
Saturday we arrived at Hoover Dam at 8.00am. It was one of my must see sites in the USA. I have always been fascinated by its engineering from the early 1930's. It did not disappoint even Sharon was impressed. We had no time for a tour because of the hire car return. The tour was $30 US. I only payed $5 US at Glen Canyon Dam. I also didn't know this dam existed and is far more important than Hoover Dam.
Then it was Las Vegas before flying to Alaska, Sunday afternoon. We could not book in until 1pm. We just walked around seeing the outside of all the casinos. We are not interested in the casinos themselves. We also didn't realise smoking was permitted in them so that put us off straight away. We just want to see all the flashy lights tonight.
We had pre payed for our hotel room at Treasure Island. Then we were asked to pay for a Resort Fee of $59 Aus per day. Apparently it was written in small print at the bottom of our online receipt all we payed for was a room. For that we get internet, 2 for 1 cocktails, a newspaper, use of there pool & gym. I had a look at their pool. It was exactly how you see them in many movies. There was standing room only and deafening music. All I could think of was you would be to scared to move and loose your spot. What happens when No.1 comes around. So all we can use is the internet from our resort fee. If you wanted to use there Spa & Sauna it was another $17 US a day.
When we got up to our room on the 23rd floor the first thing we did was to see our view from the window. It overlooks the Trump Tower.
Just before 8.00pm we walked down to the Mirage. This is the one that has a volcano show 3 times a night starting at 8.00pm, 9.00pm & 10.00pm. At 7.55pm the waterfalls start slowing down by 8.00pm the lights went off and on. By 8.05pm the water started flowing again and that was it. It was broken. Disappointed we went back to our hotel to have a look at the Pirate Ship. It has a mock battle every night and Sharon had seen it on Miss Congeniality 2. All looked pretty lit up. Checked to see what time this one started and found out it was closed December last year for 5 years. There was no signs to inform you of this. Another disappointment. Decided to walk back to the volcano again for the 9.00pm show. Hoping the first one had a glitch. Getting shoved again by asian tourists and wanting to throw the next one into the water nothing happened again with the volcano. We then tried for another show at the Bellagio. It was now nearly 9.30 and we still had not seen anything. At 9.30pm this one did work. It was water fountains timed to a Titanic song. It was ok. Only thing is it was similar to what I had seen at Elizabeth Quays back in Perth only larger. On the way back to our hotel we gave the volcano another go it was now nearly 10.00pm. The crowd was huge this time waiting for the volcano that once again did not arrive. When we got back to our room Sharon wanted room service. After being on the phone for 15 mins waiting for service she gave up and was a very disappointed person with Las Vegas.
I don't dislike Las Vegas. It is not what I like to do. If you like gambling, drinking in the streets, watching girls with very low tops and show girls going past in their costumes with only nipple patches to cover themselves up (actually I didn't mind those last two things) plenty of shows to see, great warm weather during the day & night, masses of crowds you will thoughly enjoy yourselves. Just be aware of the hidden costs. We were also warned about not taking taxies to the airport. They go the longest possible way to get the most out of you. We were advised to use Uber. At least you know the cost up front.
Friday and our last day with the hire car before returning it tomorrow. We didn't leave Williams until 9.30am. We spent the morning on sorting out what to do after Alaska. Before we left Williams we did a drive on the historical Route 66. It does a loop through the town. There were many restaurants that had something to do with Route 66. Mainly old cars at the front of buildings. Williams was quite a nice town and could of spent a day there.
We are heading for Hoover Dam. Had a look on Wikicamps for things to see. It is another Interstate with a 75mph (120kph) limit so its driving only. Also looked at driving more of Route 66 there was nothing on that as well. It is a 185 mile (300km) drive.
For lunch we drove back onto Kingman and Route 66 again. Sharon always wanted to go to a real diner. I found one called Mr. D’z. All decorated in teals & hot pink. Next door was a car yard selling classic cars going back to the 1930’s.
After lunch we had about another 70 miles (112km) to get to Hoover Dam. We were being passed by many police cars. We came across an overhead sign saying the border between Arizona & Nevada was closed due to a police incident. I was driving and asked Sharon to find an alternative way around. There was none. Where we stopped a couple of young guys also stopped. They were on there way to a concert in Las Vegas and also looking for an alternative route. They informed us that a shooter had barricaded himself in an armored vehicle and stopped across the bridge that is Arizona Nevada border. The bridge is near Hoover Dam. Traffic both ways were stopped and all cars and people had to be evacuated from Hoover Dam. Apparently he had issues with Trump. We turned around and headed back towards Kingman. There was no other cars on our side of the road. Half way back again the shooter decided to drive across the border into Arizona and was promptly arrested. The traffic was blocked for miles so we keep going our alternative route. It added an extra couple of hours to our trip. It ended up being a great drive. The direct road was flat and uninteresting our new route was mountainous and crossed the Colorado River at Laughlin another Casino Town and through the Mojave Desert. We booked into Boulder City at a motel for the night. After 18 days in the car all our gear from our backpacks was spread everywhere and we need space to sort it out. Plus the desert wind was howling and still 35 degrees.
Saturday we arrived at Hoover Dam at 8.00am. It was one of my must see sites in the USA. I have always been fascinated by its engineering from the early 1930's. It did not disappoint even Sharon was impressed. We had no time for a tour because of the hire car return. The tour was $30 US. I only payed $5 US at Glen Canyon Dam. I also didn't know this dam existed and is far more important than Hoover Dam.
Then it was Las Vegas before flying to Alaska, Sunday afternoon. We could not book in until 1pm. We just walked around seeing the outside of all the casinos. We are not interested in the casinos themselves. We also didn't realise smoking was permitted in them so that put us off straight away. We just want to see all the flashy lights tonight.
We had pre payed for our hotel room at Treasure Island. Then we were asked to pay for a Resort Fee of $59 Aus per day. Apparently it was written in small print at the bottom of our online receipt all we payed for was a room. For that we get internet, 2 for 1 cocktails, a newspaper, use of there pool & gym. I had a look at their pool. It was exactly how you see them in many movies. There was standing room only and deafening music. All I could think of was you would be to scared to move and loose your spot. What happens when No.1 comes around. So all we can use is the internet from our resort fee. If you wanted to use there Spa & Sauna it was another $17 US a day.
When we got up to our room on the 23rd floor the first thing we did was to see our view from the window. It overlooks the Trump Tower.
Just before 8.00pm we walked down to the Mirage. This is the one that has a volcano show 3 times a night starting at 8.00pm, 9.00pm & 10.00pm. At 7.55pm the waterfalls start slowing down by 8.00pm the lights went off and on. By 8.05pm the water started flowing again and that was it. It was broken. Disappointed we went back to our hotel to have a look at the Pirate Ship. It has a mock battle every night and Sharon had seen it on Miss Congeniality 2. All looked pretty lit up. Checked to see what time this one started and found out it was closed December last year for 5 years. There was no signs to inform you of this. Another disappointment. Decided to walk back to the volcano again for the 9.00pm show. Hoping the first one had a glitch. Getting shoved again by asian tourists and wanting to throw the next one into the water nothing happened again with the volcano. We then tried for another show at the Bellagio. It was now nearly 9.30 and we still had not seen anything. At 9.30pm this one did work. It was water fountains timed to a Titanic song. It was ok. Only thing is it was similar to what I had seen at Elizabeth Quays back in Perth only larger. On the way back to our hotel we gave the volcano another go it was now nearly 10.00pm. The crowd was huge this time waiting for the volcano that once again did not arrive. When we got back to our room Sharon wanted room service. After being on the phone for 15 mins waiting for service she gave up and was a very disappointed person with Las Vegas.
I don't dislike Las Vegas. It is not what I like to do. If you like gambling, drinking in the streets, watching girls with very low tops and show girls going past in their costumes with only nipple patches to cover themselves up (actually I didn't mind those last two things) plenty of shows to see, great warm weather during the day & night, masses of crowds you will thoughly enjoy yourselves. Just be aware of the hidden costs. We were also warned about not taking taxies to the airport. They go the longest possible way to get the most out of you. We were advised to use Uber. At least you know the cost up front.
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