There are officially no words to describe most of the last 2 days we have spent in Las Vegas. So, so many goose bump moments, it's just been incredible.

It all started yesterday, with Grand Canyon day. We were picked up early from the hotel and transported to Boulder City Airport to catch our plane to the South Rim. Despite being the smallest plane in the world, ok so maybe not, but only a little 19 seater the flight was nice and smooth with beautiful views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Once at Grand Canyon Airport it was straight into our helicopter for the tour.............and the first goose bump moment. Wow, we can honestly say that we have never seen anything so amazing, the views were phenomenal and there is nothing that beats that first true view of the Canyon - definitely needs to be seen to be believed. Following the Helicopter tour we were taken into the Grand Canyon National Park for lunch and a photo stop at Bright Angel Lodge before heading back to the airport for our flight back to Vegas - not quite so smooth this time with lots of thunderstorms around and a trainee pilot who decided to bounce us down the runway on landing!!

We spent the evening wandering up The Strip, taking in the views and the atmosphere. Managed to catch the Bellagio Fountains a few times too - our favourite being the Pink Panther. Just as we decided to head back to the hotel, the heavens opened.......... since when did Vegas have thunderstorms?!?! It clearly doesn't expect them as wasn't exactly equipped to cope - the sidewalk (get me using the correct term!!) turned into a river and all the escalators were rapidly cordoned off. Made it back to the hotel a little damp but given the temperature soon dried out.

On our last day in Las Vegas, we decided to head out to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Amy skillfully drove out there (with impressive navigation from Gordon of course), proper getting the hang of this driving on the wrong side of the road lark now. Not one to be left out, Gordon drove back (just as skillfully - though the navigation back left a little to be desired - the iphone is taking the blame, a paper map would have been so much easier). The Dam is huge, but equally impressive is the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge - one hell of a construction.

Once back in Las Vegas, we did a bottom to top drive of The Strip, with Gordon choosing to hang out of the window photographing everything in sight (is now a good time to mention we have already taken 650 between us?!). After this we figured that we probably ought to at least try this gambling lark. Having spent a while on the slots, we admitted defeat and have accepted we aren't going to leave Vegas millionaires - no real surprise there then!

As you have probably seen, this evening was the final part of Amy's brithday present. The theatre was purpose built for Phantom and it really shows, the production was incredible and created another few goose bump moments. The show only runs here for another few weeks so it definitely was a once in a lifetime chance to see it.

So, that's Vegas done. Time to say goodbye in the morning, and head off on our roadtrip - next stop Death Valley.