Sorry for not completing the blog yesterday, I stayed up until 0400 but I could not hold of sleep any longer, so I shall continue by blog now.

Saturday 22nd May - After a fantastic evening last night and getting to bed early (must have been about 2200), we awoke early at 0530 to watch the sunrise over Monument Valley, which was fantastic. The only trouble was my camera ran out of battery power just as the sun was fully in view. Talk about the wrong time! After this, we had breakfast - I had cheerios with raisins and raspberries and two cups of tea (first in the USA; dad - it was awfully weak tea even for me) followed by getting back into Michael's van to take us back to our van. We each gave Michael a tip of $5 which was thoroughly deserved; talking of money, although this Monument Valley tour cost $75, it was absolutely worth it! Despite the lack of recommendations on Monument Valley, this area is difficult to put into words the beauty and the sheer size. I must say that of th activities included in this tour so far that Monument Valley has been by far the best - truely, one of the best experiences of my life! After this fantastic 12 or so hours, we commence our four hour journey to the Grand Canyon; probably one of very few places that could eclipse Monument Valley. After yet more driving, we get to the campsite after seeing glimpses of the Grand Canyon whilst on the rim road (very impressive so far). From those few glmpses, you could tell that this was going to be an amazing two days. Having not eaten for most of the day, our first priority was to have some lunch and secondly, to have a much needed shower that cost $2 in quarters (the first time I have ever had to pay to have a shower!) Afterwards, we all took a walk along the rim which was truely amazing. The size alone is beyond words. I could go on for ages about how impressive the Grand Canyon was but I shall leave it at that. I have to say that it is better than Monument Valley, although only just. At one point on our rim walk, four of us including myself decided to climb down 30 metres for some risky picture taking - all very impressive! At night time, on Reza's recommendation, we went to a Pizza/Pasta restuarant where both Nick and I shared a large ham/pineapple pizza, followed by a few drinks around the campire and numerous jokes.

Sunday 23rd May - After a relatively cold night, I awoke at a more reasonable time having a nice relaxed breaskfast and later, casually strolling down to have a shower, where I had to wait a while whilst the showers were being cleaned. Afterwards, I walked along the south rim of the Grand Canyon to the restuarants and back towards the Visitor Centre and catching the free shuttle back to the campsite. As a rule, any commerical vehicle is only allowed to drop off people at 3 locations! Some of my clothes were washed with others washing, as my black trousers were absolutely covered in dust and sand. It was our intention to watch the sunset over the Grand Canyon at 1930 although, at 1700 clouds began to appear with a sudden drop in temperature. Despite this setback, we observed the sunset despite some clouds, which was still rather pretty. As I have mentioned before, the temperature suddenly dropped and Rexa informed us that there was a chance of snow; with this in mind, it gave us the reason to purchase numerous tins of Chicken & Noodle soup and chicken sandwiches which went down a treat.

Monday 24th May - After a very cold night with a small amount of snow in our area (more snow was at the visitor centre I was told), I walked to the showers only to forget my towel and having to walk back in my t-shirt (Iron Maiden one by the way dad). Reza and Mike are not feeling too good - not the best time to feel under the weather whilst on the road. On our way to Vegas, we stopped at a small town called Seligmann on Route 66 which was great, where I also bought a few mementoes (one of many I must say). Our travels to Vegas today were going to take 5 hours in anticipation for the glitz and glamour of Vegas. We got to our hotel (Best Western Marde Gras Hotel) mid afternoon which is very nice and comfortable with good sized rooms, double beds and an en-suite bathroom (a luxary I must say). I must say also that I have taken very few pictures of Las Vegas to avoid my camera being snatched. One of the reasons for this was we did a Bus Limo tour through Las Vegas which was rather good, stopping at the famous fountains of Vegas and observing the watern show (Oceans Thirteen I think it was) followed by a bar called Margharittaville where a band was playing. I got back from The Strip at 0100 as I was rather exhausted from the Las Vegas scene, only to do my blog for another few hours until 0400.

Tuesday 25th May - I awoke much later than I thought it was today (1200) which angered me somewhat as I wanted to see some of Vegas. After a quick swim, Chris and I went to a fantastic restuarant called Table 10 which was very good - Chris and I were hoping the bill was not going to be a $900 cheque (Bill) which would have shocked us somewhat (a big OMG Cath) but it didn't. This resturant also allowed us to see some of Las Vegas although I forgot to take my camera, so again it is unlikely I shall have pictures of Las vegas on my camera. After a brief time searching hotel until 1545, Reza took Chris, Mike, Nick and I to a gun range which I fired a 44 Magnum (Dirty Harry gun) which was pretty good and thoroughly enjoyed. I shall bring back the shells and my target (Osama Bin laden may I add). Afterwards, Reza, Chris and I went for a few Coronoas in the hotel bar followed by a nice meal (Steak & Chips). Continue later