This is a first for me. We packed for an eight day camping trip complete with rain gear and long underwear and where did we end up? Las Vegas!   The main point of the trip was an 8 day white water rafting trip on the Colorad, but why just go to Las Vegas to hop on a raft the next day? 

Jeanne and Shane and I decided to come a few days early and have fun in Vegas.
Now, I like living in the country. I like kayaking, cross country skiing, writing, sketching.... even listening to classical music. What in the world got into me?  

Thinking I would hate this town, I was surprised to spend the last four days with my eyes bugging out, camera clicking and jaw dropping. It is so over the top that it is almost impossible to describe.

The first night we took in a show called.... Las Vegas, The Show.... it was a good way to start. They used music. comedy, dance and glitz to cover the history of Vegas. Those feathers and sequins were just what we needed to get in the mood.

The last time I went through this city I was about 5 years old, things have changed for sure. Along with the neon lights and noise they have added Egypt, Paris, Venis, Pirate Ships as well as indoor lightnening storms thundering next to gentle strolls down quiet (?) boulevards. 

Actually nothing is quiet.... not even me... which is no surprise really.  From the 'caching, caching' of the slot machines (with the occasional bell blasting to let everyone know that at least one person won a few bucks) to music blaring and drunks carrying 2 foot plastic guitar 'glasses' with a straw (or the long drinking tubes that come complete with a sholder strap)... everywhere there is noise and a devil doesn't really care attitude.

So here we are in our sensible shoes, cameras out and maps in hand.... gawking! It's not hard to fit in, really. There is everything on the street from terribly overweight people in spandex (or skimpy evening gowns ?*&$*@! ) to smartly dressed couples (women in 4 inch heels and sequined gowns). Everyone is on the strip.

Speaking of strip, there are quite a few places where you can go to watch that if you are so inclined. There is no shortage of people who will hand you little cards advertising naked shows. The cards get handed out, dropped on the sidewalk and swept up, all within short order.

No, we didn't go to the strip shows .... we didn't even gamble much. Tried a bit but, after a loss of $10, we decided we just didn't need to keep going.

Tomorrow we head out at 04:30 to get our feet wet in the Colorado.

Before I go I have to tell you my favourite memory from our time here in Las Vegas. Without a doubt our very first day was just the best way to start our experience.  Arriving early at our hotel we went down the block to a brewery / bistro for lunch. It was Sunday and it was packed. Packed with the most amazing people. The jazz band was one of the best I've heard. Not only was the music good, so were the people who got up to dance. Some of those people had to be in the 70's but man could they dance! And hot!!! Those women had some work done for sure.... but it wasn't just that.... they danced like they were retired show girls.  And the clothes!!  There was one old guy in the flashiest purple suit with lilac and purple shoes and a purple fedora. He took the cake but there were others not far behind.  Half the place knew each other.   To hell with going home to play bridge and lawn bowl.... I think we should take up dancing and go for a little lipo suction with a face lift or two thrown in. Matter of fact I saw boob jobs advertised on sale for $1999.   Hmmmm?   Do I go with the long underware / rain gear look or get myself some ruby slippers?