We left Tahoe at just about 8 a.m. It was a crisp 47 degrees and sunny and the mountains were beautiful, wreathed in mist and glowing green in the sun rays. By the time we reached Las Vegas the temperature was 110 degrees, meaning we had experienced a 63-degree temperature change from the morning as well as a four thousand foot descent. Just out of Tahoe we found ourselves in the Carson Valley with its ample farmland and cool road names, like “Stone’s Throw”.
The scenery then morphed into dusty, dry scrubland and sere angular mountains. Dust devils swirled around us on each side of the highway. We passed thru Beatty, Nevada and saw the famous Angel’s Ladies brothel just off 95. Also in Beatty, we saw many small groups of wild burros among the Joshua trees, grazing on the bitterbush and rabbitbrush growing there. The internet advises that they are the “Saucy Symbols of the Silver State.”
Traffic was sparse until the approach to Vegas when it suddenly became almost gridlocked. After some tense driving moments in crazy surface street traffic, we made it to Harrah’s, where we had booked a room. Again, the room was inexpensive, as the casinos want you to spend your money at the slots and gaming tables. Laurie had requested Paula bet a nickel for her. There were no nickel machines, but Paula found a 25 cent machine and won Laurie $7.50. We played some video poker to amuse ourselves until it was time for dinner.
Tommy had made reservations at a Gordon Ramsey restaurant (there are 4 in Vegas that we know of) called “The Kitchen” and had an amazing meal. Tom had Caeser and Paula had beet salad for starters, and Tom enjoyed the beef Wellington. Paula had crispy-skinned salmon. Both were delicious and beautifully prepared and showcased on the plate with sauces and vegetables. We shared chocolate mousse and sticky toffee pudding for dessert with coffee.
After dinner, we braved the hot dry air and eclectic crowds to walk along the Strip and admire the sights and sounds. We heard many different languages being spoken and saw many different fashions and themes, including two young ladies dressed as cowgirls below the waist. Above the belt, they made do with only a cowboy hat and two strategically placed glittery stars.
After we had walked off a bit of our dinner, we returned to our room, looking forward to a good night’s sleep before heading east tomorrow.