Lake Mead – Las Vegas - 51km
The weather was gorgeous as the River Mountains Loop Trail took us
toward Las Vegas. Although Nevada is the most arid state in the USA,
the landscape was stunning and the colours unique. Even from a
distance, one could see Vegas, and its tightly packed high-rise strip, a
shimmering mirage in the distance.
A pleasurable ride led right into the city and I was excited to explore
the famous Sin City. We encountered a fantasyland of Egyptian
Pyramids, Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Venetian canals, and New York’s
skyline. Casino after casino, hotel upon hotel, amazing shows,
dancing water fountains, neon lights, slot machines, limousines,
Ferraris, sleazy-looking alleyways, drunks and people out of luck. It’s
a crazy place where the roll of the dice decides your fortune.
However, our needs were significantly different, and we discovered a
reasonably priced motel where one could take a necessary shower.
I was impressed by the outrageous architecture, from The Flamingo
(the oldest hotel on the strip) to the MGM, the world’s largest hotel
(at the time). I roamed about, stunned by the opulence and
decadence while staring in amazement at the amount of money
spent.
Of course, I had to take a pic of Las Vegas’ famous (and most
photographed) landmark, the welcome sign. The “Welcome to Las
Vegas” sign has been the city’s most significant landmark since its
construction in 1959.