Casa, Suite Casa

We admit, we were ready to move on after the National Park Geek Tour of Utah. Springdale was a lovely town, and we had a fantastic hotel, but we were headed to Vegas!

A couple thousand foot drop off  the Colorado Plateau.  Heading for Vegas

 It’s about a two hour drive south,  and just fantastic views as we drove on the highway that cuts through the hills on the way.

The Venetian on the strip in Las Vegas

We stayed at the Venetian, feeling pretty fabulous. 

Took the tripod so we could get these shots.  About a two second exposure.

Gondola rides, complete with tenor gondoliers.

Thank you Costco Travel

And our suite was just that. 

Our Suite.  Looking from the living room into the bedroom

A TV in every room

The hotel complex offered a couple of firsts for us:  Tom auditioned as a storm trooper at Secrets of the Empire, and we had our first mojito. 

Suiting up for the Star Wars virtual reality adventure....

....then step out onto this for a ride across the lava.  I almost fell over walking out, but at least I didn't raise my visor like the two wusses in my group.

Fortunately there is no upper age (or weight) limit.  I had at least 30 years on the next oldest person in the place.

Decompressing with a Mojito after defeating (well, tying) the Galactic Empire

And there’s nothing like a big Vegas show – more fabulousness.

Excellent stage show based on Baz Luhrmann movies...

....Romeo+Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and The Great Gatsby

After four fun filled days, we headed home across the Mojave Desert. We made two overnight stops on the way north. One of them was kinda fun. The Railroad Park Resort is a quirky place offering train cars and cabooses for accommodations.   

Railroad Park in Dunsmuir CA.  Castle Crags in the background

Our "room" for the night on the left

Next morning, back in the car and we had our traditional lunch on the road north– an A & W root beer float in Myrtle Creek to get us home in traditional Dietz style of travel.

Thanks to our kids for keeping the plants and the squirrels alive, and to Oregon for being, well, Oregon.

Back home with the new window stickers in place

Tasty Travel Tunes 

Star Wars Theme - John Willams

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend - Satine

Waiting for a Train - Jorma Kaukonen