Las Vegas, NV

Leaving Las Vegas and rolling through the Mohave Desert, we found a valley full of Joshua Trees. Or at least as “full” as a valley of cacti that grow at least 50 feet apart from each other can be.

A cactus with little spines offers a counterpoint to the green juniper bush behind it in the campground we stayed at in Las Vegas.

The top of Hoover Dam has white concrete towers that are about the same color as the bleached walls of the canyon above the dam, revealing how low the water of Lake Mead has dropped below the top of the dam over the years.

A short drive from Las Vegas, we drove across the top of Hoover Dam and then I walked out on the huge concrete bridge that spans the canyon just downstream for a better view of the wall that holds back the Colorado River.

No visit to the Strip would be complete without watching the water fountains shoot around in fascinating patterns in front of the Bellagio Casino. Especially for fans of “Ocean’s Eleven” and its (almost) final scene in front of the fountain.

I didn’t realize that Vegas had stars in the sidewalks like Hollywood until I looked down as we walked along the Strip.  Here is one we recognized  from the 50s and 60s – Bobby Darin.  “Singer / Songwriter / Actor Legendary Entertainer”

The Eiffel Tower glows like a giant steel tricolor above the Vegas Strip.  Viva La France!

Just outside the Miracle Mile Shops, we walked past the big Paris balloon and Eiffel Tower all lit up on the Vegas Strip. 

“Piano Man” Matthew Banks closed out the concert with a rousing rendition of Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” that had us all on our feet singing along and dancing.  Kudos to the guitarist, bass guitarist, sax player and drummer who not only backed up the songs but each had amazing solos!

“Piano Man” singer Matthew Banks sang “Philadelphia Freedom” with the video screens behind him showing stars and American flags. 

Matthew Banks sang the songs of Billy Joel and then came out dressed as Elton John. This was the view from the first row, which puts you really close to the great music (and the outstanding musicians).

We had tickets to “Piano Man” at the V Theater, a tribute to the songs of both Billy Joel and Elton John.  A small theater, which made for an intimate but energetic show.

Since it’s Vegas, every now and then the facade of the V Theater lights up with flames and dramatic music.  Just to attract your attention.  It sure got mine.

The V Theater in the Miracle Mile shopping center has a North African vibe under a hand-painted sky. Even knowing it’s painted, you still keep thinking the clouds are moving.

Our evening on the Las Vegas Strip started with a walk through the Miracle Mile Shops. Of course, one of them had the iconic Las Vegas sign at the front, so here it is.

Driving across northwest Arizona toward Las Vegas, we stopped at a gas station and watched a cow wander across the parking lot and then hang out in a ditch.  Not what you expect to see looking up at you when you get out of your car!