My Birthday Trip to Nevada and Arizona. Day Three.

On our third and last full day in the American Southwest, Dad and I hit up RA Sushi, in Las Vegas. It was so delicious and surprisingly well priced that we took my friends back there for dinner that same night. 

Noon is not too early for saké, when you're on vacation.

Within hours of heading out on the first day, I added driving all over this area on an old Triumph or Harley to my bucket list. 

Near Blue Diamond, NV.

We headed West, past Red Rock Canyon at first. I guess I still harbored hope we'd make it to Los Angeles but it was not meant to be this time around!

And then back to Red Rock Canyon we went.

Dad.

That night, after more sushi, Dad went back to our room to work on an assignment and the guys and I went to Frankie's Tiki Room, where I drank more than anyone should the night before flying.

Circus Circus.

My dad, who is an unbelievably potent lady magnet, grabbing a bite to eat before our flight to Washington DC.

Flying over the Rockies.

Over Washington DC, heading back to Montreal.

Some of the goodies I brought back.

I hadn't been back twenty-four hours when I began planning my next trip to the Southwest and, even though I have two smaller trips and a big trip to Scotland coming up before I get to return, I feel a pull from that general direction on a daily basis. I'll be returning with my kids and a friend, this winter, but I'm already planning on spending several months to a year in that general area, some time within the next few years.

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My Birthday Trip to Nevada and Arizona. Day Two.

 On March 15th, we stayed in Las Vegas. While my chums slept in, Dad and I checked out the art district. There are so many more photos of both Glam Factory Vintage and of Gypsy Caravan but I'm working on a piece for either Vintage Maya or for this blog so, for now, this is it.

On the sidewalk, between Glam Factory Vintage and Gypsy Caravan.

Gypsy Caravan sneak peek.

Possibly my favourite photo from this trip is my father making this face in these glasses.

Before and after checking out the National Atomic Bomb Testing Museum, we spent a little bit of time on the Strip.

Funhouse "alien vision" mirror at the museum.

At the end of the day, we all headed up to Fremont Street and had an amazing time. 5 Guinness for $12? Yes, please. This is my dad and I. It's official that he and Amanda are my favourite travel companions, followed very closely by Bob, who would complete a top three, if he didn't mind getting up to experience shit before noon. Different strokes, folks.

Santa enjoyed the hell out of the U2 cover band and happily posed with a variety of people.

I whimpered a bit when Predator stepped towards me. 

The one and only downside of ridiculously cheap stout is that only a handful of your cell phone photos turn out well enough to post. This was, however, a fantastic night and I truly enjoyed being part of such a positive and warm party scene.

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My Birthday Trip To Nevada and Arizona. Day One.

My birthday wish was to be at the Grand Canyon's South Rim at sunset, the day I turned 34. The day before, two of my friends, my father and I flew into Las Vegas on separate flights. I had booked a room for my chums and I but when Dad booked a room with two beds, I chose to stay with him and, in the end, this was the best thing that I could have done as we were rolling on the same schedule and were inclined to see the same the things. 

Determine to fulfill my wish, we hit up one of Vegas' Trader Joe's for road snackage and then headed East, on the morning of March 14th.

Our first stop was Hoover Dam.

Boulder City, Nevada.

Somewhere in Western Arizona.

We detoured so that I could finally get a glimpse of Historic Route 66.

This wagon and jailhouse are from 1860.

Despite everyone along the way telling us we probably wouldn't make it on time, we arrived at the Grand Canyon South Rim a half hour before sunset. My dad looked down at me and said, "We made it. Happy birthday," and those were the most amazing five words I'd heard in a long time.

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