Arrived Las Vegas

When we left Monument Valley Saturday a.m. we had to decide whether to go south through Flagstaff or north into Utah and go through Saint George. Decided on Flagstaff – we could get on the I-40 that way – instead of back roads to St George. We had talked about stopping in Flagstaff but motored right on through as it was only noon and we’ve “done” Flagstaff and area before.
Most of drive from the campground to Flagstaff was through Indian Reservations. Some of the land pretty, some of it pretty awful. In one area it reminded me of the moon’s surface.


Guess the government thinks so too. Just saw on TV that they are testing the "Moon Rover" out there.
Passed some interesting sights. Saw a warning sign about free range horses and did see a herd of them. Wild or tame? Don’t know.
Then there was the man just sitting beside the road. Waiting for a bus? Tired of walking?
Then near Tsegi (no I didn’t make that name up) was this – there were two tall structures, one on each side of the road and they were connected by a pipeline that passed over the road. Haven’t been able to find anything on line to tell what their purpose was.

Just a reminder that the West hasn't changed much in some places.
Did notice that there has been a lot of building on the Reservations. Lots of new homes, medical buildings and big schools. Good to see the casino money going to good causes.
Saw several teepees, also the round ceremonial Hogans built next to homes.
Also saw for the first time ever (and didn’t get any pictures) a freight train running by electricity. From the engine were two apparatus that connected to the power lines running along and above the track. Hoped I’d see another one so I could take a picture but didn’t.
Had to drive through part of Flagstaff – kind of neat though as we were following old Route 66. There are still a lot of the old style motels along there. Thought this was kind of a neat picture. Talk about perfect timing.

Well we didn’t stop in Flagstaff as we had talked about. It was only 11:30. So we picked up I-40 and motored on. By now The Driver had the “Bit Between His Teeth” and we were heading towards Vegas. It is actually a pretty fast drive from Flagstaff to Vegas. Mostly freeway except when crossing the Dam.
As we drove along we could see some terrible storms to the south of us. It looked like a black wall had been erected behind the mountains. Lots of lightening. As long it stayed away from us. We just got a few sprinkles (but now had good windshield wipers.)
Passed the turnoff to the Skywalk – the glass walk over the Grand Canyon. I think I would like to go see it. Don’t know if I could walk out on it though.
Got stopped and inspected before crossing Hoover Boulder Dam. Then drove across –it will be nice when the bypass is completed. The lake looks like it is down even more since last year.

The big curved span for the bridge has met in the middle. Can not imagine working up there on that.
Coming down the hill into the Vegas area we could see rain over the city. Really pouring. But we never got in it. We’re staying on the East side at the 1000 Trails Park. Dry here. After settling in we went out to have something to eat. When we got back in the car at 8 p.m. it was still 101 out.
Have just been “doing business” since we’ve been here. Got part of the registration of Jennie done, will finish later in week. Got a couple of tires replaced and bought a filter and a couple of other things we couldn’t find in Indiana.
My toe is still acting up. A little walking goes a long way. There’s been no smog, a nice breeze and only in the high 90s. Without the humidity it doesn’t feel too bad though.