trains

from last hence...

left Lake Havisu City and headed north along the Colorado River to Laughlin, Nevada. In case you weren't aware, they have gambling in Nevada. We stayed at the Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino, where they let RV's stay for free in the parking lot. It was the most expensive free place I have ever been. I also got a free T-shirt from another casino that only cost me $20. The Tropicana has a cute little train that shuttles people from the parking lots to the casino. Aneeda spent a little time at a small outlet mall, I entered a poker tourney (I was not the 1st one out but it was a pretty short-lived experience) and we put a lot of miles on our shoes walking up and down the strip. Especially on Sunday in search of the Bombers game. A couple of the sports rooms had lines on the game (I put $10 on under 47 total points) but none were broadcasting it. When I asked, I either got a blank stare or they recommended somewhere else, usually far away. Met a couple in their green & white Rider jerseys and they were having the same issue. I finally gave up and called Monique's sister Yvonne who updated scores to me with text messages (thx!). In the end I guess I missed a great game but the Bombers one 24 - 22, which if you do the math is less than 47. The free camping got a little cheaper. Laughlin, for those of you not aware, is kind of like a small, geriatric Vegas. The entertainers while we were there were Chubby Checker and Vicki Lawrence (yes, they are still alive) while Roy Clark and Charo were scheduled next week. We went to a comedy show and the comedian asked if there were specials on oxygen tubes and motorized wheel chairs in town, it did not go over well but I think a lot of them were asleep by this time.

from Laughlin headed to Williams, AZ to catch a train. Camped overnite then next morning went to a wild west show and then on the 2+hour ride to the Grand Canyon. Sometimes I get cynical and think that Americans have a tendency to overhype their tourist attractions (i.e. Delaware Water Gap, Alamo) but the canyon is truly amazing. Would love to hike down it someday. Anyway, after a nice lunch and a couple hours wandering along the rim we were back on the train. The railway does a great job, with entertainers and then a holdup. Lots of fun and would highly recommend.

it is now Thursday morning and we are packing up to tour more of AZ. We need to head south and get out of the mountains as the last 2 nights have been below freezing and we are getting to be wimps in the cold. Not sure what we will do when we get home.

hope everyone is doing well!