From one extreme to another! Grand Canyon to Vegas

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Friday 1st August
As this was the last day in the canyon I got up early and ran along the rim watching the sun rise, it was peaceful, serene and breath taking and I had to stop at very lookout as not to miss a thing. Later on that day I dragged the boys back there for yet another walk, but in the sweltering sun and day tripping crowds it just wasn't quite the same.
After breakfast I persuaded Gra to do one last hike into the canyon. This was to be our best yet. It was listed as the steepest trail and very few people attempt it. However we were not going to let that stop us!! The Grand View trail was steep from the very start, and we didn't come across any other hikers except for 2 and a ranger called Ryan. He was concerned we didn't have enough water with us and said we would probably be dehydrated by the time we finish. As the trail was a little precarious in places we took our time on the descent, 1 hour 30. However coming back up not having to worry about falling so much we hiked out in 40 mins!! Mainly so we could get a drink and because I had plans to see the east gate before we left the Grand Canyon.
After seeing yet more amazing views and a really cool tower at the east gate of the park it was time to head back to Vegas. Rich was flying out of Vegas to Alaska on Saturday, so with another chance to sample the bright lights and striking Casinos; this time with the excuse of showing Rich around. We arrived in Vegas at around 9pm (having driven past the Hoover Dam on route), and so it was a quick turnaround to get out on the Strip again. The Imperial Palace was once again our base, but we soon played perfect hosts to Rich as we showed him our favourite sights, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, have a margarita or two, and gamble a little money on the slots (Amy got quite excited as she won a small fortune - $5 - on a couple of machines, and so was promptly dragged off them before she could do any more damage to her bank account!). We were all amazed once more by the heat (105 degrees +), and again fell into our beds at gone 4am.

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Comments

[Lucy, Rob and Neal]

Shape changing Graeme
What have you been doing to Graeme. One moment he is short and hobbit-like and the next moment he could be in the Harlem Globetrotters. Great pics but stop messing around with Graeme.