RETURN TO VEGAS

Welcome back to all my readers (at least 4 blog requests!)  - flying into Las Vegas on 5th September - travelling around Utah and Colorado on own and then with family and friends.  Back on 2nd October - enjoy the ride with us.



My first time in Vegas was aged 18 (1970) when I was taken on trip of a lifetime with my Aunt and Uncle + cousin Allan from Pasadena.  Across the USA on an amazing journey in a VW campervan to Nova Scotia and back (+tent for the fellas) that introduced me to the wonders of the National Parks, endless roads, burgers galore, many of my Dad's friends from Unitarian conventions - and that unique, crazy, Wonder of the World that is Las Vegas.


I was underage for gambling and drinking in the USA, and my "minders" were paranoid about me keeping to the centre of the carpeted walkways between the thousands of glittering slots - something that seemed amazingly bonkers, seeing as I had been playing fruit machines in the UK, as part of seaside holidays and piers, forever.  And drinking alcohol in pubs and Uni for a year or more.  What a backward kind of place - and as to fashion, Huh! - Carnaby Street was rocking the world and I was shocking the New World with skimpy tops and bell bottoms and laughing at their Old World clothing.  A definite clash of cultures and sensibilities, but Allan and I both survived the trip (and his mother!) And after 47 years we will be meeting up later in this trip for more adventures - this time in luxury Airbnbs, rather than a basic and very cramped van.

Then after that first gob-smacking visit to LV, I have been lucky enough to visit again 4 times, the last time for my 50th in 2001, when I celebrated with a long time school and family friend.


These are some of the photos over the years.  1970 at the top - Grand Canyon and Vegas, then Graham miraculously appears with me in 1981 just outside Vegas (not sure where - maybe Hoover Dam) - other photos are a bit scratchy of various Vegas venues - taking and developing photos was a precious and expensive procedure in those days!!!

 MGM Grand in 1995 - we are going up in the world and actually staying there in 2017 (will post a photo from the same angle if I can - think the road and cars will be a bit busier!) - in those days it was Motel 6 or cheaper.  Note the group that were on at the time - the Four Tops - or as seen on the Beck Head sheep trail earlier this year, in our paddock - the Four Tups!!!




.....and then onwards on our travels with our wonderful tent, which we still have, albeit no longer in use. Can't bear to part with it.

This photo shows how we travelled and what we used at the time  - a bit different to our camping these days in a 5 man tent with all the luxuries.  Can't believe we took most of this lot over on the plane!  Suspect the luggage allowance wasn't so draconian in those days


We still have several of the items on here (22 years later) and some still in use - the kettle and pans, green sleeping bag, plastic bowls and plates, blue Sigg bottle, grey rucksack.  The blow up beds bought it in our flood!!

And then on to 2001 for my 50th birthday - still addicted to the slots!!!!

We may have changed somewhat, but Vegas remains as big, brash, crazy and unique as ever. 

 BRING IT ON!!