Day 23 – Under the sea

Left Mammoth lakes after a lazy morning; well trick shot bowling was on the TV and we had to watch it. Also did a bit of research an found out that Mammoth lakes is at the same altitude as Machu Pitchu; so the few days here and the hiking have been good training.

Heading down from the Sierra Mountains we headed towards Death Valley. We only found he road because I needed to stop for the bathroom and happened to spot a visitor’s center. As luck would have it we got some useful information about the area and it soon became cleat that crossing the valley could be far more interesting than we’d anticipated.

First off I simply hoped the car would survive; the temperature hit 109; the brakes shake you to the bone and the mountain passes reduced the car to a crawl. Strangely though we seemed to be getting great mpg. I say the temperature hit 109 but at a ranger’s station we saw a thermometer at 114. The best way to describe the heat is like the blast of hot air you get when opening the oven. Opening the window was like having a hair dryer blasted at you.

We stopped at a few places to admire the barren landscape and heat shimmer. Places to note we the sand dunes, Golden Valley (Yellow rocks) and Artists Palette (Multicoloured rocks). The main stop off on our route across the valley was Bad Water lake. This place is the lowest point in the western hemisphere. We stood on the salt bed on the blazing heat and looked up at a sign on the hill side denoting sea level, some 85 meters above us.

Leaving the valley picked up the signs for Vegas. Funny thing the sign in this neck of the woods, most of them were peppered with bullet holes. Its only took an hour or so to reach the city limits but you knew you were there. From the mountain descent we spied the Stratosphere and parts of the Northern strip. Minutes later we were out of the desert and driving up the strip. Now I from the storied I’ve heard everyone marvels at the first sight of this town. My experience we no different but imaging how surreal it is when you started the day at 4800 feet, went down below sea level and sat is a portable oven for the best part of 8 hours. Vegas wasn’t just lights it was a shower and food!

Now let me explain where were staying; our choice of hotel depended on a couple of things, cost and location. Location wise we wanted to be near the strip, cost wise it had to be cheap but clean. After searching the web and reading reviews we booked Hooters Casino for two nights for $60. Yes $60 for the room not per person. It also has free parking and a promo for $200 on the slots.

Entering the casino after a long drive was a shock to the sensed; it was cold, bright and loud. First impressions of the place and the room were that we’ve done ok. Its much better than some places we’ve paid four times the amount for. Leaving the hotel we went on the hunt for food. My mind was intent on filling stomach so the few casinos we walked through just appeared like big Merry Hills full of people getting in my way. Things changed a little when we reached the Bellagio. There we saw the fountain display and it started to hit home where I was. Going inside we toured their fall display and although its tacky on the face of it you have to admire the effort that gone into I. I’m really going to have to take this place at face value when I explore tomorrow.

Things picked up when we found an awesome all you can eat Chinese buffet. It was like manner from heaven and I enjoyed three plates covering all the major food groups. We did start to get funny looks towards the end and the bill was delivered pretty promptly. Ended the night playing our free slots and having a nice cold beer on the bar.