Fifth Stop - Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas, NV - Vegas, baby!


And what happens here stays here. So, in Vegas stays:
- two Margaritas at $25 each at some "party bar" "on" Treasure Island,
- Mr. Popovich and his pet comedy at the V theatre,
- the one mile walk from our room at the Stratosphere to the strip,
- the many slot machines that steal your money,
- the midnight dinner at IHOP,
- the shrimp cocktails and prime rib special at the Golden Gate Hotel during the "Freemont Experience" (Note from the Editor: Stay downtown when you travel to Las Vegas),
- the resort we ended up in for $20 per night called Tuscany Casino and Suites (Note from the Editor: Stay here if you don't like downtown),
- the fact that a tripod is considered a weapon by the stupid people who run the stupid tower at the stupid Stratosphere,
- the pirate show at TI that has a very modern touch, and
- pretty much everything other than the strip, East of the strip, and Freemont street, in other words "the ghetto".

We are all vegas'ed out!

Bye Vegas!

Fourth Stop - Zion, UT

Zion, UT - The recession is taking its toll on the US National Parks Department and they have raised the entrance fee for some parks to $25. As a result, we decided to be cheap and forego Bryce Canyon, especially since the snow made hiking impossible. However, Zion was great. Greener than most of the other canyons, it allowed us to hike 17 miles in two days in a spectacular scenery.


Highly recommended for outdoor enthousiasts and fanatical deer lovers.



Make sure to stay on the West side of the park, e.g. in Hurricane, unless you want to have dinner at an Arby's at a gas station in Panguitch, pop. 1,473.

Third Stop - Moab, UT

Moab, UT - A sleepy town of less than 5,000 in Southeastern Utah, i.e. in the middle of nowhere. It is, however, a wonderful starting point to explore the many canyons in the area.

Arches National Park is just 20 minutes north of Moab. Great hiking with a "primitive" trail that requires rock climbing to make it. The views of the landscape and wildlife are worth every step though.


A tank of gas - $35
A 2000 Jeep Cherokee - $4000
Getting goosebumps while four-wheeling in Canyonlands - PRICELESS

Second Stop - Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City, UT - The drive from Reno is about 500 miles on I-80, America's loneliest highway. 500 miles of beautiful scenery, mountains, valleys, and rivers - and three or four "towns" on the way.


Despite what you might expect, Salt Lake City is pretty much like any other town in America with the exception of somewhat crazy laws to keep you from indulging in possible vices and even crazier ways to get around them. The mormons must be loaded because they make you pay to get into the bar, to have a drink, and to listen to music … at least at the Tavernacle. Other than that, people are very friendly and give you a ride just because you ask them for directions.

The Great Salt Lake is very large and very salty.

Temple Square is VERY impressive - do not miss the Tabernacle choir or organ recital, the conference center, and the opportunity to talk to someone about their beliefs. Mormons are very friendly people and will talk to you for hours, if you let them.

First Stop - Reno, NV

Reno, NV - The city looks
like Las Vegas' little brother, who is older at the same time... much older... and cheaper. We just couldn't resist the $29 per night rate at the Sands for a room with a view.

Took a trip to Virginia City, NV. Americas largest national historical monument and a trip to the past of the Comstock full of gold and silver mines, saloons, and the "suicide table".


The 4x4 was needed to go skiing in Squaw Valley, but then it had too much snow for much of the slopes to be open. If you love ungroomed trails, then Squaw after a snow storm is for you.