Las Vegas was Great!

Well, for the few avid readers I have... Ah, I've got to be honest -- I have no avid readers. But, for those reading this blog today, my Las Vegas vacation was superb. We wrapped up with a nice mix of things to do around Las Vegas and some wonderful night life. We visited Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and did a couple shows.

We went out to Hoover Dam relatively early -- we got there about 10:30. This ended up much better than I expected. I thought the dam was still largely shut down for security. However, while we were there, you could drive across it and do an interior tour that is really worth while. Hoover Dam is a tribute to the age when they made it -- Art Deco design in the overall dam all the way to the Terazzo floors inspired by North American Indian designs. I loved seeing the power plants and walking through the tunnels was fun, too. If you go, a few pionters: go early so you can avoid traffic -- it was bad that afternoon; there is parking across the dam, not just at the visitor center; and the longer full tour is worth the wait and extra dollars.

The next day we went out to Red Rock Canyon which is just outside the West side of town. It was absolutely beautiful. I love the colors in Nevada (makes me want to do water color painting again). This 13 mile drive takes about an hour and you'll see a wide range of scenery. There are several great looking hikes, too. However, as it was 105F already when we got there at about 11:00, we pretty much stuck to the car. Not to mention I had broken my left pinky toe the day before on a door jam. It was definitely worth the drive and if we go out again, we'll definitely do some hiking, too.

Auto Collection at the Imperial and Japonais

Yesterday was fantastic! Second day of our vacation as we did odds and ends around the Vegas Strip. Went to the Auto Collection at the Imperial. I've been there before and always have enjoyed it. It's got an interesting mix of very neat cars, including a preponderance of Rolls Royces. Pictured here is a 1951 Talbot-Lago 26 Grans Sport Saouthci Coupe, a 1st in class winner at the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance (really worth watching in HD if you ever get the chance). 

We had dinner and the Ron White show a the Mirage. We chose to eat at Japonais and had a fantastic dinner. Sushi, salmon, steak, chocolate, and pumpkin cheese cake. Absolutely superb and relaxing. And Ron White was as funny as always! Made for a great day.

Viva Las Vegas -- Short Vacation Trip!

 

My wife and I are taking a nice trip to Las Vegas. We've been all over the world, but never to this archtypical American vacation spot for fun. I've been here several times on business trips, and we drove through once on our way to Las Angeles, but never together for vacation. 

It's hard to find a single image to capture what Las Vegas means to a person. I put the Crazy Girls up there because it's a funny picture and I'm sure it'll catch the eye of my Twitter readers. However, it's not too far off. Las Vegas represents to me a massive over indulgence in all things adult -- food, sex, everything! Maybe that's not good... But, I like living things up as much as anybody!

Yesterday we just had enough time to get checked in, get odds and ends at the local market, and visit one single major casino and hotel for dinner. We walked through the Wynn and Encore complex and ended up having dinner as Wazuzu. It was nice! Great sushi and sashimi (I absolutely love tuna), nice Thai druken noodles (good for breakfast, too), and great Panang curry.

We slept in today and then went down to the Auto Collection Showroom down at the Imperial and had lunch at a Thai dinner (yes, we love Thak food). Tonight, we're going down to the Mirage to see Ron White - can't wait!

Zeroing a new SIG516

Was on a business trip last week. I got home on Friday, my birthday. I rarely work on my birthday -- in fact, this was only the second time in the last 27 years. Something to do with having to work on my birthday when I was younger. In any case, how happy was I when she said, "Let's go get that rifle you've been wanting!" COOL!

I know there are on-line sources that give a wide selection and you really should get what you want. However, when your woman gives you a chance like this, you jump on it THAT DAY! I've been looking at Colt, LMT, and Sig for a while. Readers know I'm partial to Sig, but in this case I was leaning towards LMT. However, couldn't find a free floating 5.56 for either Colt or LMT. So, I stuck with Sig Sauer. My wonderful wife bought me a SIG516 with Sig's red dot scope. The SIG516 is gas piston operated, with a 3-position regulator. It's chambered, of course, for 5.56 NATO with a free-floating barrel with quad rails (full-length upper). As this one had the red dot, it did no have iron sights -- which is too bad, because I've always like shooting iron sights. That's probably a left over from basic training. Who knows?

In anycase, I got to take it out to the range the following weekend. We went up to the mountains to a small public range. We had to share with a single shooter who was working on his 30-06 for elk season. I got the SIG 516 red dot zeroed in and really enjoyed shooting groups for a couple of hours. Also got in work with my Benelli Nova and P226. It made for a great finish to my birthday weekend. 

Spending the weekend in the Rocky Mountains

After paella with friends Saturday, went up into the mountains Sunday and Monday! Had a great time with family. Stayed in a nice condo in Silver Creek (our bedroom had a hot tub -- awesome!). Upgraded my Benelli Nova Pump Tactical with a recoil reducer and gel recoil pad.  Nice dinner in a diner in Granby. Went to the range at Parshall -- it was empty! Got good shooting practice in with the Benelli (the upgrades were awesome) and my SIG SAUER P226. Then drove home through Rocky Mountain National Park. That all makes for a REALLY NICE WEEKEND.

Was sure tough going to work Tuesday!

Wonderful Seafood Paella over the Weekend

Had friends over this weekend for a fantastic evening of tapas and paella. We bought a new 22" paella pan to make sure we had enough to feed everybody! Asparagas wrapped in prociutto grilled over apple wood chips and muscels steamed on a piastra were our starters. Then we did a traditional <b>seafood paella</b> as described on Paella Recipes. Had a few sprinkles of rain, but we had set up a large tarp and kept everything nice a dry!

David Weber's Epic Honor Harrington Series

Been listening to David Weber's tale about Honor Harrington on Audible. Audible is an on-line audio book business that allows you to purchase titles and listen to them on multiple media -- I use my Droid. 

I've read the entire series before, but love listening to it again. The reader is superb, and listening to the story adds a bit of depth that is fun. I listen while driving or working around the house. Finished Honor Among Enemies Saturday and started In Enemy Hands yesterday. If you want to know more, check out my page on Honor Harrington.

Image courtesy of thomasthecat on deviantart