Where in the world is Jon?: Leaving Las Vegas

We woke up early, before the sun. We had decided to swing through Zion National Park on way to Las Vegas for and early dinner and then home. Cindy was coming home on Sunday and Skye had a girl scout Christmas Ornament -making event she didn't want to miss.

The skies were clear and just incredibly beautiful for viewing the wondrous sights of Zion.

Skye checking out the rocks and waterfalls.

We only hiked to one of Zion's many sights the Weeping Rock. I really would have liked to stay for a few days but such was not our schedule.

Crazy Vegas

So after a couple of nights of roughing it and getting in tune with nature what better way to acclimate back into the "civilized" world than heading to down town Las Vegas and the "Fremont Street experience".

We had a great Sushi dinner at MGM Grand and checked out the Strip and the casinos now in full splendor and holiday Saturday night crowds.

And then down to Fremont Street.

Being in Las Vegas, completely stone-sober, after camping with my 10 year old daughter on a Saturday night, well let's just say it was a new eye-opening experience for me.

Surrealism at its realistic best. Like a scene out of Blade Runner.

The light show was pretty spectacular, and most important of all Skye loved it.

Skye was sad to go so soon.

Last looks on the Strip

The parking structure was madness. Some guy offered me $20 for my free parking space. I didn't want to be bothered and felt a little funny taking money for a public spot and helping this guy cut in line, but when he added "This is Vegas, man" I guided him to our spot. When I got our car and realized that I had parked illegally.(There was a "parking ticket" on my window. It as from the casino not the city, so more of a warning than anything else)

I grabbed the ticket, rolled out of the space, allowing the guy to get it before anyone else could and took his money, his voice echoing in my mind, "This is Vegas, man" as I drove away.