Leaving San Diego we embarked on a 4 hour journey (we took the scenic route) over mountains, through deserts and sand dunes to the unremarkable desert town of Blythe. The best bit was the sand dunes where it was really windy. We came across the Imperial Dunes Recreation Area where there were massive RVs parked up. They all had dune buggies and were racing up and over the sand, it looked brilliant.
More laundry to do, a gym to visit, some lounging by the pool then dinner at the generic steak diner. Our journey continued the next day as we made our way to Lake Havasu City. Along the road, in the rocky deserts, in the most incongruous places, were numerous RV parks. These RVs are massive, the same size as a 60 seater coach. The road was full of them, most towing a motorbike or a huge 4x4. Bowling along in our little Jeep Jim started to feel a bit inadequate. 'I wish I had a big rig,' he sighed. I told him I wouldn't be that enamoured of it if he did, so not to worry! In typical American style, in the middle of nowhere, there was a stars and stripes (flag) planted on the top of a huge rock.
Eventually we arrived at Lake Havasu City, the home of London Bridge. A very nice man from the local rotary club told us all about the city father bidding for the bridge and transporting it from London to this dry desert land. A man made channel was created diverting water from Lake Havasu, and the bridge built to span it.
The best bit? There was a world record attempt taking place - for the most people line dancing in one place, in this case on London Bridge!! Only in America....
Day 180 of our travels and we were on our way to Las Vegas, staying at the 5 star Trump International Hotel courtesy of Hotwire.com. On checking in the receptionist asked if we wished to upgrade to a larger room. We declined. Once in our room I made my way to the bathroom, past the sitting room, dining area, extra king size bed and dressing area. As James helpfully pointed out, any bigger room and I would have got lost! Vegas has changed since we were last here, loads of abandoned building sites, some very tired looking hotels and casinos but better food and new flashier resorts. I like Las Vegas - for a few hours, but after that it grates on me and drains my energy.
Of course we watched the fountains at the Bellagio, wandered around it's gardens, looked at the sad looking birds at the Flamingo and listened to the gondoliers singing at the Venetian.
Tuesday was incredible - so windy, speeds of up to 90 mph, sand storms closed the road between Arizona and Nevada. From our hotel window we could no longer see the mountains, or in fact the other side of the street. The once beautifully regimented sunbeds were floating in the choppy swimming pool and banging around in the hot tubs. Members of the hotel staff battled to stay upright as they tried to rescued the beds on the 16th floor! The palm trees were bent double.Only a very few brave souls tried to walk in the storm. We decided reading was the way forward! That night we took a taxi to Planet Hollywood and watched the fantastic 'Vegas - The Show.' Brilliant, great singers, great energy and the costumes......
The reason we were in Vegas though? TO SEE DONNY!!!!!!! I know a lot of you, well most of you, will not understand my excitement, but I also know several of you who do! A fabulous birthday present, and one which took me right back to my teenage years!
We were shown into the showroom at the Flamingo (needs a refurb, or better still, knocking down!) Our seats were somewhat disappointing but, after a greasing of the palm, in typical Vegas fashion we were moved to seats right next to the sticky out bit in the centre of the stage. Look at the photo (had to take photo after show finished, they wouldn't let cameras out during.)
OMG, I don't think I breathed through the whole show. I was literally 2 feet away from my fantasy. Marie was a bit of a revelation too - she can actually sing! She sang Pie Jesu. Immaculate.
Donny had a wicker fan with a picture of himself on when he was about 16, a prop in a dance routine. He signed it then offered it to the audience. I stood up and reached out, he looked at me, smiled, then a large, blonde woman ran onto the stage and grabbed at it. There was some indecision, he was obviously going to give it to me, then he succumbed and gave her the fan. Cow! Whoops, that's the first time my Buddhist blessing hasn't worked in months!!!!
However, he sang Puppy Love to me. Well, he made eye contact with me while he was singing! James would like to say at this point that I ought to appreciate the things he puts himself through for me! I do, I really do!! I was on a high for the remainder of the evening, and this morning, especially as we left Vegas.
We're now in Boulder City, next to Lake Mead. There is loads of fresh air, beautiful scenery, no neon and no palms to grease! Tomorrow the adventure continues, we're going rafting on the Colorado river......
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