Err... do we really let this little guy fly this thing?

On our only rest day of the trip (not that all the others have been exactly too taxing), the boys stocked up on calories (yes, my thoughts precisely) and those who could resist the blackjack tables for a few hours embarked on a helicopter ride to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world (according to the little chap with the big smile who took us there anyway) known as the Grand Canyon.

Using words to try to describe somewhere like the Grand Canyon is impossible. My only advice is that if you ever get the opportunity to see it as we did from the air then beg, borrow, steal, or sell your grandmother or children to do it. It's an incredible experience, as was flying down the strip at roof top height on the way back. Thankfully, no sick bags required though earlier a passing rafter may have needed stitches after being unwittingly pelted with stones whilst paddling into the middle of a 'who can throw a stone furthest into the Colorado river' competition.

There are some people who like Las Vegas... and there are those that don't. On first impressions it seems way over the top, crass and gaudy which I guess it is but wow, what a place! It does help if you aren't averse to the odd flutter as even petrol stations have slot machines and when they build hotels they don't start with the casino on the ground floor for nothing. There are some wonderfully imaginative creations, you only have to look at the Venetian to see what going to work after a good spaghetti bolognese the night before can achieve. Unfortunately, however, the Riviera Hotel isn't one of them. The guy who designed this place which must have happened a long time ago had obviously lost all his talents by then to whiskey and beer. Chris's tip of the day... spend the extra 30 bucks and stay at any of the wonderful hotels down the road. Tip number two... always make sure your cab driver is awake while driving his taxi from Hooters to the Bellagio... and tip number three, don't gamble unless you're winning.

Tuesday takes us to Lone Pine... possibly a slight contrast to Las Vegas