Friday, June 22, 2018

The Rest of the Trip ~

 
Day 3 of our trip started in California's Mojave Desert.  Our first stop was the China Ranch date palm farm.  This place is in the middle of nowhere, down a couple miles of a one lane dirt road.  Though my son had been there before, I didn't think anyone else could possibly find it.  Upon entering the store, a guy asked if we were with the other folks from Ohio.  (His clue that we were Buckeyes was the Browns' shirts both the boys were wearing.)  Can you believe there was another couple in the store from Ohio ~ and they live in a town about 15 miles from me???  It really is a small world.
 
 
From the date farm, we headed to an abandoned mine.  My son's passion is exploring mines.  He often will rappel down hundreds of feet to the bottom of a mine shaft.  Thankfully the War Eagle mine in Tecopa, California, has tunnels to explore without having to climb up or down.

 
The darkness of the mine was something I've never experienced before.  And quiet.  Nothing other than the sounds of us walking through.  Eerily quiet.

 
At one point, we did go down to the next level (at Jake's request) but came right back up.  It was a long way down but seemed even longer on the ascent!


 
Based on my Fitbit step count, we walked about 3 miles in the mine.
 
Day 4 took us to Red Rock Canyon, a short drive from Las Vegas.  Got to use my senior national park pass for the first time :)   


 
I was unable to capture the beauty of the rocks.
 
 

Next up was another trip to the Strip.  For an unknown reason, some of my pictures from the Bellagio just vanished.  POOF.  Gone from both my iPhone and iPad.  I just don't get it . . . sigh.  Here is one of the fountains in the lobby.

 
Can you believe?


 
Waiting for the fountain show to begin.  That is the Bellagio in the background.


The show was very disappointing.  We think they did not have the regular show because it was so windy.  The water did not shoot up high at all :(


The stall doors in the ladies' room at Caesar's Palace.

 
The Golden Knights are Las Vegas' new professional hockey team.  The team was just assembled a few months ago and they made it to the finals.  They did not win, but what an accomplishment.  People ~ and statues ~ are crazy for them.

 
Day 5 ~ The last thing we did on vacation, was a zipline down Fremont Street.  You exit the building to start your ride where those four square things are near the top.

 
Hanging around waiting your turn.


And you are off.  It was overpriced but fun.  I'm guessing the ride lasted about a minute.  Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.  Jake (and my son) loved it and that's all that mattered :)


Thanks so much for letting me share my vacation with you.  My readers are the best and to show my appreciation, I'm having a little give away.  Just in time for the 4th of July, this flag measures only 5" x 6 3/4".  As always . . . the only rule is leave a comment on this post or send me an email with give-away in the subject line.  The winner must contact me within 3 days.  (Please no sharing on any social media.)  I will choose a winner Wednesday eve.
 
 
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

19 comments:

Julia said...

What an exciting life you live, Lauren. I love that you share your vacation with us. I can see that you are adventurous by going in those old mine shafts. I think the most adventures I have, have been wrestling with my calves, lol. I can't imagine walking 3 miles underground.

I'll pass on the little giveaway so your American blogger friends can get it. Thanks for sharing your vacation thrills with us.
Hugs, Julia

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Seeing Red Rock Canyon is on my bucket list--walking in the mine not so much. Looks like your boys are always up for adventure.

marly said...

Mines and especially caves are fascinating. So I watch Josh Gates explore them. There is no way I would count on a head lamp staying on or enough oxygen to get back. Zip line looked like fun. For other people. Please don't enter me. It would get lost right now.

acorn hollow said...

my claustrophobia kicked in the minute I saw the pictures of the mine. Holy you are a brave one! Looks like lots of fun and if your son and jake had fun that really is all you could ask for.
I have never been there, it looks wonderful
Cathy

marie said...

Your vacation sounded like a blast. The mine was so cool, I might be huffing and puffing on the way back up those stairs. The zip line, no way! Too scary for me.

Betsy said...

Love the pictures, you had a special trip.
Happy truth to you and yours.

Betsy said...

Of course its subpose to say HAPPY 4TH

Saundra said...

No way would I have gone down the zip line OR the other rides you posted...but I'd have gone in the mine. Enjoyed the vacation with you and hope you have had a chance to catch up on your sleep.

Ann K. said...

Your trip sounds amazing! I applaud you for going into the mine and on the zip line-both seem a little too scary to me. Thanks for sharing.

Karin said...

Lauren, I love reading your blog and hear all about your trip.
I love the Flag mat and would like to own a piece of your hooked art.

Glenda said...

I am sure your grandson will never forget this trip. Thanks for the giveaway the little flag is amazing!

Prims By The Water said...

Those rocks are beautiful and I bet even more in person. Not sure if I could go inside a mine or even do the zipline..you are an adventurer for sure!! Would love to be entered into your giveaway. THanks for hosting a great offering. Janice

Jacqueline said...

You are so much braver than me. I want my feet firmly planted on terra firma. Glad you had such a good time. You have an enviable relationship with your son and grandson.

Farm Girl said...

My son and his girlfriend are going next week to Las Vegas, so I have been showing him your pictures. He is going to do all of the things you and Jake and your son did. So perfect timing. Its been such a long time since I went to Red Rock Canyon. I really need to get out there. What a great trip. I love your giveaways. I would love to be entered too. Thanks so much for sharing. Lots of great ideas for Las Vegas.

WoolenSails said...

It looks like you all had an amazing trip. I can't wait till Nick feels more confident about staying with us overnight, everything is more fun with the grandkids. That underground mine might be a bit unsettling for me, lol.

Debbie

Charlotte said...


Your trip sounded wonderful - glad you had such a good time.

I love all things Americana so would love to win your flag mat. Thanks for your generosity .

Charlotte

Linda said...

Thanks for sharing your vacation . Its fun seeing the zipline and mine and the rocks are beautiful . Thanks for offering the 4th giveaway and please enter me

linda m

Margaret said...

Looks and sounds like you had a great trip! What fun!

woolwoman said...

WOW - what a go-for-it grandmother you are Lauren! Zip lining, getting on mind boggling contraptions which hang off skyscrapers, going down in mines. YOU ROCK ! I would not begin to do any of those things !!!! I would love a chance to win your flag mat, I've been so blessed to have a couple of your wonderful creations. Have a great week !
mel