Tony Packo's

Our last night was in the Toledo area.  We just had to have lunch at Tony Packo's.

Kickin B ack at Cracker Barrel

Closer to Home

Bacl on the east side of the Mississippi.

The Largest Classification of Trains in the World

We visited The Golden Spike Tower at Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, this morning.  It was awesome, and I learned so much.  For instance, I didn't know engines held sand and sprayed it on rails for better traction, and the process of sorting cars for their destinations on humps was intriguing.

Choo Choos - Part 2

Choo Choos

We took a tour of the Colorado Railroad Museum.  We love trains... including Ha Bear.

Beautiful and Brrrrrr

Mountain Tunnel

Ha Bear got a little scared when we entered a mountain tunnel today.  I told him how cool Corey thought the mountain tunnel was on our trip to Charlotte, and he wasn't scared anymore.

Rocky Mountain High

Just drinking in the beauty of Colorado is intoxicating.  Yes, that is snow you see on some pictures.  It is a brisk 43 degrees near Vail.

Utah

Did not realize Utah is so beautiful.

Bryce Canyon

For those that know me well, you know I have vertigo.  I have been challenging it well on this trip... the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and glass walled walkways of Vegas.  It seems like Bryce was the most challenging of all.   Many view points do not even have a barrier.  But, the views are worth my discomfort... amazing!

Dixie National Forest

Ha Bear is excited this morning.  We are heading into the Dixie National Forest where Bryce Canyon is located.  Check out the big red rocks behind him.

America the Beautiful

I have seen the spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountains, and fruited plains... some of the "eye candy" of this great country we live in.  On the way north towards Bryce Canyon added to the beauty with snow capped mountains.. yes, snow!  It snowed around here early in the day and traces were left as we drove into town.

A Morning in Vegas

Sleeping-in a little later in Vegas was wonderful.  Went downstairs to the Rainforest Cafe for breakfast.  Wandered down the strip to the M&Ms and Coca Cola stores before heading out of town.

Vegas... The Sequel

Returned to Vegas last night.  Stayed at the MGM Grand and toured the Excaliber, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. 

End of the Trail

Excitement

Ha Bear wanted to take a dip in the ocean, but didn't think Corey would appreciate how he smelled afterwards.  So, we will just explore the pier. 

The Pier

The End of 66... But Not the Journey

The Ocean!

Oatman, AZ

The winding roads of old 66 leading to Oatman were a bit scary.  The turns were sharp on steep hillsides with a cliff usually on my side of the car with no guard rails.  But, the uncomfortable drive was worth it.

Oatman is an old western mining town.  They are mainly a tourist destination.  Bathrooms... well, go before you drive to Oatman.

When the mines closed, they let the burrows roam free.  They still roam free today and have been adopted by the town.  It was a really cool place.

So Many Trains

Everywhere we go, we see lots of trains (and Sonics - but, that is a different story).  In Kingman there was a display of an old locomotive.  Ha Bear wanted his show Corey the awesome engine and caboose.

Chocolate Fountain

We continued our tour of "the strip" in Vegas last night.  We saw the water show at the Bellagio, the volcano erupt at the Mirage, and the siren show at Treasure Island.

Dave also showed us the chocolate fountain at the Bellagio.  It looked like something almost out of Willy Wonka.

I love friends like Dave... people with big hearts that you know that you are better for knowing them.

Mmmm.. Weiner Schitzel

Had dinner with my friend, Dave, at the Haufbrau Haus.  The food and company were great.  But, they really needed an "Oompah" band.  Country and oldies just didn't do it.

Bellagio

Spent yesterday exploring the strip.  Went through Treasure Island, Mirage, Ceasar's Palace, Venetian, Bellagio, and Paris during the day.  The pictures are from the Bellagio which is one of my favorite hotels on the strip.  The Conservatory was decked out for fall including a talking apple tree.

In the evening, explored more of the strip with my friend, Dave.  Dave lives in Vegas, so he knows the strip and gets around easier.  We sat in an English pub in New York, New York eating appetizers, listening to music, and catching up.

It was a great day!