WED 3/27/2024: I went on a solo trip to Las Vegas to visit Grace and Thomas and attend their engagement party. My early morning Frontier direct flight was zero hassle and better yet I started a book as soon as we took off and I finished it as soon as we touched down… perfect. (BTW I read “This Other Eden” by Paul Harding which was excellent. Five star PJH review)I took a cab to Grace’s office, dropped my bags off with her and went on a walk waiting for her to finish work.It was a beautiful day in Vegas – warm and sunny skies. I met Grace at the Venetian where we had a great birthday lunch at Estiatorio Milos.We both ordered the prix fixe lunch – I had oysters and salmon and Grace had greek spreads and a whole sea bream – all very good.We spent the rest of the afternoon basking in the sunshine at Grace’s pool and cooked dinner at their place.THU 3/28/24: I dropped off Thomas at work in the morning so I could use the car and then drove to Death Valley National Park in California. It was a two hour scenic drive through the desert.I stopped first at Zabriskie point which had a short walk up to a beautiful view. I then headed to the Visitor Center at Furnace Creek to buy an annual National Park Pass (hopeful to visit multiple national parks in the next 12 months) and to change into shorts as it was now in the 80s.I then went to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and walked among the dunes for about an hour.Pictures of course don’t do justice for any of the views – but the dunes were beautiful, large with strange looking plants and driftwood everywhere.It was very peaceful and quiet.I drove a short distance down the road to the Mosaic Canyon. Here is the start of the trail into the canyon.It was a beautiful hike with several slot canyons and amazing scenery everywhere.You can see the scale with the person in front of me.My last stop was Dante’s View at the top of a crazy drive. You can see the salt flats that run down the middle of the whole park. I wish I had more time to spend exploring – but overall the Park was much more than what I was expecting – very large with mountains, valleys, beautiful rock formations and beautiful views everywhere. I think it would be ideal to spend one night in the park as the sunset and sunrise would be amazing. Next time.I arrived at Grace’s just as TJ and Grace got home from work. We took an Uber downtown, had Pizza at Evel’s Pizza and then went to Corduroy for a night of Boozy Bingo.Didn’t have much luck at Bingo but had a fun night.Long Live El Cortez.FRI 3/29/24 Grace and Thomas were both off today so they slept in and we hung out in the AM watching NCAA basketball. We ventured out mid afternoon back downtown to Nevada Brew Works where we hung outside drinking beer and eating pizza.We checked out Stray Pirate – a new tiki bar that just opened up around the corner and had some fancy drinks. We then headed back to their neighborhood gaming parlor where I was introduced to Keno and watched more NCAA basketball.SAT 3/30/24 Today was the engagement party at Thomas’s Dad’s house – a 15 minute drive from Grace and Thomas’.The party was super fun and it was great to meat all of Thomas parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The food was over the top. Check out the huge chunk of gruyere for the raclette. Delicious. There was Mediterranean – kebabs, tabouleh, baba, humus, rice and then also soul food – fried chicken and macaroni and cheese and much moor. Everything was outstanding – but the macaroni and cheese was for sure my favorite.Toasting the happy couple.Thomas, Grace’s friend Brittany and Grace.Thomas brother, step mother and brother’s girl friend. Everyone was so nice and so excited about Grace and TJ’s upcoming wedding.Ended the night at the local bar again.
SUN 3/30/24 – I guess I didn’t take any pictures – Easter – Everyone slept in after a long fun day. Thomas and Claudia came over for a super casual brunch and we went out to dinner to a nearby food hall place that just opened up.
MON 4/1/24 I dropped Grace off at work and hit the road by 9:00AM. I went to River of Fire state park which is an easy drive an hour north of Vegas.I have been to Valley of Fire a few years ago but I don’t think we went on any hikes. I went on two really great ones this time.The first hike was the Fire Wave Trail that hooked up to the Rainbow Canyon for a nice loop.The Fire Wave train is other worldly.The canyon trail was beautiful as well – with several slot canyons and beautiful scenery everywhere.An old 1940’s era cabin in the park.After a great morning and afternoon I headed back to the strip to wait for Grace to finish working. I walked through the Bellagio gardens that were all decked out for spring.I met Grace at Beer Park in Paris. We enjoyed the sunny afternoon on the patio with a view.Watched the whole LSU v Iowa women’s game. Lots of Iowa fans.We went to China Town after to a little ramen noodle place called Ramen Sora that was A M A Z I N G. I think the bowl of ramen I had was the best food all week – and we had lots of good food.TUE 4/2/24 I dropped Grace off again at work and went to Lake Mead National Recreation Area – just 30 minutes west of the city.I drove around for a few hours and stopped at several areas to walk around – nothing to strenuous.I had to be back in Vegas by 1:00 as we had a lunch reservation at Din Thai Fung.Of course had to get the cucumber salad. A nice copycat recipe I made a few times here.The Xiao Long Bao are my favorite.I spent the rest of the afternoon pool side at the hotel Grace works at on a nice hot afternoon.John was in town for a meeting so we met him for a late dinner at BrewDog with another great outdoor patio. Grace drove me to the airport after dinner so I could catch my midnight red eye back to CLE. Flight home was on time with no problems – other than being a red eye which is no fun at all. Another great trip to Vegas with Grace and Thomas.
Eat On Edgecliff 