We started out from Waco on our annual road trip. This time it was just my wife, my brother, my sister and me. Dora bought a new SUV and a 2500 mile round trip was just what was needed to break it in. We took off a midnight after waiting all day to get our home air conditioning unit worked on. I drove for the first eight hours. Roje took over the driving after that. We still needed another eight hours to get to Williams, Az.
We stopped in a small town to eat, due to wanting to get to Williams soon, we opted to eat a Subway. Next door was a hill so Dora and I ran up to climb it. It felt good to run up the hill after being in the SUV for about 14 hours.
We finally made ti to the Arizona state line. Had to stop for a traditional state line photo.
Dora took this photo of me. That is one huge rock in the background.
We could see clouds way ahead in the distance. It look like a rain storm was coming up. As we got closer it became clear that it was a dust storm. We got hit by some strong winds and lots of dust.
This was our last stop before getting to Williams. The dust storm was behind us, the skies were blue and the rest area had some rocks we could climb.
This has to be the best rest area we've stopped ever been at. The day was perfect for picture taking.
Roje took this photo for us.
We made it to Williams and we went to eat dinner. I was so hungry I left my camera in the room. The next morning we got up late and had a big breakfast. We made it to the Grand Canyon at about 10:00 AM. At the Grand Canyon we would walk for a few yards and then take pictures. There was so much to see. That place is so huge.
This photo is from the spot we first saw the Grand Canyon. It was a hazy day. They had a rain storm the night before and the water was still raising through evaporation and it was visible across the hundreds of yards of air between the rims of the canyon.
We had our walking sticks, hats, Camelbacks, and cameras. We were ready. The landscape was so awesome that there is no way my camera lens could capture its greatness.
This people, is the Grand Canyon seen from the south rim. The trip there was another excellent time spent laughing and reminiscing about our childhood.
On the way to Las Vegas we stopped at Hoover Dam. The lighting was different, which is good. I prefer natural light to using the flash. The sun was below the horizon but it was still very hot. Extremely hot, so we just got out for a few minutes. We decided it was too hot this time of year to be walking here.
A little photoshopping adds some texture and mystery. Nice.
A new bridge was getting built. The picture was taken by Elfie as we drove by. Very nice work. The bridge looks like something out of a space movie.
With the telephoto lens it made it even better. This looks like a battle scene.
At the MGM we found a giant frog. During the day it was so hot in Vegas that you just had to spend the time indoors. But there was so much to see inside. The souvenirs were so expensive in this store. Later on we went to the ones on the strip where they were a lot cheaper.
Elfie in front of the Monte Carlo. This was so grand, the statues, the fountain, the entrance, it was great.
I love this wall! I don't drink Pepsi but the wall graphic is great.
We didn't find this entrance to our hotel until the second day. 
Vegas at night is more impressive. So many lights, people, traffic. Something is always going on. Of course the temperature drops and you can walk around in more comfort.
MGM at night. The golden lion and its fountain. 
This is the main drag at night. I wouldn't want to live in this town but I think I could enjoy working here... at night. I saw some of their bike patrol officers and I think I could enjoy working here.
