Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

We asked for the large car.... they gave us a Dodge Charger. Met up with our mate Matt B and headed west for some fun and games in the desert.

First stop, Capital Reef Nat Park. All the rock formations and blue skies we could ask for.

He-man Ken held up this arch for us for the photo. We found a deserted camp site and camped in near freezing temps.

Next day we carried on to Bryce Canyon Nat Park, situated around 6000 feet. Took a walk down amoungst the snow covered HooDoos and spires to appreciate the grandness of it all.

Another night in the freezing temps we woke to a beaut morning at Zion National Park. The walk up to Angels Landing took the whole morning... but was definately worth it. The photo below shows the ridge we had to walk up to get there.

The photos above and below show the views from Angels Landing.

Plenty of beaver action to be seen.... but no beavers.

A night in the hic cowboy town of Kanab felt good after three nights on the ground. The town is famous for many movies. Had a quick look round some of the movie sets.

Picked up two more mates Larry and Sam in Vegas and headed to Hoover dam after a night camping at Lake Mead. Cranked out 2kgs of steak on the bbq for dinner. Fairly impressive accomplishment..... the dam, not the steak.

Unfortunately the weather turned for us and we had near freezing temps during the day at the Grand Canyon... but this did not distract from the enormosity of it all.

And then.....we hit......

Vegas. Stayed in the mighty Stratosphere, but spent plenty of time checking out the other casinos down the strip......gambling..... drink..... etc. Below are some pics of a few of them.

After the wedding party arrived we treated ourselves to the rides at the top of the Stratosphere. Sweet views up there.

Groom and homebrews on the arvo prior to the wedding..... party time.

Only vehical fit for a Vegas wedding..... a stretch hummer.

After all the excitment and "glam" of Vegas we are heading to Central America for some sun and fun.... and presumably a little spanish.... ah.

From the Snow to the Desert

Glenwood Springs welcomed us to Colorado with 6 inches of the white fluffy stuff...... Many fresh lines at Sunlight to be had.

A day snow shoeing up Marble valley proved for a bit of fun. Removing your shoes in waste deep snow is not a good idea.

Beer and hot pools after a hard days play is alway a good combonation... especially when the hot pools are free.

An snowy walk up to the Hanging Lake rewarded us with some pretty sights. The climb down, however, was a little dubious. Ice + rear end = bruises

16 inch powder day at Highlands, Aspen... The photos speak for themsleves.

A supersize jar of stout quenched the thrist after a day of freshies at Snowmass.

Ice climbing at Rifle cheers to Craig.

We took a weekend trip from snowy Glenwood into the desert of Moab, Utah (three hrs drive away). Stopped in at Canyonlands and Arches National Parks to check out the insane terrain. See for your self.... although the photos dont really do it justice.

Big thumbs up to Craig for putting up with us for a few weeks. Keep the homebrew brewing.

Next stop ...... Viva Las Vegas!!!!

Snow Snow Snow

Got to Revelstoke, a small snow covered town, on 1st Feb. Crashed at Brett's and Benie's places for the week while checking out what the slopes of Revelstoke had to offer. Celebrated Waitangi day with three other kiwis with a few beers and a barbie in the garage.
















Brett, Kev, Ken and I hit the road and headed south for a roadie to Mt Baker. Took the 20 min car ferry across a lake near Nacusp.

















Stayed a few nights at Rossland.... Canada's highest town? Allowing a day of riding at Red Mt. The two pic show the conditions of either side of the Mt.

Heading east eventually we tried some cross country skiing at Manning Park. Pretty amusing afternoon for 4 keen boarders. Stayed the night in a little cabin in Osoyoos, which was sweet after we finally worked out how to turn the heating on.

























Crossing the border into the states we headed for Mt Baker. A windy wee drive up to the ski field was a nice change from the super highways we had been travelling. Two days of boarding in sweet conditions, plenty of terrain to explore.

The cabin Brett found us was a pearler, sleeping 8 with a hot tub and pool table. Managed to cram almost everyone into the tub after a hard day on the hill.









Returning to Vancouver for a few nights we had a mint view from the 15th floor of Paula's appartment. A stroll down to Deer Lake made for a pleasent evening.











Took the bus back across the border to Seattle for a restfull night before embarking on our Colorado adventure.