Williams, Arizona

On Saturday morning we left Vegas and crossed the border into Arizona headed for the Grand Canyon. About an hour short of the Canyon we came across Williams. Known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, it is located within the Kaibab National Forest. Williams is the last town on the historic American Route 66. We spent the afternoon exploring the shops and galleries.

We had lunch at Cruisers Route 66 Cafe where the girls had their staple meal of shakes and fries!

Due to the lateness of the afternoon we decided that we would spend the night at the White Horse Lake Campground. About 8 miles short of our destination, however, we decided to pull of to a side of the road camp site as our Camper really was not built for unsealed roads. We were not to be disappointed though as there was a campfire with plenty of wood and we spent a peaceful night under the moon and stars. The temperature was also mild and perfect for sleeping.

The Powell misadventure was to strike again when some kind of bee or wasp decided to fly into my cider unbeknownst to me and proceeded to sting my tongue on my next mouthful. This was not a pleasant way to find out I am not anaphylactic to stings as we were in the middle of freakin know where! 

Las Vegas, our first three days...

After two plane flights we landed in a very hot Wednesday Vegas evening with two very tired and hungry children. Whilst plane food has improved considerably over the years, not if you are ten and under and fussy eaters. Our room at the Mirage had views of both the strip and hotel pool. 

After falling asleep during dinner, but not before having a major meltdown, Tilly woke us all at 2am for a snack. Our body clocks have still not adjusted! 

On Thursday morning we set off to explore the strip, but being 40 degrees we avoided being in the sun as much as possible. We found some great little shopping malls and on reaching the end of the main strip caught a taxi to the South Las Vegas outlet shops. We managed to get some great bargains. Levi 501 jeans were just $14:59, it makes you wander how they can justify the prices we pay at home. We then set off to find Glen's idea of heaven, Bass Pro. 

After an eventful taxi ride, where we were abused by the driver for not tipping him enough, Glen spent two hours filling a trolley with fishing gear and was one happy caveman. 

The place was absolutely massive and had every possible thing an outdoors person could ever need.

Our evening was spent walking the strip, watching the volcano erupt at the Mirage and the water and light show at the Bellagio. 

We finished the evening with sundaes at Serendipity. (Tilly hates her photo being taken......not)

Friday was spent preparing for our camper adventure. This will be our home for the next 26 nights and this will be our only driver as I discovered that I forgot to pack my Licence after changing wallets...oops. 

Due to the late get away we decided we would stay in the Walmart car park for the evening and set off in the morning for the Grand Canyon. Not something I would recommend, it was noisy, hot and not without a dose of Powell misadventure. We offended a strange man at dinner who tried to give us money for visiting his country and then on our walk, which became a sprint back to our camper which we thought was being ransacked, discovered it wasn't ours, we were still a few rows back.... Oops again! 

After two visits now to Vegas, I still have not placed a single bet (I'd rather buy shoes, and have) is and I was surprised and very saddened this visit by the homelessness, poverty and drug and alcohol abuse by a too large proportion of the population. 

Up up and away........✈️✈️✈️

After 11 months in the planning we are finally about to begin our US adventure.

                          

Need to get better at this selfie thing though, Tilly has only just made the photo. 

Only 3 more sleeps until we are on our way!

First Stop, Las Vegas!