from 40,000 feet ...

We leave the Abbotsford Airport and turn south. The Fraser River spreads out across the rich delta farmland.

We are soon over the Gulf Islands and the Olympic Penninsula.
Boaters below head out on a sunny day.

The Cascade Mountains are still capped with snow ... resembling waves with white caps.

Mount Saint Helens is clearly visible.
It erupted in 1980. http://www.fs.fed.us./gpnf/mshnvm/ You can view the mountain and learn about the impact on the area.

Crater lake reminds us of a volcano that blew thousands of years ago. http://www.nps.gov/crla

One of the wonders of the world, you can drive around the rim and look two thousand feet down to the clear blue water in the collapsed dome of the volcano. The lake is almost two thousand feet deep - the deepest lake in the U.S. The Klamath native legends match the geological science, telling of the 12,000 ft. Mount Mazama that blew a mile off the top ... 7,700 years ago.
Soon the land flattens out and a curious lanscape blossoms with green and yellow circles. Fields grow in the circular range of irrigation.
And then, the red hills appear, as we head into the Las Vegas airport.

Las Vegas ... sunny days in April

On an average day, 400 planes come in and 400 leave.

The 'City Center' is being built ... worth billions. Gambling pays, but not to the player! These incredible buildings are powered by money left in Vegas.

The Paris hotel includes a scale model of the Eiffel Tower and has one of the most colorful displays.
At the Bellagio Hotel, a block long fountain dances to the music ... a highlight on a beautiful warm evening.

Gardens of tulips glow in the artificially lit dome.
A Japanese tea house and large rocks are surrounded with meticulous sand designs.
This is a glass globe with water spilling from the top and tulips reflecting.

A statue sleeps in peace.

A ladybug is made from carnations.
In the huge dome, a large hanging butterfly is a hint of what is to come. A potting shed contains a butterfly display.
The area is humidity and heat controlled with lots of vegetation.

Design is where you find it! This is a mosaic floor with shadows.

The Venetian Hotel is Italian style and one of the most beautiful hotels. We went to see the 'Phantom of the Opera'. It was a wonderful performance in a small theatre.

The Red Rock Casino had some interesting fountains - one with fire.


New York skyline includes a roller-coaster that snakes inside and out.

The MGM lion is now a senior and sleeps his day away ... with an attendant watching to see that no one disturbs him.

Photos are taken with a little FugiFilm camera and no flash.

Las Vegas ... cruising the strip at night

The Paris is one of the most beautiful exteriors.

Caesar's Palace beckons.

MGM is flashy on the outside and very 60's on the inside.
The original Las Vegas is located on Freemont Street, covered with a huge canopy studded with stars.
Wedding Chapels come supplied with Bridal and Tux rental.
There are views we have seen in gangster movies.
Neon signage is eye candy.

This city is where more dreams are lost than gained.