So before we left the hotel we headed for the Casino. To us gambling beginners we found it almost impossible to choose from the 100’s of machines.  First attempts were not brilliant, I’d like to think we’re 3 moderately intelligent professionals but…….

At last, help from the nice man on the roulette table, and $40 winnings! Let’s not say how much we spent but suffice it to say your inheritance isn’t being doubled Chris.

Then it was on the road for a mere 140 miles, one of our shorter jaunts.  The sun was shining as we left Las Vegas and soon we were in a desert/ mountain landscape. Several times tumbleweed rolled across the road, you really feel the Shoshone Indians are watching you.

It wasn’t long till we came to Pahrump.  This strangely named town amused Sue greatly.

Then we climbed to an iconic Death  Valley view named in honour of Mr Zabriskie of the Pacific Coast Borax Company, ( not to do with Zabriskie Point the 1970 film).  Borax deposits had been mined and transported via 20 mule train wagons since the middle of the 19th Century. 

You can hear from the video that the wind was immense.  It was difficult to walk against and parents were holding onto small children – seriously!

We then took a long windy and windy road up to Dante’s View. When you see so many stunning views you think you must get view blindness but each time they just take your breath away.

At last we came to The Inn Hotel in the northern Mojave Desert. The wind was still trying to take us out as we struggled from the car park trying to find the entrance. It turned out to be a long mined tunnel and it was difficult not to whistle The Great Escape as we trundled through it.

After dinner we went onto the roof terrace, there is practically zero light pollution so the countless stars added to the fantastic views we’ve been so lucky to see so far.

Next we have our longest drive, 320 miles to Yosemite. Thank  goodness we’re experts now at sorting gas!