August 31, 2011 LAS VEGAS, Nevada – My plane touched down at 9:26 PM in a desert still baking at near 100 degrees.  I deplaned and was immediately greeted by the distinctive and constant barrage of bells and whistles emanating from the innumerable slot machines scattered throughout McCarran Airport.

Patrick outside of Circus Circus

As I approached the baggage carousel amongst a sea of strangers I saw the familiar face of Patrick Gensel.  Patrick had arrived in Vegas two days earlier after completing his summit of Mount Rainier, and his tour of the Pacific Northwest and California.  We collected my checked duffle and drove off to Circus Circus, where Patrick had booked a room at a dirt cheap, mid-week rate.

Neither of us had come to Vegas to gamble, but we did play a few hands of poker and black jack.  Mostly, we spent the next six hours exploring the Strip.  We walked first to the Stratosphere Tower, which at 1149 feet is the tallest observation tower and 5th tallest structure in the United States.  Unfortunately, given the lateness of the hour, the thrill rides atop the Tower had shut down for the night, and we were unable to partake.

Caesar’s Palace at night

From the Tower, we headed south, passing many of the iconic Vegas casinos such as Treasure Island, The Mirage, Caesar’s Palace, and the Bellagio.  Again, due to the lateness of the hour, we missed out on viewing some of Vegas’ best free shows: the Bellagio fountains, and the pirate boat battle in the Treasure Island lagoon.

By 4:00 AM, we decided to call it a night.  After all, we had climbing to do in the morning.