Extreme Hiking - Traveling Blog by J. Robb Montana

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One of the most rewarding opportunities is climbing to the top of mountain range in Alberta, Canada. Looking over the vast rugged country side leaves you content with satisfaction. Here you are at the top of the world walking along the ridge of Starlite Mountain range, precarious peaks within Willmore Wilderness. Willmore Wilderness is the best kept secret, traveling into the provincial park is only by foot, bike or horse. All motorized vehicles are prohibited in order to preserve the raw-land.

The one question that you must ask yourself before you walk into wild country - Are you ready?

Walking into the wilderness with a heavy backpack is in itself an accomplishment; your pack must be carefully planned in advance with the right supplies ready for your trip.

Here is a list of items you should bring with you into the raw wilderness: 

1. Water and water purification
2. First Aid kit with items that you can actually use - Check out your kit before you leave (most injuries are related to sprains, strains, blisters and wounds) And remember to bring some kind of relief medicine, such as Tylenol.
3. High energy bars with nuts and oats - don't be afraid to stick at least 20 of these throughout your backpack
4. A small mirror - used for both signaling if in trouble and start a fire by use of the sun. You can bring along a magnifying glass as back-up.
5. A sharp hunting knife with a secure sheath
6. Water proof matches and preferably small dry kindling (Just in case you aren't experienced to find kindling within the wilderness)
7. Bring along other types of firestarters - such as flint. Check your outdoors shop for more suggestions.
8. Sleeping bag and Tent
9. Proper hiking shoes - make sure they are well worn in before you begin your hiking trip
10. GPS or compass - I prefer a GPS
11. Sunglasses and sunscreen
12. whistle - not to scare the bears - but to use in case of being lost
13. Light source - flashlight with batteries
14. writing source - pencils or even pencil crayons ( Pencils can even be used as kindling source if need be in an emergency)
15. Rope - preferably 20 metres (Use strong rope material, such as: nylon)
16. Emergency blanket
17. A good set of sharp scissors - check them out before you leave
18. Map of the area you are traveling
19. Insect repellant (Anyone in trouble with Bees?)
20. pocket knife with multi- use items; Swiss has always been my favorite
21. Proper Clothing: therma-socks, underwear,hat, t-shirts, long light pants and shorts,windbreaker, warm jacket, sweater. In other words make sure you are ready for any kind of temperature within the mountains - the weather can change from summer to winter within minutes.
22. Fishing gear - like fishing line and hooks
23. Compact cooking equipment
24. Non - perishable food items
25. Outdoor books - such as Canadian Recipes of the Great White North
26. Bear bangers
27. And last but not least - never enter the wilderness by yourself - make sure you bring along a buddy

Are you ready for the great outdoors? Be sure to get the inside information  on the outdoors : Canadian Recipes of the Great White North with more outdoor tips with fun stories, outdoor recipes and fun interactive illustrations the whole family will enjoy 

J. Robb Montana is a freelance writer presently working on a movie script :  Black Angels of Sirus 5 and science-fiction book : Robotics on Mars

Love to Travel to Vegas? Check out my review of The Venetian Las Vegas - one word : Wonderful

The Venetian Las Vegas

If you love to travel to Vegas - check out this hotel review

Travel Alberta - Lake Louise

Enjoy Lake Louise and Beyond  by Bari Demers

Traveling Alberta is a must when visiting Canada. Just last week we decided to stop at Lake Louise in Banff National Park, of course Alberta. After visiting family in British Columbia, our usual route headed directly home due to our schedule, but this time,we had a couple days to explore Lake Louise just a little closer than before.

Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is nestled within a scenic valley of mountainous peaks, showcasing a clear turquoise glacier lake named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta in 1884. Overlooking the emerald Lake Louise is the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, boasting a five-star experience.

We took to the lake shore memorized by the beauty and awe inspiring picturesque glacier in the distance combined with the brilliance of the bluish green waters. It was obvious our next step was to explore Lake Louise itself by paddling along in a canoe, enjoying the peaceful tranquility of nature. 

Pushing off the shoreline, it wasn't hard to observe the depths of the icy crystal clear lake or spotting rainbow trout swimming at their leisure.It didn't matter how icy the water was, the warm summer weather tempted us to dip our feet, feeling this invigorating surge of freshness.

After a long slumbering canoe ride we treated ourselves at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to a fine dining experience at their four diamond Fairview Dining Room offering tantalizing morsels of Yukon Gold Potato wrapped in crispy wild prawns and mouth-watering seared duck breast in a szechaun peppercorn jus. We couldn't resist the warm liquid centered Chocolate Cake with spiced pineapple carpaccio and raspberry puree.

Canadian Outdoor Photo by Bari Demers

The National Parks of Canada offer a wild wilderness setting with outdoor adventures to suit anyone.

 If we had more time, we certainly would have taken a heli-tour over the majestic Lake Louise.

I highly recommend your next stop at Lake Louise with the Banff National Park of Alberta,Canada. Traveling Alberta is a sweet memorable experience you will cherish forever.

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Vegas Travel by Bari Demers

Travel Blog: Travel Edmonton

Travel Blog: Travel Edmonton: Why Edmonton? Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has always been known as the "Gateway to the North". During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. A sta...

Exploring Tortilla Flat, Arizona

Discovery of Tortilla Flat

While in Las Vegas we love to take tours within Nevada and Arizona. The most interesting discovery is
Tortilla Flat of Arizona.

Tortilla Flat

We rented a car and headed to Mesa, Arizona to visit my family. From there we went along the highway to US 60 East( also known as Superstition Freeway) and along Apache Junction and State Route 88 for 18 miles. Tortilla Flat is just 2 miles past Canyon Lake.

Did you know that Tortilla Flat is noted for the smallest friendliest town in Arizona? It also boasts for having a U.S.Post Office for a such a small population of only 6 people.

The Little Settlement of Torilla Flat

We knew we reached our destination as soon as we noticed the little quaint settlement with its own Superstition Saloon; a real treat to visit. The most interesting attraction was the funny wallpaper pasted with really dollar bills from visitors across the world. And when was the last time your bar seats happen to be horse saddles?

Of course we had to visit the restaurant serving Old West Breakfasts, the hottest Chilis known as the
"Killer Chili", Grande Na-Chos, the famous Chimichanga and the fun Cackleberries Mexicanna Mornin Chow.
Tortilla Flat is like taking a little trip back into the western frontier of the old west. After our rip-torting taste of the "Killer Chili" we mosey on down to the the creaky boardwalk to a stonewall Gift Shop full of nik naks related to the southwest. I'm always picking up a cookbook or two and today was no exception. To me, a cookbook is like a souvenir, just like Canadian Recipes of the Great White North. My eyes quickly zero in on a Southwestern Indian Cookbook that would add to my souvenir collection. They also add quick bites of hot salsa's; of course I had to buy one.

The History of Tortilla Flat

It goes way back with the Indians crossing its most valuable resource - water. It was the prefect place to set-up camp with a small trickling creek known as the Tonto Trail.
It wasn't long before a Spanish explorer named Cabeza de Vaca found his way to the Southwest Superstition Mountain where he met up with the Pueblo Indians who told him of the Seven Cities of Cibola or known as the Cities of Gold. Superstition Mountain has since been rumors of gold. It was believed that the Jesuit Priests of Spain had found a a pocket of gold and didn't have any intention of sharing it with their
Spanish King. The King ordered the Jesuits to be executed, but before they could follow out their plans the Jesuit Priests hide the gold in the Superstition Mountains and throughout the southwestern desert.
Apparently, it is told, in 1847 to 1848 a group of Mexicans under Don Miquel Peralta had found the treasure of gold but were met with Apaches who killed all but one.
To this day, the legend is alive with reports of gold within the Superstition Mountain.

But the real truth of the matter of Tortilla Flat is when a group of cowboys were stranded due to a flash flood, their only staples at the time was flour. They made tortillas and christened the flat, Tortilla

Flat.

And today, Flash flood is still a very real part of the southwestern desert. We couldn't adventure any
further along the road due to a flash-flood just two days before. Tortilla Flat is a true gem to explore
when in Arizona.
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Caesars Palace Review

Caesars Palace Review by Vegas Reviews

Our recent stay at Caesars Palace started with the check-in of our room. Our accommodation was booked as a five day stay with three days complimentary of Caesars Palace due to our Rewards Card membership.

(Note: Check out recent reviews for 2014/2015 )

After twenty minute wait within the streamline of customers patiently waiting for their check-in, we were comforted with a friendly staff member. Due to our 31st anniversary we inquired about an upgrade from our complimentary room. She introduced us to an upgrade room of over 2000 sq ft room offering a dining room, three bathrooms, a guest’s entertainment bar, living room and a grand master bedroom. First she offered the room for $100 per night, but her duty manager refused such an offer. She came back to us sheepish, quickly apologizing letting us know that her boss wouldn't allow such a price. We asked if he would accept $150 per night in which he  stated he could get a much better price per night. With that, embarrassed by the situation the girl attending to us, asked if we would accept $200 per night. We hummed and hawed over this price, as it was just too much, as I already knew that that our last night, Thursday night, would end up costing us the $170 plus $200 and an additional tax charge. Our Thursday night would cost $500 alone.
 My wife voiced her opinion and asked me to go for the upgrade, as it is our 31st anniversary. I decided to please my wives wishes, but still felt it was a little high, but I'm thinking, let the "fun" begin. 

From past experiences with complimentary rooms, they usually have offered us a deluxe upgrade at no charge.

We were here to enjoy ourselves, so we left it at that, even though I knew our overall costs would be $1800 for just the room for five days. What really caught me off guard were the taxes with each night costing a whopping $100. Our room was enormous and apparently the original cost per night was $3600 per night. Mind you, we really didn't have any use for three bathrooms or a large dining room table.
Originally we were going to use the spa, fitness center and go to three different shows, but after our upgraded costs of our room, we could not afford any of these luxuries.

 The next morning we did indulge in the featured Buffet of Buffets at a cost of $34.99 per person for reward card members and $39.99 for non-members. Knowingly we paced ourselves in order to go to all three buffets with Harrah’s Properties. Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace was our breakfast choice and was pleasantly surprised by great friendly service and inviting food for any foodies. You had a choice of freshly-made omelettes, baked ham, turkey or pork bacon, wide range of sausages, assorted seafood & potatoes and a fine selection of pastries.
[Note: Lago since 2012 has been upgraded to BACCHANAL Buffet]

 Our luncheon choice was going to be at the Paris hotel, but after seeing the overwhelming line-up we jetted over to Planet Hollywood and were glad we did. The Spice Market Buffet at Planet Hollywood featured Mexican, American, Italian and Middle Eastern food items.

 I stuck with the American food choices while my wife found fresh hot asparagus in the Italian section. Of course we shared the tasty asparagus while enjoying the beef and chicken dishes. We were seated in front of the Middle Eastern section and if only had room, I would have indulged in the pork kabobs cooking on the bbq. But I did leave room for the tantalizing desserts, like chocolate éclairs.

 After a long walk throughout the Vegas Strip we headed to our last buffet of the day, back to the Lago Buffet at Caesars Palace. Our choice of prime rib, crab and peel and eat shrimp, we barely made a dent. Needless to say we were FULL!

Next morning we headed to the pool and found we were lucky to be poolside just before 9:00 am, as it quickly filled up. We decided to indulge into one of the bar drinks at a gasping price of $20 per drink, not including tip; needless to say, we had very few drinks at the pool. We quickly learned that any charges to our room would be topped off by a heavy tax. Mind you, poolside was complete luxury and worth the time taking in the sun rays. Throughout our days at Caesars Palace we took in the pool daily.

Of course we took our turn in the casinos and knowingly spent our budget, but with a couple of noticeable wins. Smartly we re-invested our winnings back into the cost of our room. 

On Wednesday, we headed over to our reserved dining experience at the famous Eiffel Tower Restaurant at the Paris Hotel. Within minutes we were seated at our window seat over-looking the Bellagio with its fountain display featuring a beautiful view. Our selection of entrees envisioned a freshly cooked beef wellington with potato gratinee and hot asparagus. Unfortunately our entrees were cold with my beef wellington under-cooked.  I summoned our waiter, his eye brows raised as he looked at the raw beef within the pastry. He quickly took it away, with me thinking that I would receive a new freshly baked beef wellington. Astonished by the quick comeback of my dish, I noticed it was placed under a salamander to finish cooking. Oh well, I'm here to have "fun", so I just left it alone and  decided to enjoy the chocolate soufflé, which was wonderful.

BACCHANAL Buffet 2012

The rest of our stay at Caesars Palace was uneventful with good service from the casino to our room maid.
In conclusion I would recommend Caesars Palace but be careful with their suggestion on any upgrades. Let the hotel make a choice of upgrading for you at no additional charge. 

The food at Caesars Palace is acceptable with friendly service. Be aware that anything that you want to do will cost you extra, including the internet service of $14.95 per day, fitness center at $25 per day and the spa service starting at $45 per person. Just something to keep in mind. 

Our time at Caesars Palace was overall a "fun" place to stay. I would recommend the 27th Floor for an awesome view!

It is to your advantage to become a Rewards Card member to entitle you to frequent offers either to your door or e-mail address. Join in on the "fun" 

Check out our most recent Vegas Review at The Venetian Las Vegas ( August 2013)

The Venetian Las Vegas


About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.
When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun at this hotel. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

Also - Vegas Reviews is not a company. Just a fun social Facebook Page having fun in Vegas. It would be nice to be paid for reviews, but this is just not the case here. So - if you enjoy all the fun in Vegas and would like to join our fun social page - please come on by : Vegas Reviews

Please share the fun and tell your friends about Vegas Reviews - Let's see how many friends of Vegas - are there?

Bellagio Review

Bellagio Las Vegas by Vegas Reviews

During the Christmas holidays  we step into the grand foyer of the Bellagio in awe as we observed the  hand-blown glass flowers peering above the ceiling. We  allowed ourselves to appreciate this creative piece of art, a warm welcome into the Bellagio grand lobby.

(NOTE: Check out recent reviews for 2014/ 2015 on Aria, Las Vegas.)

Our needs were quickly addressed and flawless during our check-in; as a matter of fact Bellagio offered us a free up-grade. The ultra fast elaborate elevators whisked us up to our 27th floor. Entering our deluxe room overlooking the spectacular view featuring entertaining Fountains of Bellagio displaying a romantic dance.


The deluxe room showcased a lavish comfort in the warm and inviting décor of our Tower guest room, complete with panoramic views of Las Vegas. Upon arrival, the elaborate styling made us feel like a King and Queen in this spacious upgraded room featuring a King size luxury bed, marble floors, flat screen TV and of course a fully stocked mini bar.

It was hard to leave our room, but we were intent to explore this grand mega hotel. Our next stop was the breathe-taking pools  boasting a Mediterranean and garden setting. We went for a quick dip within the five pool courtyard, an accomplishment for us hardy Canadians. 
The next morning we set out to the garden vista café treating ourselves to a tasty eggs Benedict.

In the afternoon we frolic over to the 2010 Winter Conservatory & Botanical Gardens showcasing the grand Christmas display featuring elaborate Christmas trees, animated penguins, extra large Christmas decorations, dancing reindeer and polar bears. The setting was without a double - Fantastic! We took a romantic walk along the fountains of the Bellagio displaying a wonder of technology combining water, music and light showcasing a spectacular event.

Throughout our visit with Bellagio we encountered pleasant staff, gourmet dinners and good times. What more could you ask for? Join in on the "fun" with  Vegas Reviews.

Check out the most recent Vegas Review of the Venetian Las Vegas 

The Venetian Las Vegas

Treasure Island Review

Treasure Island, Las Vegas - by Vegas Reviews

[Note: Even though the post says 2011 - We have visit T.I once again in 2012 and 2013.

 The photos are from 2012.  Check out more recent reviews 2014/2015 for Vegas Resorts]

Treasure Island was previously owned by MGM Mirage, recently in 2008, taken over by Phil Ruffin.

Phil Ruffin is a well known friend of Donald Trump who sold Phil 3.5 acres of land in order to build the Trump International close to the Las Vegas Strip.

With that purchase, Donald Trump became business partners with Phil Ruffin. The Trump International Hotel Tower is a successful business attracting visitors across the world, but Phil wanted sole ownership of T.I.  So, in 2008 Phil Ruffin made a deal with MGM Mirage buying the Treasure Island Casino Resort for a mere $775 million. The sale of Treasure Island had ease financial risk for their biggest investment ever - the 9.1 billion City Center development. 

Phil Ruffin made a great deal with MGM Mirage, due to the fact Treasure Island was worth one billion.

Vegas Reviews had the opportunity to visit Treasure Island Resort in 2008, 2012 and 2013.

Our first impression of Treasure Island had sparked interest as we passed by the famous pirates ship called Sirens of TI. An enchanting show featuring a band of renegade pirates from the 17th century with a story of seduction, dancing along with captivating songs and clashing fun filled danger.

Within minutes we were confronted with a steady long line-up at check-in, noting that the lobby needed some TLC. It wasn't long before we were up front with our hotel guest server with an wonderful smile. A quick and painless invitation to our room looking out at the pirate ship below.

Our room was clean with a tasteful decor making anyone relax in a perfect setting. Trust me when I say I'm fussy when it comes to a clean room.  T.I. did not disappoint with a very clear appearance throughout the bedroom and washroom facilities. 

Choppers on display at T.I. Las Vegas

As night settled in we decided to take in the colorful tropical restaurant where," It's always a party at Kahunaville!  We order an exotic island-infused drink where the glasses were as tall as us.

I ordered the steak dinner while my wife had the Piña Colada Chicken. But first we had to have the popular Calypso Calamari while sipping on our flaming drinks. The steak was a little under cooked but was quickly resolved with a fresh cooked steak just exactly how I wanted it - medium rare. The whole experience was worth it and highly recommended.

After our entertaining meal at Kahunaville we headed over to the casino, where a grandmother passed by us on a scooter. I thought that was interesting to know that complimentary wheelchairs and rental scooters were available with the TI Bell Desk. 

 Personally never had any use for this, but it sure is an important factor for those that have trouble getting around a vast impressive resort. In fact, I have had Vegas Reviews followers ask this very question " My mom can't get around very well - do they offer assistance?"

During the afternoon, we took some photos of the new Senor Frogs, which we tried out during the evening.  It wasn't the service we expected and were placed in a very dark location, where we both couldn't even read the menu.  The young female server was more interested in serving us drinks, then answering our questions about the menu AND the terrible lights predicament.  Due not being able to read the menu in the dark, I asked if they had a cheeseburger. She nodded. We asked for two and left at that.  Maybe because we are older folks, her service wasn't particularly the best.  The rest of the crowd were mostly in their twenties. Anyway, we left it at that and we won't be back for Mr. Senior Frogs.  There are so many restaurants to choose from along the Vegas Strip, there's no point in bothering with bad food or service - just move on. 

This also doesn't imply any wrong doing with T.I. Treasure Island Resort personal were cheerful and accomendating, providing us with wonderful service throughout. 

The next impressive hot spot was the nationally acclaimed metal artist Scott Cawood teamed with Metropolitan Choppers to create the custom Sirens of TI chopper on display in the TI Casino lobby. One word " Wow!"

Of course, we had to take in the took in the Sirens of TI with performance times:

5:30 p.m. (winter only)
7:00 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
11:30 p.m. (summer only)

What a fun way to spend the evening. To top it off we had a late luncheon at the Canter’s Delicatessen which has been a landmark establishment in L.A. since 1931, now serving at Treasure Island. Quoted by TI, "...Serving fresh, homemade specialties such as hot pastrami, corned beef, roast turkey and authentic matzo ball soup, Canter’s Deli offers delicious casual fare daily."

Update 2013 : the Canter's Deli has been replaced by :  Little Richies Chicago Style Beef & Dogs

We shared the corned beef sandwich with the largest pickle I have ever seen. This one sandwich was more than enough and well worth the price of $15.

Of course, like ever other resort in Las Vegas, we had to enjoy the pool scene.  It was an awesome experience with wonderful servers. 

Overall our stay at T.I. was indeed enjoyable and would suggest this great fun-filled experience at Treasure Island Resort and Casino.

Unfortunately we never had a chance to enjoy Mystère at TI due to other plans, but you can enjoy this show for as low as $60 with up-front seats for $109. 

By Bari Demers

Have you been to TI ? Come join the "fun" with Vegas Reviews on Facebook


Check out our most recent review of The Venetian, Las Vegas ( August 2013) 

The Venetian Las Vegas

About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.
When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

Also - Vegas Reviews is not a company. Just a fun social Facebook Page having fun in Vegas. It would be nice to be paid for reviews, but this is just not the case here. So - if you enjoy all the fun in Vegas and would like to join our fun social page - please come on by : Vegas Reviews

Please share the fun and tell your friends about Vegas Reviews - Let's see how many friends of Vegas - are there?

Excalibur Review by Vegas Reviews

Excalibur Las Vegas Review by Vegas Reviews

Day One:



Excalibur, Las Vegas

Arrival at Excalibur would be described as painless and friendly front staff. Quick and easy access to our room with friendly staff greeting you within the hallways.

Rooms: 
The rooms on the fifth floor are compared to no-thrills but clean and functional. Our room had a King size bed with your basic TV and Internet access. Excalibur charges a daily fee of $9.95 which includes access to the pool, newspaper daily and Internet.

Update 2014 : Resort Fees are constantly going up.

Excalibur Resort Fees 2014 - $20.16  includes internet, fitness centre and business area. Remember the free drinks to your resort fees? Well, that's history now. And if you use your in-room phone, no charge for local calls. My question is : Who uses in-room phones to make local calls anymore?  We all seem to have our own cell phones. Waiting for the day when in-room phones won't exist anymore.  Aria Resort and Casino along with Cosmopolitan have new touch screen ipads now to acess all kinds of services. But, yes, the phone is still available. 
They also have a business station by Tower II which also provides computer, fax and business related options. This service was extra and could be charged to your credit card.

After our arrival we headed into the main casino of Excalibur and found a busy maintained casino.

We headed over to Sherwood Forest Cafe and enjoyed a very satisfying meal with great service.  After our meal we decided to head over to Luxor (easy access to the second floor) along a indoor path joining Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay. You also had to option of taking their free monorail to the adjoining hotel properties.


Day Two:

After much need rest with no interruptions we made our way back to Sherwood Forest Cafe for breakfast. We were greeted by a friendly server who made sure our meal was hot with very little wait. Felt sorry for this guy, so busy with no help.

Our average meal cost $9.95 which included eggs, toast, hash browns and your choice of bacon, ham or sausages. ( Please Note: Prices are changing constantly)

After a very satisfying meal our day was open to site seeing and getting our bearings throughout the Vegas strip. Great  overhead access walkways lead to the your choice of MGM Grand, New York New York or Tropicana. We decided on the MGM Grand, so we could try out the Vegas Monorail.

Entering the mega MGM Grand we were lead down the escalator with the Rain forest Restaurant on our left side. I must say its a nice theme!

Our task was to find the monorail.   After we were lead throughout the MGM Grand, passing by through the casino floor, around many shops and familiar restaurants, such as Emeril's, the monorail was found.  You can take a short-cut from the Rain Forest restaurant side, by the MGM washrooms.

Quickly we noticed by our sore tired feet, the monorail was a fair distance away, making me question the purpose of the monorail.  It was our belief that the monorail would prevent needless walks. We were wrong.  Each station we were dropped off, we had this long walk before we reached the Vegas Strip.  If only the monorail was easy quick access throughout the strip.

After our first day of taking the Vegas Monorail it was apparent that the bus system had better access, but very crowded. Instead of the Vegas Monorail system in the back of each Vegas property, it would make sense to provide better access in front of the properties.

We have found the free ARIA Express from the Monte Carlo through to Bellagio had better access to its properties, such as Vdara, Aria, Monte Carlo and Bellagio.

Day Three:

Once again we took our long walk to the Vegas Monorail and proceeded down the strip to Caesars Palace and Bellagio.

Back to our familiar grounds, we stepped into the lobby of Caesars Palace greeted by their inviting Christmas decor. After a long while in Caesars Palace we headed over to Bellagio hope to find their Christmas Theme in the Bellagio Conservatory Garden, but found the Thanksgiving Theme instead. It made sense, since Thanksgiving was today.

The rest of the day was walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, along the Vegas Strip. The strip was busy and crowded due to the Thanksgiving Day.

Day Four:

Black Friday - Well, what can I say about Black Friday. In a few words: walk, walk, walk, walk and walk. My wife : shop, shop, shop and shop. No wonder they call it Black Friday.

Day Five:

Another great breakfast at Sherwood Forest Cafe of Excalibur and we were off to another day of exploring.

Towards late afternoon we thought we try Dick's Last Resort,also within Excalibur's property. It looked like a fun  place to catch some great finger foods and satisfying few drinks. To our surprise, it wasn't.  We decided to head back to Sherwood Forest Cafe for that friendly service we couldn't find at Dick's Last Resort.  Maybe the name "Dick" implies their service.

That same evening we had tickets to see Carrot Top within the Luxor Properties. The young comedian rewards his guests with a fun performance.

Day Six:

Woke up in our room noticing movement on the wall by the mirror. My wife was already up and had a closer look. To her surprise the wall was covered with little ants going about their daily activity. Not too surprising this time of year, but kind of makes you itch. Not a problem - hurried got dressed and headed down to front desk. Due to being on the fifth floor, the girl was not too surprised and quickly moved us to another suite on the third floor.

Some say the ants are attracted by food or sugar, but we had no food items in the room. Anyway, a small inconvenience and we were once again settled in another room within an hour.

Day Seven: Uneventful day, had fun and just enjoyed ourselves.

Vegas Strip

In Conclusion:

Vegas Reviews would recommend Excalibur as long as you aren't expecting any thrills. You do have the option of  upgrading your room, but this particular trip we decided it wasn't necessary. Mind you, our overall cost for a seven day trip for two was only $1100.  Not bad, considering flight is included. 

Update 2014: You would really be hard press to find the above prices as mentioned. 

During our stay we had a great time with our enjoyable buffet of prime rib and turkey at the Round table Buffet where All You Can Feast.

Some tiny problems, but we did have "fun" and that is the main reason for being in Vegas.

Vegas Reviews comes to Vegas twics a year with past visits to T.I. (Treasure Island), Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Mirage,MGM Grand, Bellagio,Sahara, Paris,Bally's and once upon a time, the Maxim Hotel which was closed on Nov. 21 1999.

Within our stays Vegas Reviews has visit all the Vegas Properties and  experienced it's many restaurants, shows and casino's, including downtown.

Our last scouting visit to the City Center caught our eye and found it an impressive Vegas Resort to visit.

Come on join the "fun" on Facebook : Vegas Reviews 

About Vegas Reviews:

Vegas Reviews is not associated with any Vegas Hotels or paid by it's own personal reviews of hotels in Vegas.
We're just simply a fun host Facebook page featuring only about the fun in Vegas.

When we find a wonderful stay in Vegas, I like to write about the fun we had at the Vegas Hotel.

In this case we had fun. I don't give reviews very often, so when treated wonderful - I write about it.

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Travel Edmonton

Why Edmonton?

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has always been known as the "Gateway to the North". During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896. A stampede of folks as far away as Florida traveled up to Dawson City in the Yukon.
The Gold Rush travelers had a choice of two routes, one was to collect the necessary staples in Edmonton before their long hike north.



Pot of Gold - Downtown Edmonton

Today Edmonton

Today Edmonton is a bustling city with over 1,176,307 blue-collar Canadians. The city of Edmonton is Alberta's provincial capital featuring the Legislature Building over-looking the Saskatchewan
River Valley. During special functions and holidays it's common to hear the loud military cannons
blasting the start of a prestigious ceremony.


Recreation of Edmonton

During the summer months you can look out your window to find a mass of air-balloons floating across the blue open sky of the prairies.
Edmonton is home to the Sports Capital of Alberta offering the famous Edmonton Oilers with past stars like Wayne Gretzky,Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Kevin Lowe, Grant Fuhr and Andy Moog.
Edmontonians are considered sports-minded Canadians, supporting the Edmonton Eskimos,Edmonton Capitals baseball team, the Edmonton Gran Prix, the junior team - Edmonton Oil Kings and the Golden Bears of the University of Alberta.


Best Kept Secret

The best kept secret in Edmonton is the U of A science department making headlines of scientific
discovery from Astronomy to U of A cancer research breakthrough where Dr. Roger Leng unlocked the mystery to why an important genome allows cancer tumors to grow. In 1985 University of Alberta Hospital was the first heart transplant in Western Canada. Edmonton also has one of the best care units for children under the Stollery children's Hospital.Needless to say, Edmonton has one of the most advance medical facilities in Western Canada.


What Can You Do in Edmonton?

If you're not into hockey (considered a crime to Canadians),you have yearly festivals to attend, Fort
Edmonton Park featuring our historical past, the famous Art Gallery of Alberta, Telus World of
Science, the Muttart Conservatory and the Royal Alberta Museum. Edmonton also hosts the Canadian Final Rodeo and only second to Las Vegas National Final Rodeo.

If you love to shop, then you better head over the West Edmonton Mall where traveling visitors and stars like Brook Shields and Kenny Rogers have stayed over at the Fantasyland Hotel featuring theme rooms.
The inside shopping place for Edmontonians is Kingsway Mall in the center of Edmonton.
The Nightlife Whyte Ave is the known as the action spot for nightlife with competition downtown Edmonton. West Edmonton Mall offers Bourbon Street featuring restaurants and bars to suit any lifestyle.

The Cons of Edmonton

Winter months in Edmonton isn't what you call favourable with temperatures dropping from an average of -20 to -40C, but Canadian winter is a lifestyle where hockey is the number one sport.

Mosquitoes during the spring are annoying but all you really need is repellent.

Calgary features a ninety minute trip to Canada's National Parks whereas Edmonton is a three hour trip west to enjoy Jasper National Park, but it's sure worth the trip.

The bike trails throughout Edmonton aren't the best designed, but the river valley does offer favourable trails. The worst trail in Edmonton that is suppose to be considered a bike trail is straight down 102Ave. with parked cars and a very narrow street.

The Pros of Edmonton

The green space in Edmonton is one of the best in Canada, featuring the river valley with well
maintained parks.

The numerous festivals offer a bundle of entertainment throughout the year.

The Edmonton Oilers are considered a hockey fans haven.



Future of Edmonton

Downtown Edmonton is going to explode into the largest metropolitan area featuring sky-scraper
condos and a super massive downtown arena built by the Katz Group.
The Downtown arena plans are by the billionaire Darryl Katz, owner of Canada's only national mail
order pharmacy business, Rexall Direct (formerly known as Meditrust Pharmacy Inc.), one of Canada's largest institutional pharmacy operations.
The facility is expected to cost in the range of 1.4 billion offering office towers, restaurants, a
world-class entertainment, sports venue and five star hotel.

Tourist in Edmonton

As a tourist in Edmonton, you have a great selection of hotels, restaurants, sports facilities, historical
parks and top shopping spots to explore.

Live in Edmonton?

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