VALLEY OF FIRE (Day 2 - part 6)
The Beehives Rock Formation area:
The beehives provide excellent examples of geologic cross-bedding (where the grooved lines go in different directions). Each layer of silt was deposited at a different time and indicate the angle that the wind or water was moving back then.
These are much more impressive once one realizes how big they are!
Eventually it was time to be on our way to Las Vegas.
We were both quite excited to be spending the next two nights at the Excalibur. Unfortunately our initial experience of the place was less than stellar. The parking garage was quite far away; the lobby lines were insanely long; directions for check-in were extremely unclear; and our digital key card didn't work. After much stress and hassle, however, we eventually got settled in our room.
The Excalibur Hotel and Casino was built from 1988 to 1990. Designed to resemble a medieval castle in the style of King Arthur's time, it has 3,981 rooms spread across four 28-story towers.
(right) The view out the window
After going through all that, we didn't have much time to spare before our show started... The Tournament of Kings!
The arena
Originally called King Arthur's Tournament, the medieval-themed dinner show opened in 1990. After running for about 6,000 performances, it closed in 1999 and reopened the following month with a new name, Tournament of Kings, featuring upgraded costumes and a modernized set. Along with gorgeous costumes, the show had nearly 40 cast members, numerous horses, and some 3,000 special effects including fireworks.
In the show, King Arthur asks 8 European kings to participate in a sporting contest to celebrate his son Christopher. They ride horses, throw lances and have a jousting match. There is singing, dancing and much merriment. Enter Mordred, the king's mortal enemy, and his black knight to participate in the fighting. Mordred ends up killing Aurthur, and Christopher is forced to do battle with him and his legion of dragon-headed warriors. Eventually Christopher wins and is crowned king.
The show encouraged audience participation and we were called upon to "huzzah" for our assigned hero (based on where we were seated). We, however, were in the Dragon section... which meant we got to cheer for the bad guy!
The traditional meal of Cornish game hen (served with no utensils) ... and my special vegetarian one of pasta with marinara, lemon pepper potatoes, corn and a roll.
The wizard Merlin welcoms us. ... Drummers open the scene, shrouded in a thick fog.
Introducing the kings
Arthur greets his knights ... and the festivities begin.
Getting ready for the games .... A jousting match
Mordred's Black Knight calls to us and we huzzah heartily.
The battle between Mordred and Christopher begins.
The battle has been won.
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