Please note: The Monorail will be used as transportation for several events on the Strip. We recommend planning ahead and purchasing your pass online. Discounts available using this link and for multi-day passes.
Zion National Park is world-renowned for its unique geographical formations, especially the famous slot canyon called “The Narrows.” (See description on main Pre/Post Events page.) The day includes a 3 hour drive in van(s) to Zion National Park (through the beautiful Virgin River Gorge at day break), breakfast in the van, lunch on the trail, dinner at a restaurant after the hike (not included in cost), and drive back to Las Vegas. Targeted return time is 11pm.
PLEASE NOTE: The hike is difficult – it requires good balance and physical and mental endurance. About 60% of the route is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. Travel is rough and slippery in cold, fast flowing water, on top of thousands of slippery rocks. (Before registering, please be sure you are up for this hike!)
The Narrows trail is unpredictable and may not be navigable on the day of our hike. In this unlikely situation, an alternate challenging (and excellent!) hike will be chosen (4-5 hrs long, up to 8 miles, 1500 ft elevation change).
Plan Ahead – Packing List with Recommendations: Essential: Layered, quick-drying, non-cotton hiking clothes (synthetic t-shirt(s), nylon shorts, wicking underwear, fleece pullover, windbreaker, etc), Fanny pack / Small pack (to carry snacks, water, phone, etc). Note that 1 or 2 group waterproof backpacks will be provided. If you want to rent your own waterproof backpack, they are available for an additional $12. Also, Ziplock Bags will be provided. Footware & Walking Stick: If you are not getting the Optional Equipment Package rental, bring light wool socks, hiking shoes or light hiking boots. It is best if your shoes are not waterproof, but rather can drain water. Also, it is best if they have stiff souls, not running shoes with flexible souls. Open-toed sandals are definitely not advised. (See detailed recommendations in the registration form.) Other Stuff: Hat (there is very little direct sunlight in the canyon), Smartphone / Camera (despite your best efforts, electronics may get submerged – Ziplock Bags will be provided) Items that will be Provided: Sunscreen, plenty of Ziploc bags to double-bag items, Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Food, Bottled Water, 1 to 2 Waterproof Backpacks, Maps.
Schedule:
6:00 am Meet in the hotel lobby – don’t be late, we need to leave on time!
6:15 am Depart from the hotel for Zion National Park
11:00 pm Return to the hotel
Cost $95: includes van, gas, park entrance, lockers, sunscreen, zip-lock bags, 1 or 2 water-proof backpacks, water, trail snacks, breakfast & lunch.
Optional Equipment Package – Canyoneering Boots, Neoprene Socks & Strong Wood Walking Stick – $35 (rent en route)
Time: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Hosted by Peter B. Please call or email with any questions: 303-525-8068 / peterjbraam@gmail.com
Meet in the lobby of the Sahara hotel at 7 am and head to 7:30 am Mass at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church.
Saint Anne’s is located at 1901 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Details: (subject to change)
7:00 am – Meet in the library area of the check-in lobby. We will depart for the church shortly thereafter.
7:30 am – Mass begins at Saint Anne’s
After Mass we’ll return to the hotel.
Cost: None except transportation – shared Uber/Lyft or carpool.
Hosted by James B. – TO RSVP please e-mail him at jcbeich11@yahoo.com.
Come and see the iconic Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! Each season they do something unique and wonderful. This summer’s exhibit features hot air balloons hovering above beautiful fountains and extraordinary flora. We will gather in the lobby of the Sahara at 9:15 am and then head to lunch at Beer Park overlooking the Bellagio fountains. There is no fee for the Conservatory, so the only fees incurred will be the cost of lunch, your monorail ticket and a nominal reservation fee to secure your spot.
Details:
9:15 am – Meet in the lobby of the Sahara. Ride the Monorail and visit the Bellagio.
11:30 am – early lunch at Beer Park.
Return to the hotel at your leisure.
We will take the Monorail. Please purchase tickets ahead of time. Discounted rates available here: Las Vegas Monorail
Cost: Lunch (pay your own), Monorail ticket, $4 reservation fee
Hosted by James B.
RSVP closes August 12th.
Visit the Atomic Museum and get to know other conference attendees. Learn about the history of atomic developments in the United States. The average museum visit takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards the group will go for dinner.
Time: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Cost: $35, plus transportation to the museum
Hosted by Mark B.
Meet in the lobby of the Sahara at 3:45 pm and head for the LINQ Promenade for dinner at the Yard House. At 7:30 pm we will head to the High Roller Observation Wheel – a 30 minute ride to watch the sunset and the city of Las Vegas light up from 550 feet in the air. Join us for dinner, the High Roller or both! (Please note, you are purchasing a GROUP ticket for the High-Roller. This means you MUST be there to meet with the group. Ticket will not be available separately/if you come later.)
Details (Subject to change):
3:45 pm Meet in the lobby of the Sahara at 3:45 pm and head for the LINQ Promenade for dinner at the Yard House.
7:30 pm High Roller Observation Wheel
We will take the Monorail. Please purchase tickets ahead of time. Discounted rates available here: Las Vegas Monorail
Time: 3:45pm – 9:30 pm (or so)
Cost: $38 (High-Roller group ticket)
Dinner (pay your own);
Monorail Ticket (pre-purchase your ticket HERE)
Hosted by James B.
RSVP closes August 12th.
Enjoy a night out in “Old Vegas” with a progressive dinner on Fremont Street: six-block pedestrian-only street that’s considered the birthplace of Las Vegas with a gigantic LED canopy screen and classic neon signs.
We will begin with drinks and apps at the Park on Fremont, happy hour (5-7 PM). Recommended dish: Park Fries to share and a $5 draft of the local Mango Calutron Girls Hefeweizen.
Then we’ll move down the street to Le Thai, the place that kicked off the restaurant revolution in the Fremont East neighborhood. Recommended dishes: Short Rib Fried Rice or the 3 Color Curry.
After touring the Fremont Street area, finish with dessert at Sorry, Not Sorry Creamery. Recommended dish: Ube Honeycomb or the seasonal Blueberry Lavender.
Details:
5:00 pm Gather in the lobby of the Sahara and head to Park on Fremont for appetizers… And continue from there!
Time: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: Varies by purchase made and transportation needs
Hosted by Jody E.
RSVP closes August 12th.
Have you experienced the ancient Eucharistic Liturgy in the Byzantine rite? If this is your first time or your fiftieth, join us at Our Lady of Wisdom Italo-Greek Church on Wednesday evening! Enjoy both a gorgeous Church and a beautiful Liturgy to celebrate Our Lady’s Assumption! (This will fulfill your obligation for Thursday. All Catholics in the state of grace are welcome to receive the Eucharist in the Byzantine church.)
Details:
5:00 pm Gather in the lobby of the Sahara (library area) and self-organize Uber/Lyft/carpools. Note: if you wish to attend Vespers, please gather in the lobby by 4:30pm
5:20 pm Depart for Our Lady of Wisdom (11-15 minutes from the Sahara)
(You’ll arrive during Vespers (which start at 5:00 pm, with time to settle in before Liturgy. It is perfectly normal to arrive during the Vespers service. Though you may depart earlier if you wish.) Pastor, Fr. Nathan, will give a brief explanation before the Divine Liturgy begins.
6:00 pm Divine Liturgy
7:30 pm or so… Return to the Sahara.
Our Lady of Wisdom Italo-Greek Byzantine Catholic Church
2120 Lindell Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(Only costs are for transportation, day of.)
