March 22-24, 2009 - Traveling, Casinos, and Old Friends

Sunday (22nd) was spent cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, visiting with the neighbors and getting ready for our trip.

Late morning, the winds came in - up to 40 mph winds that really shook the motor home. As the afternoon progressed, we could no longer see the mountains in the distance because of all the dust. (And you guessed it, the dust also covered everything in the motor home - so much for cleaning!!)

The winds finally stopped after the sun went down (but everything was still covered in dust!)

Monday (23rd), we took off for Laughlin, Nevada. The scenery was spectacular:

We even saw tumbleweeds going across the road:

Every turn had the WOW factor!! The pictures do not do this great land justice. This was one of the days that we feel so blessed to be able to see all of this and live this lifestyle.

We arrived in Laughlin and parked at the Colorado Belle Casino. Casino Row sits right along the Colorado River:

We did some gambling in 2 of the casinos and Andy won $100.00 - Yippee. So we had a great dinner at the Colorado Bell - 16 oz T-Bone steak and a pint of beer for $10.99 - can’t bet it!!

Stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 156 miles
Routes Traveled:
AZ: AZ-89; AZ-71; US-93; I-40; AZ-68
NV: Casino Row

Tuesday (24th), we headed to Las Vegas. And the spectacular scenery continues:

Las Vegas (Yes, that is snow on the mountains!):

Mom and I use to come here every two years for a week and the last time we were was in 2002. I was amazed at how built up the city is and the amount of malls, housing, new freeways and casinos since we were last here!!

We first stopped at South Point and were told we could park the RV but could not stay in it overnight. Next we took the Tracker and went to the Orleans and checked with them. We were told it was ok so we went then moved the motor home. Once we parked there, security told us we could not stay. (We were very nice in explaining to them that the front desk personnel told us there would not be a problem!) At that point, we call the Wal Mart on Spring Mountain Road and that is where we stayed for the night (I know, I know, we are cheap!).

The reason we are here was to see our friends, Dave and Nina. Dave and I have know each other since we are about 3 and Nina and I since high school. It was so good to see them. We spent the evening just getting caught up with each other and they treated us to dinner - Thank you. On our way back down in the fall we hope to spend more time with them.

Pictures:

And the stats for today:

Miles Traveled: 98 miles

Routes Traveled:
Nevada: NV-163; US-95; I-515; I-215; I-15

We did spend some time this afternoon figuring out our next moves and decided to head to Everett, WA to spend time with family before we head to Alaska. We are going to take our time and of course watch the weather as we get close to the mountains.