Las Vegas Day 3 September 24, 2011

Today was a free day.  Bev and I went to the outlets for a bit or retail therapy.  I think a few went off to hit some golf balls. Butch, Betty, Ed M. Carol, Ed and I went to the Mirage to check it out.  We were thinking of visiting the shark tank but $40.00 a person was a bit steep to see sharrks, so we gambled instead..  Did not do so well there either...  The strip is just full of people but the Casinos are tighter than hmmmm  well lets say they don't pay off anything anymore...


We celebrated Tom and Jeff's birthday that evening at our Happy Hour, cake and adult beverages.  The plan was to go to Fremont Street to see the Fremont experience, a lot of fun but after our birthday celebrations we all went home to bed...   Can tell this is a party group eh???   hehe...


This will be short since I am writing a day late and will write about todays adventures later tonight..


So until then...............

Viva Las Vegas Day 2 September 23,2011

Viva Las Vegas  Day 2 September 23,2011 Viva Las Vegas was 105 degrees today!! WOW...  I don't think any of us are used to this heat since we had such a mild Summer in Northern California.  We all started the day having breakfast at the cafe here at the campground.  I think our server was a bit overwhelmed, 14 at our table alone plus another huge party in the banquet room.  Sort of a lazy day after that.  Ed and I tried to go to the Silverton Casino, after three attempts to find the parking lot, I gave up and we just took a bit of tour of the normal city of Vegas.  Back to the campground and hit the pool. Did I mention it was blazing HOT today???   Butch, Betty, Gail, Jeff and Carol ventured down to the strip to pick up our Terry Fator tickets at the Mirage.  I think George Ed and Ed M. made several trips to Home Depot.... hey how exciting is THAT?  Sue and Steve hit Bass Pro Shop and Bev M, Tom and Bev R. had a relaxing day at camp.   We had dinner at BB King restaurant at the Mirage.  I hope everyone enjoyed their dinner as I  know my dinner was very good.  Ed and I have had dinner at BB King before and would recommend this place for dinner.  The Terry Fator show was outstanding.  This guy is so talented and his show is so entertaining.  Ed and I saw Terry a few months back and he has already updated his show quite a bit.  It is hilarious and I think everyone in our group would recommend this to all to see. Also, a big Happy Birthday to Tom R.   hope you enjoyed your birthday with our traveling group. Not sure what is on the agenda tomorrow.  There may be a bit of retail therapy,  perhaps a bit of golf for some, contributions to the State of Nevada may also be an option.  I am typing these first few blogs on the IPAD and cannot add pictures so will do so when we get to our next stop.  Internet is quite pricey here at the campground.... So until next time.......

Las Vegas September 22, 2011

Las Vegas 


It has been far too long since my last post.  We took the summer off from traveling and now on a great trip with our SIRS 15 RV group.  We arrived in Las Vegas today to very warm temperatures. First order of business was get in the pool!!!  We had a seven hour drive with a stop for lunch from Bakersfield.  Traveling with us today, Steve and Sue, George and Bev, Betty and Butch.  When we hit Vegas, Carol and Ed, Gail and Jeff, Tom and Bev were already here.   We are staying at the Oasis RV Resort.  Getting back to the pool.... very cool water but so refreshing.  Everyone knows we keep our pool warm and these water temps were not up to Ed's standards, with his handy dandy temperature gun, the pool was 82.4 degrees.  Most of us cooled off for awhile then had our 5:00 happy hour a little late tonight.... plenty of snacks, as you all should know by now, I cannot spell that H word for snacks.  We have a wonderful trip planned and so glad to be back on the road again.


While in Vegas, we are going to see Terry Fator show at the Mirage tomorrow night.  We will have dinner at B B Kings restaurant before the show, Ed and I had dinner there the last time we were in Vegas and it was very good.  We will leave Sunday for St. George, Utah.... more on that leg of the trip when we get there.    I just wanted to get the blog started and will add pictures as we go along as well...  hmmmmm, in fact I will post pictures from our trip last April as well....


So until next time.......

Monday 5/2/11 to 5/4/11 San Juan Bautista Trip

Greetings from Betabel RV Park


First of all, I have to say what a nice RV Park this is. Very clean and we have a huge space for our group, a very nice meeting room with a kitchen. Could not ask for more. We are centrally located to see many different areas which is nice and convenient. I would recommend Betabel RV Park for sure.


Monday, was a busy day. The golfers were off and playing most of the day. Some of the gals went shopping at the Outlets. We only hit one small section, had lunch, hit the grocery store and headed back to camp. Some of the folks just had a nice quiet kick back day. Appetizers and Happy Hour at 5:30 pm. It was a gorgeous day here on the coast.


Tuesday, we were off to the Monterey Aquarium. The aquarium has improved quite a bit since Ed and I were there several years ago. I think the entire group enjoyed the aquarium, and then we were off to have lunch at the Fish Hopper a few blocks away. We originally were going to Bubba Gump however they were not cooperative at all. Just trying to get a reservation was difficult. Executive decision by George, Ed R. and Ed N. they chose Fish Hopper who could not be more cooperative and excellent service. The food arrived for 22 people at the same time and very good. Another high recommendation. One thing that was negative, the weather was a lot cooler than we expected and some of us were not prepared. After lunch, Adele and John, Ed and Carol, Rosie and Mike, Ed and Maureen returned to the Aquarium. There was a lot more to see. I will try and get the pictures on soon, still have to edit them. A few couples went off to see other areas and a few went back to camp. We had a late Happy Hour, enjoyed the rec room playing cards in the evening.


Wednesday some of the group took off to Santa Cruz, one of my favorite places. Those on this trip, Adele and John, Carol and Ed, Dorothy and Ed Jane and Pat, George, Ed and Maureen. What a gorgeous day, a lot warmer than yesterday. Not many rides open this time off year. We had a bite to eat, not impressed but what the heck… My favorite thing to do, walking on the beach and we got a chance to get a nice walk in. I think we all got a bit of sun for sure today. One thing going on with some of our group… allergies!!!! Nasty but I think most of us felt better today. After the beach on to Camping World for a bit of retail therapy. We returned to camp to prepare for our BBQ….. What can I say but OUTSTANDING, as usual. George and Steve cooked the steaks, supervised by Ed R. Ed N. and Ron. They did an excellent job. The gals as always outdid themselves with the salads and side dishes, and the dessert was ice cream Sundays, banana splits, all the toppings and oh so yummy…. We toasted Gary and Marilyn  for putting on this trip and could not attend, and also Butch and Betty who could not attend.   We really missed you all and hope all is going well at home for you… Some of us returned to our rigs to watch American Idol, yes we are addicted, some stayed at the rec room for Pictionary, when I would pop in during commercials there was a rumor the guys were playing nasty!!! Hmmmm is that possible? Heck yeah!!!! Anyway they were laughing and having a good time…. A great day and more adventures tomorrow, I need to get some pictures edited and added, hopefully tomorrow… Until Next Time………

Arrived at Betabel RV Park, San Juan Bautista May 1, 2011

Greetings,

We left Bakersfield RV Park about 10:15 am and had about a five hour drive to Betabel RV park where we are meeting our SIRS 15 RV group.  It was a 220 mile trip and I was able to get about 67 miles in driving.  Not as many as I would like but will get some more miles in driving home.  When we arrived George, Bev, Ed, Dorothy, Pat, Jane, Steve and Sue were already set up.  I got to see all my adoptee pooches, Max, Jake and the new addition to Pat and Jane, Jeannie the rescue they just got not long ago.  I miss my travel pooches.  Now Beau, my dog is home, he is just too big to travel and he has more fun staying with the "other Maureen" along with his girlfriend Maggie.  He also is quite spoiled staying with them.  We got set up in time to go the flea market next door to the rv park.  We had to pay to get in and to say it is NOT the caliber of the Street Faire aka flee market in Palm Desert is an understatement...  Ed, however managed to find a few items to buy, tools of course and not sure I am ready to reveal what else at this time... 

Over the rest of the afternoon the  our group started to arrive, Ed, Carol, Adele, John, Rosie, Mike, and our new members Ron, Evelyn, and Hedy and Duane.  Jeff and Gail will be joining us tomorrow.   I think there is one more couple missing Ted and Juanita..  We met for Happy Hour and Hors d'oeuvres about 5:30... By the way, I generally use the term snacks as most of you know from all our trips I can't spell the "proper" word but Beverly so kindly had Hors d'oeuvres spelled out on the sign up sheet!!!  We talked about the agenda for the week,  just had  a chance to visit with friends we have not seen for a while.  This is an amazing group and many good times.

The couple that put this trip together, Gary and Marilyn, we so miss you.  They were unable to make the trip because Gary had some health issues to take care of.  I think about 7:00 pm  tonight, someone yelled out "Where is the Spaghetti"???  Gary, we wish a speedy recovery and thank you for getting this trip planned. Marilyn, hang in there playing nurse!! Miss you lots!!

OK, so Butch and Betty were taking over the trip along with George and Bev.  Unfortunately they had to drop out due to some very important business.  So happy for you in that regard but sure do miss you being here with us.  Good luck and see you soon...

George, our fearless leader and Beverly have taken over the duties and thank you both for jumping in.   We all will wing it this week and as always have a great time... 

More tomorrow as we start our adventure......  Until Next Time....

End of Season in the Desert 4-25-11 to 4-30-11

End of Season at the Desert..



We arrived last Monday at MCC in Indio for our last week in the Desert. The weather was still an issue, high winds and the 527 mile drive in the Smart Car was not fun. It was so windy we lost rocker panel off the car. I was driving and thought we were getting hit by something until we stopped and found the piece missing. Not HAPPY CAMPERS!!! Anyway we got back on the road and made it to the Motorhome after 11 miserable hours. We have done this trip several times in the SmartCar and not too bad but this was a doozie…


We did get to the pool a couple days this last week again first time this season. Every time we were down this year it was either so windy or so cold. The park was about half full, many coaches leaving every day. The restaurant closed down this weekend so we were able to get a few good meals before they shut the doors until next Season. Hopefully next Season will have better weather and a bit more time in the Desert.


I got my retail therapy in, able to hit some of the shops that are only in the Desert. Was able to get my hair appointment in, going to miss Sharon, she is awesome. I am thinking of flying down just for an appointment in the Summer, since she does such a nice job.


Ed tolerated the week, thank goodness for the pool. We also got a bit of bike riding in which is good. We saw Gary and Sue just before they left on Thursday. They were closing up and heading home also.


We missed our neighbors Robert and Carol by a day, they need to get back to Texas.


We left Saturday and drove to Bakersfield for the night and on to Betabel RV Park in San Juan Bautista to meet up with our RV Group SIRS 15.


Until next time………….

VIVA LAS VEGAS

On the road again…. Because the rain and wind is so nasty at home, Ed could not get any outside work done, why not hit the road. Instead of going straight to Indio to the motor home, we headed for Vegas. It was not easy getting a decent room since March Madness was in full force plus several huge conventions.



We ended up at the Flamingo, older property but the location is great. We have had three rooms since we arrived. First room was handicap and just not going to work for us, moved to another room with an amazing view of the strip. Unfortunately there is a bar/nightclub that blasts and I mean blasts music or their version of music until three am. Not only the noise but vibration was horrible. Called the desk because at first we had no clue what it was, they said they have problems with this place and there are no noise restrictions. After two nights of that, we moved again to a higher end suite, two rooms on the 25th floor, nice partial view and no noise. We extended another day then will be going to Indio for a few days.


We are getting quite familiar with the Deuce and Ace public transit. Ed has not been to Vegas in about six years, I was here about three years ago, the building of new Casino/Hotels has boomed. At least five new huge properties since I was here last. The economy does not look like it is a problem here in Vegas. We are trying to visit all the new Casinos and there is one area called City Center that connects to a huge hotel and casino. The shopping experience there is extremely pricey, shops I did not even bother to go to. We did hit the Fashion Mall to go to the Apple Store to check out the new Ipad2 which are not available and probably will not be for a while since the disaster in Japan. Hit the outlets, not all that impressive. We went to see Jersey Boys, Ed’s first time and my third and it is still amazing. Would see it again. Tonight we saw Terry Fator, the ventriloquist that won America’s Got Talent a few years ago. Great show and very entertaining. I would recommend both if anyone is in Vegas. We are going to see Donny and Marie tomorrow, not sure why but it was recommended and in the hotel we are staying.

Ed has been busy dealing with the harrassing time share idiots that won't leave you alone, and we both have been extremely rude to those nasty people with the naked ladies literature that approach you on the street, hand gestures have been used quite frequently.  Those people should not be allowed to harrass those just walking down the street. 


It is cold here in Vegas, and very windy. Not as bad as the weather at home from what I hear. I spoke to Maureen who takes care of Beau and she said there was snow in Pine Grove. With the wind as bad, we expect trees down when we get home. The time frame for home……. As soon as there is sun and dry weather, back home ASAP. I probably won’t see Ed for a month with all he has to do outside.


Pictures will follow soon, we need to get some more shots tomorrow, we have just used the phone for pictures so far. So until next time…………

The Disney Experience

On Wednesday evening, Denise, Katie, Sarah and I set out for our Disney Adventure.  We drove to the Ramada Inn at the Grapevine for the night and drove on to Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel early Thursday morning.  We were making pretty good time until we hit Los Angeles.  Complete STOP and so slow off and on.  We arrived about 11:00 am, checked the car, luggage and off we were to the Land of Disney.  Thursday was not a bad day, shorter lines and the weather was decent.  I think we hit all the main rides we wanted to do without much hassle.  We had dinner at Ariel's Grotto and received passes to the new show World Of Color.  An amazing show, I think we all were quite impressed.  A MUST SEE for anyone visiting.  World Of Color is in California Adventure.   There is still quite a bit of construction going on in California Adventure, most of the re-do will not be finished until 2012. 

Friday, was overcast but dry, a bit chilly but it did not put a damper on our second day at Disneyland.  We were able to take lots of pictures and finish up the rides we wanted to do at Disneyland Park. We watched the Christmas Parade, always a treat.  That evening we went to another new show at California Adventure, called Electronica.  Very Interesting, spent most of the time watching the kids dance.  There were some pretty talented kids out there "doing their thing"  We went back to Disneyland to see the fantastic fireworks display.  As always it was spectacular.  By that time I was ready for a rest so Denise, Katie and Sarah went back to Electronica, I went back to the room for a bit or rest.  They were quite excited when they came back, evidently they all did a bit of dancing . 

Saturday,  dang it is pouring ....  We started out with breakfast with the Disney characters, great food, very nice buffet.   We went to some of the new rides in California Adventure and after getting totally soaked, I headed back to the room while the girls went back to Disneyland.  Needless to say by the time they got back they were dripping.  The sun came out in the afternoon and Denise and I went shopping, where I took a fall. Dang I hate that!!!!  A bruised knee and a sore back and a bit of embarrassment, I did get up and moved on!!!  We are about to go to dinner... I will be updating the rest of the day later and add pictures when I get home!!!   Be Back Later........

Back to the Desert 10/27/10 to 11/5/10

We have been busy this last month.  We were at the ranch for the weekend before we left for the Desert.  Some days you just wonder... every time we go up there these days there are issues.  Ed has been working on some fence problems and thought he could get that finished but oh Noooooo, the rain hit that weekend.  We did see Randy Travis that weekend at the new concert venue in Napa.  The Uptown Theatre .  We are going home to get the Motor home and the garage is full of water, the water heater went out. 


We finally got on the road Tuesday November 26th went to Bakersfield RV Resort for the night.  Started our last leg of the trip Wednesday.  Ed was driving the MH and I was following in my car.  Climbing the mountain to Tehachapi, Ed kept going slower and slower which is unusual since the coach generally takes the mountain range without a problem. Called Ed and he said he had no power.  We pulled over when we got to the top, checked what could be checked and started out again.  Got a little better and when we hit the desert where there is God Awful Nothing, I was a bit concerned but we made it to Indio.  Mechanic has been out, serviced the coach and see if that fixes the problem. 


 Once we arrived on Wednesday, we met up with Bill and Shirley, longtime friends.  We had dinner and made plans to see the Palm Springs Follies the next afternoon.  Shirley was able to get great seats for last minute and we were in the 5th row.  This was the second show of the season and evidently there were mistakes but I didn't notice.  A fun show for anyone visiting the Palm Springs Area.


Over the weekend, I was able to get my hair done and so needed it!!!!  Thanks Sharon!  I am just going to have to travel here for appointments in off season because she is so good.  Ed and I went to the COD Street Fair on Sunday.  Quite a few vendors but it is not up to full capacity for a few more weeks.  The rest of this week, we just kicked back, went to the pool, the weather was outstanding for this time of year.  Of course we watched the Giants take the World Series a huge highlight of the week.  Then on Tuesday watched the results of the mot horrible bashing election that I can remember.  There should be a law that only ISSUES are discussed and absolutely no bashing.  Maybe that we the candidates would have to actually tell us their PLAN!  OK off the political soapbox.  Of course I had some retail therapy while down here.  Some of the best shopping experience's are in the Desert.  The restaurant at the resort opened this week and the food has been great. 


The car is packed and ready to go, we just have to turn off the water in the morning and hit the road.  It is about a nine hour drive home.  I hope we get home early enough to pick up Beau.  He is at a friend's place with four other dogs to play with and Maureen and Heath really like him so it works out well he has such a great place to go when we travel.  I do miss my dog!!!


Until next time...........

Back Home July 13, 2010

It was a busy early morning with everyone getting ready to head home.  Danny and Lynn were gone very early, did not get to say goodbye.  Gary and Phyllis were the next ones out followed by Pat and Jane.  Ed and I left with Ed, Dorothy, Paula, Len, Dave, April and Steve to follow soon.  Ed and I stopped at Carson Valley Inn for lunch.  We had a good trip and home about 2:00 PM.  We unloaded the food, laundry and clothes before I drove down to my daughter's to pick up Beau.  Ed was on the fence/gate project and by the time I returned home, he had it pretty much finished.  Glad to see Beau and he did OK at the daughter's with the exception of moving some bark to find a cool spot.  I was glad to see him and he wasted no time getting in the car to come home.  Thanks to daughter and family for taking good care of him.

Another successful trip with SIRS 15, we saw some beautiful country and had a great time.  Looking forward to our next trip, whenever that will be... 

Until next time.....