Loafing in Laughlin

Nov. 11, 2010

My last post was in Meridian, Idaho just before we left last Saturday.  We had hoped to stay one more day in Meridian and then spend an extra day in Ely, Nevada but once again “weather dictates when an RV will travel!”  Wind, below freezing temperatures and snow were predicted over night Sunday and into Monday for Ely (at 7000 feet) so away we went.  A quiet journey from Meridian to Twin Falls although wind could be a problem judging by all the wind generators on top of all the hills.   Again, not too much wind (although the headwind was enough to trash our mileage) as we travelled from Twin Falls over the Great Basin to Ely.  You might think I overuse the word  “wind” but it is our biggest concern next to snow and icy roads.  The weather was warm as we travelled and we arrived around 3:30pm in Ely so we had a relaxing evening before we started off at 7:30am Sunday morning.  I had really wanted to get back to the railroad museum in Ely and get a t-shirt for grandson Shane in Pittsburgh who, at almost six, is a train nut!  Oh well, maybe in the spring on the way back.  The trip through Las Vegas was uneventful although the concrete freeway is rough as hell, very bouncy!  From Vegas to Searchlight there was once again, another headwind to ruin our mileage.  Into Laughlin around 3:30pm and booked our cheap week ($89.00 plus tax) for full hook-up at the Riverside Casino Park.   They, of course, won’t give you a good spot for that rate but even though we are out in the gravel lot it is okay since it is relatively empty and we actually have a nice view.  The old guy Neil next to us (retired Navy from Washington)  is loosing enough money at the casino for both of us!  Seems to be fewer cats around and they say they did reduce the population a little this summer so that is a good thing (Eric still thinks there are lots!)   A good place to take a breather before we hop further south on Sunday.  It is sunny even though it is windy and the daylight is from about 7am to 6:30 pm so it is also bright.  Unfortunately there is no free Wi-Fi in the park and although I tried to hook-up and pay for a week it was so complicated I finally gave up so it’s off to the mall to post this.   We can pick up our Yahoo Mail with the AT&T phone that daughter Krista and her husband Jeff have so kindly given us to use free of charge.  We have washed the RV and truck, I’ve started my Christmas cards and we are once again enjoying cheap American beer so things aren’t too shabby at the moment.   We also got a free buffet breakfast with our cheap RV week so we did that yesterday before we headed off to shop.  Eric as usual was horrified by the people, noise and smoke as we walked through the casino.  We decided that the buffet was okay as a freebie but we certainly wouldn’t pay for it.  Easy to see why the population here is so overweight and as well can’t walk.  Sad!  So, nothing too exciting just some shopping and trying to get used to the hunt for things to do with all this spare time.  At home we are flat out for six months and now we hit a dead stop so it is a big adjustment.  Blue is still nice and shiny and safely tucked into her garage as it is no fun riding in the wind.  Eric is busy riding his bicycle (screaming wind today) and I am walking again so maybe that will help with my caboose!  Hope so.  So take care all, we miss you and I’ll catch up again in a few days.