Family Visitors

Spent most of the morning resting in the room.  Worked on some artistic photo taken at  Valley of Fire.  Spelled my cousin at his pipe show table.

Had made plans with relatives on my mom's family side.  Aunt Mart Jane and cousin Beth Johnson met me to a late lunch at the hotel's Grand Cafe.

I packed up most of my stuff from the room,  Cousin Don and fellow New Mexico pipe makers Victor and Nathan invited me to join them with pizza a brew after the show.  Since I had a big, late lunch I just had a couple pints of craft beer. 

The "after glow" was at PizzaRev a couple blocks from the hotel.  Interesting set-up at the place.  Pizzas where one person sized pizza.  Beer and wine are on a tap wall.  After ID check, we were given wrist bands which link with the tap wall.  The base amount was 32 oz, end we could choose that we want and how much of each, until the 32 oz was used up.

I opted for "Full Sail" amber ale from a brewery in Hood River, OR.

Called it an early evening as we were planning to be out of the hotel heading home about 6am.

West Coast Pipe Show

The trip to Las Vegas, NV was to share driving and expenses as my cousin was attending the pipe show.  I helped him set up his display and manned the table while he took a lunch break.

I took the opportunity to catch up on sleep and did some photo work.  Dinner was spaghetti with meat balls at the hotel's Grand Cafe.

Valley of Fire

Today was the day for playing "tourist".  After a hardy breakfast at the hotel buffet, we headed 50 miles NE of Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park.  Weather was perfect for the trip with temps in the 60s, climbing to the 70s.

When we got off the interstate and headed to the park entrance, the sky way mostly cloudy.  We paid the $10 entrance fee and started our drive through the park.

Valley of Fire gets its name from the red rocks that abound in the park.  I took a lot of HDR photos.  Set up for 2 panoramic sets. (First pano set turned out well.  The second one was a mess - forgot to change camera setting from bracketed exposures to manual single-shot.)

Drove the North Shore road from Valley of Fire, through the Lake Mead Recreational Area.  Then into Las Vegas.  I was exhausted when we got back to the hotel.  The combination of he fresh air and walking around the park took its toll on me.  Crashed on the bed for a hour or so nap.

Eventually, I shower and we went down to the Grand Cafe for dinner.  After dinner, Don went off to visit with his pipe-making friends.  I was going to crash, but ended up processing my photos from the day.

Grand Canyon Railway

Don and I are on the road again, heading to Las Vegas and the West Coast Pipe Show,  Stopped in Williams, AZ for breakfast.

A block from the restaurant is the depot of the Grand Canyon Railway.  Took time to look at 2 if their locomotives and talked with workers decorating the locomotives for the holidays.

The railway's operational locomotive has been converted to run on used vegetable oil.  I would nick-name it the "French Fry Express".

Event-less drive on into Las Vegas.  Checked into our room. Had a beer and a burger  in the hotel for dinner.

Trip Planning

Cousin Don and I met at Billy's Long Bar to finish plans for the Las Vegas trip.  Don is traveling to exhibit hes pipe at the West Coast Pipe Show.  I am to help the driving and gives me a chance to get out of town for a long weekend.

Plans are best made over a couple pints of craft beer.

Great Basin National Park

Sunday seemed to be a good day to check out the Ward Coke Ovens and Great Basin National Park.  When I got to the coke ovens, I saw the state wants $7 for using the state park.  I thought that was a little high, since I just wanted to take a couple photos (which I did).

Stopped at the Great Basin Visitor's Center.  Picked up stuff in the store and checked the park map.  Drove the park road, stopping to snap several photos.  Nothing much else doing there since the cave tour was filled and I was not in shape to do any hiking.  Back to Ely, processed photos and repacked the car.

Saturday Night in Ely

After my train ride on the Nevada Northern Railway, I headed to my hotel.  It was time to check out what happens on Saturday night in Ely.  From what the hotel clerk, not very much.

Being Saturday evening, I showered and got my "cowboy" on.  Though it was rumored to ne a little pricey, I needed a good burger and large glass of craft beer.  Rack's did not disappoint me.

It was an nice evening, so opted to eat on the patio.  The burger was served on a "pretzel" bun.  The food was washed down with a 24 oz glass of Angle Creek Amber Ale.

Not much else going on in Ely on a Saturday night.  Anyway, my belly was sated, so I headed to the room for sleep.

Nevada Northern Railway

After breakfast in Austin, I drove through Eureka and on to Ely.  Drove on North to check out the Pony Express exhibit (nothing to write home about).  Made reservations for this evening train ride.  Had some problems with my reservation (they were expecting the week before).

Rested in the room and then headed to the train.  Nice weather for a train ride.  Was a little over 2 hour ride including the "hooky" staged train robbery and skit at "Keystone".

Sleepy Town

I knew it was  too far to drive from Reno to Ely and still see the sights.  Overnight in the sleepy town of Austin, NV.  Food establishments close by 4m and 6pm.  Had lunch when I got in town (bacon cheeseburger & fries).  checked out the Stoke's Castle (local landmark). Early to bed.

Breakfast at the same place (the other place in town is owned by a "Trumper" (signs all over the building) and I would not patronize their place if it was the only place in town.

On down US50 toward Ely.

Virginia City

Wednesday I headed up to Virginia City to play "tourist".  It was about noon when I got theer and just too busy on the main street,  (no parking) so I went back to Reno, planning to try again Thursday.

Did some walking down the street.  Suddenly, the stomach was giving my problems.  I knew I had to kill the tour and head back to the hotel.  Was able to get a couple photos before I had to head back.

199th LIB Reunion

Short drive Monday from S. Lake Tahoe to Reno.  Checked into the hotel, thankfully may room was available even though it was wat before check-in time.  Went to the 199th hospitality room and picked up my registration packet.

This was the first problem I had with my registration.  My name was spelled correctly on the registration envelop,but both the last name a location was wrong.  Got that corrected.

Settling into my room.  I could not log onto the hotel wi-fi,  Kept giving me an error message.  Had problems understanding the IT person (eventually asked for a person without the heavy accent). As it turned out, someone had spelled my name wrong! Guess they do not check my ID and credit card at check-in.  On top it all, when I turn on my TV, they have my name wrong.  URGH,

Back to the hospitality room for the memorial and opening session...The session was supposed to last 45 minutes, but the Chaplain was too long-winded.  Besides, I did not understand what he we trying to preach about as it did not make sense for me.  Ended up with pizza party hosted by the reunion. 

The Extraterrestrial Highway

I had some cereal and coffee at the hotel, packed up the room, and headed down the road toward Nevada.  In Nevada, I bypasses Las Vegas by taking Rt US 89 (Great Basin Highway) and the Extraterrestrial Highway.

 When I turned off the Great Basin highway into the "ET" highway, there was a sign warning the next services were 149 miles in Tonapah!  There was nothing much to see along the 100 miles of the "ET" highway. The was one little village, a ghost town Joshua Trees and scrub bush.

Checked into my room at the Tonapah Station (urgh - confusion with the room,keys, etc) and steps to get up to the room.  Processed photos from the drive. Thought about some dinner, ended up sleeping until 9pm.  Might as well call in a night and get a good breakfast in the morning.

Quiet Las Vegas Weekend

After playing tour-guide Thursday/Fridat, I had a quiet weekend.  Was hoping to visit with relatives, but things did not work out.

Saturday,  I kitted up for a bike ride.  Stopped in a bike shop to get map(s).  Very nice new free maps were available for the Southern Nevada and Henderson, NV.  Grabbed the hybrid out of the van and ready for a bike ride on the Pittman Wash Trail in Henderson.  Alas, I had 2 broken spokes on the rear wheel. 

 Had dinner at the hotel cafe - decent order of spaghetti and meatballs.  Champagne brunch at the hotels Grand buffet. 

Met up with a couple guys from my Army Unit for lunch.  Was a little too much food, but good food at BJ's with a pint of beer. Great to see and visit with Nick and Alex (see photo). 

The afternoon/evening was spend napping and working on photos from the trip.  Headed back towards Albuquerque about daybreak. 

Stopped about 15 miles South of Hoover Dam to take a couple photos of the Colorado River downstream from the dam.  Late lunch in Flagstaff.  Was just getting dark as we got off I-40, heading to my house.

Tourist in Las Vegas

Friday was the day to settle in at Las Vegas and cousin Don could get everything ready for the pipe show.  First on the agenda was breakfast at Blueberry Hill.  Having a breakfast there has been a tradition for Don and a couple of hist pipe-making friends - Victor and Nathan.  Pictured here is Don with his order of blueberry pancakes.

After breakfast, we went back to the hotel room.  Needed to gather my cameras for the drive red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.  This in a great place to get out and way from the glitz of Las Vegas - and its only about 15 miles from the "Strip".  I have been there many times, but was looking forward to an opportunity to take more photos of the area.

Red Rock Canyon is a fee area managed by the BLM.Your National Park Pass gets you into the area.  A shameless plug - its only costs $10 for us seniors - 62 yo and older.  What a deal!

Drove the scenic road - a one-way road.  Watch out for cyclists, hikes, and (first time I have seen) a tour on Segways).  It was a beautiful day - not a cloud in the sky and a little breeze to freshen the air.  Actually, I would have preferred some more clouds in the sky, they would have added sine interest in the photos.  (Middle photos was taken in Red Rock Canyon)

Back from the room, it was time for a nap for me and Don did some work, pricing his pipes.  The last thing in our agenda for the day was some dinner and downtown Las Vegas' Fremont Street Experience.  Its an awesome way the the city has re-vitalized the downtown area, bringing in business off the "Strip".  For all of the time I have been coming to Las Vegas - must be about 25 years), most visits have included a stop  downtown - even before the "Experience".

First on the agenda for the evening was some food.  Grabbed a burger and beer at Binion.s Cafe. Then, on to the show.

What is the Fremont Experience - its a downtown party.  Fremont Street is now a pedestrian street.  There a 1500 foot section covered with LEDs with a powerful sound system.  Every night, the crowds are treated to a 6 minute LED and sound show.  there are street performers,, and you can walk up, get a beer (plastic cups only, please) and enjoy the experience.

There is even a zip-line for an exciting view of Fremont Street.  Its was a zoo getting in and out of there on a Friday night.  We took a cab from our hotel, so we didn't have to worry about the traffic and a place to park.

Don topped off the night with beer and conversation with his pipe friends, I crashed into bed. (Bottom photos is if Fremont Street Experience)

Starting on the Way Home

Sunday was the day to start towards home. Packed up the room and loaded the car (no small task). Took a break of loading the car for breakfast.

The hurricane on the East coast is causing problems for some of our group. Lost of airports on the East Coast are closed. Anyway, said my "Good-Bye"s and hit the road. First stop - Hoover Dam.

Had not been at Hoover Dam in over 15 years. New Visitor's Center, parking structure, and of course the new bridge. All kinds of security check-points. Did not want to go through the scanners with the camera, I just walked a part of the dam - enough for some photos.

Lake Meade is VERY low!. I had heard from someone in the reunion was that it was down 22", but it looks like 22 FEET low. Part of the drought in the country.

Was a little leery of driving over the new bridge - open heights and all. I was actually disappointed. The concrete guardrails were so high, you don't even know you are high in the air. Word is that you can wlk over onto the bridge, but what I saw, it means a BiG climb up steps to the observation area. My legs would never handle it.

Back on the road about 2/3 of the way from, the dam to Kingman, there was a sign for Visitor's Information. Not right on the highway, had to drive 4 miles into the town of Chloride. An old mining town, it is said to be the oldest continually functioning post office (and town) in Arizona.

Turned East on I-40. Was thinking of making Winslow, AZ. But i was just too tired. Lucky to make Flagstaff. Got a room and crashed. On to Albuquerque for a couple days.

Golf Tournament

Busy day yesterday. Woke up early, so figured I'd get my blood draw. Found a near-by hospital. But, alas, they would not draw my blood - because I am out of state! Never head of that. Wait until after golf tournament and go to Quest Diagnostics. Was a Denny's across street from the hospital so had breakfast.

Off to the golf tournament. No, I was not golfing, just taking photos. There were 17 golfers for the reunion. Have been able to start publishing on the web site. Was a beautiful day out on the links of the Boulder Creek Golf Club.

After golf, stopped in Railroad Pass casino for lunch. Food here was a bit more reasonable compared to the Riviera where we are staying. Speaking about food prices -- When I got back they were collecting monies for the banquet. I almost choked when I got the price - $55! The most expensive banquet in the 8 years I have been attending the reunion.

Blood draw accomplished! Visited a bit in the hospitality room - more new folks arrived. Then had to take a nap. Got up enough to find out when the shooting tournament was scheduled. Then back to the room to sleep.

Reunion and a Bike Ride

Didn't do much in the morning. Breakfast buffet at the hotel with army buddies. Visited in the hospitality room. Today was the day the most folks are arriving.

HAD to get out for a bike ride. Headed to Boulder City to ride per bike shop suggested. Had some problems getting out of the Strip are - which streets go through, or goes under/over the strip and I-15. When I got to Boulder City had to stop at a gas station for direction to the bike trail parking.

Where I parked, I could ride down hill as far as I could see or up hill (where I could see for about 1/2 mile). Started down hill to see how steep the hill is. Steeper than it looks.

Decided to turn around and ride up. Did not want to ride up hill at the end of the ride to get back to the car. Topped the hill at about 1.5 miles from the car. Could have ridden on down the a casino - but did not want to climb back up. Photo above was taken while riding back downhill to the car. Interesting mile markers on the trail.

With a little research, I found out the trail I was on was the River Mountains Loop Trail. From the mile marker, I a thinking the mile 0 was at the Casino at Railroad Pass.

Guessing the hill was 4-7% grade. Most at or above the grade across the Bob Bridge (at max 4.9%). Legs were tired by the time i finished.

Back at the hospitality room for a whole. Looking for food. Buffet was $17 and more food than I wanted. Same with the pub in the hotel. Checked another restaurant on the strip - almost as much $$ than the buffet. Ended up at Denny's - chick-fried steak, fries, and salad. Just about that I needed.

More of the group arrived. Visited for a while. All were getting tired - early "get-up" to shoot the golf tournament.

Echo Company Reunion - Day 1

Relative slow day at the reunion. Folks are still getting into Las Vegas. Had breakfast breakfast at the hotel buffet. Nothing much to write about = normal fare, food not very hot.

Spent some time at the hospitality room visiting. Late morning headed out to find a local bike shop, preferably a Trek dealer. Headed out to the West side to Mc Ghie Ski Bike And Board. Friendly staff. Picked up a city bicycle map (actually "Southern Nevada Bike Map") and an adventure guide. The adventure guide maps hiking trail, mountain bike trails, and rock climbing areas West of town - the Red Rock Canyon area. Guide published by Franco Maps. (See photo taken at Red Rock Canyon.)

The suggestion for dirt trails was riding in the Cottonwood Valley area. I was thinking of riding the road bike from the hotel. I was told "To NOT ride in the hotel/strip area". Suggested to go out to Henderson to ride on the 34 miles bike path loop.

Too windy to head out ride today (though saw quite a few cyclist out today). While on the West side of town, headed over to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Drove the scenic Byway and stopped for some photos.

Back to the hospitality room and more visiting. Took a break up in the room and process photos. Spent the evening back in the hospitality room.

Valley of Fire

Packed up the car. Breakfast, and hit the road for Las Vegas. Don't remember the deep canyon when I drove the corner of Arizona some 20 years ago. First stop was the Information Center once I entered Nevada.

Off the interstate to see Vally of Fire State Park. Lots of red rock! Similar to Kodachrome Basin, but much larger area. Today's photo was taken at Valley Of Fire State Park.

Instead of dropping over to I-15, I took the scenic route through Lake Meade Recreation Area. The only problem was finding my way into Las Vegas from the recreation area.

Very windy today. Warm (80) and windy. Front coming through this evening. Coolerr for the week, but still highs in the lot/mid 70s.

I got my bearings and made it over to Las Vegas Blvd and the Riviera. Some of the other of our group were checking in as the same time. Once i had the camera, laptop and bicycles in the room, i took it east. Alternated trips from the car and stopping at the Hospitality Room.

Some of the folks were eating at the steak/seafood restaurant in the hotel. Just too much food for me. I found the food court and had a good cheese-steak sandwich and onion rings.

After an visit in the hospitality room I went to the room. Watch debate coverage on CNN (the hotel TV carries Fox News but not MSNBC. Gonna have to complain about that! Processed my photos from today. Now bed time