Glam, Glitz and Gluttony

Vegas is crazy. Kind of sad, too. We cut through the casino to grab a taxi for Monday dinner at Prime Steakhouse in the Bellagio. What a scene! Smokin' drinkin' and gamblin' everywhere. The meal was over the top and so was the view of the fountains. The extravagant seafood appetizer reminded me of corporate decadence from back in the 1980s. Nine of us were reunited from NYC and enjoyed a delicious aged ribeye and nice wine at the business affair. After dinner we took in the decorations in the Bellagio lobby.

Vegas Baby!

Northwest out of Phoenix on US 93 became increasingly more scenic as we crossed into NV. The Lake Mead and Hoover Dam attractions were surrounded by dramatic landscapes. It was a lovely journey through the desert mountains with little traffic. We secured the van at Oasis RV Resort just off of the strip and took an Uber to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino where we will be staying for Deloitte's partners meeting. A couple of nice dinners and visits with business friends will be on the agenda for the next couple of days.

Bears vs. Cards

The bus left the hotel at 10:30am Sunday for State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ. Fifty fans from Chicago were ready for tailgating enroute rather than in the parking lot. Way too hot to be hanging in the sun.

The game was super fun, especially considering the magnificent air conditioned venue and the Bears pulling off a win 16 - 14.

Exhausted from a long day, most of our group opted for a convenient bite to eat at the hotel bar before retiring to rooms early. There's talk of our next reunion in Denver next year. It's always great to spend time with Maggie and Kevin and their extended family and friends.

On to Wild Horse Pass

Bill took this cool shot of Saturday's sunrise over the van before we pulled out for greater Phoenix. After check-in at the Sheraton Grand hotel, Bill took the van to Motor Coach Resort (two miles away) to park for a couple nights.

Slowly but surely we met Chicago friends around the hotel for our annual reunion and Bears game. The pool was the only place to be in 100° heat. A large group took Uber cars to Tempe for dinner at Dierk's Whisky Row. It was loud and packed with students watching the Arizona State game. Good food tho and fun scene.

Autumnal Equinox

We left Kartchner State Park after an amazing early morning hike. The sun is low and hot, preventing anything strenuous after 9am. Haha. Crazy dry heat and blazing sun. It was a thrill to see a diamondback on the trail. I didn't even scream. It was such a beautiful setting, we lingered over Bill's pancakes and cold brew at camp before heading out.

Errands, late lunch at In N Out Burger and a short drive to Picacho Peak State Park and we were immersed in the most beautiful sunset. A perfect day all around.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Another short day of driving and we were in Arizona. We pulled into Kartchner Caverns State Park around 1pm. Now our new fave of the trip. We had all afternoon to explore on bikes and just hang out playing cards and enjoying camp. We were treated to a brilliant sunset as we cooked dinner. It was the first night of the trip that we slept without the air conditioning. Heavenly!

Rockhound State Park NM

It was another pleasant day of driving on some backroads and Interstate 10 West out of TX on Wednesday. We passed a most bizarre art installation in the middle of nowhere on US 90: Marfa Prada. Google it. Didn't stop for a picture.

We followed Walter White's car into NM (timing is everything) and found our way to Rockhound State Park. Our fave camp of the week. The western flora and fauna were magical. We had a nice hike around the park before dinner at camp. A dust storm had us taking cover and the rain woke up in the night. The Thursday morning desert air was filled with the fragrant and robust smell of sage.

Davis Mountains

It was a perfect stretch of highway from San Antonio to Ft. Davis TX. There were no cars on the roads Tuesday as we made our way to Davis Mountains State Park. A beautiful campground with a nice vibe. After a quick set up, we hiked up a bluff and enjoyed the vista. You can see our camper in a picture. Cold beer, hot shower and cool mountain temps awaited us back at camp. Salmon on the grill with a nice Rombauer completed a perfect day on the road.

Food on the Road

We've been on the road since Thursday and have enjoyed only two meals out. We eat well even on the road. The key to eating healthy and simply in camp and on the Interstate is a freezer. Both Bill and I prepped the freezer with some mouthwatering favorites before our departure; making mealtime easy and delicious. We have smoked pork, Italian beef, bbq chicken, homemade ravioli and fettuccine, our garden basil pesto and grilled pizza among the brats, bison, shrimp, salmon, veggies, fruit, bread and the all important ice cubes in the old fashioned trays. Bill even made a quart of Greek yogurt in the InstaPot for our trip. Here it is pictured with blueberries, honey and cinnamon. Yum!

San Antonio

It was nice to have a leisurely breakfast at camp before taking care of some tasks. There's nothing like exploring a new area by way of people watching at the laundromat and auto repair shop. Yes, another tire problem but we're keeping a good attitude. We had an authentic lunch at Guajillo's Shortcut to Mexico restaurant before checking out the Alamo and Riverwalk downtown. It's all good.

Guadalupe River State Park

Sunday night primitive and private Texas campground. First shower ever in the van. It was tight but refreshing. First fresh air cocktail hour this trip. Evening cooled by torrential rainfall on drive from Austin to San Antonio.

Exit 880

The tire episode called for a revised travel plan. Rather than press on to our camp reservation outside of Houston, Brazos Bend State Park, we had an abbreviated drive to Sam Houston Jones State Park in Louisiana. The park was tired, dismal and a whopping $38 a night. We encountered the worst stretch of road, random traffic patterns, and generally unpleasant scenery throughout our short journey through LA. I didn't even take a picture in the state. We're just glad to be starting the long haul through Texas Sunday morning.

Leaks

There is a design flaw in the Airstream galley sink. We've been ever mindful of a potential water disaster as a result. It happened. The air conditioner is so loud, we couldn't hear the slow flow of water. The grey water tank filled up and then backed up. We had some pumping and mopping up to do. Not a big deal, but a hassle and left unsightly water damage in one of the drawers.

The incident didn't interfere with a good night's sleep and we pulled out of camp with a slow leak in a rear dually. We learned that lots of businesses are closed on Saturday morning in MS. Luckily we were directed to Southern Tire. A bustling franchise in Biloxi. After a couple of hours in the waiting room, our tire was fixed free of charge. Go figure. It's all part of the adventure on the road.

Visitors Center and Davis Bayou

After a 22 minute movie and nature presentation about life within Gulf Islands National Seashore, I have a whole new appreciation for hurricanes replenishing life at the coastline. NC continues to be pounded by rain and winds from Hurricane Florence's landfall Friday morning. A half a million people are without power.

We bought a National Parks Passport from Davis Bayou where we enjoyed a lovely campsite and comfortable amenities. $11 a night. 😂

🎶 Miss iss ippi 🎶

This is location is a double first for us. First time in Mississippi. The Gulf Island National Seashore is our first National Park overnight with the camper van, too. Yippee!!

Hopped on the bikes to check out the town of Ocean Springs, MS. It was a hot ride in the mid-day sun. Ten miles later and back at camp the beer was so refreshing in our air conditioned van. 🍻

High Springs Florida

O'Leno State Park and River Rise is yet another beautiful campground in FL. It's one of the oldest state parks in FL, built in the 1930s. Just on the banks of the Santa Fe River in High Springs, we had a comfy, clean respite for $16 a night on Thursday. Crazy. That's the senior, FL resident rate. It couldn't possibly cover the cost of our air conditioning cranked up (down) for 14 hours.

Today, we still have about five more hours before the AL state line. That's crazy too. To think of how long and wide FL is. MS is mapped out for today's leg. Biloxi for a hike before dinner if all goes well.

Crack Pots

With the odometer at 23638, we pulled out for a western adventure with a loaded van and cracked windshield. There were several issues with the van leading up to our departure. Most were resolved except for the window. We were assured by mechanics not to worry about the crack. A windshield will be waiting in FL upon our return.

These Boots are Made for Walking

I can't wait to get these babies back on my feet. In just a few more weeks we will be heading out on a new adventure in the van. The wild west is calling and time in nature is deeply needed. Stay tuned in mid-September.

Feet Up Kind of Morning

Brickell Key was bustling with runners, although the masses seem to be sleeping in this Sunday morning. The closest breakfast joint didn't start serving eggs until 9am. We settled for croissants and cappuccino at B. Bistro and Bakery before getting comfortable poolside.

Our anniversary dinner Saturday night at throwback Mr. Chow was deliciously memorable. Celebrating 50 years in business, the Chinese restaurant was just as I remember from a NYC experience many years ago.

Transported to Another World

After a short ride through the Everglades, we arrived in jumpin' Miami. Our first call of business was to have Will's watch engraved at the Fossil store at the beautiful Dadeland Mall. On to the fabulous Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Brickell Key. With a bargain price in July, this luxurious property is just the place to celebrate 28 years of marital bliss. Nice going, husband dearest!

No Dog Sitter Needed

Sadly, we picked up Solo's ashes and headed over to Miami for a quick change of pace. It's been a tough week without our sweet companion. Today is our 28th wedding anniversary, so we'll try to have some fun in the Magic City.

Parting Shots

We had a most amazing week in MT. People said it was the best weather week in a long time. So long Paws Up! Check that off our list.

Scenes from Paws Up

Hiked around the beautiful property before the skies opened and we took to our cabin for the mountain storm Thursday.