Part One of my RNC experience.
No, I’m not here to bash the convention or Jimmy Thomas. (though many have on Facebook and in their posted blogs) Because overall, I had a really good time.
In the past 15 years, this was the first vacation my husband I have taken WITHOUT THE KIDS. Don’t get me wrong, I love my duo spawn like the mother I am. Yes, I probably spoil them rotten. However, even us parents need a break from the constant reminding, refereeing, cleaning, and whining.
I couldn’t wait to get on the road. Hubs had the SUV packed the night before — guess he couldn’t wait either! We woke up at 4AM on Thursday and were on the road by 5:00.
Departing from the California coast, here’s a pic of the sun rising as we made our way through the flat plains of the central valley. Yes, we had the sun in our eyes the entire way!
Some of you from Los Angeles might recognize this picture. Gotta love the oil wells, or at least the ones that were working.
Not much to see out there except rocks, scrub brush, and highway. Maybe the occasional hill.
Out of the desert floor rose an oasis and we made it into
Las Vegas. One nickname for this town is Lost Wages. I’m sure there’s others and if you know any of them, share! *note how the sun isn’t in our eyes*
We found our hotel, the
Golden Nugget, thanks to Mapquest. Of course we arrived during the day, so it didn’t look quite like this. More like….
Things are always less glamorous during the day. Maybe the neon distorts our perception at night. No matter, we were in Las Vegas, baby! Hubs parked in the massive parking garage. I reapplied lipstick and hunted for the shoe I’d tossed in the rear cargo area.
Purse on shoulder, matching shoes on feet, nerves tighter than a stretched rubber band, we strolled arm in arm down to registration where we checked in. Hubs upgraded our room to the Rush Tower and purchased their amenities package, which included use of the spa room and free WiFi – a necessity for any modern writer! *note: WiFi is free after paying for it*
Using our key card to gain access to the 22nd floor, we took the long ride up in a very nice elevator while sipping free bottled water and munching on packaged peanuts offered to the Nugget’s VIP guests. (part of the amenities package – squee!)
Remember: we haven’t been on vacation for 15 years! We were going to do this right!
This is our view out the west facing window looking down at the pool. All those little tanned slots down there are people! Yes, I’d say the pool was crowded for a Thursday afternoon.
The pool is like a big ring and a portion goes underneath a landing. Nice and cool under there. I have pics 🙂 The yellow tube on the bottom left is the waterslide that goes through the shark tank. I heard you can’t actually see the sharks when you’re sliding since you’re going mach speed, but it’s bitchen to watch on the outside!
No, I didn’t ride the tube. LOL, Hubs and I affectionately called the water “the cesspool of salmonella”. Which it wasn’t, of course! The fumes of chlorine told us that. We’re just not into that many people in the same body of water.
I know, it’s a picture of the bathroom. Who the hell takes pictures of their hotel bathroom? ME, that’s who! Jacuzzi tub on the left with clear doors that can fold back and don’t stretch the distance, cool double bowl sinks with LOTS of counter space and drawers, and – best part – look at all those extra towels!! They even had an electrical outlet in a spot where you can put it to good use! Reflected in the mirror, you can see the vanity lit up behind me.
I loved our room. I even went down to the front desk and thanked the nice gal from Hawaii (it says where the employee is from on their name badge) and told her how much we were going to enjoy staying. The window on the right is the west view overlooking the pool. The other looks southward across Las Vegas, toward the mountains. King-size bed and leather furniture – oh yeah! Desk, dresser, and TV #1 directly across from the bed, and behind me is TV #2 – both were flatscreen and HUGE! (should have taken a pic of that! Darn it!!)
What was my first stop after freshening up and leaving the room? The bar, of course! See the diver in the upper left corner of the pic?
More pictures and stories to come! If you like my travel tales, please let me know. I look forward to your comments!!
Why did ya stop there? I want to learn more about your trip!
Stay tuned!! More pictures and commentary are coming your way. (in other words, free Blogger can handly only so much at once) LOL Thanks for reading!!
LOL, okay. Looking forward to it!
How exciting. I can't wait until my kids are older to be able to go. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
I said those very same words, Andrea. Now I miss those days. "Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems." Stay tuned for more pics!
That looks like paradise – but just getting back from a 10-day roadtrip with three kids where we covered more that 3300 miles–a shack without electric or running water would be great as long as kids weren't there. LOL Looks like a super fun time.
You win the prize for most patient parent. There'd be no way I could take ten days…locked in a car….with my boys. Not unless I was armed with a squirt bottle and fly swatter. My defenses against fighting and indoor noise pollution.
Love the way you pair the photos with the story! You are a true storyteller, Sheri.
Ha! It took three cups of coffee and a counseling session with my rat terrier to get it all down. I'm so glad it worked! Thank you, Melodie!
Nice pics. I like hearing about your trip.
Lea Ellen {night owl in IL}
Thank you, Lea-Ellen! Part Two coming soon!
Standing by for more pics. So glad you were there Sheri!
Hugs Natasza
What a delight to have met you, Natasza! If only there'd been more time. Hugs!
Lovely pictures! Looks like a lot of fun! 😀
The last time I'd been in Vegas was just after Hubs and I became engaged. We went with another couple (he was a PRCA roper) to the National Finals Rodeo. BOY have things changed since then!! There was so much we wanted to do during this trip and never had the time. Next time!
LOVE how you tell stories!!! Ahhhh Vegas how I miss you!! This was a joy to read. Thank you for sharing! LOL on Lost Wages. I hadn't heard that one before. Beautiful pics and as always you expressed your experience with such amazing words! So glad you had a great time!
Spending alone time with the Hubs was the frosting on the cake. For FOUR glorious days, I never heard the word "Mom".
Why would anyone bash Jimmy Thomas or the convention? People. *eye roll* I am so jealous you got to do this!!!
Frankly, I still can't believe we were able to get away. The boys did so well in managing the livestock and house chores – I'm proud of them!! As for the complaints…well, first time convention had a few bugs to work out.
I feel jipped!! LOL just kidding! No really. I want more pics!!
Looks like a lovely place to vacation. LOVE that bar!!!
I really wish I'd taken more pictures. There was another bar near the pool called the Ice or Crystal bar – can't remember for sure. We probably sat there more since it was located in one of the main corridors with great views for people watching. I hope you and I will meet up one day, AR Von!
Thanks for Sharing. For those of use who couldn't go, seeing the joys of those who did, is the next best thing.
I had so much fun meeting the people I know on Facebook. And then there were the fan-girl moments when I'd meet a certain author. Networking, laughing, and eating good food. I couldn't ask for more.