Saturday, February 16, 2008

Slip-Slidin' Away...

....Into retirement mode.
(We don't want to jump into retirement so quickly that we have a negative reaction!)

Wednesday we'll once again be boarding the flying aluminum cylinder, destination Phoenix. Our plan is to spend Wednesday and Thursday night with Big Bubba, then when BB can get away from work on Friday we'll jump in his new-to-him truck and head Northwest five hours or so to Las Vegas.
I've never been to Las Vegas. When I was 16 our family made a road trip to California, and we drove down Reno's Main Street on our way to CA. But Reno ain't Vegas, and that was in '63 so neither town looks anything like it did then anyway!
Big Bubba's work requirements will have us back on the road to Phoenix on Sunday afternoon, so we'll call this a "scouting mission" to get a taste of what's available for a longer stay later. Right now we plan on visiting the Hoover Dam, and naturally, Sci-Fi nut BB wants to go see "The Star Trek Experience" at the Las Vegas Hilton. Other than that, we don't have a clue, other than walking/driving around to see the sights. If you have suggestions we'd love to get 'em!

I love road trips. I'm hopeful our trip back from Vegas will be mostly during daylight hours so we can see the scenery along the way. The majority of my life has been spent East of Kansas City, MO., so our trip from Flagstaff to Phoenix last year was breathtaking... snow and pines in the mountains giving way to warm temperatures and Saguaro cactus in the Valley.

Two more days with BB in Phoenix, then we'll be wingin' our way back home Tuesday afternoon.
I'm just lookin' forward to getting away from slushy snow and overcast skies for a week.

11-18 May!
A little over two months after we get home from this trip we'll be headed to Destin for the DDFF. May seems a long way away, what with snow and ice all around us here at home...
but it's not too early to begin taking steps toward meeting your schoolmates for some fun alongside the Gulf of Mexico.

I think all participants would agree... we had such a wonderful time last year! (More feedback about last year here.) I'm hopeful more of you will meet us for a week in paradise this May. You can go here to take a look at available condos and prices, and you can even take a "virtual" tour of some of the units. (Units One through Ten face the Gulf. Sara Jean, TD, Cinders and I will be in Unit 3.)
May is normally a quiet time in Destin, so condos will probably be available right up until the week we'll be there. But the units with a view of the water are most likely to be rented early, so if you dream of drinking your morning cuppa while watching dolphins ply their way across your front yard, you need to consider reserving your home-away-from-home soon, and you can also do that right on that website.

Two couples can stay in each unit and have more than enough room to be comfortable... and that brings costs down to less than what you'd pay staying in a motel room.
If ya need additional information/advice, you can either email me or leave a comment here and get your questions answered.

We've called and reserved our unit. Let us all know if you plan to join us!

5 comments:

TwoDogs said...

GB, Hope you guys enjoyed your time w/BB. I am sure that you did.. Have only been to Las Vegas one time - years ago, but, I'm sure that you enjoyed the sights and sounds of Vegas.

Re: DDFF

This is a great time to visit with friends. Count us in! Looking forward to it again. FG and Hoosier Boy, TC and Sharon, H & C.. And those that didn't make it last year, please try again this year. IE and Shifty - come join us. Also Joker, BG - put this on your calendars! Ferdy, how about you? Missed you the last couple of times.
DJ - Destin is a nice little getaway! Great People, Great Food - Come join us....Hawk, PT, Bob White, GG???

Smiles and Laughter were overflowing at last year's DDFF and will be required again this year. So, bring them! Trust me - this is a simple requirement and comes very naturally at this get together!

Anonymous said...

Well, if you have never been to Vegas you are in for a treat or something. Shifty and I go out every year. I have a convention out there every year and it is a perfect excuse to go and (donate) to their economy. I have a best friend who is like a sister who lives out there.

You mentioned (driving around). Helpful hint, don't plan on (driving around) on the strip. It is a night mare down there. The best thing to do is (walk the strip). That way you can hit the casino's one by one. If you get a chance to see any of the shows with the impersonaters it is worth it.

HELPFUL HINT !!! If you are playing the slots (ALWAYS)bet the maximum. If you don't and you do hit the jack pot you will kick yourself in the butt as there is a (BIG) difference in the payout. Beware of the penny slots. It sounds like (gee I'm only betting pennies) but when you play maximum lines at maximum bet you can end up betting as much as you would on the dollar slots. If you find a Beverly Hillbilly's penny machine be sure and play it. It's a Hoot!! and I have won pretty good on them.

Oh yes, and be sure that you read how the pay offs work. On some machines unless you have in the maximum bet and you hit the jackpot (IT DOESN'T PAY OFF) I lost $500 one time because I didn't have in the extra quarter. I like to had a hear attack.

The dam is beautiful. If you continue on over the dam the view of the Colorado river winding around is breath taking. Red Rock Canyon is also beautiful.

Just a helpful hint. Some of the smaller casino's pay out better than the (BIG) ones.

Do me a favor, Pick a dollar machine, put in the max and spin one time for me. If I win I expect you to send me my thousands, HAHA. If not I'll send you my investment. Remember, One machine, One spin. I'll be expecting my check.

Have a great time and sure wish I could be with you. Oh yes, and as long as you are (playing) drinks are free. So have a couple for me.

Echo

Greybeard said...

Thanks for the tips Echo.
That's the kind of information I was hoping I'd get from six or eight people. I guess other VK's are catching a nap.

I'm not a gambler. My attitude is that all those lights in Las Vegas are kept lit because others were kind enough to take a chance... and I thank them for that. My attitude is that I'll also absorb some of that generosity, but I have no interest in helping pay their electricity bill. (I'm just NO fun at all!)
We'll visit the dam, walk the strip, people watch, take in a show or two if possible. But the only gambling I'll be doin' is to contribute to your dollar machine, if you were serious about that.

Lord willin', I'll let ya know here how things are goin' this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hey GB
I'm leaving today 2-20-08 on the 2:50 flight to Phoenix and will be there for 2 weeks. If you have any free time we all can have dinner one night with my son and yours. Call me on my cell 317-714-8738.
Carol

Top Cat said...

You know of anyone else comimg to DDFF yet? GB How long do I have to rent a unit for and about how much a night. TD and GB whats your time schedule down there so I can get my dates lined up. Anyone heard from Patsy? Are they coming? Ferdy are you going to try and make it? And how about Echo and Shifty? Las Vegas would be another great trip for a group of us to go out. Sharon and I have never been. See you all soon.