Winding Roads, a Casino Resort and Family!

Jillian and Charlotte

Last year when we went to the casino resort in NM it was very far off the beaten path, so much so that we thought we had possibly missed it until I saw the billboards asking Gambling Problem? Once we saw those we knew we were close rather than had over shot it.  That trek did little to prepare me for the winding roads we had to travel down when we got off the 15 in California and headed toward the Harrah’s Resort in Valley Center.

I-15 on our way down from Barstow - LA trying to rival NY

The hairpin turns and steep drop offs tested my heart more than once.  I worried that traffic coming the opposite way would think they had some lead way going left of center which they did not and worried we too may go left of center.  Vince had called asking for directions twice on our way there but never received a call back.  You can only imagine how unhappy I was when we were told the morning of load in that there was an easier way to go when we left.  Really? Thanks! We would have appreciated that info a day or two sooner.  Although I must say that the staff at the resort were great.  Everyone was friendly and very welcoming.

Harrah's Resort Valley Center

After load in on Friday we enjoyed a nice lunch and dinner, some gambling and pool time.  The show is kind enough to include the driver in the meal and hotel room package.  It was nice to get out of the truck after the long haul across the country.  The sad thing was usually you put the two of us in a casino and we are up until the wee hours of the morning but that Friday night we were asleep by 11:00 pm.

Our view from our hotel room

Jillian, Charlotte and Me

On Saturday our niece Jillian who lives in San Diego and her baby Charlotte came to visit us.  Jillian’s husband Joe had to work and while we were sorry we didn’t get to see him, we totally understand weekend work schedules. It was so good to see Jillian and to meet baby Charlotte. The nice thing about seeing family and friends on the road is we get one on one time with them.  We really get to hear how things are going and what is new in their lives.  Also I think they would agree we are the perfect visitors we bring our own accommodations and we don’t over stay our welcome. 

Jillian, Charlotte and Vince

Baby Charlotte is as sweet as sweet can be.  The only time she cried was when Aunt Joan pulled her bottle to see if she had a burp in her.  Let me tell you she let me know very quickly that she wanted the bottle and not to burp.

Another Great Pic of Momma and Baby

Our trip back to Connecticut included a stop in Las Vegas to drop a few things at a shop. It is not as glamorous as some may think it means just going to a shop near the airport and having the things removed from the back of the trailer then heading east. It was a long trip back, partly due to the heat in the southwest, rain in the Midwest and mainly because it was just long days of driving, okay I don’t drive but you know what I mean.  It is almost time for me to go home, but we have one more move before this trip is over, so stay tuned.