We get around

On Sunday afternoon I made some modifications to the dash of the motor home. It tends to lift up and whistle in a headwind because of the air pressure under it. I used some moldings and trim pieces and firmly tightened down the dash to its supports. Hope it works.

Sunday night we cleaned the rugs. Wow, was the water ever dirty! We used enough soap and water for 4 rooms, but in the end we had nice, clean carpets.

Monday morning Marlene made a packed lunch, and we went to Lowes to return the Rug Doctor. Then we hit the highway for Lake Tahoe. Our plan was to drive around the whole lake, 75 miles around, starting down the eastern side. The road went through many switchbacks and long, steep grades, til we reached the highest point, just over 9000 ft. As we wound our way down, we finally saw the lake. There are few spots on the road to stop and enjoy the views, and the ones there are were very crowded. We stopped to get onto one of the beaches, but you have to pay $7 each and no dogs allowed! This was not a good sign.

Every time we tried to stop and enjoy the scenery, and walk Ben, we were met with NO DOGS signs and high admission costs and crowds of people. As we wound our way to South Tahoe, we were more and more disenchanted with the whole area. It is so commercialized and tacky-touristy, that the natural beauty has been hidden. We stopped at McDonalds to eat our picnic in their back yard, because it was the only place with grass and trees we could take Ben.

Finally we found a "Doggie Beach", but it was crowded with big dogs running loose, crapping everywhere, and jumping on us. Ben was very nervous, and wanted to leave. As we went north on the west side of the lake we were confronted with miles and miles of 5000 to 25000 sq. ft. mansions. The sheer numbers of these decadent "weekend homes" were staggering. Where do all these rich people come from who have to build a huge palace by a lovely lake. Even here, the bad economy seems to have had its effects. Many of these palaces are sporting For Sale signs.

Our final thoughts of Lake Tahoe: Burn down the fancy houses, level the tacky "Swiss" themed strip malls, and return it to its natural state.

Tuesday morning I took our jet fuel cans and got them filled at a petroleum wholesale place. It was more than $1 a gallon cheaper than in Tucson. Bonus. Then I finished off the work on the dash. In the afternoon we went to the Atlantis casino. Finally a place with some class, and also some crowds. We had a fine lunch at the Manhattan Deli. We indulged ourselves with Matzoh Ball Soup, which came with a baseball sized dumpling. It was as light and fluffy as a Matzoh Ball can be, and the broth was obviously scratch made and had large chunks of veggies, not the usual little slivers. It was almost as good as Mom made. Following our soup, we split a wonderful pastrami on rye sandwich. It was accompanied by french fries, and a bowl full of Kosher dill pickles and piccalily. Total cost: $25.

After lunch we went to the casino cabaret and enjoyed a group of 55 year old rockers playing lots of oldies. We could just imagine what these guys were like 30 years ago when they started playing. We had a drink and then went to tour the hotel. We later returned to the deli and bought a loaf of challah bread, a huge chunk of tiramisu and a giant fruit tart to take home with us. The Atlantis is a well run, class operation. We think it is the only one in Reno.

On Wednesday we loaded up a packed lunch and went to Carson City. This time Ben stayed home to be a watchdog. Our intention was to take a walking tour of the old city, following the Kit Carson trail. We started at the State Assembly building, which has been restored and is currently used to house the Governors office and several state departments. It has a small museum inside with old photos and artifacts.

We had lunch on the Assembly grounds, which were lovely, then we started our walking tour. There are lots of beautiful old homes, dating from the early 1800's, all of them are currently used as homes or businesses. To own one of these historical homes must be a great responsibility. We worked up a thirst, so we stopped into the St. Charles hotel, built in the 1800's, which houses an English style pub. We consumed a couple of draft beers, then walked back to our rental car. Gas here was 20 cents a gallon cheaper than Reno! We found Carson City to be interesting and lovely, and not at all "touristy" even though it attracts plenty of tourists.

Thursday we went to Walmart to stock up on food and booze for our trip north. Better to do our shopping now while we have the rental car. Then we unloaded the groceries and returned to Idlewild park so that Ben could have a nice walk, and inspect the ducks.

Thursday evening we went to a used book store to replenish our library. Then we went to dinner at the Thai Lotus restaurant. We had read good reviews of this little place, and the couple that own and run it are real Thai immigrants, not the usual Chinese. The service was impeccable, and the food was wonderful. We started with a flask of hot sake while making our food choices. We selected a Thai green curry stir fry with beef and accompanied by Roti (flatbreads). Our second plate was veggies and seafood in oyster sauce. Delicious, and accompanied by Jasmine rice. Our third dish was suggested by the owner; it was rice noodle dish with chili powder and basil, lots of meat, poultry and seafood, and veggies. This was a great meal, and only cost $47. Highly recommend this place if you are in Reno.

Today we returned the car, and what a nuisance that was. The parking areas are closed off for the big motorcycle race here, and also for the start of the big 250 mile desert race that begins tomorrow. We intend to stay here at the hotel grounds and watch some of the racing, cook up some fine food, and indulge in some fine bourbon. Sunday is fathers day... stay tuned....