Day Six – September 14, 2018

Day 6 – September 14, 2018

After a good night’s sleep, we decide to catch up on some writing and have breakfast in our room.  Since this hotel is right across from a very busy truck stop we thought it would be a rough night with noise – but the room was quiet and we did sleep well.

We reheat the loaded tater tots and the loaded baked potato in the microwave and share a feast!  Our next stop is Las Vegas to see daughter, son-in-law, and two grand-puppies.  Kids are at work so we take our time and re-group for the next part of the trip.  Nancy’s muscles are still tight, but her chest does not hurt quite as much.  This is our morning view!

We gas up the car and continue through Utah.  There are cattle ranches, more irrigation, more green crops we cannot identify. 

 

There are also more of those “No Services” signs.  Really?

The mountains loom large and soon there are signs for Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park.  Not really sure canyons are a good thing right now (Nancy cannot do another canyon rim tour)– so we decide to pass these opportunities and continue on to Vegas.

We cross into Arizona and the terrain changes a bit.  Somewhat flatter and then more dramatic. 

 

 

 

The Nevada state line welcomes us and the time changes to Pacific Time.  Somehow traveling west isn’t as difficult to adjust to as traveling back to the east.

There are level areas but the mountains are ever present in the distance.  It is warm, low 90’s, but there is almost no humidity, so it feels nice. 

We pull into a Walmart Plaza to finish our leftovers for lunch (the grilled cheese and tomato, and some Buffalo chicken pieces) and a banana.  A place to get rid of our trash and a quick bathroom stop and we are off again.

As we approach Vegas on I-15 the traffic increases and so does the number of traffic lanes.  To get to Summerlin we need to get to the I-215 and there is construction to deal with as well.

The kids are still at work so we head for the nearest car wash to try to get rid of some of the bugs.  Dale has been cleaning the windshield every 3-4 hours it seems just to see somewhat clearly.  The car grill and front light areas really need to be hand scrubbed – maybe tomorrow.

 

Kate gives us the code to the gated community and we arrive at their new house.  A beautiful street lined with trees and landscaping, quiet cul-de-sac – really nice.  She runs into the house to let the dogs out and then out to give us big hugs and then we get prepared for the puppies.

Minion already knows us so when she sees Grandma and Grandpa she is quite vocal and happy to see us.  Nox is a new addition, so she doesn’t know what to expect.  She is timid and shy at first but it does not take long for her to warm up to us and then she is the attack puppy!

They are Australian Cattle dogs – smallish in size – but bold in attitude.  And we are happy to sit on the floor and play with them. 

We have to add that they also have a LOT of energy and seemingly endless and boundless stamina to run up and down stairs – fly through the air to catch a ball – and chase in circles after a bird on a string.  There is something about a broom that these two cannot resist.  Attack the broom? 

 

They also can just chill and nap and then jump on your head when you least expect it!  We are having a blast.

We get a tour of the house and immediately feel at home.  A grand entrance room – open concept kitchen and family room, four bedrooms upstairs – 3 bathrooms – really comfortable and lovely.

Jason gets home from work early and we are catching up with them!  Time for dinner – so many choices – we decide on Italian and go to Siena’s. 

 

The food is always very good here – lasagna, pollo marsala, penne – all good choices.  Of course, we must save room for dessert and this doesn’t not disappoint as there is flourless chocolate cake and a cookie plate!

 

We leave to go back to their house and just hang out in the back yard enjoying a bugless, warm and beautiful evening.  Time gets away from us and we go to bed around 11:30 pm.