Boomtown Hotel & Casino Verdi

Dad invited me out to the races this year and so he, Uncle Mike, and I went on the last day. Roamed all over the air field and saw some pretty sweet rides (check out the pics). They had the Blue Angels do a show and I was surprised to see the flag from the old homestead coming down with one of the parachutists (it was the AK Air Guard). All in all a good, if short, trip.

... stopping for coffee as we left.
As it turns out, this morning I had a really big craving for a Starbucks breakfast sandwich (before you pass judgment know this: they. are. delicious. (That's why i had a craving)). But there's only one I like. It's the reduced fat turkey bacon. The reduced fat part isn't what makes it awesome; its the delicious english muffin-like bread, the egg, the cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon combo that gets me.
Truckee, California, United States alycat09

... bed, so we camped in America’s campground located six miles down the road, Wal-Mart. There were four other campers with the same plan, which is the real reason the parking lots are so big. Of course by the time we actually left we hit the store four more times, I wonder if Sam Walton had this use of his property in mind. If he had than he is truly a marketing genius.

... for a-hootin, and a-hollerin'

Oh, and beads.

Please excuse me for not posting some of the more interesting pictures from today's little jaunt, since I'm not sure what this site's policy is on, well, interesting pictures.

Besides, once you've seen one pair... you wanna see them all. Am I wrong? (That's what Google is for.)

... than they walked in with. After a picture session with the giant nude man, Nick and Chels departed Reno with bigger egos, a realization of the addictive nature of gambling, and a taste of how Chelsea will be spending the later years of her life. They passed the Reno Police when leaving the city, (unfortunately, they were lacking short shorts and mustaches,) and were prepared for a night of driving towards Colorado Springs.

The party had started before we even got there. I contacted a Couch Surfer in Reno, Nathan, who was just awesome, and put Z, Jenn and I up in his place the few days before burn time. We all met in Reno, Z driving the crazy awesome van across the country in 4 days, Jenn flying into the airport, and of course, me meeting up with all of them. Once again, I was blown away by the openness and giving of Nathan, and in turn all the CS I've met along the way.

... it to the top of half-dome --> 12 hour hike covering 15 miles and 4800 feet of elevation gain - easily the most difficult day hike I've ever done).... (Video link to the Left)

-Saw my dear buddies Eric & Adit (responsible successful guys who, unlike me, have fully embraced adulthood!!!)

-Great days of relaxing in Tahoe with Jarred Pauwels, Bennett Kim, Ken El-Sherif, Brian Kane, & Fairfield... (fotos below)

Today was pretty similar to yesterday with most of it being spent on the road. Instead of going all the way along Interstate 80 to Reno, I took the longer route down Highway 93 and then across to Reno on Highway 50. My map book indicated that Highway 50 was a scenic road. Not sure what they define as scenic, because there wasnt a huge amount to see other than empty roads and desert!

Before arriving in Reno, I went for a ...

... of wanting to make it to the ground alive themselves. Unless they suddenly undid the many straps attaching you to them, it was safe enough. We had our own pouches with second chutes; of course it might have been nice if someone had actually told us that that's what was in the pouches. I found out afterwards because Mara had actually read the label on hers. Now I've gone and spoiled the plot again! Yes, I jumped out of a tiny little plane at 12,000 feet, trusting in a thin sheet ...