Good Bye Sunny California, Heading East

The Riders have left sunny California and I do mean sunny. The temp hit a high of 112 degrees in the Mojave Desert but that did not discourage the riders.


Once we left LA, the first stop was San Louis Obispo to stay in the Madonna Inn. Our theme room was the DEZ Room at first I thought it was going to be Lucy and Desi Arnex until after much thought I realized it was the middle of Rendezvous. It was a nice room if you like red. The best part of the room was the heated toilet seat with other unique functions. It really enhanced this riders morning routine.


The riders then visited the Hearst Castle at San Simeon. It was big and full of stuff. The guide told us that the reason he needed such as big place was because he had so much stuff to show off. I think he had more stuff than anyone else but he still died. If the the one with the most stuff when you die wins, then my vote is for William Randolf Hearst.


Then we arrived to Carmel by the Sea. This may be Gail's favorite place of the whole trip. The riders were greeted most graciously by Ken Derrick a friend from the Canoe Club. He took us to his beautiful home and we drank some of his wine. Then we had dinner at the Mission Ranch which is owned by Clint Eastwood the towns leading citizen. It was great, the food the atmosphere the people ,the piano bar.


We met a friend, Phil ,who owns a winery and is also looking for a new relationship. Phil took us to the Cypress Inn for another drink. The Inn is owned by Doris Day who also takes care of rescue dogs which may be why Phil likes the Inn.. Anyway we met Thora, a very attractive Icdelandic Horse woman who is also the bartender. I have never met any one from Iceland especially one who pours a tawny port. After much clever banter the riders had to go to bed and left Phil to pursue his new friend.


The whole town is dog friendly, they are allowed to go just about everywhere, they reallly love the beach. On our morning walk along the beach they were many dogs and their owners having lots of fun. The riders miss Cricket.


The next day after a couple of Aspirins, the riders took the 17 mile drive. What a beautiful part ofthe country. Gail took lots of pictiurs whcih we will post later.


The next day we left for Las Vegas. It was a little scary because of the wildfires and we could both see and smell the fires. But the Riders pushed on through the hottest temperatures I have ever experience.


Once in Vegas we tried our luck at the Circus Circus. Lot's of people and kids, I thought Vegas was having problems but you could not tell it for Circus Circus on a Saturday night.


This rider has a special system for the $1 slots so off we went to try our luck. After about fifteen I won about $400, then Gail hit three 7's which would have paid $1000 if she had played the max bet but she was only playing one dollal. I gave her a hard time so she played the max bet and sure enough she hit again and won $1000. i think we are going to become slot consultants.


Well have to go will post pictures and more later.