Carson City, Nevada's historic capital

The Lake Tahoe excursion was so memorable that it overshadowed the very nice visit we had in Nevada’s capital city, Carson City. A quaint small town with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains (the ones crossed to get to Lake Tahoe), Carson City impressed us with its historic Capitol building, beautiful governor’s mansion, and friendly citizens encountered at the local tourism bureau. We stumbled upon the tourist bureau following the sound of bells from the clock tower playing Old Man River on the 10 o’clock hour. The receptionist in the bureau explained that the clock bell plays a different love song at the top of each hour. (Is Old Man River a love song?) Anyway, she was very friendly and guided us to Carson City’s historic sites. We toured the Capitol although I couldn’t locate the governor’s office so I could peek in and say “hey.” I didn’t knock on the door of the governor’s mansion either even though it is located in a very ordinary residential neighborhood. However, with Governor Jim Gibbons embroiled in a tumultuous divorce and allegations of an affair with a local podiatrist’s wife, I don’t really think he needed any unexpected company. Now I can check Carson City off of my list of state capitals to visit. (Actually, I don’t have such a list but since we’ve seen three state capitals on the trip with a few more on our itinerary, perhaps I need to start a list.)

P.S. For those who care, we paid $3.86 per gallon for gas in Carson City today.

Climbing to the lake and connecting with kin

Wow! I wish everyone I know could take the drive up to Lake Tahoe from Carson City, Nevada. After touring some of the historic sites in Nevada’s capital city, we hit the road for Lake Tahoe. We’ve had our share of mountain driving this trip and going to the lake was no exception. Although the drive wasn’t much more than 20 miles, it seemed to go on forever has the road got steeper, the curves sharper, and the cliffs scarier. About 5 miles into our ascent, my mother asked if we had to come back the same way. Yes. My navigator, Dad, became very engrossed in the maps and GPS unit as I snaked our way up, around, and down the mountains. I kept a firm grip on the wheel and drove without care as to the speed of the other drivers. I’m sure those speed demons up and down the mountain drive that route daily. It was my first and likely only time so I was determined to live to tell about it. Fortunately, the view of Lake Tahoe was so stunning that I temporarily forgot about the return trip. Absolutely amazing. No picture could really capture it or translate how clear and crisp the air felt around the lake. I can understand why folks would want to live around it even though the commute up and down the mountain would make me reconsider such a residence. Once back on flat ground, my father, the jokester, tried to convince my mother that he’d forgotten something at the lake and needed to go back. She offered to wait in the McDonald’s in Carson City while we made a return trek. Needless to say, Dad quickly let her in on the joke.

Also memorable was meeting my dad’s nephew, Alfred, the Boomtown casino chef. We decided to show up at the casino for lunch, and as luck would have it, we only had to ask one person of Alfred’s whereabouts. Once his co-workers realized we were relatives, they made a point of finding him and bringing him to our table. We’d never seen him, yet one look and we knew he was family. He had the trademark Johnson good looks and bore a very strong resemblance to another of my and his fathers’ brothers. Our visit wasn’t long but we caught up much as we would at a family reunion. He also insisted that we eat for free which was a deal my frugal father couldn’t think of declining.

Reno has been good to us. We’ve been to a mountaintop, connected with an unknown relative, and lost a whopping $5. Now my mother wants to go shopping which could be more dangerous than any gambling binge. Wish us luck!

Road to Reno, the biggest little city in the world!

Over 3,000 miles. That’s how many miles we’ve put on the Town & Country since our departure from Maryland last Friday. We’re in Reno, Nevada right now just a few miles from the California border. Today, we’ll be taking in the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

The drive from Las Vegas to Reno yesterday took us through some of the most incredibly beautiful natural sites. The route on state highway 95 took us through a few small, isolated western towns but mostly we saw open plains surrounded by snow capped mountains. The road seemed endless. It stretched out for miles ahead of us with a few curves and elevations. We got excited as we encountered a town because there were so few people to see. We stopped in one road side store, Nevada Joe’s, which turned out to be the only store at that crossroads. I noticed a brothel behind the store, the Cherry Patch Ranch II. I guess the operation accommodates the 18 wheeler traffic or may be some of the military personnel stationed in the remote weapons testing sites covering much of the land on the east side of the highway. Based on what we saw in the other small towns between Las Vegas and Reno, any entertainment must be welcomed.

We hit Reno, the “biggest small town in the world,” just in time for the tow truck show! Yes, on display outside of the casinos were all types of gleaming tow trucks small and large, vintage and brand new. I’m sure we would have lingered longer around the spectacle if the temperature hadn’t dropped with the setting sun. As in Vegas, my father had to make his $1 donation to Reno’s casinos. The casinos here are older and in my opinion not as inviting as those in Las Vegas, so our gambling time wasn’t too long. Perhaps after our Lake Tahoe excursion, we’ll check out some more of what Reno has to offer. We recently found out that my father’s nephew actually works as a chef at the Boomtown Casino and Resort on the edge of town, so we’ll probably venture out there for a visit and meal.

Off we go!

Goodbye to the Palace

The Moulin Rouge was a hotel and casino operation

opened in the segregated Las Vegas of 1955 for

African-American patrons not welcome at the

other Vegas hotels. It also closed in 1955. The site

is now on the national historic register.

In the morning we'll be saying goodbye to the luxury of Caesars Palace. Throughout the day my mother kept repeating, "Thank God for this day." Yes, my folks enjoyed revisiting Vegas after 28 years. We walked, road the monorail, and drove to many of the sites along the Vegas Strip. My dad made his $1 donation to each of the casinos we visited via the first 25 cent slot machine he could find in each. My mother tried to scope out shopping opportunities and had us patiently waiting as she perused the racks at Nieman Marcus and Macy's. As we toured, my father videotaped many of the spectacles and provided what has to be a hysterical narration of all that he saw. By unanimous vote, the three of us proclaimed the luxurious Wynn hotel as our favorite. From its Ferrari/Maserati dealership to the picture perfect indoor flowers and trees, the Wynn is a lottery winner's fantasy come true. I guess we'll have to start playing our lucky numbers in order to stay there during our next visit. Until then, we've got wonderful memories, photos and video to chronicle was has been a joyous day.

As I mentioned in my first blog entry, one of the purposes of this cross country adventure is to take my father to visit his brother, Alfred, in Sacramento. They last saw each other in 1960 at their father's funeral. At dinner this evening, my father called his brother's daughter, Alfreda, in Sacramento to let them know we'll be in the area. He didn't want to let them know before now to avoid any stressful preparation on their part. Well, his niece was thrilled to the point of hysteria upon hearing his voice and news of our visit. Even over the phone, her excitement was contagious. We’re all excited (although my father is trying not to show it). As wonderful as our Las Vegas time has been, I truly believe Saturday will be the day we remember most from this trip.

5 a.m. wake up call coming so I’m down for the night. Peace.

LAS VEGAS!!!

After a 12 hour drive from Denver we're in Las Vegas. The drive was as much of an adventure as the gaming tables in the casinos. We left Denver in rain and started across the Rockies. The temperature dropped to 36 degrees and soon we not only saw snow on the ground and on the mountain tops, but we were driving through a snow shower! I was the designated driver as my father monitored the map and GPS system. Up and down and up and down we went. Climbing higher and higher, hitting curve after curve as I-70 found its way over and around mountains and the Colorado River. It was a definite relief to finally see flat ground and temperatures in the 50s. As we headed towards Grand Junction, Colorado, we were overwhelmed with the beauty of the terrain. The mountains in the distance had snow on their peaks, while the closer land was dry in shades of brown and read. No wild life to be seen. Crossing into Utah brought temperatures in the 80s and more desolate beauty and towns that were farther and farther apart. We fueled up without hesitation when highway signs warned that the next gas station would be 110 miles down the highway. It didn't matter that we paid about $4 per gallon. We had no choice. The remainder of the drive through Utah and into Nevada took us over and around more mountains. Lots of climbing and lots of curves. Gorgeous red rocks. A few cattle farms. Although we were speechless to describe the beauty of the country, we did wonder out loud how folks lived in the small, remote communities we occasionally passed.

After hours of driving through wide open spaces, the Las Vegas skyline in the distance was a welcome sight. When we weren't in the mountains, I maintained a steady 80 mph but the closer I got to Las Vegas, the faster I drove. It was almost like the Strip was pulling the van to it. Once on the Strip, I slowed to let my folks take it all in. Needless to say, it looks much different than it did in 1980. When we pulled into the driveway at Caesars Palace they were awestruck. Once inside, Dad moved on warp drive, darting around tourists and slot machines while Mom and I laughed and told him to slow down. I think he got overly excited. After settling into our room here at the Palace with the largest bathroom any of us have ever experienced at a hotel (I've not taken pictures of it yet), we ventured out onto the Strip for the Bellagio's fountain show and window shopping in Planet Hollywood's Miracle Mile. My mother gave me and Dad $2 each for the slot machines. When I won mine back with an additional 50 cents, I cashed out. Dad lost his and claimed that the slots in Caesars favored him more. He won 50 cents on a nickel slot machine in Caesars, so I guess he was right. However, Dad wasn't pleased to learn that tickets to Chers' show here at Caesars start at $250 and all the shows are sold out. Later he let us know that he didn't want to see Cher anyway. It's not like she is a real Vegas act like Tom Jones or Tony Orlando and Dawn!

We're up at the crack of dawn now to tackle Sin City by day. I don't think we'll lose any money gambling, but another lunch of $14 hamburgers could put a dent in our budget.

Finally a Mile High

I did Iowa and Nebraska a disservice in my last blog by minimizes the differences between these two jewels of the heartland. As we hit the highway leaving lovely Grand Island, NE this morning, we were struck by the number of cattle and other livestock operations we passed. One farm even had a camel in its stockades. With livestock comes not just visual diversity but a variety of scents as well. In short, the cows stink!

We’ve also marveled at the vastness of the farming enterprises. Fields stretch beyond what the eye can see with young plants sprouting from the darkest and richest soil imaginable. Large, pivoting sprinklers on wheels are stationed in the middle of the fields awaiting a dry spell. My yard could use just one of those contraptions although our water restrictions would prohibit its use.

We arrived in Denver by lunchtime, checked into our hotel, and took a self-guided tour of the Mile High City. Dad wanted to check out the stadiums—the Broncos’ Invesco Field at Mile High and the Rockies’ Coors Field. I wanted to check out Denver’s first predominantly black neighborhood, Five Points, where the Black American West Museum resides. The museum which celebrates African-American history in America’s western region, was closed for the Memorial holiday. Our tour confirmed my research that Five Points has had its challenges after years of social and economic blight, but the arrival of a light rail station has also brought the new construction and renovation of housing stock that announce a gentrification movement. My parents liked what they saw of Colorado’s Mile High City and I am certain they’ll enjoy the beauty of western Colorado as we traverse the Rocky Mountains in route to Las Vegas.

Final note--for those tracking fuel costs, we purchased gas for $3.90 per gallon in Nebraska for 89 octane with 10% ethanol. The mid-grade gas was cheaper than the $4.04 per gallon for regular grade (87 octane) probably because the regular grade doesn't have ethanol. Thankfully, our flex fuel Town and Country minivan can handle to the ethanol-augmented gas.

A few miles short of Mile High

What's the difference between Iowa and Nebraska? Nebraska has twice as many letters, so this photo of Nebraska could just as well be Iowa.

Greetings from Grand Island, Nebraska, a beautiful hamlet off of Interstate 80 about 5 hours from Denver. Our original plan was to drive from Chicago to Denver, but after the wedding festivities, we decided that we'd stop when we got tired. So, we're here in Grand Island. Don't ask me why a town in the plains of Nebraska would be called Grand Island.

Today's high while crossing the many corn and wheat fields of Iowa and Nebraska reached about 92 degrees. We encountered a brief thunderstorm in Moline, Illinois, after breakfast (yes, we're hitting all the hotspots). Otherwise, we've had clear, sunny and warm weather for our drive. In addition to the beautiful scenary, another bright spot in Nebraska has been the cheaper gas prices--$3.78--compared to the high of $4.10 we paid near Chicago. As today's designated driver I've also enjoyed Nebraska's 75 mph speed limit. No, the Town and Country isn't a hot rod, but it is a capable road cruiser. Next time I'm going to cross the country with Kenny Chesney. His accommodations look a bit more comfortable.

Going to the chapel

Today, Saturday, May 24, 2008, my cousin Justin married Lorita. What a wonderful day it has been! As a family, the Mullin/Crenshaw clan has had its share of trials, but on occasions and days like today, I realize just how blessed we are to be able to come together and celebrate each other's joys and triumphs. I think about my maternal grandparents, Dennis and Clara Mullin and all they must have dreamed for us as they lived their lives in Greenville, AL, and I know how proud and amazed they would be. Congratulations, Justin and Lorita!

Tomorrow, we're back on the road, headed for Denver, CO. Although my father thinks we're getting off to a late start, we're aiming to be on the road by 6 a.m. The wake up call comes at 5 a.m. so it's "good night" for today.

Our first leg--making it to Kankakee, IL

Day 1. 3 a.m. That's the time we woke up this morning, Friday, May 23rd. 3:50 a.m. That's the time we were leaving my parents' driveway in Maryland headed for I-70 west, then the Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois turnpikes. We spent about $20 in tolls, but that was one of our least expensive travel costs. Yes, the rumors of rapidly escalating fuel costs are true. $3.92 per gallon is what we paid for our first fuel stop in Ohio. $4.10 per gallon was the price awaiting us at our next fuel stop on the Indiana/Illinois border. I have a feeling we haven't seen our peak price.

We covered about 710 miles in our 12 hour drive to Kankakee. My dad and I split the driving fairly evenly while my mother napped, read, and pointed out sites from the backseat. The Town & Country's satellite radio and our CD collection have kept us entertained so far. [We really like the red Town & Country van my father arranged to get from Thrifty after daily visits to the rental car office trying to pick out and reserve his personal favorite.] The weather has been cooler than expected (mid 60's) but mostly sunny.

Tomorrow (Saturday) will be devoted to activities associated with my cousin Justin's wedding. We arrived here in Kankakee in time to witness the rehearsel and enjoy the subsequent dinner. Expect some wedding details and maybe some funny family moments from the occasion in my next entry.

I'm feeling my 3 a.m. wake up so I think it's time for bed. I need to be rested for the wedding activities.

Planning to cross the country

For three weeks in 1980, my parents and I traveled across the country (truly seeing the "USA in our Chevrolet"). It was definitely the most memorable family vacation we ever took. Since then, I've grown up, traveled near and far for business and pleasure via the airlines, and created many memories on my own and with dear friends. After a trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon in September 2008 (two places I hadn't seen since that cross country journey 27 years prior), I had the idea that my parents should get to see the USA again. Since my father isn't fond of airplanes (he won't fly...period), the only way to cross the nation would be by car (or in this case, minivan). So, for Christmas I announced that my present to them would be a cross country journey to coincide with my cousin Justin's wedding in Illinois on May 24, 2008. With calendar and map in hand, the three of us, charted our course with plans to hit old and new spots as well as a stop in Sacramento, CA, to visit my father's brother, Alfred, whom we haven't seen in 40 years! I do believe we're in for another trip of a lifetime! Keep us in your prayers as we travel the nation's highways.