I wasn't sure whether to put this in Trip Reports or here to share with all my ELV friends. I wish I had Jane and Doris' phone numbers prior to leaving as once there I wanted to phone and meet up. We'll have to do that exchange at the Slot Tournie. So here's how it went starting May 13th driving from B.C. just a few hours above Seattle going through Idaho way and then returning via Reno/Northern CA/Oregon Coast. Wonderful driving trip and so much to see (well, except for the miles of deserts closer to LV).

Well back in BC, Canada after our road trip to finally check out our new condo bought sight-unseen at Echo Bay between Vegas Valley and East Sahara on South Nellis Blvd. I absolutely love it and the neighborhood (89121). The complex is set back quite far from the road once through the gates and I couldn’t believe how quiet it was. A little overkill with security guys on bikes and golf carts zipping aournd day and night but better to be safe than sorry I guess. I went for a hot tub around 11 pm (the pools and hot tubs are open 24/7) on a Friday nite and I couldn’t hear traffic, planes, or sirens! It was handy having the Mall next door with Albertsons and P.T. Pub so that I could use their internet. Since we’re only there for 2-week durations at most throughout the next few years I can get by without wireless but I broke down and ordered basic cable through Cox ($22 month locked in for 2 years) and a Net10 cell phone with prepaid minutes and I found out our gate will operate the intercom at the gate with a cell. I felt totally safe walking the neighborhood with my husband or by myself but I do admit I agree with previous posts from people that the north end of Nellis is a little “worn”. We went to the big Walmart for cleaning and household items and we pushed our two carts towards the truck and before we even put away the bags there was a “down in her luck” pretty blond asking for $3….My hubbie gave it to her but I’m sure her story of losing her apt and blah blah blah were b.s. and it probably went towards her next rock.

Best deal ever was the Instant Home from Corts Furniture at 6625 Arroyo Spings. We got the following for $2,700 and set up the whole 2-bedroom condo: sofa, matching chair, coffee table, dresser, mirror, 2 nightstands, 2 beds incl new mattresses/box springs, frames, 3 lamps, dining room table, 4 chairs, a painting and a 27” t.v. Their delivery people also set everything up. We bought a used washer and dryer at Buy Low Applicances on Boulder for $150 each with 90 day guarantees which is ok because we hardly ever use them. I tested them twice though and these retro Maytags worked wonderfully.

I enjoyed being far enough away from the Strip but close enough to zip down Tropicana or Sahara to connect at each end of LV Blvd. We spent time visiting our closest casinos - Sams Town, Boulder Station, and Cannery. Great multi-theatre complexes at Sams and Boulder Station and we went to see 3-D Avengers as well as checking out the buffets/restaruants. I liked Sams poker room the best and played a few tournies and even came in 3rd in the afternoon one before we left. Hubbie plays mostly slots and did pretty good in all 3. The staff and players at Sams Town are very nice to women poker players and I felt so comfortable there and will surely play there regularly once I’m a snowbird!