On The Road Again

Sunday we had a full free day so we decided to drive to California. Actually, California is just a few miles from Laughlin, Nevada but we had made plans to meet Dawn for lunch at a place called Peggy Sue's Diner in Yermo, California.  This spot was 2 1/2 hour drive for us and about a 2 hour drive for Dawn from LA. 

The highway was a well maintained divided highway that took us through the Mohave Desert and we cruised along at 75 miles an hour. We were driving a Kia Sorrento and it was a smooth ride except for the very strong winds that rocked the vehicle and blew sand around. 

We stopped along the highway where California, Nevada and Arizona come together and took the obligatory photo. 

Peggy Sue's Diner is a very popular spot with tourists and I had been told about it by Gwen, a friend that winters in Arizona. Thanks Gwen, it was great. A replica of a true 50's diner, it was filled with movie star photos and memorabilia.  Items on the menu were named after movie stars such as the Marlon Brando burger, the Buddy Holly burger, the Lana Turner tuna sandwich.  Cheesy?  Maybe, but absolutely delightful. 

We only had enough time for lunch and a short visit with Dawn and Edwin before we parted company. A long day on the road but worth every moment because, besides the enjoyable drive, we got to see Dawn. ❤️

Willie

An amazing Willie Nelson concert. The venue was full of true Willie fans who sang along and cheered and clapped with gusto. The beer was flowing and there were a few drunken persons who expressed their enthusiasm a little louder than everyone else. Behind us were two men from Edmonton and beside us a couple from Saskatchewan so Canadians were well represented. 

 

Willie came on stage to people standing, cheering and calling out his name. He sang for an hour and a half without a stop or even a sip of water. He sang the old familiar songs and some new songs like "Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die".  He played an obviously very old, beat up guitar with a hole in it but could he play!  The guitar matched his weathered face and grey braids. 

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There were only two performers I really cared about seeing on stage. One was Meatloaf that I saw a couple of years ago, and the other was Willie. Willie will be 81 next month and I am very glad I got to see him perform live.  A couple of times after a song he stopped and listened to his fans and said, with obvious appreciation "I hear you". 

Lucky Lou

Sun and Games

I discovered the beauty in Laughlin this morning when we went walking along the River Walk.  The walk runs along the Colorado River and connects the hotels/casinos.  The sun was warm and the birds were singing and people were happy. After all, people go to a casino town to have a good time. 

We stopped at different casinos for food and refreshments, and of course, gambling. We played air hockey and other games at an arcade.  We then went to a BBQ rib competition/party. 35 teams cooked ribs which the public could sample for a small fee, and participate in the people's choice awards.  There was music and vendors selling crafts and art, and of course lots of ribs. It reminded me of a chili cook-off we went to in Georgetown, Colorado a few years ago. 

Now we are resting before going to the Willie Nelson concert. 

Only in Laughlin?

Laughlin, Nevada

It took a long time to get here (14 hours from home to hotel) but we are in Laughlin, Nevada.  There is nothing beautiful about the town, in fact it is rather unattractive, but Willie has chosen to perform here and that is good enough for me.  His concert is sold out and i am really looking foward to the show tomorrow night.  

Laughlin is a town of casinos and although it is no Vegas with the glitz and glamour, it has a good feel to it.  The people are friendly and here at the Edgewater the Willie fans are gathering. The audience should be as interesting to see as the performance!  I was happy to have found my favorite video poker machines where I walked away a winner with a grand total of $6.50. Hey, I had loads of fun and did not lose!  

We flew into Vegas and rented a car to drive the couple of hours to Laughlin. Getting out of Vegas was not fun:  did they give me incorrect instructions or was it me?  We ended up going in the wrong direction for a while and caught in a traffic jam due to an MVA, but finally got going in the right direction.  We drove south with the sun, through sand and sage and scrub brush. I love that kind of open road driving. 

It is getting late for two road weary travelers so I will write more tomorrow and take more photos. 

The Wolff man seems to be enjoying himself. 😊

Going to see Willie

My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys so I am On The Road Again, this time to see Willie Nelson in concert in Laughlin, Nevada. I hope this short trip is worthy of a few entries worth reading.   It is The Year of the Wolff so I am not traveling alone.

BLou