August 29, 1998August 29, 1998
Barbie, parents, and Kathy traveled across the Sierra Nevada mountains and spent a 3 day holiday in Reno, from the tasks around the house. I'm not a gambler, since I can so easily lose money in vending machines. But there's enough things to do in Reno to keep a girl occupied for several days without pulling the arms of those one armed bandits. I spent the three days enfemme, with my mom and dad. Probably the only first of the trip was being enfemme with my mom and dad while out in public. I managed to do other things, but most of them I have already done enfemme before. Shopping at the grocery market, going to WalMart, and shopping in the mall.
WalMart had a sale on sandals, I already had bought 12 different pairs on sale at home, but at only $2 per pair I bought another pair in red, like a pair I have in black, and a pair of red low heels. Also, I required some mascara and eyebrow pencil. So I finally got the chance to use my Barbie Lanai credit card for the first time. The mall shopping trip had me somewhat concerned, since school is out and many parents were taking the kids shopping for back to school things, not to mention just kids shopping for themselves. But totally no problem encountered in the large Meadowood mall in Reno, while we explored the nooks and crannies. Almost was tempted to buy some more earrings, with a buy two pair get one pair free offer, but could only find two pair I liked. If only they had a third pair I liked. Oh well.
Reno/Sparks have a nice layout. The two towns are surrounded by McCarran Blvd that forms a sort of square shaped road around the outer edges of the area. This square is then quartered by highway 80 cutting east/west, and highway 395 slicing north/south. Overall the road layout makes nearly any spot accessible in only a few minutes.
One of the spots was the National Automobile Museum, an offspring of the Harrah's auto collection. I went there to view the restored antique cars and found a pleasant surprise in store. Displayed among the autos in half round glass cases, were the weddings gowns, veils, and wedding shoes of Harrah's mom, grandmom, greatgrandmom, and a number of aunts. But even better was a small clothes rack of vintage style costumes, that you could try on and have a photo taken in. The costumes were one size fits all, with open backs and string ties. A couple were trying on costumes ahead of me, and the wife asked me to please take their picture. She told her husband that a lady was going to take their picture. Later, she volunteered to take some of me in a gown and bonnet I picked out. I was wearing white jeans and hence could only try on the long gowns or my jeans would show. But it certainly a fun experience to dress up even more and pose for pictures in the old car that they provide for pictures. The long skirt does pose a safety hazard for girls trying to get into an antique car, though. I managed to nearly trip myself over the skirts on the running board of the car. I'll have to wear shorts next time, so I can try on the short dresses for safety's sake.
Another spot was the Nevada University Planetarium, where the Imax film, Everest, was playing. I think a sales girl behind the counter spotted me, by the look on her face. But she said nothing and neither did I. The film itself is rather interesting, but would make me think climbing isn't for this gal. A number of climbers were killed in a storm near the summit. One climber suffered frostbite so bad, his hands were amputated. A high price to pay to the typical answer, because it's there.
One morning, we had breakfast at an IHOP, with lots of coffee. After breakfast, I had to use the ladies room. I have done that before as well, but this time the ladies room was already filled with two women awaiting the one available stall. This is after I asked Kathy if the room was empty. It was empty, when she left, but it was filled now, what luck! Well I waited my turn, but must admit I was a bit unnerved by having to stand there; third in line, with nothing to do, but look invisible. The two women showed no sign of recognizing me, so I must pass reasonably well. At least when the women have other things on their mind, like "hurry up in there".
On the trip back from Reno we planned to stop at the Ponderosa Ranch in Incline Village. This is where the old Bonanza television show was filmed for outdoor shots and the first floor indoor scenes in the ranch house. They have an all you can eat breakfast with Ben's scrambled eggs & Hop Sing's Sauage. Park admission is part of the combination deal, where you are driven up the mountain side in a hayfilled wagon. It sounded like a fun time. We had called ahead and decided the 8 o'clock morning start would fit in best with our travel plans. Incline Village is located at the north side of Lake Tahoe somewhere around 7 to 8 thousand feet. The summer heat in Reno was a pleasant 87 degrees, but up at Incline the morning temp was only in the 40's. By the time we rode the open air hay wagon to the top of the hill. I was feeling as chilly as when I traveled across the sound by ferryboat to Victoria. The ride up the hill is filled with jerks and bumps as the old WWII truck pulling the wagon downshifts and double clutches it way around turns and switchbacks up the steep grade to the chuck house. Occasionally the trail would break into some sunshine, but most of it was one chilly ride in the shade of the mountains and trees. At least I was wearing long legged jeans, Kathy was in shorts and a wind breaker top. I was looking forward to the nice warm chuck house where breakfast would be served. Finally we arrived at the top of the hill. To my surprise, I discovered the breakfast is served in the brisk chill; outdoors. Clever plan they have there, a nearby concession sells Ponderosa Ranch sweat shirts. I had to get ones for me and Kathy. I used my Barbie Lanai credit card again. But my fingers were so cold and numb, I doubt the signature matched the one on the back of the card. The view though, of the lake below, through the pines, from the outdoor tables, is splendid.
After an all you can eat breakfast, I decided we should at least take the optional walking trail back down into the park. The trail had lots of people walking down, but no one seemed to pay any particular attention to me. Inside the park, they have my style horse. Fiberglass! After trying to climb up on the thing for a picture, I must admit a much greater appreciation for my girl friend, Gwen's, daughter. She can ride and jump breathing horses.
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