Adventure 140: Jackpot, Nevada/Saguaro RV Park/Cactus Pete's Casino

Morning light in Las Vegas

Since the cribbage gods blessed me with a heart warming victory this morning (Skunk; I lead 2-0 in the Beeline Open), I feel obligated to admit that my Bunny was NOT gulping wine out of a big gulp cup last night. She had a very small, even demure, sip of the grape with dinner. And those of you who believe that she table danced like a Vegas Show girl have never been to an MCC sale. Remember, I make stuff up, sometimes just for fun. We had an uneventful, but long drive (445 miles), from Lost Wages, Nevada to Jackpot, Nevada (Our "lost" chance to gamble). We're safely tucked into the Saguaro RV Park, which is nestled conveniently next to Cactus Pete's Casino. The bargain price of the place is lost on us since we won't be leaving any of our cash in the casino. I did walk through the place. The machines were chirping, the bells were ringing, the cards were shuffling, the patrons were puffing, the ATM machines were humming, and the ever cacophonous music was blaring. When we got here, the parking lot was quite full of cars with Idaho plates. My guess, since Twin Falls is about forty miles away, that many Idahoans come to Nevada for a Sunday afternoon of miracles. The only miracle I was happy about was that the Casino's hot tub was clean and working. I relaxed in the steaming water for about a fifteen minute session. It felt pretty good. I'd be happy for another small miracle that the weather will cooperate with us and keep the snow off the pavement as we move forward. We go over the Ladd Creek Summit tomorrow; it's an area that can have variable weather. It's also snowing profusely in Spokane (It is February, after all). We plan to make La Grande tomorrow after a brief stop in Filer to see Gary and Loey Hooley. Loey is Kelvin Friesen's cousin. They are fine, warm folks and excellent farmers who are about to exit winter into their busy season. It's fun to talk with them. We still plan to get to Spokane mid day on Tuesday, so I'll have enough daylight to winterize Frac. If all goes well, I'll be back in Seattle by Wednesday. In terms of miracles more meaningful than pushing the winning button on the slot machine, Douglas told us that Nora received Last Rights, Anointing of the Sick, Penance, and the Eucharist this morning. The miracle part is that she was fully aware of the gifts. For us Catholics of Rome, this offers much peace. For Judy and me, as we cruised the straight, dry road of northern Nevada, it offered us a chance to weep. Maybe the salted tears will help the sage brush grow. Beyond that, it's more proof that our Lord is a Lord of mercy. Who else could offer such peace? And peace is good, especially today.

 Cool clouds wisped themselves over the mountains.

 They kept dotting the landscape all morning.

 Amazingly, the road wound us through a rocky canyon.

 The road even took a bend or two.

 We were gifted with snow capped mountains on both sides of us all day.

 The Ruby Mountains.

 Home Sweet Home in Jackpot, Nevada

 I'll bet a hundred on the chance of no snow from here to Spokane.

 This curvy orange symbol is the closest thing to a Saguaro around here.

There art thou happy, rubber ducky. Hot tubs and dancing girls, what more could a guy ask for?