Category Archives: Vacations

Viva Las Vegas

Posted on by
Reply

Paris04.jpgThe Wow Factor was right up there. We stayed at the Paris Hotel and Casino right in the heart of Las Vegas Blvd. Had an upgraded Suite, king size bed and all the trimmings and a view overlooking the famous Bell Fountain. While Nick was at his conference I ventured about roaming from one end of the strip to the other. I even economized and bought a jumbo hot dog and a Miller Lite combo for $2.00 and sat on a park bench at 11am and had my lunch. Went on a dam coach tour to the Hoover Dam, ate buffalo chili and even shopped. I tried my hand at the slot machines and was too chicken to try the tables. Had fun though watching strangers loose their stacks of chips. Got invited to a cocktail party at the top of the Hilton, held in Elvis’s private suite, now that was pretty cool. Went to two nightclubs, LAX at the Luxor and Body English at the Hard Rock Cafe. Didn’t get up on the dance floor but got plenty of Cosmo’s and scoped out the pole dancers. Left the glitz and glamour behind and now its back to reality. Check out my Las Vegas pictures here.

Wild Hogs in Lake George?

Posted on by
5

Today was lots of fun. We stopped into the Harley dealership to rent a couple of hogs but they did not have any available so we went down the street and rented a scooter and a scootercar for the half day instead.

We buzzed around town a bit and then headed off along the scenic west side of Lake George up to Bolton’s Landing for an outdoor lunch and lemonade at Frank’s Roadside Patio. We’re now back at the hotel enjoying a pitcher of Margaritas and a swim.

Lake George Day 2

Posted on by
Reply

lakegeorgeToday was a beautiful day as Tom and I toured the village of Lake George. We walked the promenade along the marina to check out the boats and watch the paddle wheel and steam ships come and go. The main street is called Canada Street and yes it has its share of emporiums and fudge shops. I am very proud to say we were able to resist the temptation of buying an ice cone but caved in to ordering raw oysters on the 1/2 shell and a couple glasses of Bear Naked Ale… yum! There was a live orchestra playing big band swing music at the band shell this evening that drew us in to sit a spell and tap our feet. This really is a vacation spot that appeals to every age group.

Upper New York Road Trip

Posted on by
Reply

Tom and I are in Lake George New York right now. On a spur of the moment we hopped in the truck and headed east. Laura decided to stay home and cat sit.

We entered into the States at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge which ended up being a poor choice. What a bummer – there was a two hour holdup on the bridge so that cut into our driving time. Thank goodness we had made a pit stop and gassed up on the Canadian side. We did get a good look at the Niagara River gorge and the hydro plant though! Continue reading →

Week at the Beach

Posted on by
4

beachJean and I had a great time last week on vacation with Angela, Eric, Madison, Anna and Teresa and Rylyn. Rhett spent all his military leave moving from Alaska to Frederick MD and was not able to be with us. We rented a Villa at Dunescape Villas from Saturday June 24th to Saturday the 30th. We actually left on Friday the 23rd and spent the night in Black Mountain NC breaking up the 675 mile trip to two easy days. The weather was perfect only raining a bit on our return trip. Angela and Eric took a day boat trip to an island with lighthouse and enjoyed their day together. We found a great little restaurant in Beaufort “Clawsons 1905 Restaurant” and Angela, Eric and Teresa went one evening and Jean and I went the next night. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere great.

On the way home we spent the night in Mt. Airy North Carolina. This is the home town of Andy Griffith and the town has the Mayberry Mall, Aunt Bea’s BBQ, and many other Andy Griffith show items. We had our evening meal at “Goobers 52” and that was another fun time. All in all we had a great trip even though it did require a trip to a Mazda dealership in Raleigh on the way home to change out a coil on Eric’s van. They were great and got us in and out in about an hour and a half and cost Eric and Angela under $200 and we were back on the road. We had a great trip and we would highly recommend the “Crystal Coast” beaches of the Atlantic as a fun, laid back vacation spot.

Chicago Day 2

Posted on by
3

sheddToday we visited Shedd’s Aquarium. Picture if you will, a bitter cold wind off the lake, an hour long wait outside in a line, and every damn school kid in Illinois bumping into you once they squeeze everyone inside. Chicago’s current catch phrase for the Gilliers is “Oh… that will be about an hours wait”. Where the heck are all these people coming from? Continue reading →

Feliz Navidad

Posted on by
1

dr_xmas.jpgHola from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic [map]. The Bako family has just returned from a pre Christmas family fun in the sun vacation. It was a time to regroup, relax and to be together as a family. We have wanted to do this for some time, knowing that the boys are all grown up now and soon will not want to holiday with their family. We escaped to the all inclusive resort, Bahia Principe. The five star rating more than exceeded our expectations. The sun was hot, the drinks plentiful and the food was fabulous. When we had tried every drink on the bar menu, we knew it was time to come home. Continue reading →

Cottage Retreat

Posted on by
1

canninglakeNick and I were invited up to Canning Lake near Minden in the Haliburton Lake district. Our Friends Keith and Cathy have just completed the construction of a beautiful dream cottage. They tore down their old trappers styled cottage to build this modern two story, post and beam cottage on the same lot footprint plus some. The weather was typical for fall, the colours were magnificent and the food, wine and company grand. Nice getaway for us. [Weekend Pictures] Continue reading →