Friday, September 11, 2009

GBR-IV, Post 1

So we made it into Reno for the Gun Bloggers' Rendezvous yesterday evening, checked in at about 1900, which was pretty close to my estimated 14 hour drive time. (Google Maps said 13 hours and a few minutes, but I figured that didn't include pit stops, fuel stops, or lunch.)

Didn't hit any traffic until we were about two hours out, in the thriving metropolis of Susanville, CA: Construction on the way in, and an accident on the way out. And, as in previous trips south of the Columbia, gasoline is still cheaper at home. (Although only by a few cents a gallon in Oregon, it is fifty cents a gallon more in California.)

Also, the dreaded California Fruit and Flora Fascists were pretty much uninterested in my answer, the guy wasn't even looking when he asked me "Any fruits or plants?" (The sign says "Agricultural Commodities"--do a few apples in my cooler count as a "commodity?")

Anyway, got unpacked and more-or-less settled in to our time-share, and walked the three blocks to the Silver Legacy. Managed to find Silver Baron Ballroom "B"--the Hospitality Suite for the GBR.

(Note: If you can stay in the even hotel for something like this, do so, but don't rule out taking advantage of off-site opportunities if "going cheaper" is your best option. The time-share is effectively paid for, and we would have had to dip into savings in order to stay in the 'Legacy. Would have been more convenient, but would not have been there...)

Hung out at Hospitality and chatted for a bit, then went in search of dinner. Came back to the room, took a shower, and then died for the night. We were even more exhausted than we realized! Now puttering around the room, in preparation for the day, and--sigh--cataloging stuff we didn't think to bring.

Time to start hauling stuff to car.

More later!

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