March Meandering - 2018 - Reno Fun

We've gone to Reno about once a year for the last few years starting when our daughter, Amanda, worked for the El Dorado.  Because we go that often the clubs send us packages that usually include one or two nights complimentary stay at either Silver Legacy, El Dorado or Circus Circus.  We've never stayed at Circus Circus but we enjoy the El Dorado or the Silver Legacy.  Last year we were really lucky because we were able to combine two offers and stay two free nights at El Dorado and two at Silver Legacy, one under Bill's name and one under mine.  Since then the casinos have merged and now they only send us the offers in my name.  May is our typical month to go because it is our  wedding anniversary and that is our treat to ourselves but this year our youngest is graduating from college in May so we decided to take advantage of the offer and celebrate my birthday.  I made reservations at the Silver Legacy and mentioned the fact that we were going for my birthday - when we told them it was our 25th anniversary a few years ago they sent up some champagne and chocolate covered strawberries so I felt it couldn't hurt to let them know it was another special occasion, right?

Since our old standby, Lou La Bonte's closed we've had to find a new halfway stopping point, especially now that the hubby's back is achey if he sits for too long.  Dine and Dash Cafe suits the bill.  It is a little more than halfway but that just means that we are closer to our destination.

Another reason we usually go in May is the weather.  I was crossing my fingers that we would have enough snow to be pretty but not so much that we'd need chains or not be able to get through the mountains at all.  We did hit about a 10 mile stretch of actual snowfall as we were going over Donner Summit but for the most part it was just a pretty blanket of snow.

I mentioned again as we were checking in that we were there to celebrate my birthday and they congratulated me but we didn't get any champagne or strawberries delivered to our room.  Our room number was the same as the year I graduated high school so it was easy to remember.  

We went by to see if the Believe sign was still there and it was, along with a new statue of some whales.

It was cool the way the sun came through the stained glass making up this Space Whale sculpture. 

We had a great time even though we didn't win any money.  The Silver Legacy has a traveling entertainer named Doc Cheatham who wanders the walkways answering questions and directing you to where you want to go.  He also does card tricks and we watched several amazing ones.  After running into him four or five times over the course of our stay, we actually introduced ourselves and he was very gracious, telling us his history with the Silver Legacy (he's been there since it opened) and answering Bill's questions about how some of the tricks are done.  If you get a chance to go to the Legacy, make sure you check him out and tell him Bill and Janet said hello!

When it was time to check out, I went to the desk to settle the bill.  Even though the rooms are comped, usually there is the hotel tax and gaming fees that need to be paid.  I can use any points we've accumulated with our gambling to pay for that but this time they told us we had no bill at all!  Guess that was my birthday present from them.  That is actually much nicer than champagne and strawberries! 

The weather held up for us again.  We did get some rain but not until we were closer to home.  

All in all it was a very nice way to celebrate my birthday.   Oh yeah, I did get myself a birthday present too:

Just a little sparkly.  That's what we've been up to the last few days.  How about you?