As I have stated in a previous email - Molly and I have left our employ at Meeks Bay Campground. I have left Meeks Bay Campground, physically as well as a camphost. I had enjoyed most parts of the job and especially the environment. I am not whining, just explaining the reason for this change. The management of this area is very amateurish, however. They preach fairness and make promises, but do not practice it. I signed on for a 40 hour week, with a RV site with full hook-ups. I've averaged 45-50 hrs per week, but paid for 40. Most of my shifts are splits, 8am to 1pm then 5pm to 9 or 10 pm. After 2 months I have yet to get utilities (power, water and sewer), which means that I must secure the motorhome for travel and drive about 10 miles to dump my tanks and add water. This is done on my day off. Not much time to play.
I've been thinking of other opportunities, such as traveling the US and follow many auto racing and hot rod show events. I just need to earn enough to cover the travel expenses.
My fraternity brother, Jim Lasher, in South Shore, has asked me if I wanted to assist him in getting one of his rental houses remodeled. I have accepted and will remain in Lake Tahoe near Meyers at the south shore area. I have parked the motorhome at the house, so there will only be a four foot commute to work. My friend Bill Taylor has left Ohio after retiring and stopped here for a couple of days on his way to Mt. Shasta to visit his sister and probably stay for a while. I hope we can have more time together over the next few years. We always have a good time whether cooking or just relaxing.
Bill and I had a chance to do a little sightseeing while he was here. We drove out to Fallen Leaf Lake and then took a trail up a river with some great water falls and then to a small wilderness lake. We had a relaxing time and got caught up since the last we were together, a year ago. The next day we took Molly out to the "doggy beach" where she had a wonderful time cavorting in the chilly water.
I learned that the Hot August Nights car show event in Reno was scheduled from August 1 through 9th. And then Bonneville Speed Week was happening August 9 through 15th. Bill came back to Lake Tahoe on the 3rd and helped me work on the house remodel. We installed the kitchen cabinets, layed linoleum in one bathroom, and a few other tasks. We went into Reno on the 5th, worked on the 6th, and then to Reno again on Friday the 7th and stayed at the Grand Sierra Hotel & RV Park. We spent our two nights in Reno looking at hundreds of really Cool hot rods and customs.
On Saturday morning we left Reno for Wendover, Utah, and the Bonneville Salt Flats. We had a grand time in this environment and experiencing this style of car racing. During the four days on the salt we saw many race cars, as well as some cool hot rods. We had the opportunity to talk with many of the racers and rod owners. Our 'car fix' was satisfied for now. I'm sure we will find other car things to do in the future.
Bonneville Land Speed Racing (LSR) is a unique sport that consists of very determined people who drive hot rods, roadsters, belly tankers, lakesters, motorcycles, streamliners, and even diesel trucks to "shoot the salt" in a simple quest to have their name added to the list of many record holders. Many years ago, the Bonneville Nationals Inc. (BNI) was formed. It's main focus would be to produce the annual "Bonneville Speed Week". The BNI hosts a spectacular week of racing each year in August, which is the highlight event of the LSR season. Speed Week consists of six days of racing, weather and conditions permitting. Entrants come from all over the world to participate in the week long event. Spectators are allowed to walk through the pits, view the vehicles, and talk to the drivers and crew members. Public parking is south of the pit area, on the west side of the race track, outside the cones.
Below are some photos of the cars we've enjoyed during our visit to Reno and Bonneville.
One of the things we noticed at both of these events is that the majority of the car owners are our age or older. The racers are older too. We are of this 'older car nut' classification - so I guess that means a hot rod is in our future. I sure hope so.
We saw several racing celebrities, and one not known for auto racing - Tanya Harding. You may recognize this name from ice skating. She was competing for the national championship in the mid to late 70's. Here she drove a 1931 Ford coupe, basically stock and ran around 86 mph through the short 3 mile course. Great for old stockers.
I hope you enjoy this and other travel logs that I've filled with interesting photos and descriptions. I am able to check my email and get a cell phone signal at the house in South Tahoe. I will send more info and photos as the saga continues.
Bye for now.
Bruce and Molly
Link back to my "Bruce The Nomad" page.