Trip Reports - Reno, Tahoe, Seattle and Vegas baby! (CLT-RNO-SEA-LAS-RNO-CLT (6/28-7/7))

One of the good things about my job is that I occasionally get to go to conferences that are in interesting places. This year, I was able to attend a conference at Lake Tahoe (technically, Incline Village, NV, on the North Shore). So, with the conference ending on July 1, and with July 4th the Monday after – sounds like an excellent time to combine a vacation with the conference. So, I figure, as I’ll already be out in the West, may as well stay out there for vacation. So, even though it may be more convenient to take WN, AS, or HP on some of the legs to the other cities, I’m going to stick with UA to get the US miles and segments. Ultimately, the trip works out with the following flight segments: CLT-DEN-RNO-SFO-SEA-LAX-LAS-SFO-RNO-SFO-CLT.

Start of the trip. And since US doesn’t fly to Reno, I’m on a UA codeshare from Denver to Reno.

US Airways Flight 121 – CLT-DEN

Upgrade for this flight cleared at the 7 day window. While US automatically assigns upgrade seats from the rear of the cabin first, I changed my seat assignment to seat 1F (so I’d have no one leaning into me, and have a bit more leg room on that side on row 1). Since it’s a 9:20 am departure, I figure with traffic, I’ll leave home at 7:30 a.m. Since I’m going to be gone for the better part of a couple of weeks, I decide to use a town car service (honestly, I work with the folks who regulate taxis in Charlotte, and after doing that for a while, I know I’m better off with town cars for pre-arranged service) for the ride out and back from the airport. Car service shows up early (they always do – which is better than being late) and I head out to the airport.

Check-in at Douglas is uneventful, and the agent is able to print up my boarding pass for the DEN-RNO segment on TED. Head through a quick TSA line, and then on to the US Airways Club on the B Concourse before boarding. As it’s breakfast time, the Club has the mini muffins and yogurt available – so a snack is had. Head to the gate and board the flight. My seat mate is a nice fellow, and so it looks to be a pleasant flight over to DEN. Pushback is more or less on time, and we depart to the north.

Unlike some recent flights, breakfast is actually served on a tray, and is not the Buy on Board offering. It’s a croissant with a fruit plate. Not bad – considering I wasn’t too fond of the BOB offering given to F pax from LAX a while back. And of course, all plastic utensils and plastic cups. It’ll be nice if real silverware and glasses return to US F service. Settle in and watch Hitch which is pleasant enough. Both my seat mate and I have problems with the on board laptop power, but once it gets reset, all is well, and I get some work done. Landing in DEN takes us past the airport, turning back near the old Stapleton airport (interesting mixed use project they’ve put together there) and we land on time (had thought we’d get in a little early).

A Layover at DIA

As a result of failing to read my calendar, I managed to initially book this trip as departing CLT on the 29th – which would have meant I would have missed a day of the conference. So, with the help on the lovely folks at the CP Liaison Desk – I get booked for the day before, but through DEN (originally going via SFO). But this means that I’ll have a 4 ½ hour layover in DEN. My bad. So, step off the plane into the C Concourse at DIA, and decide to make my way to the B Concourse to hang out in the Red Carpet Club (bought one of the US Club memberships that allow UA RCC access when flying UA) and get lunch, though not in that order. Now I could leave the airport and head into Denver, but for reasons causing me to question my judgment (although hauling my laptop bag was probably one of them) I decide to stay at DIA.

Head over to the area in the B Concourse above the food court to grab some food at the Wolfgang Puck Express and have the Spicy Chicken Pizza. Thus fed, again, I head to the East RCC. The East RCC is a nice place to relax and get some work done, however I couldn’t get the T-Mobile to work at all (bought a couple of day passes for that). Call into the office, check voice mail, and fight off sleep (packed to way too late the night before, got up too darn early, and just couldn’t sleep on the flight). After a while, the boredom of a layover settles in, so I leave the RCC and wander through Concourse B, finally ending up in the mirror image West RCC, until it’s finally time to head over to Concourse A for the TED flight to Reno.

United Flight 1417 (operated by TED) – DEN-RNO

Wander over to the gate area on the A Concourse, and run into a friend from North Dakota who is en route to the same conference I am. We catch up, by getting a drink and telling tall tales. We go back to the gate and find that the flight is showing a 1 hr. 15 min. delay due to unavailability of the Captain (his flight is delayed into DEN – and he’s having to divert to Colorado Springs for fuel as thunderstorms have shut down DIA for a bit). So, with a 4:30 p.m. departure (orig. 3:15 p.m.), we figure let’s head back to the RCC since some of the pickings at the A Concourse, seem slim. Of course, we get to the RCC, and they tell us that our flight is now leaving at 4:00 p.m. (we arrive at the RCC at 3:25 – so have time for one really quick drink and train it back to Concourse A). We’re able to board the flight for what we hope is a quick departure. Yeah, right.

We push off from the gate and it looks like there’s first a problem with the computers, and they’ll need time to reset ‘em. That’s done, and we’re ready to go. Next problem is the hydraulic system. For some reason, it’s misbehaving. As the flight crew tries everything they can, they finally admit defeat and ask for a maintenance crew to look at it. So we get towed back to the gate. Maintenance looks at it, and all becomes well as they sign off on the paperwork and we push off, again. All the while, while I’m seated in an aisle seat in E+ next to the Clampetts (or their distant relatives). They got nervous when the lights flickered when ground power was disconnected – wondering if it’s normal (I finally couldn’t stand it and said under my breath, “Yes, it’s normal on the Airbus.”). I feel like I’ve descended into an episode of Airline. We finally push back 2 hours past scheduled departure.

Meanwhile, as we’re heading to cruising altitude, the Captain comes on the PA to let us know that they’ve got a brake temperature indicator on, so they’ll have to deploy the gear in order to cool it down. Of course, that’s a bit odd, but the Clampetts just go nuts. Luckily, the problem resolves itself, and there’s no inflight lowering of the gear. But the Captain chooses to deploy the gear early on final approach so that the next crew doesn’t have the same problem. So, approach is a tiny bit rougher. No need to elaborate on the Clampetts reaction. ;)

A quick observation: I find TED to be interesting. Different music selections than UA mainline, but that seems to be about it (other than in no F, and increased E+ sections). It felt like UA mainline, sounded like UA mainline, but hey, if UA thinks it’ll help the company, go for it (at least Song has apparently differentiated itself from its parent – maybe TED needs to do more like that).

Landing is late, as expected, but it’s still light in Reno, and all is well. Pick up the way too big bag off of the carousel, get the car from Hertz (only complaint is how Reno is not a NeverLost location – and you’re darn lucky to find a NeverLost equipped car), and then begin the drive to the North Side of Tahoe. Can’t resist the urge to hit In-And-Out Burger on the way out of town (for some reason, had been looking forward to it since my last trip out to California the September before) since dinner plans for that night in the Tahoe area were toasted by the delays. Make the trek up the mountain to get down to the lake.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe (June 28- July 2)

For those that have been to Lake Tahoe, you understand. There’s nothing quite like the first time you seek the lake coming over the mountains. It’s just so darn blue – and when the air is clear, it’s perfect.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle023.jpg (but in the late morning – not late evening)

The sun is starting to set and I make the final downhill stretch into Incline Village. With only the printed directions from the Hertz counter, it’s a few fits and starts before finally finding the right turns into the area where the Hyatt is.

Pull into the Hyatt and have the car valet parked (yes, free, but considered part of the “resort fee”). As I’m walking into check-in, it hits me that I could have used the 1-800-Check-In number, but I just didn’t get around to it (and for reasons that’ll become clear later – should have done it – if it would have kept me off of the 4th floor). I get checked into to a non-smoking king, where they also give me a bunch of match play coupons for the casino. The room is nice enough, not stunning, plus I have a view of the roof of the casino and meeting rooms, and the mountain range behind the hotel (which realizing the orientation of the hotel – why did they not bother to have one side actually face the lake?) – not good. Big closet, no desk, but a comfy bed. Bathroom looks like they did renovations, but forgot to cover the piping below the sink (if they’re trying for some cool minimalist look – they failed). Mercifully I missed the President’s speech on the War in Iraq, just watching the post-game analysis from the news networks (as it were). Hit the casino, and finish only a tiny bit down (anytime I can find a $5 craps table is fine by me. Call it a night, and get a wake up call for my conference the next morning.

Basically, the conference passes by – very informative, and we get the chance to have lunch in a lakeside ballroom (the view was great that day – I pity the poor speaker). http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle001.jpg (actually the view from near the area where we had a reception) The restaurants at the Hyatt are average (had lunch at the Lone Eagle Grill – was o.k.). But what was worth it was heading into Lake Tahoe, first to Bella Lago – a nice Italian Place (where conference attendees seemed to be the only customers on a Wednesday night) and Thai Recipe that were great, and worth the short trek away from the Hyatt. Best part of the trip is the drive around Lake Tahoe. Heading down the East side – it’s pretty much undeveloped with the Nevada State Park, and is gorgeous. http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle010.jpg Then you hit the South shore, where most of the casinos and people are. I’ll give the South Shore casinos this – it’s easy to find parking there. The drive up the West shore is amazing – and a white knuckler at times http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle019.jpg (for those who’ve driven to Emerald Bay – you’ll know what I mean, with the big drop on either side of the two lane road). I like Tahoe. The one thing I learned to appreciate was the altitude. You have to get used to it – as even the lake is at 6,225 ft. above sea level. Many of us at the conference found ourselves short of breath in the first couple of days. By Day 3 – we’re all fine.

After checking out of the Hyatt, I head back down the mountain to Reno to visit the “Biggest Little City in the World.” For someone used to Las Vegas, Reno is quite different. It looks like the gaming industry has taken a hit in Reno – and the casinos reminded me of Downtown Las Vegas – and not in a good way. But I wander around, and see a street festival set up next door to Harrah’s and the Club Cal-Neva. Hot day – but nice to walk around. I try to see if I can get out earlier than my 6:30 p.m. flight – but as it’s the weekend of the 4th, they tell me that they flights are heavily booked, and I’m welcome to try, but it’s an at best 50/50 shot. So, I decide to keep driving around, by the National Bowling Stadium (made famous in Kingpin) and wander around until I figure it’s time to head to the airport and drop off the rental car.

Why I wished I had used 1-800-Check-In: As noted before, I received a room on the 4th floor, which is the first floor in the tower with rooms (they have a new addition of rooms attached to the tower, and running along the pool – oh and there’s the lakeside cottages too). I realized that I was above the bar they have adjacent to the casino – but that didn’t really register until Friday night. Friday night, after having driven around the lake and had dinner, I get back to the room. Veg out for a bit, and then I hear what sounds like a bass guitar tuning up. Wondering if I’ve lost my mind for a bit. Then the bass keeps playing, and finally a full band kicks in. Look at the entertainment schedule sitting in my room and it turns out that there’s a band playing in the bar below my room (so much for soundproofing). I listen for a bit – realize that I could probably sleep through it, but I’m ticked. I call down to the front desk, and let them know that the band is playing right below me, and while I like the version of “Soul Man” they’re playing, I’m not thrilled that I have the music coming in clear (not so loud). They’re fully booked, and can’t do anything to help, other than sending up ear plugs. I tell them thanks, and I’ll just deal with everything in the morning. Since it’s a work thing, that’s been budgeted and paid, I don’t bother to fight for a free night, rather, I let them figure out what’s fair. They knock lunch from the Lone Eagle Grill off of the bill and I say thanks and head out.

United Express Flight 6440 (operated by SkyWest) – RNO-SFO - July 2

Check-in is quiet at Reno, so I have time to kill and decide to pick up a new copy of 1776 (great read – highly recommend it - had one, realized it’s in my hotel room at the Hyatt – d’oh!). TSA would be quick, but for the confused family going through security check, with relatives who don’t seem to understand that without a boarding pass, they can only go so far down the hallway. No problem though – plenty of time to kill.

The SkyWest CRJ 200 arrives at the gate (a little late), and after unloading bags and pax, they’re ready for us. Turns out I’m the only one who’s eligible for non-family preboard (* Gold, UA 1K, PE, P, US CP, or UGS – the gate agent is surprised that there’s anyone fitting any of the categories) and so I’m on first. My seat mate is a big fellow, and luckily, as the FA points out, there’s a row of seats open so one of us could take that with more room (as I’m on the aisle – it only makes sense for me to go). Pushback is late, but since it’s only a 35 minute flight, shouldn’t be a problem. Takeoff is to the south, and ultimately after a right turn, we have a great view of Lake Tahoe out of the left side of the aircraft. Quick shot into SFO, where we’re at the UX remote terminal. Get off the plane where I immediately notice it’s much cooler here than in Reno. Bus it over to the terminal, and given time until boarding for SEA (in about 5 minutes) I don’t have time to stop at the RCC.

United Flight 506 – SFO-SEA - July 2

Walk up to Gate 70 and decide to see if there’s any way to upgrade. The Gate Agent is helpful and notes that there is as a US CP, provided I purchase the 500 mile upgrades. I say why not, and purchase them, and the agent reassures me we can void them if I the F seat isn’t available. They laugh when I ask them if I should just loiter and wait to hear. Lo and behold, the seat is available, they collect 2 500 milers and I receive a boarding pass for 1D on the 737-300. As I walk down the jetway, it’s clear that this is a former Shuttle plane (they didn’t do a good job of painting over the “Shuttle” on the fuselage – clearly two slightly different shades of paint – or the paint coat below has been faded by the sun).

We push back from the gate, and all is normal as we taxi on down to the runway. However, we pull off to a waiting area, and my back luck with mechanicals returns. This time, it’s a slow computer that’s having a time getting reset with all the necessary weight balance data. So, the flight crew decides to wait it out and let the computers straighten out itself. We wait for a while, and finally, the computers cooperate and as the flight crew based out of SEA wants to get home, they want to get us to SEA. We’re cleared onto the runway and we roar off to the north. As the departure is an evening one, just the savory mix and drinks. Having flown US F for the longest time, I’m actually quite pleased to get an actual glass for my drink. The flight up north is punctuated by fireworks displays below the aircraft – I’ve always liked seeing fireworks from above.
We make our way into Seattle, and fly by SeaTac, and head down as far as Safeco Field/Qwest Field before turning around for landing. Landing is smooth and we pull up to our gate at the North Satellite. It’s relatively quiet and a few flights are ready to head out, and I head down to the train to Baggage Claim, and wait for a bit as my massive bag (I really must learn to pack less) comes off the carousel. Head over to Hertz to pick up the car – and it looks like I get a brand new Ford Five Hundred. Not a bad car – apparently Ford is trying to create something better than the Taurus.

Seattle Marriott SeaTac Airport (July 2-4)

For some reason, it’s hard to get out of SeaTac (either due to construction or an accident – I can’t tell which). But I get over to the Marriott, park the car and check in. The hotel looks like it needs a makeover – very ‘90s, but nice enough. I managed to book the honeymoon package (it was cheaper than standard – and hey, I won’t mind the chocolate covered strawberries) – so I eat the strawberries. While, I’m dead tired, I am in need of dinner (the strawberries were nice, but not dinner), so lucky for me, room service is available for another 30 minutes. So I order up a chicken sandwich and it arrives before midnight. I eat and then crash for the night.

Initially, this part of the trip was supposed to be a few leisurely days in Seattle, but as an old friend suggested a couple of days in Vegas, my trip to Seattle became a 1 ½ day trip. But I had tickets for the Mariners vs. the Rangers (in Kenny Rogers’ first start since his suspension and appeal – needless to say, he was booed for quite a bit http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle034.jpg ) – and so figured, had to go (after all, there’s something appealing about watching a train wreck in progress). (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle028.jpg - the view at Safeco looking out over Qwest and into Seattle) Rogers lasted for 8.2 innings (although it felt like 7 and 2/3ds, but who’s counting) – and after getting shelled was warmly booed on his way back to the dugout (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle036.jpg - Jamie Moyer pitching – not Rogers . Of course, he made the All-Star team that same day.

After the game, decided to head up to Ray’s Boathouse for dinner (http://www.rays.com/) – had been with an old friend back in 1999 – decided it was time for another visit. As it was quite crowded in the boathouse, I got a seat at the bar in the café, and enjoyed some calamari and grilled Alaskan King Salmon. Was well worth the drive. And the view was nice from Ray’s (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle037.jpg - the view)
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b168/MujeebS/TahoeandSeattle038.jpg - the Ray’s sign) But I realized that I needed to get back (as I was dumb, er wise, enough to take a 6:05 a.m. flight out of SeaTac to meet my friend at LAX to head to Vegas). Dropped the car off at Hertz, caught the Marriott shuttle and headed back to the hotel. After checking in online, and getting my boarding passes, I head back to the room. After repacking the bag of far too much stuff, I headed off to sleep (with no band playing below me this time), and a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call.

United Flight 771 – SEA-LAX (July 4)

Wake up call was late – but my friend called me first to make sure I was up. After a shower and a boost of caffeine (Diet Pepsi always comes in handy), I head downstairs to checkout and catch the shuttle to the airport. I long for the simple shuttle drop off at the ticket counter – but who am I kidding? The shuttles drop you off near the baggage claim – but across the roads, then it’s over to the garage, up to the skybridge, and up to the counters. Luckily, I’m able to use the last two 500 milers for the upgrade to LAX. Take the train to the North satellite and arrive as boarding is about to start. I’ve got seat 2A on the A319. It’s full in first, but the FAs are nice, and they seem to be the kind of crew that really likes to take care of their passengers. The Captain is chatty – letting us know what we’re flying over, and even gets permission from ATC (yes, Channel 9 is on) to divert to have a better view of Mt. St. Helens (however, off of the right side of the aircraft).

Breakfast is offered – with a choice of an omelet or a fruit plate. I go for the fruit plate and a croissant. And I’m surprised when it’s on a plate, along with silverware (save for the plastic knife). Drinks are also in glasses (it’s amazing how I got used to plastic cups in F). The FAs even had flowers on a lace doily in the F lavatory. I’m impressed. Remainder of flight is uneventful, save for the fact that LAX seems to have rather low cloud cover, so we don’t see the ground until the last 3 or 4 minutes. The plethora of accents one hears flying in to LAX on Channel 9 is amusing. Land on the side of airport closest to the UA terminal, so after a short taxi, arrive at our gate , located next door to the RCC. I duck into the RCC, sit down and chill out for a bit. My friend’s plane is scheduled to arrive around 9:25 a.m. – so I have time to kill as we arrived early. My friend calls when he’s landed to let me know he’s early, and will meet me at the RCC. We hang out and catch up – and then find that our flight to Vegas is also delayed (late arrival in from Vegas). So, we’ve got more time to kill.

Very nice so far except for the band.Your pictures are very nice and sharp what camera are you using? ^
Now a diet coke/pepsi in the morning :confused:

A Canon PowerShot A95. Nice camera that's almost idiot-proof (which is why I use it).

As for the Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke thing - while I prefer coffee in the a.m., I sometimes don't feel like making a pot or cups in the in room coffeemaker. Just an old habit that I seem to have not shaken. Or I'm just lazy. :p

United Flight 1484 (operated by TED) – LAX-LAS

As we’re going to be late out of LAX and late into LAS, we call our friend Beau Parker, the DiceCoach (www.dicecoach.com) – who we’re seeing for a craps tune up session before hitting the tables (he’s a great guy – and even though we don’t approach 1/100 of his skill – we like to work with him) that we’ll be later than planned. Aircraft is at the gate, and boarding will begin when it begins. Mercifully, it does, and I take my window in E+ (had reserved an aisle, but when I got my upgrade in SEA that seat assignment changed – for a short flight, no worry). My friend is right in front of me, and it looks like I have the only seat with an empty middle beside me. Cool. Pushback finally comes, and we taxi off to the runway. Quick trip down the runway, and we head out over the beach and the Pacific, before beginning our turn back towards Los Angeles, and off to Las Vegas. Quick flight over – but there’s time for the beverage service and the savory mix. Woo hoo! I think I might be slowly turning into a package of savory mix. I probably should never learn how they make the stuff.

Unlike my last flight into Las Vegas, we have a normal approach past the airport, and then turning at the Lake and heading back (last one was a US flight in January 2005 where a passenger suddenly had serious heart problems, requiring use of the on board defibrillator, and a fast straight in approach to LAS (no other airport to divert to at that time) – which did give us a view of the Hoover Dam at night – but also meant that an EMS crew was on the jetway waiting for this guy. He was conscious when we left, and the flight crew did a heck of a job taking care of him. Hope he made it afterwards.)). Anyway, normal approach this time – winds (at least on Channel 9) may have made it a problem for some. Normal landing, and taxi over to the D Concourse. Walk off the airplane into the blast furnace of heat that is Las Vegas (lucky I wasn’t there last week). The bag that ate several small cities comes off the carousel after a bit of a wait.

TI (a/k/a Treasure Island) – July 4-6

We head to the cab line, which, mercifully in the heat, is short. The driver artfully manages to miss the lane to take us not via the tunnel, so charges out the wazoo! We pull into the TI where our host has comped our first night, and manage to get our room early. Head down to Canter’s and get some lunch before meeting Beau. The master imparts wisdom to the students (actually, we just catch up tell tale tales and have a grand time). Head back to TI to rest up for dinner and to hit the tables.

We decide that while there are some old favorites we could hit, we want to try Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill over at Caesar’s Palace. Located (I believe) where the buffet used to be many years ago). Nice place with a Southwestern feel. Due to our dawdling, and hitting a craps table on the way out of TI, we have dinner around 9 p.m., and following the big lunch at Canter’s, we go the salad and appetizer route. Not bad at all. Good service and good food. I’ll have to return for the MLK Day Weekend trip next year.

Other culinary notes: We hit the Steak House at TI. Good steaks, nice service, plus our host took care of us (he’s a good guy). Lunched at the Burger Bar at Mandalay Place – had a normal burger, as opposed the $60-some Kobe Beef burger on the menu. Lunched at the Grand Lux Café at Venetian – well, its there, the portions are big, but it’s always just about average (yes, hit the spot, but so does Denny’s every now and then).

Other Vegas activities: Had to get the Royal Shave at the Art of Shaving at Mandalay Place. If you go, ask for John, he’s a good guy who moved from upstate New York and had been a barber for 35-40 years. He remembered me from my last visit, and just how hard it could be to give me a good shave (he did well). My friend’s beard was tougher – the woman shaving him went through six blades (vs. two for me). Skipped the shows this time, as we did not have wives or girlfriends on the trip - which meant more gambling time for us. But did get a massage, since well, I had one my last trip, and I felt darn good afterwards. Plus, it meant we could come back to the Spa later if needed before flying out- but we had a late check out which took care of things.

I’ll skip the gambling stuff, other than to say we played at TI, MGM Grand, Mirage, Palms, Mandalay Bay and a bit at Wynn. I did mildly better than my friend, and anytime you can leave with more of your gambling bankroll than you started with – it’s a good trip. We did hit the Rio to look around at the World Series of Poker (the final event was starting the day after we left) – but it was nice to look around at the satellites and the other events still going on. Saw the biggies of the poker world (e.g. Doyle Brunson, Chris “Jesus” Ferguson and Phil Gordon – no QuietLion sighting – know from his blog he was in the neighborhood – just didn’t look hard enough I guess) – and it was an impressive setup.

Settled up the incidentals with my friend (lovely when one’s play gets the 2nd night comped) and said our farewells, and I hopped a cab to the airport (he had a flight 4 hours later, so could stay and play longer).

United Flight 1525 (operated by TED) – LAS-SFO - July 6

The bag that seemed to get heavier along the way finally got me. When checking in at McCarren, the bag was 15 pounds over the weight limit. Mind you, it hadn’t been a problem at Reno or Seattle before, but it was going to be here. I tried to be darn charming, and noted that “I thought Star Gold had a higher weight allowance?” The agent noted that on UA it was an additional bag allowance, and that the charge would be $25. Realizing that I wouldn’t win this fight, or if I did, the cost of warfare might be painful for me, I sucked it up and paid the $25 (Memo to dumb self: Take less stuff on an almost two week vacation next time – and feel free to use the laundry darn it.). At least I’m in E+ for the flights. Head up to security and the line is pretty sparse at this time (granted, it’s only 6:30 p.m.) – so through quickly and on the tram to the D Gates. Wander around and decide I need to get some dinner now, since I may not be able to hunt any down at SFO as the flight is slated to get in after 9:00 p.m. So get a fresh burger from Ruby’s Diner (I believe that’s what it was called) – and it was a good burger (maybe the food tastes better on vacation – except at the Grand Lux).

Head over to the gate and get there a few minutes before boarding. Take my aisle E+ seat and get settled in – and since after the door closes no else is in my side of the row, I take the window seat. Pushback and taxi out to the runway that allows you to pass by Mandalay Bay, where we have no real wait for takeoff. The sun is starting to set over the desert and the light is great as we head northwest. Once again, beverage and savory mix service is offered (must resist the Savory Mix, must resist … resistance is futile). Sit back and finish 1776 (give the folks at the Paradies Shops credit – if you purchase a book from their locations, and return it within 6 months, you get ½ price credit (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-05-09-airport-books_x.htm ) - smart idea – and hey, since they’re everywhere, it’s not hard to return, unless you stop flying for 6 months and aren’t hitting any of their airport locations) – so I know I can at least return it when I get to SFO. Let me again say that Channel 9 is great – it’s nice to hear what’s going on out there, as opposed to being sucked into NBC InFlight. Before long, we start the approach into SFO from the north and shooting around to the arrival runway. Normal touchdown and taxi to the TED gate at SFO.

United Flight 187 – SFO-RNO - July 6

I dutifully return the copy of 1776 – get my credit, and then zip over to the RCC. I like the SFO Domestic RCC – right size – just wish the bartender hadn’t given me attitude when I asked for a Diet Pepsi – as if there’s a sign saying, hey we have a fountain over here. Yeah, sorry I haven’t memorized the layout of your domain ma’am, it’s not like they have a map in Hemispheres. And my new Savory Mix addiction is fed by the bags of the demon mix by the apples (I can see it now: Rehab? For Savory Mix? Come on man, just admit you were smoking crack).

In order to get away from the demon known as Savory Mix, I leave the RCC to take a walk around the terminal – and wander down the AA portion (yeah, needs a refit too). Make it back to gate 68 where I wait just a little bit more before boarding. As it’s a light load, they just go ahead and board everyone, no need to bother with zones. Get seated on the A319 in 6D, and pretty much fall asleep right after takeoff. So, I miss out on my friend the Savory Mix, and am better for it. While the flight deck advised it would be bumpy throughout, we only experienced turbulence on the approach. Landing was normal and we pull up to the C Concourse at Reno. I head down to baggage claim, where the bags almost beat me there for a change.

Reno Hilton Casino Resort and Casino

One of the nice things about the Hilton is that since they’re so close to the airport, they offer a shuttle to and from the airport. Of course, what they never told me (probably because I didn’t ask) is that the shuttle is done at 11 p.m. Great – works for me as it’s now 11:45 p.m. So, I get in the taxi line and tell the driver I’m headed to the Hilton. His response: “I know.” Unless he’s a psychic, he’s got an attitude, but I let it pass. During the drive out, he asks “if we have a problem?” My response is no – and I’m just tired. He then proceeds to apologize for his attitude, and says that this is his 5th trip to the Hilton from the airport today, and he’s just frustrated. I’m just thinking, he’s not the right guy for City ambassador. Mercifully, the trip is quick, and I pay him and tell him to have a good night. He then says, “I’m just going home, I should have done that earlier.” Okie dokie.

Check in at the Hilton is quick – the place needs a renovation – fast becoming the theme of this trip. Head up to the room – and notice that the décor in the hallways is a weird Southwestern vibe that looked really tired. But hey, a room for $56 a night near an airport is a room. And it’s what I need. Of course, I can’t resist the siren call of the craps table, and play at a table with just me and one other guy, and a crew that would rather be elsewhere. Finish a little bit up and realize that sleep would be a smart thing right now. Get a 5:30 a.m. wake up call so I can catch the 7:00 a.m. shuttle over for the 8:30 a.m. flight. Sleep comes easily.

United Flight 323 – RNO-SFO – July 7
Wake up call comes all too early as I struggle out of bed and flip on the television to where all hell has broken has broken loose in London. Watch the horror of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man – and then realize that I need to pull out of this and get ready. So get the caffeine via Diet Pepsi again, and shower and get ready. Miss the 7:00 a.m. shuttle, but am able to catch the 7:15 a.m. shuttle, and it’s off to the airport we go.

Last time thorough Reno, the bag of immense weight did not cause me to have to pay the excess baggage fee, but like the day before in Las Vegas – I pay up the $25 for the extra weight. Head through the TSA line (quick one at that) and then realize I have a minute or two for the additional sugar and caffeine fix with the Krispy Kremes available at the small restaurant near the gate. Munch on that, along with more Diet Pepsi (coffee would probably be a better choice) and watch as two federal marshal looking guys are taking a passenger (I think he may have been a prisoner) on early. I board with Group 1 and get settled into 6C for the short flight over to SFO. Since it’s a quick flight out, there’s only beverage service. Not sure if the Savory Mix was available (hmmm … Savory Mix). Again, quick flight to SFO, with nothing out of the ordinary. Arrive on time, and pull up to the gate with much time to kill, so I figure another visit to the RCC will be in order, after I pick up a new book for the flight, and plenty of Ghirardelli chocolate for the office, all of which I accomplish in short order in the UA terminal.

US Airways Flight 8 – SFO-CLT – July 7

Those of you familiar with the US/UA codeshare out of SFO knows it means either, walking between the terminals and having to clear security again, or taking the shuttle between the terminals that keeps you in the secured areas. Instead of immediately going to the RCC, I decide to take the shuttle over so I can make sure that I’m actually on the airport waitlist for the upgrade (didn’t clear at the 7 day window, so I’m at the mercy of the waitlist). Given that this is a codeshare, and I checked in with UA at Reno, I figure, I better make sure I get on the waitlist. So, take the shuttle over (after determining that I can still come back) and since the gate agents are busy processing an arriving flight, I decide to stroll out of the secured area and head to the check-in counter. Get put on the waitlist, and decide to try to head back to UA land and the RCC. The rental security type is wondering why I want to go back to UA instead of staying here, and I note simply, because I came in on a UA flight, they have an RCC I can use, and there’s no longer a US Airways Club here. So, she lets me through and I head back.

Much nicer bartenders at the RCC on the day shift – of course, we’re all glued to the televisions for any more information on the London bombings. No change in security here. Realizing that lunch on the flight back will be a BOB meal, even if I get the upgrade, I figure that I’d better get something I’d prefer to eat rather than the sandwich/salad choice, so hit the new (well, new to me) food court right outside the RCC. Scarf down some Chinese food, and then figure it’s time to return to happy shuttle land and go on over to the US Concourse. One thing about the shuttle trip – it gives you a chance to see how bad the other side of the US Concourse looks from outside. Hopefully, they’ll finally get to move to better quarters either as they co-locate with HP – or SFO finally renovates the old International Terminal and uses it for domestic carriers.

The A321 making up this flight has arrived at Gate 15 (the gate left way off by itself, with nothing much around it) and as I wait in line to see about my upgrade, hear that I’m being paged to the counter. Lo and behold, the upgrade is given, and I get Seat 6F (not the greatest seat on the 321, but it’s in First). Board during Zone 1 and get onto the aircraft and stow my stuff. Bottles of water are handed out while everyone else boards (that’s the problem with the 321, no boarding through 2L). Pushback is ontime and we taxi out to the runway (no problems this time). Not much waiting in line, and we head off, eventually making the eastward turn.

Unfortunately, today’s meal in F is the BOB offering of a Greek Salad or some sandwich (maybe a Club Sandwich, which I couldn’t eat anyway) – so I pick the Greek Salad. Nothing special about the meal – all plastic, or paper boxes (or wrapping for the cookie) – and, of course, the drinks in plastic cups. Finish up and decided to watch Fever Pitch – it’s not great, it’s not horrible – it works for an in flight movie. Decide to grab a quick nap, and wake up as we’re about 30 minutes out of Charlotte. Kept reading through Ghost Wars which is the secret history of the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion through September 10, 2001 – really need to sink into that book – not a short read by any stretch. Before I know it, we’re beginning final approach into Douglas, with a more or less on time arrival. We taxi to the gate in the C Concourse, and instead of going to baggage claim straightaway – since it always takes longer than 15 minutes for the bags to come off – way more than that – I head to the large US Airways Club at the C/D Concourse intersection and hang out for a bit. Wander on downstairs to meet the Executive Car driver and wait for bags – which take a while. Luckily, we did not run out of small talk topics during the wait, and the threatened thunderstorms stayed away (thus keeping the field open and bags coming). Grab the bag now seemingly full of bricks, head out to the waiting towncar and head home.

Vacations are nice – but there’s sometimes nothing like being able to fall asleep in one’s own bed.

Welcome back. As i said before very nice report.But i am still worried for you and that diet Coke/Pepsi drink in the morning.Maybe on your next B'day you will treat yourself to one of those coffee machine with automatic timer.
Good luck :D

The worst thing is that I already have one of those coffee machines - it'll even grind the beans for me. I'm just sometimes too damn lazy to set it up for the automatic brew the next a.m.