We are taking a two week holiday starting and ending in Las Vegas, where we are renting an RV (motorhome, Campervan, “OTO BA-ITâ€) and driving to beautiful places. Today was the first day, and it was a long and agonizing one.
The day started off pretty good back at home. We packed last night and everything was ready, the kids got up in a great mood. Ron was VERY excited about flying in an airplane and getting an RV. Benny dropped us off at SFO and between checking in at home, curbside baggage drop (well worth the $2 per bag plus tip), and fast security line, we were at our gate within 20 minutes. A small miracle with 3 kids. It was 9:30am and the flight to Las Vegas was supposed to leave at 10:58.
Trouble began at the gate when we saw the flight delayed to 11:15. Then they switched us to another gate. At 10:45 they said the flight is delayed by another hour. At noon, they cancelled the flight. They put us on a 1:16pm flight which was instantly delayed to 1:40. All this time we have to keep 3 small kids occupied. Shir and Orr were getting very tired (they usually nap by 11:30am). Even a movie on my laptop was good for only 30 minutes at this stage.
Finally we got on the plane at 1:30pm. Orr, who fell asleep 5 minutes before we got on the plane, woke up immediately for a total of 15 minutes nap, Paola now wondering how to keep her busy for the flight duration. On the runway another delay, but by 2:30 we finally took off. Shir fell asleep in my arms as Paola watched me in envy. Ron fell asleep too. We landed at 3:30 and I called the RV rental place to make sure that they’ll be open till 5pm as promised.
We got off the plane and journeyed to baggage claim (Las Vegas is a huge airport). We quickly retrieved 3 car seats and 3 duffle bags. Great, except we have 4 duffle bags. 4:20pm, we need to get on a cab and hurry to the RV guys. We decide to abandon the missing red bag and return for it later. The closest cab to our baggage carousel was a stretch limo, we were looking at a very tight timeline, so we took the luxury route…
After traffic and passing through a construction zone, we arrived at Cruise America RV rental at 4:55pm, just in time. The 2 gentlemen were very nice and helpful, and after the paperwork and explanations I became an expert on the RV. After putting in the car seats, loading the luggage and slowly driving out of the parking lot, we were finally on our way.
Paola and the kids were getting restless and hungry. It was almost 6pm. We decided to stay in Las Vegas tonight instead of driving to our first intended destination about 60 miles away. We called “Arizona Charlie’sâ€, a place not too far from the rental lot and asked if they had a spot for us. They did, but the lady explained their no reservations taken policy….I explained our dire situation and she gladly took my credit card over the phone.
From the RV place we stopped at the first food place, Panda Express, the McDonalds Chinese Food. Orr was sleeping but Shir and Ron ate OK. We then continued to Albertson’s (supermarket) to load up on foodstuff. At 8:30pm we were back in the RV and decided to head to the RV campground. After I had to do my first Reverse in the supermarket parking lot (not trivial), we changed our mind and decided first to retrieve the red duffle bag at the airport. The kids were wide awake.
8:30pm and we are driving into the airport. I enter a lane that has a maximum height clearance of 8.5 feet. The RV is 12.5 feet tall (~4 meter). OOPS. I slowly reverse as cars are passing me on the left. We stopped the RV near the terminal building and I dashed out to baggage central. Luckily the bag was there and I heaved it back happily.
At 9:30pm we finally made it to the RV place, only to discover that it is a hotel and casino. After wondering around for 10 minutes (and conducting a very tight reverse with Paola guiding me from outside) the valet parking guy told us that the campground is nextdoor…
9:45pm we finally park in our spot (Reverse, I’m an expert by now), and start to get organized. I connect the RV to the campground electricity, but leave the water to morning. The kids are all bouncy and wide awake, excited to be in their new communal bed in the back of the RV. Warm milk for the girls does not help getting them relaxed. Paola crawls in with them and sings soothing songs. I get out the iPod with their bedtime songs and hook it to our portable speakers.
It took some time but by 10:30pm all three were sleeping. Another hour an a half of organizing our stuff, emptying the bags and we are pooped too. Outside the wind is howling and it is a cold night (8C). But we have a heater in the RV, so I am in shorts.
As I said, a long and necessary day, made even longer by our friendly United Airlines.
Good night.
Hemi