Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Road Trip - Slice of Americana

There we were on the road to Reno in our recently purchased used car. Not any car mind you, this is THE Ford Crown Victoria P71 Police Interceptor just like the ones the Highway Patrol Drives. It goes fast, handles like a race car and most importantly stops on a dime. The Crown Vic could be called an American Icon because it has been the commercial fleet go-to car for decades. Our car is a retired state of California undercover "escort vehicle," or so says the car salesman. These cars are being discontinued by Ford in 2011 to be replaced by a more fuel efficient model. Our car is no slouch in fuel consumption, we averaged close to 20 mpg on our return trip. We had four grownups and considerable luggage riding on board.

The reason for the road trip was to attend the wedding of our nephew Gavin to the most lovely Nellie.
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The Kiss!


On the way into town I recommend a stop at Terrible's Gold Ranch Casino. It is the first casino past the California State Line. Normally by this point in the drive we are ready for a pit stop. The complex houses a gas station, Jack in the Box and a convenience store. Inside the casino there is a cafe that sells huge portions of delicious diner food, at prices that would probably not cover the cost of coffee in the Bay Area. The whole operation is overseen by a handsome gentleman who happens to be my brother.

If you go by now there is a real slice Americana inside the casino as well. The "Bonnie and Clyde Death Car" is on display with museum like memorabilia that documents the demise of the notorious robbers. It is chilling that so many bullet holes riddle the car. The coppers must have been angry. I have similar anger at some of the crazy drivers on the road but stop short of gunfire.
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Bonnie and Clyde Death Car Video


I love road trips!

3 comments:

Zoomie said...

I can hear the one-armed bandits in the background, sounding almost like gunfire! Must stop there next time we head to Reno!

cookiecrumb said...

What a kiss! Congratulations. Must have been fun.

Greg said...

Zoomie- The car sits next to the bar..how convenient.
Cookiecrumb- It was a beautiful wedding with a rocking reception.