January 4, 2018 - Vegas and The Bomb Cyclone

Tanya's Daily Scoop
Covering The West Coast & The World
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN: LAS VEGAS

What happens in Vegas...

Hey Hey Hey and a Happy Day!

While poor Elisa is sitting at home while a "Bomb Cyclone" is hitting the east coast, I'm coming at you from sunny Las Vegas!

If you've yet to visit this mega playground here are  some tips and ideas for the Las Vegas first timer:

11 Las Vegas Must Dos for the First Timer!

The Famous Las Vegas sign (c)travelincousins.com

And as the saying goes "What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas" that is how it's gonna seem right now, because I have to run!

Hopefully I'll be able to bop back on here to fill you in on the SCOOP from yesterday.

But I will tell you one thing that I was quite surprised with - Las Vegas is definitely not an all night town. Most restaurants were closing by 10p and by 1a it was like the town was giving you an option - gamble or go to bed! 

And if you recall - I don't gamble...anymore!

Throwback Thursday - An Underage Gambler!

Las Vegas circa 1994 (c)travelincousins.com

Oki doki smoki. I'm outta here!
​-T

And now I'm back and really just to share a couple of pics from yesterday...

If you have been following day to day - which you should be and I know a bunch of you do, then you'd already know that I had promised Cosette a visit to see Dream before I would head out of town and into Vegas! 

Dream is such a sweet horse (c)travelincousins.com

Then it was just me the road and quite a few idiot drivers.

The road to Vegas! (c)travelincousins.com

Until I reached good 'ol Sin City, checked into my hotel and then caught up with an old friend of mine. 

We had dinner and then was on a quest to find something to do...

Yummy Chick'n Tacos from Nacho Daddy - which is actually open late! (c)travelincousins.com

​Now how difficult could that be in a place like Las Vegas??? Well since both my friend and I have been to this city countless times - we have pretty much DONE IT ALL. 
And thus we were kinda looking for something that would entertain the spoiled big kids that we are! LOL

Eventually finding a big fat nothing!!! 
​And the fact that most restaurants close at 10pm! What the heck is up with that?!?!

Unless it's late at night! LOL

Even once we found a Piano Bar to hang out in and listen to some live music - we were kicked out at precisely 1am because they were closing!!!!

Ummm HELLOOOO Las Vegas aren't you suppose to be open like 24/7???

​That's a wrap from me,
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
Covering Long Island & NYC Boroughs

"Bomb Cyclone" Time

Howdy Guys!!

Coming to you from Long Island, the center of what they are calling the "Bomb Cyclone" or Storm Grayson.  

The weather forecast began announcing the arrival  of a serious storm for most of the entire east coast of the country, clad with snow, very high winds and freezing temperatures.

Things were supposed to begin with snowfall at around 1am, but then it was changed to 3am.  Ironically, I woke up at around 2:30am, surprised to find the absence of the impending snowfall.

The National Weather report stated as follows as reported by The Patch regarding this storm:

"A rare "bomb cyclone" snowstorm is set to bring Long Island to a standstill on Thursday. Parts of the island may see more than a foot of snow and wind gusts up to 55 mph will likely cause whiteout conditions on the roadways.  
Nassau County will be under a winter storm warning from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday. The storm will be a quick hitter as it rapidly moves up the coast. Snow is expected to begin early Thursday and continue into the evening.
Suffolk County, which will be under a blizzard warning from 1 a.m. Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday, is expected to get hit the hardest."

Generally speaking, I do not get in an uproar about storms, but, what is most frightening is the prediction of such high gusts of winds, with the fear of downed trees and electrical lines.  Crossing my fingers that we do not lose power and that everyone remains safe.

During Hurricane Sandy in October, maximum sustained winds reached 74 mph and we lost power for two weeks!! Not fun at all, although school was closed for a week, so the kids were very happy!

Still up at 3:30, I saw the snow begin coming down from my bedroom window.
As of this writing the snow is now really coming down and it's pretty darn "white" out.  Here are two pictures I took from my front door.

Taken at 7am this morning (c) travelincousins.com

Taken at 9:30 this morning (c) travelincousins.com

So, at this point, we are just staying put.  It's a good day for me to catch up on the many articles I have in store for you guys later in the month and beyond!!!

Keeping things fun and optimistic, how about a fun winter class!

REI is offering some super fun classes for sports and adventure enthusiasts this week:

Here are two classes that caught my eye, happening right here in REI's Carle Place, Long Island store and another in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

(photo credit: REI)

Introduction to Winter Camping
Sunday January 7, 2018
Prospect Park - Brooklyn, NY
10:00am - 2:00pm
Member: $65
Non Member: $85


Join the REI Outdoor School instructors to learn how to make a comfortable home for yourself in the winter. You'll learn how to set up a model campsite using proper Leave No Trace skills.  Instructors will show you where to position your kitchen area, your "bathroom facilities" and your tent site for maximum safety and comfort.

Food storage and wildlife safety will also be covered as well as practical winter camping skills for use in every cold weather situation, from car camping to long-distance backpacking.

(photo credit: REI)

Snowshoeing Basics
Wednesday January 17, 2018
Carle Place REI
7:00pm - 8:30pm​
​Free

Join experienced REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing, which will focus on the appropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started. If you ever thought about getting into snowshoeing, this is a great introduction to the sport!


I've never snowshoed, but I'm seriously considering taking the course next Wednesday evening.  I'll keep you posted!!

For the full schedule of REI classes and events, Click HERE.

Well folks, I'm off to make my gang some breakfast and hot cocoa.  Stay safe and warm and I'll be back tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo