By Rod Kunkel
Sun Valley, AZ / Laughlin, NV
Our first weekend getaway of 2024 is behind us! We had a great turnout of 25 people. The weather was warm, albeit a bit windy. Forecasted winds were brisk, especially during the afternoons, but directionally aligned with the runway. Everyone arrived Friday morning before the winds picked up. Saturday’s winds were the strongest, but Sun Valley’s sturdy tie downs kept all our planes secure. Sunday morning’s winds remained light until everyone departed for home.
Everyone arrived at Sun Valley Airport Friday morning. Craig and Jody Narr treated us to a welcome BBQ at their house, which is within the Sun Valley Airpark. It was a great way to gather everyone together and get to know each other prior to the weekend’s activities.
We then headed to Laughlin to check in at the Riverside Resort for the weekend. The Riverside, albeit after many expansions over the years, is the original hotel from the 1960s when Don Laughlin settled in the area. It is a sprawling property with many hidden features including a car museum, bowling alley, bingo hall, and martini bar. Friday night we went to a comedy show in a nearby hotel/casino. There were 4 comics, not all of whose content was appealing to everyone in the group. We nonetheless had a good time, and it was a great way to conclude a long day of traveling, eating, and meeting new friends.
On Saturday morning we drove to Oatman, which is an old mining town in the mountains east of the Colorado River. Oatman now caters to tourists with numerous Western-style shops and restaurants which sell almost anything you’d want to buy. Wild donkeys (sorry, burros!) roam the streets to entertain guests and beg for food.
Saturday night we all boarded the Grand Celebration for a dinner cruise on the Colorado River. Upon boarding, they told us the ship may not leave the dock due to high winds. Shortly later though, the winds died down a bit and we were able to set out on the river for a scenic trip with views of all the lights of Laughlin along the way. The food was also very good!
Sunday morning, we all headed back to Sun Valley and headed for home.
Upcoming Weekend Getaways
Our next weekend getaway will be at the Grand Canyon at the end of May (Memorial Day weekend).
I’m also in the early stages of planning something for Cottonwood later this year, which will likely involve a train ride and wine tasting. Be on the lookout in future newsletters and email blasts for details.
Finally, if you have any questions or suggestions for future weekend getaways, please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..