On Camping, Vegas and Potato Chips
We should not be left alone with all of the Kettle Chips we have in the house.
We have been obsessively making our way through several flavors as we get all caught up on stuff and finalize our camping adventure before taking off (next week!). Our desks are, uncharacteristically, bursting with papers, books and files – many carry the telltale sign of having eaten potato chips. Colorful salty fingerprints.
We’ve felt a little behind over the last several months and have vowed to not have anything lingering when we set up camp in the wilderness. After all, we can’t get our Zen on if the “Ommm” is disrupted by thoughts of “I forgot to…”
We’re still working on the details of how things will unfold in Glacier, but we do know that we’ll probably kick things off by camping in this area:
…and by taking our normal “warm up” hike:
So, ya, we’re checking things off the to-do list, finalizing our camping trip and and mindlessly inhaling an assortment of crack-like chips. Cue the gut ache.
Caanan (staring at a single, perfect chip between his fingers): I have to write about the shows we saw in Vegas, but I’d much rather write about this chip.
Kent: I think the people at Kettle know this. That’s probably why they sent us a box.
No joke.
We don’t need any more excuses to not catch up on everything, including this website. Earlier in the year, we took a partially sponsored trip to Vegas. We have resisted mentioning and writing about it because we hadn’t yet fleshed out our take on all things Media. To make a long story short, we want to feel good about any and all sponsorships we accept. We won’t go somewhere or write about something just because it’s free (potato chips included). That feels wrong.
Thankfully, Vegas does not fall in that camp. But – in addition to opportunities that are a good fit – other ultimately undesirable and inauthentic possibilities have emerged. So we made the decision to have a plan cemented before doing anything.
That commitment – in addition to some delirious travel – put us way behind, which leaves us sitting here, eating chips and getting up to speed.
Caanan: Well, for starters, maybe we should quit talking about food so much. Surprises like this could get dangerous. I can’t workout enough to keep up with this. Besides, I shouldn’t be more excited to write about chips.
Kent: But that’s the point, we want to write about stuff we enjoy. You’re just putting off writing about those shows because we weren’t wowed. Good and bad experiences are part of the landscape, whether we pay or not.
So, back to Vegas. We enjoy it there and this time around was no exception. We stayed at two places. First off, we checked into Vdara. The sleek rooms and ridonkulous views rocked our world.
Next up, we hit The Venetian. Now, we’ve stayed at the Venetian empire of hotels before (Palazzo and Venezia), but this is the first time that we stayed at the Venetian proper. There’s not much to not like; I mean, you have 750 square feet of nice.
While there, we saw two shows. Viva Elvis and Phantom. Both left us non-plussed. Viva Elvis started with a bang and then – with the exception of a couple segments – veered into cruise-shipy. Phantom, although equipped with some great vocals and cool bells and whistles, came off as a too-dumbed-down version of the original, Phantom of the Opera (which – against type – we didn’t like all that much either).
Feel free to use the links to check out a few more tidbits regarding our experiences at the hotels and shows. Meanwhile, I’m going to move on to the next thing on the list and more of those damn chips.
What’s up in your world? Are you all caught up (unlike us)?
That’s too bad that the shows left you with a case of the “meh’s”. And I have to agree, those chips are a danger.
I am almost caught up! One more load to storage and that should do it before Asia calls. Looking forward to hearing about all things camping from you folks!
Yeah, the shows did not resonate like others we have seen in Vegas. There are some pretty jaw-dropping productions in sin city, so the competition is pretty fierce.
So excited about your big news. Your last blog post was VERY disruptive! Looking forward to following your journey.
Cool post — I like variety! I just stayed at Vdara in Vegas last month. Great room and views (looks like your view may have been just a bit better, however). To answer your question, I’m not caught up at all! That’s why I’m writing this comment, upgrading WordPress, writing a blog post, and trying to get interaction on my facebook fanpage on the 4th of July instead of at a BBQ.
Thanks Cathy. We are all about the variety!
I was going to scold you for not doing something more spirited on our nation’s birthday, but we are working, watching soccer and eating nachos. So we won’t be throwing any stones from our glass office!
Glitzy hotels don’t interest me much so I want to read heaps on your camping experiences!
You taking that huge box of chips with you?
We like to strike a good balance – glitzy hotels, camping, not-so-glitzy hotels. It’s why we call ourselves “multiple personality travelers.”
And that box of chips is definitely not going to last very long.
mmm…chips…must have beer!
Enjoy Glacier NP, I’ve heard it’s beautiful; I want to go there someday!
Yes, it is beautiful. Can’t wait to explore further. They had a rough winter and spring, though, so I think we’re in for a wet visit with a lot of snow to navigate. It’ll be an adventure.
I hope you don’t mind me admitting I’m jealous. Insanely so (this seems to be a running theme with me these days). Kettle Chips and Glacier NP? Have an amazing time! Can’t wait to hear all about your camping trip when you return.
Thanks, Marsha. We’re also going to try to post while we’re away. Stay tuned.
Kettle Chips are one of my favorite too. Cape Cod!
Holy crunch Batman! Is Cape Cod a flavor we don’t know about?
Wow, they sent you guys a whole box! Awesome!
Hope you guys can get all caught up and ready to take your trip into nature with relaxed minds, and more Kettle Chips!
Thanks, Mark. That’s our goal… to be totally relaxed without a to-do list in site.
that is a large contrast between the hotel and camping
There IS a big contrast, isn’t there. We’re flexible
I felt like I was sitting down with a cup of coffee and bowl of Kettle chips with you guys as I read this. I’m also feeling very far behind. Love your camping place for Glacier! At least you’ll be doing lots of hiking to burn off all those chips. I can’t believe they sent you a box!
That’s an area that we haven’t camped in before, so we are pumped to check it out more closely. Also, lots of good hiking and photo ops in that corner of Glacier. Can you tell we’re excited?
If you start working kettle chips into all your blog posts, I’m going to have to stop reading. Me = want some. Ahora.
Don’t worry! They won’t be discussed too often. That would be, well, just pathetic.
Kettle chips really are crack. They’re my biggest weakness. I won’t have them around anymore because I finish the bag in 24 hours.
24 hours?! Please. We can finish a Costco sized bag between check-out and the bus (yes, we are probably the only people in the world who take the bus to Costco).
You guys seem to be just as obsessed with these potato chips as I am with Argentine wine. I’m not sure which obsession is worse
Our obsession with the chips is probably worse. Sadly.
I am looking forward to reading about your adventure in Glacier! I have not been to this National Park but have heard it is pretty amazing.
Those kettle chips would be deadly. I would have probably thrown them away just so I wouldn’t eat them all.
Stay tuned, Debbie – we plan to post lots of pictures. We’re on a mission to be better about the picture side of things.
Vegas is always hit or miss for me, usually miss. I’d definitely prefer a weekend camping than partying Vegas style…
Yes, us too. Oh, and full disclosure.. we’re not big party guys in Vegas. We love the people watching, food and – oddly enough for Vegas – recharging.
Okay- 1- kettle chips are incredible and easily are responsible for gaining the freshman 20…
2- I feel the same way about phanthom. Love theatre, love singing, love dancing… hated that show. I was impressed with Vegas theatre when they brought Ave Q but it seems like the audiences weren’t ready for good theatre!
We saw Avenue Q at Wynn and LOVED it. Genius. The rest of the audience… not so much. I don’t know what people thought they were getting into, but I am pretty sure they didn’t think they were going to see Sesame Street in Vegas.
Yeah, Phantom just does not resonate with us. Does that keep us from singing every song or randomly blurting out “Christine! Sing for me!” in a slightly ghoulish voice? Of course not.
You don’t like Phantom of the Opera?? WHAT?!? Okay, I might be a little too obsessed with it, but still. The extent of my shock is indescribable.
And we’re never caught up over here; finding a good work/life balance is our eternal conundrum. Maybe more kettle chips would help?
Um, you need to calm the !@#$ down!
Our “not liking” a Broadway musical is comparable to the rest of the world’s “LOVING” a Broadway musical.
We are sooo not caught up and the list just keeps getting longer. I too have been eating a lot of chips… and cookies… and ice cream. Yellowstone was amazing, but it sure did make me feel even more behind on business things I need to do. I look forward to reading about Glacier!
We understand. There is nothing like camping to make the work pile up. It is one of the rare time when we don’t have the option of working (which is nice) but it does create some anxiety. That is why we are trying to get out in front of anything too pressing.
Great. Not only do you not require vacations but you receive whole boxes of chips from the people at Kettle.
Will you be camping next to a lemonade river?!
In a chocolate tent??
Maybe when you wake in the mornings a bear will have made your breakfast.
Dammit I want an NVR life!!
…says the guy who lives in the South of Spain and spends his time with magical, anthropomorphized appliances.
Unfortunately, the unusual snowpack in Glacier means we can’t camp next to the Lemonade river.
We will push through, though.
If you have not seen it I would check out the Beatles LOVE show. It really is good and I am not a big fan of the Vegas shows. Live it up! Looks like you are having a fun time!
Thanks for the recommendation. We have had that on the list for some time. I actually just downloaded it (I know, kinda weird, right?) so we can watch it from the comfort of our own couch.
Of course, it won’t be the same as seeing it live. On the bright side, no chance of being pulled out of the crowd (one of our worst fears!).
Kettle actually sent you free chips?? Awesome
Yeah. All you have to do is talk about your food addiction on Twitter and – just like that – boxes of snacks on your doorstep.
Really? They send food to your doorstep if you tweet about it? I am going for free M&M’s…
I can inhale a bag of kettle chips in one sitting. I just went camping this weekend after a lonnnngggg hiatus and now I am hooked again. Funny, I was just thinking about how it would like to camp in Colorado or Montana when you guys brought up Glacier. Does it ever get crowded in the park?
Glacier gets it share of crowds, but nothing like Yellowstone. It can be downright quiet at times, which is a treat. Believe it or not it is pretty early in the season. That – coupled with an unusually heavy snowpack – means things should be really quiet.
First, I would read an article you wrote about kettle chips any day!
Love those things…
Second, NO, we are not caught up. We have many articles and ideas started in google docs. I have several more in mac journal too. Uggh!
And off we go on our next adventure down the Blue Ridge Parkway on Saturday! We hope to be posting a few things from the road though.
I agree with your comment above that people watching is loads of fun. I can imagine it is to the extreme in Vegas. This is definitely on our list in the very near future!
Can’t wait to hear about your camping adventure!
Thanks, Liana. Oh, and you better post from the road.
Please send some Kettle chips my way. Jalapeno or Cracked Pepper.
Thanks. There is a serious shortage of good potato chips down here.
Sorry to get you drooling about chips when you don’t have decent access. Cruel.
Clearly, many chip fans visit this blog
It’s like the peanut butter thing – you can’t find good (if any) peanut butter in most places.
mmmm salt & vinegar! what does that say about me? anything?
i’m WAY behind, but you know what behind really means to me? busy enjoying myself- and that feels sooooo good 
you guys are so fantastic to tell it like it is (for you) and not feel obligated to deliver a desired review just because you were treated to experiences. true you 
That’s a great way to look at being behind, Lorna. With your adventure, I’d probably be behind for a long time
Ha! And I thought I was the only nature-loving primitivist hippie that really liked Vegas. Clearly, I was wrong.