Are you tired of winter? Are you tired of cold weather? Are you tired of even what little snow we have received?
Well, if you're not a cold weather enthusiast like me, you have probably begun to climb the walls, waiting from summer to return.
If you are one of those poor souls, relax. Here is a Don Q suggestion on how to briefly get away from the winter blahs. And, it sure as heck is a whole lot cheaper and a whole lot closer than going to Hawaii or Mexico at this time of the year.
Just pick out a period of time on Mar. 1, 2, 3 or 4, and then take the short trip to Reno to enjoy the annual Reno Boat, Sport and RV Show.
Dates and location: Mar. 1-4 are the dates of the 35th annual Reno Boat, Sport and RV Show.
That outdoor show will be held at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center on South Virginia Street, and it has a little bit of something for everyone.
Boats, boats, boats: For starters, there will be boats, boats and more boats: Little ones, medium ones, big ones and really big ones.
There will be a wide range from inexpensive boats all the way up to "you better be filthy rich!"
If you have been dreaming of summer fun on the water, you'll see competition ski boats, speed boats, fishing boats and jet skis, plus all kinds of marine products and services offered to boating enthusiasts.
Here's a golden opportunity to see and touch (and even buy!) that next boat of your dreams.
Whether you're a casual family boater or a seasoned fisherman, you will be sure to find what you're looking for at this show and then some.
RV's: The 2007 show will also feature all kinds of RV's such as motor homes, travel trailers, toy haulers and tent campers.
If you want to go camping in anything from a small camper pickup all the way up to one of those, mind-boggling, "block-long" luxury motor homes or diesel buses, you will find it at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center on those four days in March.
I guarantee that any one of them will beat sleeping on the cold, hard ground, when you are camping out this coming summer.
There is a lot to be said for being snug and dry, having running water, lights and warmth, watching TV, sleeping in a bed and taking a hot shower on that summer camping trip.
Heck, if you don't think so, then just take a peek inside some of the RV exhibits, and you, too, will become a believer, real fast!
Exhibitors and vendors: The four-day show will offer all kinds of different exhibitor and vendor booths with all kinds of information for travel destinations, fun-filled fishing excursions, hunting trips and much more.
If you would like to vacation, fish or hunt at a special location, later this year, I would be willing to bet that you will find it at this show.
NDOW: As a special note, be sure to stop by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) booth to visit with those good folks.
While you're there, you can also buy your 2007 Nevada hunting license, fishing license, trout stamp and second rod stamp. Then, you will be legal for the rest of the year, whenever you're out hunting or fishing.
Remember that it is almost that time of the year to submit your applications for the various 2007 Nevada big game hunts, and to do so, you will need to have a 2007 hunting license. You can get it at the NDOW booth.
OGT: Also, make it a point to look for the Nevada Operation Game Thief (OGT) display. Their brand new display trailer features a collection of animals taken illegally from around the state. You will be able to see, first-hand and up close, what poachers have taken from our wildlife populations of pronghorn antelope, mule deer and Rocky Mt. elk.
Hours and Admission: The 2007 show hours are:
Thursday: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Here's a special tip: Historically, Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening are when you can expect to encounter the largest crowds. If you're not into large crowds, you just might want to consider going on the Opening Day of Thursday or on Thursday night.
The 2007 admission costs are:
Adults: $8.
Seniors: $6.
Children under 12: Free.
Note: Discount admission coupons are available by going to Internet website www.bigshows.com.
And, as usually the case at any show at any arena, parking your vehicle will be an extra cost.
Finally: There you have it, a Don Q suggestion on how to spend some quality time, while waiting for summer weather to return this area.
For information, call 852-SHOW or got to website www.bigshows.com.
-- Bet Your Favorite Pigeon
Bet your favorite pigeon he can't tell you where I will be on Mar. 2.
If he grins and says, "If everything goes according to plan, Don will be helping to staff the Nevada Operation Game Thief display at the show," he could be a member of the Operation Game Thief Citizens' Committee.
-- Don Quilici is the Outdoors editor for the Nevada Appeal.