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Sonya's MMVIII Trip Report - March 16-March 20, 2011

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by Sonya, Apr 21, 2011.

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  1. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 1999
    Messages:
    44,195
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25

    My Trip Report

    This is just the Vegas (plus Cathedral Gorge) part of my Trip Report. If you're interested in a longer, web page version, you can find it here.)

    To see larger versions of the pictures, just click on the photo and use your back button to return to this page.

    Day Two: March 16, 2011


    Twin Falls, ID - Las Vegas, NV

    (in progress)

    I debated for a long time whether or not to jump on the 6 and cut over to the 518 to Las Vegas or to take 93 the long way around, past Cathedral Gorge, adding 45-minutes to an hour to my drive time. Eventually I decided that I most likely wouldn't be back through there in another decade or two, so I would get into Las Vegas a little later and take the scenic route.

    Eventually I saw the turn out for Miller's Overlook at Cathedral Gorge. You couldn't see anything from the road, so I was concerned I had driven far out of my way for little reward but at the end of the gravel road I was rewarded with a fascinating view. The place reminded me a lot of a mini version of Bryce Canyon in Utah. Everywhere I looked, there was something more interesting than the last.

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    was pretty impressed by the trailhead down to the bottom of the park. It's quite a dramatic start to a hike. Something I know that Dan would have loved and been tempted by. I took several pictures and watched with amusement as cars whizzed by on the freeway at 80mph, with no idea that this existed just off the road.

    After a good look and a walk around, I drove on down the highway to the park entrance. I went in and checked out the visitor center and paid my entrance fee. It was already late in the afternoon, but I wanted to at least take a peek at what was down there. The woman in the visitor center seemed nice and pointed out some good spots on the map to visit in my limited time there.

    I drove about a mile or so into the park and started to see the "caves" along the road. I got out at a couple and had a look around. there are these cracks you can squeeze into and from there, you can wind your way back into the "caves" for quite a distance.

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    I wanted to explore deeper, but the cracks get narrow rather quickly. I made it to the spot where I was unsure about proceeding. I probably could have squeezed through, but I have seen the trailers for 127 Hours. It was late, I was alone and nobody other than the lady at the visitor center knew I was there. I think I made the wise decision not to push on, but I do plan on coming back to further explore this area. (It's about 2.5 hours from Las Vegas.)


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    Just south of Cathedral Gorge, 93 takes a turn towards the west. That was when the storm, that had been in my rear view window all day, was able to catch up to me. I love to watch storms coming towards me when I drive through the desert. I was getting closer to Las Vegas when the rain overtook me.

    Once I gassed up the car and turned onto I-15, it was a very short time until I came over the rise and saw Las Vegas sprawled out in front of me. Wow! It was hard to believe I was actually here. I was going back to Las Vegas after 8 years away. After all these years of reading other peoples trip reports about my favorite city in the world. I was back!!!

    Driving into town, it was clear how much had changed. So many new buildings and buildings that used to be there and were now empty lots. I quickly made my way to Monte Carlo. I gave the bellman my luggage and the valet the car.

    The check in process was quick and easy. I asked if there were any upgrades available and immediately the check in clerk started to get uncomfortable. I'm no fool. I have no gambling relationship with them as I haven't been there in so long, so I wasn't expecting a suite and I told him so. I just wanted a view of something other than the parking garage or air conditioning. He was able to set me up in a room with a partial mountain view (Orleans to Rio), down to the pool and over most of City Center. It was a better view than I had expected as I specifically booked a room without a view to get the cheaper rate. I was pleased with 27-221.

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    The bellman brought up my luggage quickly and I started to unpack a few things. That was when I noticed how tired and hungry I was. I decided not to rush down to the casino as I had several days to enjoy it. Instead I ordered a chopped Cobb Salad from room service and turned on the TV to relax for awhile. Ahhh....

    But next thing I know, it's 11:30pm and my face is pressed up against the window saying "Vegas, Vegas, VEGAS!!!" My second wind had arrived. :) I headed down to the casino, signed up for MLife and looked around for some decent pay VP. If it's at Monte Carlo, I couldn't find it.

    I bounced around between several banks of Video poker machines. I found a bank of $0.05 Triple Bonus machines near the Cafe and I was doing quite well there. I hit four 3's on the deal and it paid our 4oak on three lines! YAY! I sent a picture message to my husband to celebrate and realized... OOPS!! It's 5am. Yikes! Where did the night go?

    I cashed out and went upstairs to get a little sleep before the festivities tomorrow. Great trip so far and I haven't even met a single board member yet!
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2016
  2. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 1999
    Messages:
    44,195
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    Day Three: March 17, 2011

    St Patrick's Day in Las Vegas

    I slept in late. Had a great night's sleep in the comfy beds. I know Monte Carlo has a noisy plumbing reputation, but I travel with one of those white noise machines and I didn't hear a thing. I woke up and had a room service breakfast and watched some TV before getting ready for the day.

    In the afternoon I got some texts, so I headed over to NYNY to meet up with some board members at Nine Fine Irishmen. Once I was near the front, I sent a text and Keno said he would come and meet me at the front gate and pay to get me in. After us standing on each side of the rope with neither of us recognizing the other, we finally made eye contact, said "Sonya?" "Ken?" and hugs were exchanged. I was told that this was Ken's "happy place" so I just tagged along behind him as we weaved through the crowd.

    Ken had generously paid my admission to NFI and gave me the drink coupon for my one free drink. We slowly made our way over to the bar, but I was still too overwhelmed with the idea I was in Vegas and couldn't think of a single thing to order at an Irish Bar. I was sure I didn't want a Guinness or a whiskey, but what else is Irish? Baileys? When the bartender came to me, all I could think of was a margarita. I told you I couldn't think of anything.

    The bartender said that if that's what I wanted, he could make it. Then he proceeded to fill a cup of ice up 3/4 of the way with tequila and then added a splash of Margarita mix. Wow! First drink in Las Vegas and I was a winner. :) Ken, despite the embarrassment of my drink order, still took me over to meet his lovely wife. We had a great time drinking our drinks and dancing to the music. The band (Ri-Ra, catch them at NFI if you get the chance) was wonderful and we had a good time.

    At one point in there somewhere (it was already getting blurry) Darnae (or Darren & Renae) joined up with us and we talked and had a nice time. Beach Crazy and Pattiinontario blew through briefly to adorn us all with green things including green cowboy hats with a sparkly shamrock on the front. They were a big hit. I think everyone around us tried on one or two of them at some point. I know I was wearing two for a while and Renae was wearing 3 for at least an hour. We offered one to this giant guy. He was huge with a big bald head. He said the hat would look ridiculous on him but we insisted. He was right. I'm so sad I didn't get a picture of that tiny green hat balanced on the top of his head. HA HA It was great. I believe his friend injured herself laughing. He was such a good sport.

    Later one of the hats disappeared and I think it was donated to a non-green wearing co-partier. The band finished for awhile and someone else came on that none of us really loved. I think it was close to 5:30-6pm at that point so the five of us, Keno, Emily, Renae, Darren and myself made our way through the crowd and out of NFI to the casino floor. There we saw a bunch of other VMBers. They told us that BeachCrazy and Patti had just headed up for dinner, despite telling us that they were doing that exact thing about 90 minutes earlier. We're living on Vegas Time! So we decided to head on out. Eventually we were able to get all 5 of us headed in the same direction, towards the taxi stand.

    Being a group of 5 and trying to get a taxi is a challenge in Las Vegas. You're good in a group 4 or smaller. 5+ you either have to take more than one taxi or wait for a van to show up. As we were waiting, Darren went over to the limos and grabbed one for us. It was going to be my first limo ride in Las Vegas and a long weekend of firsts for me. Thanks, Darren!

    There was quite a bit of hilarity in the limo although I managed not to embarrass myself too much. There is a photo around somewhere that will prevent me from ever running for office, but somehow I missed out on getting a lap dance of any kind. We made it quickly and safely to Main Street Station downtown.

    After some buffoonery, we managed to get ourselves pointed in the direction of the Boar Bar where we were all to meet up. As I headed up the stairs, I heard someone say "Shmerga doop fleet?" Okay, that probably isn't what he said, but that was probably more about how overwhelmed I already was than his speaking. After I looked confused, slowly he said, "Is this the meet? VMB?" I said, "Uh... I guess so." I'm so gallant and smooth. :)

    I was introduced to tons of people. I remember some names, others I have forgotten. Sorry. I'm not sure I can attribute the right quotes to the right usernames, but let's just say I had a wonderful time for the next couple of hours hopping around from group to group as people arrived. I had some great conversations with people I had just met who somehow seemed like lifelong friends.

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    After quite a bit of time, Keno and Emily headed back towards NFI to see their favorite band come back on at 9:30. A few other people talked about food or something and I just gravitated with a group as the larger group broke up and headed in different directions.

    Eventually I ended up in a huge conga line like procession heading over the bridge and through the Cal. We stopped in at Vegas Club to see someone's (Patti's?) favorite floor person. I also was introduced to someone I normally would not have met. I got to have a nice conversation about plans for The Plaza, etc. It was great. I just wish I could have heard better over the loud music. Meeting up with him again is on my must do list for another trip when it is more quiet.

    At some point the gentleman escorted us over to the bar and comped us all a round. There was a huge group of us and all of us wanted something different. The bartender was less than pleased, but we expected to at least be treated civilly as we were guests of the boss. Eventually things got worked out and we moseyed our way over to Fremont Street. I think we lost DonD and his wife in the process as I don't think I saw them again until Friday night.

    At one point Beach Crazy and I saw a guy dressed up like a St. Patrick's Day version of Alan (Zach Galifianakis) from the Hangover. We tried to get more people to come over to take a picture with him, but they were all focused on their bar orders so I was only to get him to pose with BeachCrazy. Soon after, we all migrated out to Fremont Street.

    Let me just take a minute to talk about the crowds. I haven't been to Las Vegas in a long time, but I read the board daily along with several other sources for Las Vegas news. I know that there has been a hit to tourism during the recession, but you'd never know it by looking around FSE. It was JAMMED with crazy drunk people in all kinds of green adornments. I have been there on some busy weekends, but never have I seen FSE that crowded. It was all you could do to walk in a single file line, weaving through the crowds. Sheesh! Everyone seemed to be having a good time and eventually we parked ourselves in front of the stage between Golden Nugget and Binions. People came and went out of our group, but we watched the U2 Cover band for quite a while.

    We made friends with some of our party neighbors. Sin kept kicking over all the empty beer cans from the group behind us, but eventually they tossed them in the box or something. We had a guy next to us in a pink shirt that really needed some work on his dance moves, but his belly was sure to be good luck for us, so Renae and a couple others gave it a rub or two. A few times random strangers came up to us and wanted to take our picture with us all in our matching green cowboy hats. It seemed strange, but the tequila level was just right and I didn't care much what happened.

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    At some point I noticed that it was just Darnae, myself, Vegas Tonya and her boyfriend standing out on FSE. I sent a text to Beach Crazy and she said they had migrated over to the Binion's Poker room so we made our way over after I stopped to get a 3' tall margarita at Mermaid's.

    Some people were playing poker, others were wandering and lounging. At some point people were grouping in different areas to chat or whatever. Hilarity ensued.

    All of the sudden there was some huge commotion near us as two guys started fighting. Next thing I saw was this huge guy lay this girl out on the floor with a punch to the face. There was a lot of commotion and things started happening too fast. Security finally got there and things started to calm down. That was a buzz kill and we all left shortly after that.

    Some of us wandered towards Golden Nugget to find a cab. Again, we had 6 to get in a taxi and that wasn't going to work. We tried to get a limo, but no luck. Beach Crazy had a card on her for a driver they had used before. He said he would book it downtown from the Strip if we promised not to leave. It seemed like a few seconds and he was there.

    We all piled in and the driver dropped Me, Scratch, TexasAggieGirl, Sin, and Patti off at Ellis Island for the steak special. Beach Crazy went back to her hotel. It is quite an experience to get dropped off at Ellis Island in a Limo. I kind of wish someone would have seen us get out. :) We had a short wait so we went to get drinks. I was still working on my 3' tall margarita. They called us not too much later and we sat down.

    Through the kitchen we could hear karaoke at the bar. Wow was some of it bad. Sin told us some really funny stories about times they had been there before and people who had sang. Fun time.

    After dinner we went to get a taxi... again with 5 of us... We had a couple cabs come through but none that didn't have an attitude or were willing to pick us up. At one point a cab showed up, but we had lost Scratch. I took the cab alone back to Monte Carlo and the other three waited for Scratch to show up again. Since I saw them the next day, I assume they got a ride. :)

    I got back to Monte Carlo around 3am and hit up those triple bonus poker machines to unwind a bit. It wasn't too long until sleep was calling me and I wandered up to bed.
     
  3. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 1999
    Messages:
    44,195
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    Day Four: March 18, 2011

    Party Time!!!

    Ouch! Sun came early on Friday morning and I felt every single drink. It's been awhile since I played this game and I was moving kind of slow in the morning, but I wouldn't have missed a minute of it. And there was still to much fun to be had. Tonight is the big party at Cosmopolitan and I knew I needed to save up some energy, but I wanted to check out City Center while I had the chance.

    Grabbed a quick bite at Starbucks and headed towards the tram to City Center in Monte Carlo. Right at the turn for the station, I saw the entrance to Aria and decided to walk through instead.

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    The casino has some really interesting architecture. The restaurants I saw looked good. Most looked on the fancy side, but prices didn't seem outrageous from the menus I looked at. I can see what some people don't like about the casino, but I would go back when I had more time to spend in there. I just played a $20 through a $0.25 VP machine.

    From Aria I wandered through Crystals. I'm not sure I understand what the draw of this place is supposed to be. Or maybe I'm just not the target audience. I saw a number of high end stores with lots of people waiting to help people with more money than I have. However, it feels incomplete. I'm not sure if it's the white everywhere and high ceilings, but it has an unfinished or empty feeling to it. There were some interesting looking restaurants I saw there, but I'm not sure that this place is for me. :)

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    Also when did Las Vegas get those giant escalators that go down at a really steep angle? Yikes! Some people have vertigo and acrophobia you know. A few times in my wandering I found myself getting on an escalator, holding on for dear life and closing my eyes to hope for the best.

    I found myself outside and saw the way towards Cosmopolitan. I was ready to love Cosmo. I had heard about it on the board and seen tons of pictures. I also had seen a couple of TV ads too and I loved their tag line, "Just the right amount of wrong." But I didn't love the casino when I first went in. It was beautiful and looked very rich and interesting. I loved the chandelier bar and they had good pay tables on the VP I played.

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    But something was bothering me. I'm not sure if I was just tired by then or if the ceilings were too low. I never could put my finger on it. All the employees I talked to were very nice and informative. I didn't have any problems with drink service either. Very strange. I hope to get back there and give it a try on another day when I have more time.

    I walked over to Bellagio to see the Conservatory. It was beautiful as usual. Above everything several large butterflies, decorated with flowers like a Rose Parade float were hanging from the ceiling. You walked along a boardwalk, under these arcs of water over the path towards a greenhouse in the center of the Conservatory. It seemed like every 3rd or 4th person was curious about the water and had to reach out and touch it to see if it was really water. Of course, this just made it splash all over everyone nearby.

    In the greenhouse at the center of the conservatory were dozens of butterflies. There were flowers in there along with some sliced oranges the butterflies seemed to love. I got a picture of this giant green butterfly, but it didn't turn out. I was really disappointed. The display wasn't as fun as the one we went to in British Columbia where the butterflies were flying around you and would land on your shoulder or your hair, but I can understand how butterflies loose in the casino, might be a problem.

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    I was very tired after the Conservatory and I headed back to the Tram station to go back to Monte Carlo. (More steep escalators!) Originally I had intended to find the easiest way to walk to Cosmo from MC that didn't require me walking on the street, but decided it was too much trouble. I would just take a taxi to the party. Back in my hotel, I grabbed a snack and went back to my room to get ready.

    I had a little time to kill, but not quite enough time to do anything else. I thought I'd just turn on the TV and lay down on the bed for a few minutes before...... bzzzzzzz My cell phone woke me up as my husband was sending me a text to say "Have a good time". It was after 6pm and I had fallen asleep. OOPS!

    I was quickly able to get things together and grab a taxi over to Cosmopolitan. Even with my delay, I think I was the first person at the party and I did what I could to help the hostesses get things set up. I was probably mostly in the way as they seem to have this down to a science and it ran like a well oiled machine. But I could carry buckets of ice from the ice machine like a pro. :)

    What can I say about the party? Mostly it was a great night full of laughs and conversation and buffoonery. I saw an inflatable donkey violated in a multitude of ways. I experienced the glory that is Sticky Juice and I made a BFFL (Best Friend For Life) although I'm pretty sure the next time I see her will be next St. Patty's day.

    I don't want it to sound like it was all "What happens in Vegas.. " or anything, but it's hard to put it all into words. I could talk about different conversations I had with different people. I can talk about feeling "college drunk" not long after the toast. But none of the little stories really describe the night as a whole.

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    The view from the terrace was amazing and I watched as many fountain shows at Bellagio as I could. Usually I was distracted from the show by some sort of buffoonery going on. I feel like I was constantly circulating and talking to different people, but I never felt like I got enough time with anyone and I fear that I missed a few people at the height of the party.

    I did have a moment during the toast when I really understood how special this group is. Even though some of these people only see each other once a year, they are true friends. I'm so happy to have been able to help that happen and I am especially grateful that I was finally able to join in on the festivities.

    I think the only one having more fun than I was is Phil. He really got around at the party. Eventually he got a bit too frisky and Sticky had to scold him and give him a time out, then Beach Crazy had to give him a spanking. Poor Phil. :)

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    Here are some random photos from the party in no particular order. I think you can tell which happened later as the drunk faces become more apparent.

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    So long story short, I left way too late after too much drinking. As I walked all the way around the entire floor trying to find the elevator, I was pretty sure I was really drunk. That was until I got into the elevator. After going down a couple floors, the door opened and all I saw was a young man in his early twenties, laying underneath the table in the elevator bay. He was holding a beer on his chest and seemed to be sleeping quite soundly. I was trying to figure out how he pushed the elevator button and then got under the table and passed out so quickly when a guy stepped into the elevator with me. He wavered back and forth for a minute and then pushed the Casino Button that was already lit up. After the door closed, he turned around and said, "Did you just see that?" I said, "The guy passed out under the table?" He said, "Yeah.. I wasn't sure if that was real." Okay.. so maybe I wasn't the only one drunk in the casino.

    When we hit the casino floor, it was probably 3:30am by then and the place was WILD. As the door opened I heard a loud WHOOO and then several others from all over the casino in response. It was like some kind of d-bag mating call. I have been in casinos just after dinner on a weekend and the casino wasn't as busy as Cosmo was at 3am. It was insane.

    As I walked through the casino toward the taxi stand, I saw a huge crowd of guys all seeming to be transfixed on something. As I passed them I saw this tiny thing in her little black, spandex dress. She had on one high heeled shoe and the other was being carried by the giant guy next to her. He also had an arm around her waist, trying to hold her up as she swayed through the casino. Unfortunately this helpful act had hiked her dress up to somewhere towards her middle back, exposing her teeny tiny thong. Now I understood the crowd of drooling boys. :)

    I got up next to her and asked if she was okay. She replied with something like "Whahut?" I noticed that although she seemed to be looking at me, neither of her eyes were looking in the same direction and they certainly weren't meeting with mine. I told her that her dress was hiked up in back and everyone could see her ass. She said "SSssshktotaie" or something like that. The guy she was with seemed to be a little less wasted, so I moved on. I hope she was okay.

    I finally saw an exit and headed out to the Taxi stand. I was anxious to get out of that insanity and get back to my room and get some sleep. Unfortunately about 100 other people had the same idea. The cab line was HUGE. Of course it also was full of girls too drunk to stand in their giant heels and their boyfriends. I just wanted the line to move so we could go.

    It seemed like the line was moving fast until a girl behind me crashed into one of those ashtray/garbage cans covered in empty drink glasses. Broken glass was everywhere and of course, no girl was actually wearing her Jimmy Choos. What a mess. There was some delay in getting cabs while they called for someone to come clean up and then put the lines back in order. Then cabs were moving and I was almost at the front of the line. Then a cab stopped to let out a bunch of drunk people who didn't seem to be able to get it together enough to get out of the road so cabs could get by them. I was just about to jump the rope and pull them out of the street when they moved and my cab was there.

    I was so glad to be back at Monte Carlo and that much closer to my bed. It was just as crazy inside Monte Carlo and I quickly made my way over to the elevator. I pushed the button and was hoping that I'd be the only one in there. That was when another drunken pair poured themselves into the elevator with me. I was friendly and asked "what floor?" as I was standing in front of the buttons. The drunk girl replied "37". I tried to explain there were only 32 floors when she decided her floor was 32, I asked for her key because you need a key to push 32. Then she said, "I think it's this one" and fell forward onto the key panel, pushing almost all the top buttons. Grrrr. Luckily she didn't hit anything lower than 27 and that was my floor so I loudly said, "Okay then!" and blocked her from getting to any buttons. Just 15 more seconds and I'd be off at my floor and on my way to my room.

    The door opened, I wished the guy good luck and the doors closed behind me. Then I heard a loud crash. I assume she finally fell over. I just high tailed it to my room for some much needed sleep and sanity time.
     
  4. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 1999
    Messages:
    44,195
    Location:
    Western Washington
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    25
    Day Five: March 19, 2011

    Poker Day!!

    I woke up trying to figure out whose bright idea it was to have the poker tournament at 1pm. It just seemed so early. :) But I managed to get some food for breakfast and get cleaned up in time to catch a taxi downtown.

    I got to Binions a bit early so I sat down at a VP machine and proceeded to get pounded for $40. I'm not sure I had one winning hand. Ouch! That couldn't be a good omen for the poker tournament.

    I wandered over to the Poker room and saw people gathering there. I got signed in for the tournament. Once I figured out where my seat was, it was just about time to shuffle up and deal.

    The whole thing is a blur. I know that I won a big hand and took a lot of chips from the table and I didn't even know I had the full house. Oops. Newbie luck. Did I mention that I'd never played live poker before? Yeah, it was trial by fire.

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    After that I almost never seemed able to get any cards. I picked up one or two little pots, but mostly I just blinded out as they went up. Darnit. I looked at the list and it said that I went out 5th. It seemed like I played a lot longer than that, but no way was Patti going to let me question "The List". HA HA

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    Things started happening fast after that. Before I knew it, we had a final table and it was down to 5. The next thing to be determined was who was going to Bubble out. During a break, Team Estrogen was trying to convince Sticky that Mike was about to be the next one out if she could hold out through one more round of blinds. I think we almost had her convinced, but alas.

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    Then she saw the bubble prize. I think that was better than finishing in the money! I am so glad that someone had it together enough to be sure we got pictures. It was fantastic.

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    Next out in 4th place was Keno (who was awarded a generous taste of Holland's balls). Out in 3rd was SnertAlert. Then it was down to Mikenhe and Scratch. It looked like they would hang in there forever and then it was over. What a fun game! Congratulations, Scratch!

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    About 20 of us wandered over to Main Street Station for some dinner at the 777 Brew Pub. We had to wait to get the big table, but the wait wasn't too long. Appetizers were moving around the table and then our dinners came. I was full but some other people were bursting. It was fun and I got to have some great conversations.

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    From there a smaller group of us went over to Sahara. I kept trying to convince Sin that she would feel better after that big meal if she'd just ride the roller coaster. She didn't fall for my evil plan. I picked up a $5 chip for Dan's collection and watched Beach Crazy play some slots.

    Somewhere in the evening I had developed a cough. I was tired and a few other people were ready to go. I heard later some people went over to TI to continue the party, but a bunch of us headed back to our hotels. It was about 11:30 last time I saw the clock and then I passed out for the night. I'm not sure I moved again until morning.
     
  5. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Day Six: March 20, 2011

    The Plague

    It's my last day in Las Vegas and I woke up sick sick SICK! I was coughing and sweating .. it wasn't pretty.

    I decided to stay in my pj's and robe and ordered up a fruit plate, a bagel and some juice for brunch. The rest of the day was full of sleeping in between episodes of a Jersey Shore marathon on TV. That made for some interesting dreams. At dinner I ordered up a quesidilla with extra jalapenos and extra salsa along with a bowl of chicken soup.

    When the food arrived, the room service guy asked who was sick. He said that whenever he brings up ginger ale or chicken soup, someone has hit the wall.

    I got a text message or two from Keno and it seemed he was out doing it up, but there was no way. I just wanted to lay down, but I managed to pack everything up to leave in the morning and get to sleep early.

    I did manage to play a little video poker during my time in Vegas. Here are some winning hands I got. I love my smartphone.

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  6. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    All in all, it was an amazing trip. I spent a lot of it in sensory overload. I was really glad to finally get to attend a gathering of board members. It's been a long time coming and I can't wait to go back and do it again. I also was glad I was able to take a little exploring time for myself. It's good for my sanity when I can just get in my car and hit the road alone. I listen to my music and take whatever route I want. It's very refreshing. If only I could have been more motivated to take pictures and video this time. Thanks to everyone who shared their pictures with me for this trip report. Maybe next time I'll remember.

    There will be a next time. I have gotten the bug for these meet ups. I had a fantastic time and can't wait to do it again. I hope things have shifted enough in my life that I'll be able to do more of these trips in the future.

    <hr>
    So there it is. Sorry it took so long, but life kept getting in the way of writing and photo editing time. :)

    If you're in a picture or text you don't want on the internet, let me know. I'll remove it

    And yes, there is a much longer version of this trip report. It's true. I ramble. :)

    Thanks!
     
  7. daveg000

    daveg000 VIP Whale

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    Great report! Let's do it Again!
     
    15 NIGHTS, 16 DAYS, May 8-23, MGM PK, GOLDN NUGGET, TIMESH, MANDALAY
    15 NIGHTS, 16 DAYS, May 8-23, MGM PK, GOLDN NUGGET, TIMESH, MANDALAY
  8. Courtney

    Courtney Resident polygamist

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    Excellent report! You set a great example!
     
  9. techie223

    techie223 High-Roller

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    Great TR, loved all of the pictures :peace:

    Looks like everyone had so much fun. I hope to make it to the next meetup :wave:
     
  10. Dewey089

    Dewey089 VIP Whale

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    Great report and great pics. Thanks.
     
  11. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Dave - Let's go! Well, not right now because I'm still burried, but I hope to be ready by next March. ;)

    Techie - You should try to make it to a meet. It is so much fun and everyone is really nice and goofy. All are welcome at the party and the poker tournament. Mark your calendar for next March. Not sure if anyone has picked dates yet or not. :poke:
     
  12. BackInVegas

    BackInVegas VIP Whale

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    some mighty fine incriminating pictures!!!

    Some people here got some 'splaining to do.

    Cathedral Gorge looks very interesting. I will have to check that place out on my way to Area 51.

    Since you gave the bellman your luggage and the valet your car, did you get new ones?:cheers:
     
  13. mikenhe

    mikenhe VIP Whale

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    Excellent report Sonya (son JA!).


    very well laid out and some great pics.


    (minor point of order though - I beat snert in the poker - he went out 3rd - I manged to pick up 2nd place :faint: ).


    Good to meet you! Lets do it all again !

    Is it march yet???
     
  14. VegasBJ

    VegasBJ VIP Whale

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    Very nice report and great pictures!
     
  15. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    Fantastic report! Though, I suppose it’s fitting that our Supreme Leader puts out a top notch TR.

    I’m glad you were able to get back to Sin City and do it up like you did. Sorry about the last day – I suppose it’s better than getting sick at the beginning.

    Thanks for the great pics. Hopefully, I can get in on one of these meets one of these days – looks like a good time was had by the entire crew!
     
  16. vegasbound

    vegasbound VIP Whale

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    I'm glad you were finally able to join in the festivities. It was about time you witnessed what you started. :)
     
  17. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Oops! Sorry about that Mike. I'll make changes to reflect your big (almost) win. :) Someone *cough*Dougie*cough* was supposed to PM the list, but I haven't seen it yet.

    BackInVegas - I gave them a little piece of paper and they gave me back the car and the luggage. They did neglect to detail the car though. They gave me back a car with dead bugs splattered on it. Sheesh.. What has happened to the service in Vegas. I mean I parked that car at the hotel for 5 days and they didn't have time to wash it for me? I did tip $3. :wink2:
     
  18. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    re: Cathedral Gorge. I thought it was really great. I've got a video of me walking into one of the "caves" as far as I could go safely, but I haven't posted it anywhere.

    I think driving that loop (93N - 50W - 6S - 318S - 93S) would make a fun day trip out of Vegas. It's a lot of desert, but if you like that kind of scenery it is beautiful. You get a pretty great view of the Great Basin NP just before the turn on I-50 and there are plenty of little side roads and areas to explore to fill up the day. I heard there were other stops near Sunnyside, but I didn't take that route.

    I'm looking forward to going back and hiking that trail from Miller's Overlook to the bottom. How I'll get back to my car without walking 4 miles back up is still puzzling me, but I'll figure out the details later. :)
     
  19. mikenhe

    mikenhe VIP Whale

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    No problem Sonya. By the time it got to the final three it got very loud and distracting. Easy to get confused. Oh wait - that was you causing the noise :thumbsup:


    I though you'd have worked ut the order of the finishers as you sat there with your video shouting ALL IN MIKE - GO ALL IN! YOU HAVE TO - I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH BATTERY I HAVE LEFT ON THIS!

    at least I think you were talking about your camera. :Þ
     
  20. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    LOL! I forgot about that video. I should go look at it. :haha:
     
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