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A 30 day trip to Vegas and points beyond... a semi (no promises) report Jan 21-Feb 21

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by WHITEJACKET73, Jan 24, 2019.

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  1. gr8whitenorth

    gr8whitenorth VIP Whale

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    Loving the TR. Lots of great pics. Congrats on the RF.
     
  2. win4me

    win4me VIP Whale

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    Just catching up. Enjoying the TR! Love those hands where you hold 1 or 2 cards & the Gambling Gods grant you a dream hand (your Royal):beer::woohoo:
     
  3. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    F19BB89B-DF53-4061-80DA-1CEC84B139B5.jpeg 5AA68F03-F398-4583-BECB-0E593BB90D1C.jpeg AD62AED6-34A4-4EBA-88D8-3A96FA5361E9.jpeg 02535F72-74F8-489C-A2A7-9D2422D3D1A1.jpeg A06F1895-DB6B-4709-B0BE-5AEA79DA8EA0.jpeg When I dropped off my laundry the other day I forgot to include 4 long sleeve shirts...doh. I bought a small bottle of detergent and used the bathtub to wash and rinse them. This morning I ironed them while watching the news and drinking coffee. I drove down to the Avi Resort Casino just south of Laughlin. It’s a beautiful property and a very clean casino. I obtained a players card and the boothling gave me a pull tab ticket. I opened it up and won $10 in free play but didn’t win anything with it. The property has a huge RV park and a very nice looking golf course.

    I obtained a couple of discount tickets for the water taxi and rode down to the Aquarius casino and played some 8/5 BP and lost $100. When I returned to Harrahs, I hit the diamond lounge and ran into my friends Tim and Fred. A short time later we were joined with Rich... was like old home week. Tim invited me to be his guest at the Sunday buffet at Aquarius tomorrow morning. I understand that this buffet is very good. Tim said that I should bring my appetite with me ... lots of crab legs.

    I played for three hours tonight on my original hundy on 7/5 triple play BP. The lady sitting next to me was playing some funky poker game with a random multiplier. This was a new game to me. She was playing at the dime level, held two cards, got a 4 times multiplier and hit a Royal for $1600. She didn’t seem to be too excited. I ended by putting over 500 tier on my card and called it quits for the day.

    Tomorrow I head back to Vegas and stay at Bally’s for the week. I think I will take my time and drive over Christmas Tree pass; make a few stops and enjoy the scenery.
     
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  4. Flopitbaby

    Flopitbaby Low-Roller

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    Christmas tree pass is awesome. Watch out for those bushes as my buddy put some nice scratches on his rental a few years ago.
     
  5. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    Laughlin must have the world record for handicap parking spaces... they’re everywhere
     
  6. zignerlv

    zignerlv VIP Whale

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    My take is that there are over a dozen LV buffets that I'd put ahead of the Aquarius. I'd even rank Harrahs ahead of Aquarius in the Laughlin segment. Yes, Aquarius has crab legs at Sunday brunch, but they are the small snow crab legs, and to me are overly salty. When we have weekend brunch there we actually skip the crab. Let's see what your take is on it.
     
  7. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    EBF09F63-E308-409C-A634-A22D779CAF11.jpeg Having a nice glass of Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc at Bally’s lobby bar
     
  8. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

    Joined:
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    5CF5879D-4145-4C86-A99D-7248778C245A.jpeg 8DCA6C5F-C252-4E87-9030-6733D24E0B22.jpeg 820B0954-239F-4CF8-9567-293E8950E66E.jpeg 2BF268C4-43B5-42E0-84F2-61487EC8974B.jpeg 7EA5AFB0-F91B-43DA-BA6E-95F37D3CE5CB.jpeg FE1D8224-D212-4F4D-88CE-19176A634576.jpeg I awoke early this morning and watched a beautiful sunrise come up over the eastern mountainous horizon; azure blue sky...it's going to be another great day here in the southwest. I packed up my belongings and checked out before I was to meet Tim for breakfast. As I was waiting at our assigned meeting point another mutual Vegas friend, Jason, walked up to me saying that Tim was driving him to the Aquarius buffet also. We were greeted by several people that Tim and Jason knew and we all sat at one large table in the buffet area. I must say that I enjoyed the food and company immensely. A server came by immediately and took our drink orders and I never saw the bottom of my coffee cup; she was by every few minutes to top it off. The food area was on the small size, but the quality and variety of the food presented was very good. I started with some raw oysters, not the best but tasty nevertheless. I had the server cut a thick slice of prime rib and I stacked a sizable mound of warm crab legs on top. Yes, they were snow crab, but few buffets offer better. They were delicious. Between Tim and I we had so many crab leg shells stacked up at our table that I thought I was on the History Channel's "Most Deadliest Catch" TV show. The shrimp were huge, fresh and firm. They have a made to order omelette station which was very busy. Many breakfast selections as well as dinner staples. Champagne and other drinks were included. The dessert selections were plentiful; the brownies were first rate. Granted, there are bigger and better buffets around but I cannot complain about this one. The dining area was comfortable, clean and quiet, the service was great, and the food was of good quality and plentiful. What's not to like; I hope Tim invites me back.

    Tim drove me back to Harrah's and we parted ways. I gassed up my car across the river as the gas prices in Arizona are significantly lower than in Laughlin. I turned off of the highway and spent the next couple of hours slowly making my way up and over Christmas Tree Pass. I drove slowly as the dirt/gravel road has many washboard like ruts and some potholes. I didn't think the road condition was unusually bad; I've encountered worst roads in Michigan's U.P. driving down some of their old logging roads. The scenery was vast and rugged; hard to believe that only a short distance away is a sprawling urban center with all of the modern amenities and more. I stopped several times to get out to enjoy the views and take some photos. I would not want to try driving on this road after a rain storm; the gullies would be sizable. If you were careful, one could drive this road in an ordinary car, but I doubt that the rental car companies would appreciate it.

    Back on the highway I cruised back to civilization and checked into Bally's. The weather had turned nasty, with high winds, rain and colder temps. I unpacked and headed over to the Harrah's diamond lounge and lunched on their food selections which included hot dogs and bbq chicken. I had a couple of side cars, talked to Arthur the bartender for awhile and then headed back to Bally's. The diamond lounge was pretty empty; I guess all of the "regulars" were still in Laughlin for the slot tournament. I had a glass of wine at the lobby bar and chatted with the bartender, Fang before returning to my room for an early night. This week I am solo and plan to: see a couple of shows, hike in Valley of Fire park, visit the Bellagio art gallery exhibit, drive out to Bonnie Springs Ranch, have some wine at the Rio wine cellar and do some more gambling among other things.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2019
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  9. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    34273C01-FCB4-49C0-A4E0-3804BE2E65BE.jpeg 6133047E-DAFF-4669-A783-F39CC9170E9F.jpeg 4CB42F5A-E91F-4C9F-A075-B7023393DAA7.jpeg 40A0DAA6-2387-4A9A-8EB0-99852721CDFE.jpeg 5022619E-955B-4B35-AA16-269143D33CAB.jpeg It was another laid back day in paradise. I woke up at 7 a.m., turned my alarm off and woke up three hours later...what the hell, I got no particular place to go today. I made a pot of coffee, read some more...decided to take a temporary break from my book about World War I.... the stupidity of the generals and European leaders defies logic...what a waste of humanity. I read a few chapters in another book about "Vegas...the Law vs the Mob. Interesting reading so far. I hung around in case Tim needed a ride to the airport, but received no call from him....safe travels Tim. I booked a ticket to see "Love" at the Mirage for Wednesday night using MyVegas points. MGM is getting a little ridiculous with redeeming anything substantial. The blackout dates for this show using this award....wow. I decided to try for 2500 tier points again today so I headed over to the Pho high limit room to give it another go. Things started out great and after 500 tier in I was $500 up...great. But just like my last session once I reached about the 750 tier level the machine went "tits up" on me....totally card dead. I stopped playing once I had a little over 1000 points and cashed out with a $52 profit. This was disappointing to say the least. If it was not for the February promotion for double tier points I would have stopped and cashed out with a $500 profit. As it is, with the bonus I earned over 3000 tier points today. A lady was playing a slot machine behind me and within an hour she hit three handpays...good for her.

    After reaching my 1000 tiers, and things were continuing to go south, I cashed out and decided it was time to get some food and drinks at the diamond lounge. I normally like to go to Harrah's DL because I know all of the bartenders and I know a lot of other card members that frequent there. I like to drink gin and tonics and my favorite gin is Hendrick's. Harrah's DL does not carry it but the lounge at Paris does....I'm on a mission. I sat at the bar in the Paris DL ordered up a Hendricks and tonic and then went to grab some food at their buffet. When I got back my drink was waiting for me. I ordered it without the usual lime because when I drink Hendricks I always put a slice of cucumber in the drink...which I obtained from the salad bar. The drink did not taste quite right, but I thought it was because of the salad dressing on my salad. I ordered another Hendricks and the bartender started to make it with Bombay Sapphire gin. I told him that I wanted Hendricks, not Bombay and he told me that they were out of Hendricks and that my last drink was /Bombay.....not happy.....dishonest. Had he been up front with me and told me they were out of my brand I would have taken the Bombay without complaint. But to pour me another drink and not tell me that he was substituting another gin....not nice. I know the drinks are free in the diamond lounge, but I earned my privilege by gambling at their properties....plus I am usually a generous tipper when I avail myself in the diamond lounges. I was pretty miffed....still am.....is this a rant?

    Hold on, I have to make an in room gin and tonic before I continue...…………...I'm back, had to go down the hall for more ice. I left Paris and walked over to the Harrah's diamond lounge as I knew that Orhan was tending bar. Without me asking, he prepared a lovely side car for me; which included a warm smile and a heartfelt handshake....I want to adopt this guy. Again, the lounge was very quiet and almost empty. Orhan and I chatted awhile and then I ordered up a Buttery Nipple on rocks. My Vegas friend, Tim, drinks this all the time and I can see why....they are delicious. It consists of Irish cream and butterscotch schnapps.....oh so good. I had two......a pair of nipples....knock yourself out.

    I walked back to Bally's and played some triple play BP and hit quad aces early, but after that …..well I lost a hundy. I seated myself at the lobby bar and was greeted by Fang and he poured me a nice glass of Craggy Range wine to top off the evening. I have noticed that the crowds of visitors has dropped significantly from last week. Tomorrow I'll try hiking Valley of Fire unless the weather turns bad.
     
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2019
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  10. bshowell

    bshowell VIP Whale

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    I feel you on the gin and tonic. Hendrick's is a very specific taste and they could've just told you. No customer service. Smh.
     
  11. gailtherese

    gailtherese Upper Middle Class ?!

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    Oh so jealous of your lazy day and doing whatever you want all day! I am going to try that Craggy Range if I can find it. Must be a good one!
     
  12. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    I woke up and 5:30 this morning, read a couple of chapters and fell back to sleep until 10 O'clock.....rarely do I sleep in this late when I am at home. Wow.....too drunk to post right now..... get back you later with pics of Valley of Fire
     
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  13. tringlomane

    tringlomane STP Addicted Beer Snob

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    Good stuff!
     
  14. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    I had a really great time exploring Valley of Fire state park yesterday. I wished that the sunset would have lasted longer as the light striking the red sandstone formations …..well I can see how it got it's name. I stopped at several places in the park to take photos, hike, and just to admire the natural rugged beauty of the place. I found the Indian petroglyphs, or rock art, at Atlatl rock particularly interesting. I have seen these petroglyphs before, including some during my raft trip through the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago, but these drawings are very well preserved. I hiked the White Domes trail and did a lot of scrambling over various rocks and steep inclines. I was surprised to encounter a small slot canyon during my walk; it got pretty narrow in some places. Even after four hours in the park I still did not have time to do and see everything. I did not get to see Fire canyon or the Mouse's Tank. On my way out, a bighorn sheep appeared out of nowhere, crossed the road in front of me and effortlessly scaled up a near vertical rock formation and out of sight.. A nice endling to this perfect day. The sun was out, no wind and the temperature was around 50 degrees, but I found myself sweating during my hikes even though I was wearing a flannel shirt and no jacket.

    By the time I reached the interstate it was dark. Traveling south, when you reach around the 59 mile marker you come up over a rise in the road and there before you below is the Vegas valley all lit up and aglow...kind of neat to see. Back at Bally's I changed clothes and went over to Harrah's diamond lounge, but was too late for the hot food. I had several cocktails, which was a mistake since I had not had anything to eat since morning and the booze snuck up on me. I stopped by Bally's lobby bar and made things worst by having a couple glasses of Craggy Range. By the time I returned to my room I was toast. I did have enough sense to drink a large glass of Pedialyte before crashing into bed. Things are a little fuzzy around the edges this morning, but several cups of coffee is helping me get back to normal. After picking up my ticket for Love, I have an unplanned day ahead of me...maybe go to the Bellagio art gallery....maybe a downtown coupon run and see Valeria at the Golden Gate.....decisions, decisions.
     
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  15. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    "When the mountains turn red at dusk"....lyrics of a song by Handsome Family-"Gail With the Golden Hair"
     
    Last edited: Feb 13, 2019
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  16. Flowers

    Flowers VIP Whale

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    These photos are amazing. I broke the promise to myself to visit VOF last October but will plan to take my mother there in April.
     
  17. 93 Octane

    93 Octane Chief Bottle Washer

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    How did you get that close to the petroglyphs? The writings we saw were elevated on the rocks a good 15-20 feet....and a humbling experience knowing your ancestors wrote these thousands of years ago.
     
  18. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    Last edited: Feb 14, 2019
  19. WHITEJACKET73

    WHITEJACKET73 VIP Whale

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    They have a set of stairs leading up to the petroglyphs so that you can get a good look but not touch
     
  20. gailtherese

    gailtherese Upper Middle Class ?!

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    Sounds like a fantastic day trip to Valley of Fire! And the pics are awesome - looks like a very cool place. And then to see it at sunset, too.....
     
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