6/24-7/4 - Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, & More

Still wide awake after getting in, so threw a T.R. together (though only parts of it are about Vegas)-

http://www.jazzopolis.com/~paka/2006trip.html

Gotten in the habit of putting reports together as a webpage so that I can post it on my site and elsewhere. Lot of photos so it may take time to load. Anyways, GREAT trip overall... main points-

* Won at the Wynn! Cashed out for $1750 on a $1 WoF machine.
* Yosemite is absolutely one of the most beautiful places you can imagine.
* If looking for a good deal and a friendly environment in Tahoe, check out the Lakeside Inn and Casino. Not fancy, but we really liked it.
* Though I would still give a guarded recommendation for the Tropicana due to their location, great pool area, and liberal comps, the service this time in different areas left something to be desired. Still, many of the workers remain friendly and it is still a value.

Already want to go back... But don't know when that time will come...

 

paka,
Your TR brought back memories of a similar jaunt we took. The only place we hadn't been is Yosemite. After reading your glowing report, I've got to get there.
Thanks for sharing more than just Vegas stuff. Instead of just a TR, I am referring to your work as a Travelogue.

 

Great pictures! I've been wanting to visit Yosemite, now after seeing your pictures I'm even more anxious to get there. Glad you had a great time!

 

Thanks chef and vegasbound!

I can't recommend a trip to Yosemite enough... it is the most gorgeous place you can imagine. Haha, bring bug spray though-- we were unprepared for the swarms of mosquitoes, especially in the high country. We were really scared Tioga Pass wouldn't be open in time for us, but we got very lucky-- the timing of the trip turned out to be great, with that road open and the waterfalls still going strong.

Bring multiple cameras!! You will be taking more pics there than you think. If you leave early, you can make it in a day from Vegas though you will want to spend several nights there if you do that.

 

How many miles is that trip about? Sounds like a good jaunt!

 

We put about 2200 miles on the rental, lol! Good think Dollar's unlimited miles really are unlimited! The Commander got around 15 mpg on average I think, so really not the best choice as far as gas went, but it was fun-- we often rent PT Cruisers out there but as we have one ourselves now wanted to try something different and there wasn't too much to choose from when we got there.

 

So right about Lakeside! Love playing there. It's a nice place but much more relaxed than the big 4 on the south shore. One of the best ever craps runs I have ever seen (I have played an awful lot of craps) was at Lakeside, on the last day of 1 week up there. Walked in down for the week..... walked out up for the week.

Love that place.