Christmas Trip 2013
Left home at 3:30 a.m for the airport. Dept Kel 0600 arrive Seattle 0650.
Flight to Vegas depts 0900. First issue - computer goes down at immigration - 45 minutes lost.
2nd issue - Huge lines at security - 30 minutes before departure time I talk to a TSA officer and tell her that we landed at 0650 - it's now 0830 and out connection leaves in 30 minutes.
She takes us right to the front and told the officers that we were next. I hear a lot of complaints about the US TSA people - but you won't hear them from me - they have always been great with us. Made our Alaska Airlines flight with minutes to spare - very pleased to see that we were on a brand new Boeing 737 - 900 - Cool plane! Took off and discovered that they had no decent breakfasts for sale - just a high carb pack of junk - which I don't do. Landed early at Las Vegas quick yoghurt granola and took shuttle to Dollar Express. I love these guys and will never use anyone else - I don't care if they are a few dollars more , or less - they look after us. No counter - straight to parking lot and the sign told me that our car was in bay 26. I booked Dodge Avenger, because that was a smoking deal of the day when I booked - even though I am not crazy about the car - and when we arrived, there was a brand new Ford Fusion - loaded. I really like this car.
Drove straight to Bullhead City - loaded up for a mini bar and snacks (we meet friends here) then to Aquarius Check-In. Fast Check-in, great room, then we discover that they want to comp us 2 of our nights plus some freeplay- that is a first! Didn't say no.
Went to play VP - I wanted to check out the payscale on 9/6 - I knew it was better than Vegas 9/6 but incorrectly reported it - I had said that 4 of a kind paid more - it is actually straight flush pays more
This is cool - haven't been there since last December - the cocktail waitress came by, said good to see you again, double Scotch and Gin and Tonic - right? I'm impressed.
Played a couple of hours, then met up with a couple of friends. Disappointed to see that the buffet is closed until Christmas Day - they did the same thing last year. The cafe here is good so we dined there, watched some TV, had a few drinks and bed
Woke up at 0900 - having had not much sleep the night before.
Good to see there is still free wifi in the coffee shop here – Robbin uses it for her Playbook. I have the Virgin internet stick so don’t need it.
Went to Edgewater for the breakfast buffet but were too late. Went to Coco's bakery instead, also in the Edgewater. That is my new favourite breakfast place in Laughlin.
I had fruit selection (large) , scrambled eggs, sausage, freshly baked bran muffin with whipped butter - all for less than $6:00!
Back to Aquarius - played some video poker - lost what I won last night so now breaking even again. Spent a couple of hours at Riverside - hate the resort but love the car museum - so as a photographer it is a magnet for me. Spent 2 hours taking photographs and 30 minutes chatting with the curator. He told me that if I want to come back he will give me the OK to use a tripod - I jumped at it and will be back on day 4 - day 3 will be photographing Route 66.
Back to Aquarius, opened the bar for a few drinks, then decided to write some notes for this report. Now heading down to play some VP, followed by a trip across the road to see Hobbit 3D, then dinner in the steakhouse, then VP late night -My favourite cocktail waitress told me she will be on until 0200 - works for me.
Hobbit was a little disappointing - good - but I expected great. Went to play VP, my favourite cocktail server brought me a double top-shelf scotch, then my eyes started watering, throat started tightening - they had just cleaned the VP machines and I was allergic to whatever they cleaned it with. Fav Cocktail server was already coming back with another Scotch when I told her the problem and explained that I had to leave. Watched Letterman which was quite good
Breakfast at Coco's - Greek Yoghurt with almonds, fresh fruit and wholewheat toast. Great breakfast for less than $6.00.
I wanted some photographs of the Arizona mountains and decided to drive to Lake Haversu. Very few photo ops on the way - few pull outs sand those that existed had power lines or billboards between me and the mountains. Got some good photos from the side roads though. Surprised to see that there was no admission charge to London Bridge (of course, there wasn't when it was still in London either) - I was quite impressed with what they have done there, and very impressed to see that the businesses around the bridge were not overcharging - they were all really well priced.
Major score on the drive back - Found some Speyburn 10 yr old Highland Single Malt for $19.00. That would be over $50.00 in Canada. I already had enough stocked for the trip but couldn't turn that down so bought 2.
Haven't gambled today yet - I notice that about Laughlin - everything is so low priced and there is so much to see that I don't care about comps. Trying out a couple of our new Speyburns right now, then heading over to Edgewater for the buffet, then back to Aquarius for a couple of hours VP.
Buffet was OK - nothing noteworthy tough. Walked into Aquarius and Terri, our favourite cocktail server saw us and came right over. "I’m not on your section until later but I'll get you a couple of doubles right now and tell your server to look after you" What's not to love about that? Played VP for a while, Came out $40.00 up - better than being down
Breakfast at Aquarius. Fresh fruit bowl, toast and coffee.
The plan for today was to drive out past Kingman and do the Route 66 back through Oatman.
Didn't work as we took a wrong turn and got on a Freeway going the wrong way. Turned out to be a good error as we discovered Chloride. First impression was "what a waste of time" but after looking around we found some really cool subjects to photograph. The highlight though was when we decided to have lunch there. There was a BBQ place on the corner and I told my wife that I would meet her there - but she went to another place just across from the park that I thought was just a mock-up. It was the locals hangout - 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon - full of cowboy couples, live Karaoke (which I usually hate) people dancing, singers lined up waiting for a turn - some excellent and some really bad, but it didn't matter - it was a blast. Food was so-so but great value. Best $20.00 I ever spent.
Stopped a few times on the way back for mountain photos. One thing about Arizona - everytime I come to a spot with a decent mountain view and somewhere to stop - there are power lines running through the shot. Did get a couple, and a shot of some wild Burros. Now back at Aquarius - relax for an hour then hit the casino. Some friends arrive tonight so it might get crazier!
Not a great night in the Casino. I was down $100.00, Robbin was down almost $200.00. A guy playing Video Slots hit a progressive for $56,000.00 so he was happy! Met up with friends and arranged dinner for tomorrow.
Another photo trip tomorrow.
Quiet day today. Breakfast was at the Edgewater Buffet - special thanks to Carol for the 2 4 1 coupon - $7.00 for 2 is pretty good - breakfast had a decent selection - but no yoghurt. Why is it so hard to find yoghurt here? . We had planned out Oatman trip today but Robbin had a sore leg so we decided to stay close to our room. played VP all morning - up and down. This afternoon went to see the movie Captain Phillips. The boothling told us that it had gone and was replaced by "Out of the Furnace". We had no clue what it was about but it was the only movie about to start - so we bought tickets - great movie - really enjoyed it.
Back to Aquarius to a party in our friends suite - cool suite with 3 bedrooms. Spent a couple of hours there with friends then headed down to Outback Steakhouse - it was OK - all of us thought that our meal was OK - nobody hated it - nobody loved it. Then broke up and went our own ways. I played VP and was down $120.00. 3 quick wins later I was up $40.00 and cashed out.
Did my usual $21.00 through MegaBucks - 7 spins x $3.00 then cash out - no exceptions. I cashed out $28.00 - better than losing. Now 11:30 in the room watching TV and making notes.. May head down again for another round tonight!
Not too much to report today. Breakfast at Edgewater - huge allergic reaction - spent almost all day in the room. Played some VP this evening - up $80.00. Dinner at Aquarius. They really did a lousy job of Christmas Dinner - huge disappointment.
Drove to Vegas - couple of photo side trips.
Arrived MSS 12:30 and checked in – we went because they invited us to a party.
Choice was low room facing freeway right now or High room facing Plaza in 3 hours.
We took the low room and checked in. Went to Players Club – traded invite for party tickets and gave them the 2 $15.00 food comps that came in the same packet. They refused to honour them – said the invite was supposed to be party invite OR food comps. Maybe that is what it was supposed to be, but it wasn’t what it was.
Lousy VP afternoon - down $160.00. Put $21.00 in Megabucks and won $180.00.
MB saved me this trip.
Breakfast in Californian. Some people gave us Aloha coupon books. Showed them on the way out and breakfast was free.
Went to check out the Downtown Grand - nothing I would go back for. We got $3.00 slot play for joining up.
We are invited casino guests to a party tonight. It was free so can’t complain – it was OK.
Took a walk down Fremont Street – just strolling along when I got a really sharp pain through my foot. Guess we won’t be returning to Laughlin tomorrow as planned. Limped back to hotel in pain – foot swelled up – I thought that I had broken a bone.
Sitting in the room, watching TV, enjoying a Scotch and resting my foot when the phone rings.
Robbin just hit a $2000.00 Royal on 50c Poker! First tax form she ever got!
Next day my foot felt a bit better so decided to try a trip to Fremont Street.
Saw the Elvis Museum at Binions (OK for free – but I never was an Elvis fan) and also saw Mike Hammer - I always enjoy his show. Foot really hurt on the way back to MSS. Spent the rest of time in room until it was time to leave. Robbin made Saphire on the last day.
Uneventful flight home. Straight to the doctor – torn tendon!
Next trips already planned –
Easter – 5 nights Plaza – comped.
Summer – 5 nights Aquarius – some comp – will cost us $117.00 for the 5 nights.
Fall – not planned yet
Christmas 2014 - 15 night trip – fly to San Francisco and spent 8 nights getting to Laughlin, then 7 nights there.
Modified to add - I missed one of the highlights of the trip. I was in Lake Havasu and could hear someone playing a clarinet. I went to find him and there was an old guy sitting in a chair, his hand strapped up and a lot of lost mobility in it, but even at that I could tell that he was a pro. His playing was superb. He had a dish out for tips and a sign that said the tips were used to buy toys for needy kids. I went over to chat with him and tell him how much I was enjoying his playing. Turns out it was Fred Kraft who had played in a lot of the big bands, and was also a session musician in Nashville for a few years. He had a few instruments with him and one that particularly caught my eye was a 1936 with gold fittings. He said that Artie Shaw gave it to him and that there are only 5 of that model left. This one plus 4 in museums. Spent over an hour with him - what a treat that was.
Left home at 3:30 a.m for the airport. Dept Kel 0600 arrive Seattle 0650.
Flight to Vegas depts 0900. First issue - computer goes down at immigration - 45 minutes lost.
2nd issue - Huge lines at security - 30 minutes before departure time I talk to a TSA officer and tell her that we landed at 0650 - it's now 0830 and out connection leaves in 30 minutes.
She takes us right to the front and told the officers that we were next. I hear a lot of complaints about the US TSA people - but you won't hear them from me - they have always been great with us. Made our Alaska Airlines flight with minutes to spare - very pleased to see that we were on a brand new Boeing 737 - 900 - Cool plane! Took off and discovered that they had no decent breakfasts for sale - just a high carb pack of junk - which I don't do. Landed early at Las Vegas quick yoghurt granola and took shuttle to Dollar Express. I love these guys and will never use anyone else - I don't care if they are a few dollars more , or less - they look after us. No counter - straight to parking lot and the sign told me that our car was in bay 26. I booked Dodge Avenger, because that was a smoking deal of the day when I booked - even though I am not crazy about the car - and when we arrived, there was a brand new Ford Fusion - loaded. I really like this car.
Drove straight to Bullhead City - loaded up for a mini bar and snacks (we meet friends here) then to Aquarius Check-In. Fast Check-in, great room, then we discover that they want to comp us 2 of our nights plus some freeplay- that is a first! Didn't say no.
Went to play VP - I wanted to check out the payscale on 9/6 - I knew it was better than Vegas 9/6 but incorrectly reported it - I had said that 4 of a kind paid more - it is actually straight flush pays more
This is cool - haven't been there since last December - the cocktail waitress came by, said good to see you again, double Scotch and Gin and Tonic - right? I'm impressed.
Played a couple of hours, then met up with a couple of friends. Disappointed to see that the buffet is closed until Christmas Day - they did the same thing last year. The cafe here is good so we dined there, watched some TV, had a few drinks and bed
Woke up at 0900 - having had not much sleep the night before.
Good to see there is still free wifi in the coffee shop here – Robbin uses it for her Playbook. I have the Virgin internet stick so don’t need it.
Went to Edgewater for the breakfast buffet but were too late. Went to Coco's bakery instead, also in the Edgewater. That is my new favourite breakfast place in Laughlin.
I had fruit selection (large) , scrambled eggs, sausage, freshly baked bran muffin with whipped butter - all for less than $6:00!
Back to Aquarius - played some video poker - lost what I won last night so now breaking even again. Spent a couple of hours at Riverside - hate the resort but love the car museum - so as a photographer it is a magnet for me. Spent 2 hours taking photographs and 30 minutes chatting with the curator. He told me that if I want to come back he will give me the OK to use a tripod - I jumped at it and will be back on day 4 - day 3 will be photographing Route 66.
Back to Aquarius, opened the bar for a few drinks, then decided to write some notes for this report. Now heading down to play some VP, followed by a trip across the road to see Hobbit 3D, then dinner in the steakhouse, then VP late night -My favourite cocktail waitress told me she will be on until 0200 - works for me.
Hobbit was a little disappointing - good - but I expected great. Went to play VP, my favourite cocktail server brought me a double top-shelf scotch, then my eyes started watering, throat started tightening - they had just cleaned the VP machines and I was allergic to whatever they cleaned it with. Fav Cocktail server was already coming back with another Scotch when I told her the problem and explained that I had to leave. Watched Letterman which was quite good
Breakfast at Coco's - Greek Yoghurt with almonds, fresh fruit and wholewheat toast. Great breakfast for less than $6.00.
I wanted some photographs of the Arizona mountains and decided to drive to Lake Haversu. Very few photo ops on the way - few pull outs sand those that existed had power lines or billboards between me and the mountains. Got some good photos from the side roads though. Surprised to see that there was no admission charge to London Bridge (of course, there wasn't when it was still in London either) - I was quite impressed with what they have done there, and very impressed to see that the businesses around the bridge were not overcharging - they were all really well priced.
Major score on the drive back - Found some Speyburn 10 yr old Highland Single Malt for $19.00. That would be over $50.00 in Canada. I already had enough stocked for the trip but couldn't turn that down so bought 2.
Haven't gambled today yet - I notice that about Laughlin - everything is so low priced and there is so much to see that I don't care about comps. Trying out a couple of our new Speyburns right now, then heading over to Edgewater for the buffet, then back to Aquarius for a couple of hours VP.
Buffet was OK - nothing noteworthy tough. Walked into Aquarius and Terri, our favourite cocktail server saw us and came right over. "I’m not on your section until later but I'll get you a couple of doubles right now and tell your server to look after you" What's not to love about that? Played VP for a while, Came out $40.00 up - better than being down
Breakfast at Aquarius. Fresh fruit bowl, toast and coffee.
The plan for today was to drive out past Kingman and do the Route 66 back through Oatman.
Didn't work as we took a wrong turn and got on a Freeway going the wrong way. Turned out to be a good error as we discovered Chloride. First impression was "what a waste of time" but after looking around we found some really cool subjects to photograph. The highlight though was when we decided to have lunch there. There was a BBQ place on the corner and I told my wife that I would meet her there - but she went to another place just across from the park that I thought was just a mock-up. It was the locals hangout - 1:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon - full of cowboy couples, live Karaoke (which I usually hate) people dancing, singers lined up waiting for a turn - some excellent and some really bad, but it didn't matter - it was a blast. Food was so-so but great value. Best $20.00 I ever spent.
Stopped a few times on the way back for mountain photos. One thing about Arizona - everytime I come to a spot with a decent mountain view and somewhere to stop - there are power lines running through the shot. Did get a couple, and a shot of some wild Burros. Now back at Aquarius - relax for an hour then hit the casino. Some friends arrive tonight so it might get crazier!
Not a great night in the Casino. I was down $100.00, Robbin was down almost $200.00. A guy playing Video Slots hit a progressive for $56,000.00 so he was happy! Met up with friends and arranged dinner for tomorrow.
Another photo trip tomorrow.
Quiet day today. Breakfast was at the Edgewater Buffet - special thanks to Carol for the 2 4 1 coupon - $7.00 for 2 is pretty good - breakfast had a decent selection - but no yoghurt. Why is it so hard to find yoghurt here? . We had planned out Oatman trip today but Robbin had a sore leg so we decided to stay close to our room. played VP all morning - up and down. This afternoon went to see the movie Captain Phillips. The boothling told us that it had gone and was replaced by "Out of the Furnace". We had no clue what it was about but it was the only movie about to start - so we bought tickets - great movie - really enjoyed it.
Back to Aquarius to a party in our friends suite - cool suite with 3 bedrooms. Spent a couple of hours there with friends then headed down to Outback Steakhouse - it was OK - all of us thought that our meal was OK - nobody hated it - nobody loved it. Then broke up and went our own ways. I played VP and was down $120.00. 3 quick wins later I was up $40.00 and cashed out.
Did my usual $21.00 through MegaBucks - 7 spins x $3.00 then cash out - no exceptions. I cashed out $28.00 - better than losing. Now 11:30 in the room watching TV and making notes.. May head down again for another round tonight!
Not too much to report today. Breakfast at Edgewater - huge allergic reaction - spent almost all day in the room. Played some VP this evening - up $80.00. Dinner at Aquarius. They really did a lousy job of Christmas Dinner - huge disappointment.
Drove to Vegas - couple of photo side trips.
Arrived MSS 12:30 and checked in – we went because they invited us to a party.
Choice was low room facing freeway right now or High room facing Plaza in 3 hours.
We took the low room and checked in. Went to Players Club – traded invite for party tickets and gave them the 2 $15.00 food comps that came in the same packet. They refused to honour them – said the invite was supposed to be party invite OR food comps. Maybe that is what it was supposed to be, but it wasn’t what it was.
Lousy VP afternoon - down $160.00. Put $21.00 in Megabucks and won $180.00.
MB saved me this trip.
Breakfast in Californian. Some people gave us Aloha coupon books. Showed them on the way out and breakfast was free.
Went to check out the Downtown Grand - nothing I would go back for. We got $3.00 slot play for joining up.
We are invited casino guests to a party tonight. It was free so can’t complain – it was OK.
Took a walk down Fremont Street – just strolling along when I got a really sharp pain through my foot. Guess we won’t be returning to Laughlin tomorrow as planned. Limped back to hotel in pain – foot swelled up – I thought that I had broken a bone.
Sitting in the room, watching TV, enjoying a Scotch and resting my foot when the phone rings.
Robbin just hit a $2000.00 Royal on 50c Poker! First tax form she ever got!
Next day my foot felt a bit better so decided to try a trip to Fremont Street.
Saw the Elvis Museum at Binions (OK for free – but I never was an Elvis fan) and also saw Mike Hammer - I always enjoy his show. Foot really hurt on the way back to MSS. Spent the rest of time in room until it was time to leave. Robbin made Saphire on the last day.
Uneventful flight home. Straight to the doctor – torn tendon!
Next trips already planned –
Easter – 5 nights Plaza – comped.
Summer – 5 nights Aquarius – some comp – will cost us $117.00 for the 5 nights.
Fall – not planned yet
Christmas 2014 - 15 night trip – fly to San Francisco and spent 8 nights getting to Laughlin, then 7 nights there.
Modified to add - I missed one of the highlights of the trip. I was in Lake Havasu and could hear someone playing a clarinet. I went to find him and there was an old guy sitting in a chair, his hand strapped up and a lot of lost mobility in it, but even at that I could tell that he was a pro. His playing was superb. He had a dish out for tips and a sign that said the tips were used to buy toys for needy kids. I went over to chat with him and tell him how much I was enjoying his playing. Turns out it was Fred Kraft who had played in a lot of the big bands, and was also a session musician in Nashville for a few years. He had a few instruments with him and one that particularly caught my eye was a 1936 with gold fittings. He said that Artie Shaw gave it to him and that there are only 5 of that model left. This one plus 4 in museums. Spent over an hour with him - what a treat that was.
