Summer of Cal/Nev – Day 44
After yesterday’s rough day at the games, today is going to be no-play day for me. That works out just fine because it allows me the time for my other hobby, and that’s movie watching. I’ve been anxious to RED 2. I enjoyed the first one a lot. I love spy flicks with good characters and this one is right up my alley.
The first showing was at 9:25, so this allowed me plenty of time this morning to kick back, to do some reading and just hang out watching the people below mark their spots on the beach or grab the best chairs for the pool. The movie was fun (though it’s not for everyone) and I highly recommend it as simply good summer escape—plenty of explosions and crazy stunts that that the lead actors always seem to be able to walk away unscathed.
As I was walking out of the theater and back to my room, I passed the live theater area and there were posters up of the coming artists. Now they do have semi-celebrities and somewhat has-been stars come here that would be good for the older set (Debbie Reynolds, Don Rickels, and such), but lately I’ve noticed a trend to go with cheaper artists who do nothing but imitate the talented. Personally, I loved the FAB FOUR, who did a great Beatles show, but overall, I can’t see paying money to see these “tribute artists and bands.” However, I’ve snapped a couple of pictures of the posters of the coming attractions to the Riverside.
There's a good chance Neil Diamond isn't going play Laughlin any time soon, so you'll have to settle for this guy.
I guarantee Michael Jackson isn't going to play Laughlin. Brooks and Dunn? A tribute band for Brooks and Dunn?
Can't afford $135 tickets to Jersey Boys in Vegas? How about 20 bucks for a fake Frankie Vallie? And you've GOT to have an Elvis Impersonator...even if he doesn't remotely look like Elvis.
Have you ever gotten it into your head that you need to go somewhere, and then go there, and then wonder why you’re there? I did that today. I got it into my head that I was going to Wal-Mart (I never go to Wal-Mart, I go to Target, but I’ve been to Target recently—three times, so Wal-Mart is a change of pace). I drove to the store from my hotel (about 20 miles) and when I got there, I thought to myself, “Why did I come here?”
Anyway, I went in and wondered around a little (the heat has returned: 105 outside) and did manage to find a couple of things I’d probably need the next couple of weeks. AND, I did find a sale on Hawaiian shirts. Now I have PLENTY of Hawaiian shirts, but these were very nice; a little different and they were only $9.95 each (my apologies to the young sweat shop women and kids), so I did buy a couple. I promise when I get home, I’ll throw away some of my old ones. I was a bit embarrassed when I saw Mike and Janice at the El Cortez a week ago and when I got back to the hotel; I realized that I wore the same shirt I wore when I met him at his work place in Chicago THREE years ago. That one is the first to go.
On the way back, I made a stop at a little hideaway, which isn’t supposed to be a hideaway, but hardly anyone knows it’s there because there are no signs telling anyone that it is there. I only found it because you might remember a few weeks ago on one of my trips here, I set out to walk to the Davis Dam, and it was just too blasted hot and I turned around only to find this place. It’s nothing special. It was built recently when the pedestrian bridge was built, and no one bothered to let anyone know it was here. There are three covered picnic tables, and a very nice, clean bathroom facility. All have hardly been used simply because no one knows it’s here. It sits right on the edge of the river next to the Laughlin Bridge. Just as you cross the bridge, instead of turning left into Laughlin, keep going straight for about 600 feet and there’s a quick, unmarked turn to the right on a dirt road. Follow that road for just a little bit, and there you are.
Pic taken from the hideaway looking across the river to the throngs enjoying the day
Now, I’m mentioning all of this because there’s a story here. Across the river from my vantage point (see above picture), there are hundreds of people with their picnic tables, Jet Skis, kids playing in the river—it’s very popular—it’s free. When I walked here by mistake a few weeks ago and discovered this little hideaway, I was intrigued by an RV that was there—not that odd I suspect, but this RV had its own covered spot. There were bicycles, chairs, but no one was out then. However, THIS time there was someone sitting in front of the RV. I began talking to him and asking him if I could take his picture. He said no, but I could take a picture of the RV if I wanted—I did.
The RV at the hideaway.
His name is Burt (I believe this is the very first “Burt” I have ever met). I asked him how it was that he could have his RV here when there are signs posted saying, No Overnight Camping. Burt told me that he is a retired recreation marshal (didn’t know they existed) and he struck a deal that if they’d let him stay here and give him electricity, and sewage for the RV, he’d watch over the place without charge. I told him that sounded like a pretty sweet deal and asked if there was ever any trouble. He said no. Most people don’t know this spot is here and occasionally he has to move along some drunks or homeless folks who would like to use the bathroom facilities as their own home. He says he’s got it pretty good. He’s never heard of the Las Vegas Advisor and he’s not online here. He enjoys the solidarity. So, I said goodbye to Burt and thanked him for his time.
Bathroom area at the hideaway complete with hiking trails and maps.
I made my way back to the Riverside. It was dinner time, and I had another free comp for the Prime Rib room that I used. Last time I had the salmon, this time I went with the cod. The cod was excellent and the better of the two choices.
View from my seat of the Prime Rib room with the river in the background
I was in and out of there within a half hour and back in my room by 6 to write this report. I’m writing this tonight because I’m up early tomorrow and heading back to Las Vegas and once again to the Orleans—I’ve been there so often lately, I’m expecting the registration desk people to yell “Jon!” as I enter the building.
More tomorrow.
After yesterday’s rough day at the games, today is going to be no-play day for me. That works out just fine because it allows me the time for my other hobby, and that’s movie watching. I’ve been anxious to RED 2. I enjoyed the first one a lot. I love spy flicks with good characters and this one is right up my alley.
The first showing was at 9:25, so this allowed me plenty of time this morning to kick back, to do some reading and just hang out watching the people below mark their spots on the beach or grab the best chairs for the pool. The movie was fun (though it’s not for everyone) and I highly recommend it as simply good summer escape—plenty of explosions and crazy stunts that that the lead actors always seem to be able to walk away unscathed.
As I was walking out of the theater and back to my room, I passed the live theater area and there were posters up of the coming artists. Now they do have semi-celebrities and somewhat has-been stars come here that would be good for the older set (Debbie Reynolds, Don Rickels, and such), but lately I’ve noticed a trend to go with cheaper artists who do nothing but imitate the talented. Personally, I loved the FAB FOUR, who did a great Beatles show, but overall, I can’t see paying money to see these “tribute artists and bands.” However, I’ve snapped a couple of pictures of the posters of the coming attractions to the Riverside.
There's a good chance Neil Diamond isn't going play Laughlin any time soon, so you'll have to settle for this guy.
I guarantee Michael Jackson isn't going to play Laughlin. Brooks and Dunn? A tribute band for Brooks and Dunn?
Can't afford $135 tickets to Jersey Boys in Vegas? How about 20 bucks for a fake Frankie Vallie? And you've GOT to have an Elvis Impersonator...even if he doesn't remotely look like Elvis.
Have you ever gotten it into your head that you need to go somewhere, and then go there, and then wonder why you’re there? I did that today. I got it into my head that I was going to Wal-Mart (I never go to Wal-Mart, I go to Target, but I’ve been to Target recently—three times, so Wal-Mart is a change of pace). I drove to the store from my hotel (about 20 miles) and when I got there, I thought to myself, “Why did I come here?”
Anyway, I went in and wondered around a little (the heat has returned: 105 outside) and did manage to find a couple of things I’d probably need the next couple of weeks. AND, I did find a sale on Hawaiian shirts. Now I have PLENTY of Hawaiian shirts, but these were very nice; a little different and they were only $9.95 each (my apologies to the young sweat shop women and kids), so I did buy a couple. I promise when I get home, I’ll throw away some of my old ones. I was a bit embarrassed when I saw Mike and Janice at the El Cortez a week ago and when I got back to the hotel; I realized that I wore the same shirt I wore when I met him at his work place in Chicago THREE years ago. That one is the first to go.
On the way back, I made a stop at a little hideaway, which isn’t supposed to be a hideaway, but hardly anyone knows it’s there because there are no signs telling anyone that it is there. I only found it because you might remember a few weeks ago on one of my trips here, I set out to walk to the Davis Dam, and it was just too blasted hot and I turned around only to find this place. It’s nothing special. It was built recently when the pedestrian bridge was built, and no one bothered to let anyone know it was here. There are three covered picnic tables, and a very nice, clean bathroom facility. All have hardly been used simply because no one knows it’s here. It sits right on the edge of the river next to the Laughlin Bridge. Just as you cross the bridge, instead of turning left into Laughlin, keep going straight for about 600 feet and there’s a quick, unmarked turn to the right on a dirt road. Follow that road for just a little bit, and there you are.
Pic taken from the hideaway looking across the river to the throngs enjoying the day
Now, I’m mentioning all of this because there’s a story here. Across the river from my vantage point (see above picture), there are hundreds of people with their picnic tables, Jet Skis, kids playing in the river—it’s very popular—it’s free. When I walked here by mistake a few weeks ago and discovered this little hideaway, I was intrigued by an RV that was there—not that odd I suspect, but this RV had its own covered spot. There were bicycles, chairs, but no one was out then. However, THIS time there was someone sitting in front of the RV. I began talking to him and asking him if I could take his picture. He said no, but I could take a picture of the RV if I wanted—I did.
The RV at the hideaway.
His name is Burt (I believe this is the very first “Burt” I have ever met). I asked him how it was that he could have his RV here when there are signs posted saying, No Overnight Camping. Burt told me that he is a retired recreation marshal (didn’t know they existed) and he struck a deal that if they’d let him stay here and give him electricity, and sewage for the RV, he’d watch over the place without charge. I told him that sounded like a pretty sweet deal and asked if there was ever any trouble. He said no. Most people don’t know this spot is here and occasionally he has to move along some drunks or homeless folks who would like to use the bathroom facilities as their own home. He says he’s got it pretty good. He’s never heard of the Las Vegas Advisor and he’s not online here. He enjoys the solidarity. So, I said goodbye to Burt and thanked him for his time.
Bathroom area at the hideaway complete with hiking trails and maps.
I made my way back to the Riverside. It was dinner time, and I had another free comp for the Prime Rib room that I used. Last time I had the salmon, this time I went with the cod. The cod was excellent and the better of the two choices.
View from my seat of the Prime Rib room with the river in the background
I was in and out of there within a half hour and back in my room by 6 to write this report. I’m writing this tonight because I’m up early tomorrow and heading back to Las Vegas and once again to the Orleans—I’ve been there so often lately, I’m expecting the registration desk people to yell “Jon!” as I enter the building.
More tomorrow.
