Decided last Wednesday to take advantage of an America West special and do a weekend trip. Was able to make arrangement to watch the fight at Green Valley Ranch at their big party. This all started at 6 PM (remember this time, it becomes a big part of the story later)

There weren't many choices on air to get this rate ($165 plus taxes). One outbound flight left Columbus around 5 PM Saturday, getting into Vegas about 6 PM. The other was a couple hours later. The only choice on the return was a red-eye leaving Vegas at 12:40 AM Monday (Sunday night) arriving at 7:30 AM. I was able to book the early flight and used miles to upgrade.

Got to the airport 2 hours prior to departure. The place was empty, walked right up to security. Got frisked and scanned. No food, even in first class, so bought a ham & swiss to take on the plane. Flight attendant was very good on going to the back of the plane to replenish his Glenlevits stock.

Arrived on time to an empty airport in Vegas. I noticed zero line getting into security and check-in.

I was pleased to find several good prices for cars on such short notice. Booked an Intrepid at Dollar for $22.99 per day. I then found a $25 coupon from Thrifty that was expiring soon. They had no full size available> Premium and luxury were both listed at $45.99 per day so I booked the luxury. Thought $21 net difference for luxury car was worth it.

I have a Blue Chip membership at Thrifty. The was this is supposed to work is, get on the bus and give the driver your name, when you arrive at the lot, the paperwork & car should be waiting. I walked up to the Blue Chip desk, nobody home! After about 5 minutes a guy showed up and asked my name. He thumbed thru the contracts and couldn't find mine. Asked how I spelled Murray, looked again then typed it into the computer. Yep, there I was. I gave him the $25 coupon. After about 5 minutes of studying the computer, he left. Came back saying the manager would be there in a few minutes to help me. By the time the manager shows up, I've been standing there for at least 15 minutes (remember the fight I'm trying to get to).

He says he's very sorry for the wait and I'll be ready in a few minutes. He gets the coupon taken care of then looks up and says there's a little problem. No luxury cars available. Asks if I'd like to take an intermediate and save some money. I said, no, I reserved a luxury car because I wanted a luxury car (all the time thinking about the Seinfeld episode dealing with this situation). Manager excused himself and came back offering a "brand new Sebring convertible". I said OK and he offered to take off 10% for my trouble. I was going to have this car for about 28 hours. I suggested he take off the extra 4 hours instead so it would be a one day rental. He agreed to this. I asked if I'd be able to trade for the luxury car the next day. He said yes and took down my cell # to call me. Red Sebring had 2 miles on it.

Made it to GVR in time for the main event. Great fight! Played 3-card poker and Deuces Wild Holdem foldem. Got beat up at both. Left about 11 PM to check into Main Street Station.

I had a letter from MSS for 4 free night, Sunday thru Thursday. I called and asked about coming in on Saturday. Gave me casino rate of $45. Dumped my bags in the room and went down to the casino for a get-even session on 3-card poker. Ended the evening with a straight flush. Ham & eggs in the brew pub (good food, lousy service).

Got to bed about 3, kept waking up with a muscle spasm in my back. Finally got up about 8 & grabbed a couple donuts & coffee downstairs.

There was a big motorcycle show in the parking lot across from MSS. I took a walk thru the exhibits before meeting a friend at the Hard Rock. I lost playing VP but he hit a royal so bought me lunch at the Pink Taco. Good lunch.

Went back to GVR for a little more 2's wild Holdem-Foldem. Didn't lose as bad as the night before. Payed off my marker from the previous night then met some friends to look at the new house they're building. Walking around a dirty construction site on a windy day isn't fun.

Filled up the Sebring (that's right, never got a call from Thrifty) and back to MSS. Had a losing session of 3-card poker then met friends for dinner at Pasta Pirate with Dean waiting on us. As usual, food and service were great. I had linguini with clams. We shared a bread pudding for desert, WOW.

Back to MSS for one last winning session of 3-card which put me in the plus column for the trip. Showered, changed, and checked out about 10 PM.

Car return went smooth. Got to the airport and HUGE lines everywhere you looked. Hadn't upgraded the return flight but walked up to the first class counter and they checked me right in, no questions. Security was very quick. Overheard agents talking at the gate that it was a light flight. Asked if the had any empty rows. Gave up my 6F seat for 22 D,E & F. I think I was asleep before we took off. I remember a couple hours later wondering if they were ever going to do beverage service. Noticed cups across the aisle, guess I slept thru it.

Landed in Columbus on time at 7:30. Just enough time to drive home, shower and be in the office for a 9 AM appt.

Other observations:
* Never packed this light going to Vegas before. Wore slacks and a sport shirt on the plane. Packed 1 pair of shorts, 1 golf shirt, underwear and shaving kit.
* Weather was great. High 90's, low humidity.
* Hit a detour going to the Hard Rock, passed the LV Hilton and road was closed for monorail construction.
* Forgot how nice the scenery at the Hard Rock can be (oink)!
* Would I do another 30 hour trip to Vegas? Ask me tomorrow!

I'll wager that you would do another 30 hour trip-and I think the rest of us would too. Wendell I like the light packing part.

Senator - Do you remember the guy from New Jersey who flew out for our Tommy Rockers meet and after the meet went back to the airport and flew back to New Jersey. He did not even remain over night.
What was his name? Wendell

Senator,
Ok, I confess, when I heard you where going to Vegas for just a weekend.....I wanted to go too! Even with my killer lousy luck, I was ready to board a plane to LV again. At one point even got clearence from my wife to go if I WANTED! LOL

Couldn't find any decent flights or airfares that would work. I've setteled down now, and come back to my sences! But at the $165 airfare you got, we could have had a couple of beers togeather at MSS. With only 30 hrs in Vegas, I would have never left MSS/California. LOL

OK, MSS brew pub breakfast is spotty with service. First, sit at the bar. If Joe is working, he's usually boared to tears, and even if the kitchen is closed, can keep you from thinking about how long the food is taking.

The Hard Rock and the Palms....just makes me feel old. I go out of my way to stay out of those places. GVR, you must really like your visits there. You always report a good time.

Glad you came home a winner!
Did thrifty have the 4hrs deducted when you returned the car??? I sure can't see going back to them unless they have some really exceptional offers. But you didn't do too bad with the convertible. At least you had weather you could put the top down if you wanted!

Thanks for a GGGreat trip report.....so when is the next 30hr trip planned?

Wendell,

Sounds like that may have been Lynn Sills. He also flew out for a meet at the Green Shack, rented a car to visit Red Rock Canyon during the day, and flew back home on a red-eye. Great guy!!

Beth

Sounds like a fun 30 hours JM, we almost crossed paths at GVRS, I was there this weekend to turn in my Week#2 NFL picks. I bet you'd do it again.

Wendell,

Yes, I'd do it again.

I think the guy you're asking about is Lynn Sills. Didn't he do that more than once? I think he brought a lady friend once but can't remember if it was on a real quick trip oe not.

jm

Lee,

You probably could have flown to Columbus and used the fare I did and still come out OK.

I'll remember about sitting at the bar. There were a few people eating at the bar and getting MUCH better service than me. There were 2 people waiting tables. A guy who was doind a good job and my girl who just made cameo appearances occasionally!

Not sure what it is about GVR but I'm very comfortable there and enjoy playing. Even tho I lost there this trip.

I was all tuned up and ready for Thrifty to try and charge me for the second day. The guy did my paperwork and said it was a total of $22.??. What's that work out to? About $8.00 per day before taxes?

Cajun,

I should have let you know I was coming since you hang out at GVR some. I was there such a short time that I didn't make any plans in advance except meeting my friends for the fight.

Yes, I would do it again. For that short a time you can run full speeed ahead for teh entire trip and not run out of gas till the very end. I went up to my room to pack & shower before leaving and had about 20 minutes to kill before I needed to leave for the airport. I left anyway cause I was afraid I might fall asleep and miss the plane if I sat or layed down. I shouldn't post this on a BB but my receptionist came into my ofice about 1 today and found me sitting in my chair asleep!

Beth & Senator: I think you guys are right. Lynn Sills - I think that flying out, do your thing and go right back would be fun - may try that one day, the only thing is I might not want to come "right back". Wendell

Thanks for your report Senator.
Glad to hear the airport is uncrowded on wednesday at that time of day. I found that the best prices for airfare is Wednesday and McCarran was quiet when i was there on a Wednesday to Wednesday trip last year. Pretty much narrowed things down for day of week travel for the next trip.

hey Senator......
This week's Surf'n Go offers from American West, special low fares when departing on Saturday and returning Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to Vegas from Columbus again this weekend!
So.....are you going????
<VBG>

hmmmmm???

I'm impressed that you could do all that ONCE without sleep.........TWICE would be unimaginable.......at least since college days!!!
Sounds like you had a great time!

Senator:
Your "30 hours in Vegas" trip sounded like a whole lot of fun. So much, in fact, that I immediately got on AM West website and checked out flights for next weekend, thinking I'd do a birthday trip with my girlfriend to celebrate her birthday. Then I thought better of it, and logged off!! Guess we'll settle for Belterra (for those who don't know that's the newest riverboat southwest of Cinci, actually in Indiana) tomorrow. Yes, I know....it's not Vegas, or anywhere close to being Vegas....but it will have to do.

Susan

Susan,

Let me know how Belterra is. Also, did you happen to see Pia Gow or live poker?

Then, get back on the internet and BOOK THAT TRIP!

Senator:
Didn't see your note until Monday morning, so I wasn't able to personally check out the poker or pai gow and really don't remember. However, I checked the Belterra website, and they listed the following table games:
10 x odds on craps
Blackjack, including double, five, six & eight deck
Let It Ride
3 Card Poker
Progressive Paigow Poker
Caribbean Stud
Roulette
Spanish 21
Boston 5 Poker

Also you no longer have to wait until a certain time to board. Boat is docked all the time now and you can get on and off anytime between 8 am and 4 am during the week and 8 am and 5 am on weekends.

I have been to the Belterra 3 or 4 times and like it the best of the three boats. I've stayed over night twice, and hotel rooms are nice. Ate in the buffet once, and didn't think that was anything to write home about though. I think they've also got a seafood restaurant and a couple little deli type places. One on the boat and one off.

Boat doesn't seem as cramped as the others.

We also had freebie tickets to a "Beatles" show yesterday. They have a nice theatre that probably holds 1400 people or so. The band was good. Usually they send out a monthly promotion to card holders with a discounted room coupon and usually free tickets to some show.

You ought to check the place out sometime. It's about 22 or 23 miles further down the road than the Grand Victoria or you take 75 to 71, get off at the Kentucky Speedway exit and wind around on 35 for a while, turn left on 42, cross Markland Dam and you are there.

Susan

Susan,

Thanks for teh info. I'll have to check out their web site. I haven't been to the other boats for a good while, no Pai Gow or live poker and VP sucked. Sounds like I should give this place a try.

Which way would you go coming from Columbus?

I had heard that the boats were staying docked. I guess the state gave them a choice. There's something about them having to pay more in taxes if the stay docked but I guess most places thought it was worth it.

Senator:
I'm not sure which would be the best way from Columbus, whether you should follow 71 to the Kentucky Speedway exit, or 71 to 275 around the north side and off at Lawrenceburg.

Either way takes a long time!! We went 75 to 71 going, and took the country/river road to Lawrenceburg to 275 coming back.

Susan

Thanks Susan,

I'll take a look at a map and see what it looks like. Might be a good fall ride on the bike.