Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Day 255 on the road.
Starbucks, near UNLV, Las Vegas

When Hunter S. Thompson first visited Sin City, he was drunk and remained drunk for most of his trip. I arrived entirely sober yesterday to begin a three day visit before returning to Laughlin on Sunday.

I'm aware of how Thompson felt about this place. My "fear" is having car trouble in the middle of the Strip where traffic is non-stop not-moving. I also "loathe" the tourists, the thousands of tourists bumping into each other like robotic, mindless, drones. But how can you resist the fun of it all? Las Vegas is unique; there is no other town on earth like it.

My room at The Orleans Casino and Resort (above) is fine. I don't have a view of the Strip, but that's okay. After I checked in yesterday afternoon, I went to work. The poker room at The Orleans was spreading Omaha Hi Lo and Hold'em, so I sat down and played Omaha for a few hours. I then hit the buffet and ate too much steak and mashed potatoes. The food was okay, about average for a casino. I grabbed a couple of local tourist magazines and ripped out a good map. Today I'll spend the day on the Strip. I'm going to ride the trolley system and monorail to get around.

Day 253 on the road.
Firehouse Coffee Co., Laughlin

The 26th Annual River Run begins officially today in Laughlin, with bikers from around the world riding into town for a weekend of shows, contests, and general mayhem. I'm glad I'm leaving for the weekend.

I walked the strip yesterday afternoon to see vendors getting ready to open their booths for selling everything from T-shirts to motorcycles. Hummer and Harley Davidson are the big

sponsors, along with Jack Daniels and Miller Beer. Although I read that 60,000 bikers are expected to attend the events, the economy and gas prices are having an effect. Many of the casinos have vacant rooms. If you are willing to pay the high price, plenty of rooms are available.

The parking lots at each of the casinos are full of white tents and semi-trucks bringing in supplies and party goods. Some of the sponsors are having outdoor concerts and setting up eating facilities under the tents. Dozens of port-a-potties are scattered up and down the strip. The entire length of Casino Drive is fenced off so that underaged party goers can't enter the drinking areas.









I'm driving 90 miles north to Las Vegas for the weekend. My free "comped" room is not available at the River Palms. I'd have to pay the weekend rate, which is doubled for this event. In addition, I don't want to mess with the traffic and crowds. Therefore, I'm taking the opportunity to venture into the City That Never Sleeps.

I'll be staying at The Orleans in Las Vegas and will return to Laughlin on Sunday.

100th Post

I guess it's a milestone. I just posted my 100th blog ("Biker Mania"). I hope it won't take 252 days to post a 100 more.

Biker Mania

Day 252 on the road.
Firehouse Coffee Co., Laughlin

Laughlin is going crazy this week due to 60,000 Harley bike riders coming to town for the Laughlin River Run. The parking lots are full of white tents set up by vendors selling biker junk: t-shirts, hats, glasses, leather gear and clothing, even bikes. The casinos are having various contests and shows, including the "Best Fat Belly" contest, which I might enter.

Yesterday I was kicked upstairs to the 18th floor to another room. I don't why, exactly. The room is just like the one I was in (river view, two queen size beds, sitting area, etc.), but for some reason the front desk told me they needed me to move to another room. No big deal.

On Thursday I'll have to vacate the River Palms to make room for Bikers. On Sunday I can check back in and get my room back. I have another week of free nights already in place, so why not stay a while longer?

Thursday I'll head to Las Vegas for the weekend. After more than 250 days on the road, I'll finally make it to the City that Never Sleeps. When I left Texas months ago, Vegas was my initial destination.