Las Vegas Sept - Oct 2022
September 20, 2022: Not a Good Start
aisleIt was an early morning start for AlteCocker--which mean almost no sleep the night before. Par for the course. The inconveniences of transcontinental travel. AlteCocker had the window seat. A couple of very wide people had the middle seat and the aisle. The guy was on the aisle and had a lot of difficulty moving. AlteCocker was locked into the window seat for the entire flight. They were nice people but not the greatest for seatmates. AlteCocker had to help them several times with setting up their phones so that they could get into American's entertainment offerings. The guy kept erasing his. They were not bad people, just not computer savvy--not that AlteCocker finds these things easy either.
Arrival meant the three of us all had wheelchairs and at first, when the chairs arrived, there were no pushers. Finally the pushers arrived and AlteCocker was off to meet her exchangers. That went well. Neighbors had taken them to the airport and tookAlteCocker to my her digs for the next 3 weeks. So far so good. Just you wait.
AlteCocker set up her computer equipment and took a nap. An early dinner was had at the Pioneer Saloon, a historic tavern off of I-15 which eventually ends in Los Angeles. It has been used in a lot of films and was the location for the search for Carole Lombard (Clark Gable's wife at the time) when her plane crashed and she was killed in 1942. The place has a lot of memorabilia. It is the sort of restaurant where you are going to have a hamburger and AlteCocker had a hamburger. It was very quiet on a Tuesday night but has music and a lot of bikers on weekends. AlteCocker passed on all the souvenirs.
So far so good until AlteCocker read an email from the home exchangers on her phone back at the house. At the beginning of the a/c season, AlteCocker's relatively new a/c unit had a leak of all its coolant. It took a very hot week to fix and several visits from the a/c company to get it done. You can see where this is going. it appears to be the same problem. Not only does it not appear to have been really fixed the first time, it is embarrassing. You want you home exchangers to have a good time--not to spend their vacation consumed with repairs--and it does look as if AlteCocker does not maintain her house. Absolutely infuriating. AlteCocker spent the evening texting the a/c people in preparation of a lot of angry phone calls back and forth tomorrow morning. Can't wait. Sent copies of the texts to my home exchangers--and AlteCocker always spends so much time prepping her house for an exchange. The a/c broke after she had left and it is hot in my house. Fortunately, the exchangers are relatively relaxed about this. AlteCocker is not.
Arrival meant the three of us all had wheelchairs and at first, when the chairs arrived, there were no pushers. Finally the pushers arrived and AlteCocker was off to meet her exchangers. That went well. Neighbors had taken them to the airport and tookAlteCocker to my her digs for the next 3 weeks. So far so good. Just you wait.
AlteCocker set up her computer equipment and took a nap. An early dinner was had at the Pioneer Saloon, a historic tavern off of I-15 which eventually ends in Los Angeles. It has been used in a lot of films and was the location for the search for Carole Lombard (Clark Gable's wife at the time) when her plane crashed and she was killed in 1942. The place has a lot of memorabilia. It is the sort of restaurant where you are going to have a hamburger and AlteCocker had a hamburger. It was very quiet on a Tuesday night but has music and a lot of bikers on weekends. AlteCocker passed on all the souvenirs.
So far so good until AlteCocker read an email from the home exchangers on her phone back at the house. At the beginning of the a/c season, AlteCocker's relatively new a/c unit had a leak of all its coolant. It took a very hot week to fix and several visits from the a/c company to get it done. You can see where this is going. it appears to be the same problem. Not only does it not appear to have been really fixed the first time, it is embarrassing. You want you home exchangers to have a good time--not to spend their vacation consumed with repairs--and it does look as if AlteCocker does not maintain her house. Absolutely infuriating. AlteCocker spent the evening texting the a/c people in preparation of a lot of angry phone calls back and forth tomorrow morning. Can't wait. Sent copies of the texts to my home exchangers--and AlteCocker always spends so much time prepping her house for an exchange. The a/c broke after she had left and it is hot in my house. Fortunately, the exchangers are relatively relaxed about this. AlteCocker is not.
September 21 -22, 2022: A/c fixed; Fun Begins
OK. September 21 was consumed by the a/c mess at home. AlteCocker calling them and home exchangers enduring an uncomfortable day. The exchangers bwww.originalsunrisecafe.com/etook themselves to the backyard patio to relax on my beach chairs. Female exchanger sat in the beach chair AlteCocker (who weighs more than female exchanger) normally uses and the chair ripped. AlteCocker told the exchangers just to toss it in the trash and not to try and replace it. They have had a rough start.
AlteCocker hung around all day waiting for the repair to be done and to authorize payment (ugh!). It was not a leak of coolant it was a capacitor. That compressor has been the source of nothing but headaches. It's a real lemon. Predictably the a/c repair guy arrived at the end of the day causing my exchangers to spend the largely wasted day sitting around. Infuriating.
At least the a/c system was up and running and nothing else broke today. Fingers crossed that everything else runs smoothly. Just a nutty bunch of small disasters for a start. Grr!
AlteCocker betook herself to the Jew Man Group show at the Tuscany. Show was cute. It is definitely not woke! This is a relatively new show. It begins at 5:30pm as they try and get traction for a better time slot. It is funny--especially if you are a Member of the Tribe but half the people there were not Jewish. The show appeals to the altecocker crownd but there were some non MOTs there as well--and some younger people. It cost only $27 so AlteCocker got it for herself wholesale.
The 22nd began a lot better. No calls about things broken in the house for one thing. AlteCocker will have her fingers crossed for the rest of the trip after yesterday! Plans for the day were a local breakfast followed by the High Roller at the LINQ. This is the huge Ferris wheel that you see in photos of Las Vegas.
At breakfast a wonderful thing happened. It was at Sunrise Cafe, a place AlteCocker found on the internet that looked nice. it was and the portions were large. AlteCocker had an omelet with onions, red peppers and tomatoes. it was huge and she could not finish it. Next time she will order something smaller--as in with 2 eggs rather than whatever number they put in the omelet. She had a small orange juice and coffee. During the meal she got chatting with a family of regulars. After they left and AlteCocker finished and asked for the bill, there was none. They had paid! AlteCocker went looking for the manager and he knows the people. She gave him a $20 bill for them to take off their next meal. AlteCocker just hopes it works and he is surprised--as she was. One good turn deserves another.
AlteCocker scored a 2:00pm ticket for $8.50 through the Groupon app. Another wholesale deal for AlteCocker! Be advised: It is much more expensive at night. AlteCocker got to see all the sites you see in all the photos except the gondolas and the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, there was a drunken young woman in her cabin (who continued finishing one of those long frozen drinks on the ride) that took a lot of stupid selfies and prevented AlteCocker from hearing the commentary. For extra money they have bar cars. AlteCocker can only imagine the drunken bacchanalias in those cars at night. The car AlteCocker was in was one for the cheapskates. Ha!
After the ride AlteCocker had a sort of AlteCocker frappachino drink in Ghiradelli's nearby.
After paying $18 to park in the LINQ parking garage, AlteCocker figured out she could have parked for free for just a short walk. It takes a while to figure things out when you are new in town. She will try the free parking when she comes back Monday night for a show.
AlteCocker hung around all day waiting for the repair to be done and to authorize payment (ugh!). It was not a leak of coolant it was a capacitor. That compressor has been the source of nothing but headaches. It's a real lemon. Predictably the a/c repair guy arrived at the end of the day causing my exchangers to spend the largely wasted day sitting around. Infuriating.
At least the a/c system was up and running and nothing else broke today. Fingers crossed that everything else runs smoothly. Just a nutty bunch of small disasters for a start. Grr!
AlteCocker betook herself to the Jew Man Group show at the Tuscany. Show was cute. It is definitely not woke! This is a relatively new show. It begins at 5:30pm as they try and get traction for a better time slot. It is funny--especially if you are a Member of the Tribe but half the people there were not Jewish. The show appeals to the altecocker crownd but there were some non MOTs there as well--and some younger people. It cost only $27 so AlteCocker got it for herself wholesale.
The 22nd began a lot better. No calls about things broken in the house for one thing. AlteCocker will have her fingers crossed for the rest of the trip after yesterday! Plans for the day were a local breakfast followed by the High Roller at the LINQ. This is the huge Ferris wheel that you see in photos of Las Vegas.
At breakfast a wonderful thing happened. It was at Sunrise Cafe, a place AlteCocker found on the internet that looked nice. it was and the portions were large. AlteCocker had an omelet with onions, red peppers and tomatoes. it was huge and she could not finish it. Next time she will order something smaller--as in with 2 eggs rather than whatever number they put in the omelet. She had a small orange juice and coffee. During the meal she got chatting with a family of regulars. After they left and AlteCocker finished and asked for the bill, there was none. They had paid! AlteCocker went looking for the manager and he knows the people. She gave him a $20 bill for them to take off their next meal. AlteCocker just hopes it works and he is surprised--as she was. One good turn deserves another.
AlteCocker scored a 2:00pm ticket for $8.50 through the Groupon app. Another wholesale deal for AlteCocker! Be advised: It is much more expensive at night. AlteCocker got to see all the sites you see in all the photos except the gondolas and the Statue of Liberty. Unfortunately, there was a drunken young woman in her cabin (who continued finishing one of those long frozen drinks on the ride) that took a lot of stupid selfies and prevented AlteCocker from hearing the commentary. For extra money they have bar cars. AlteCocker can only imagine the drunken bacchanalias in those cars at night. The car AlteCocker was in was one for the cheapskates. Ha!
After the ride AlteCocker had a sort of AlteCocker frappachino drink in Ghiradelli's nearby.
After paying $18 to park in the LINQ parking garage, AlteCocker figured out she could have parked for free for just a short walk. It takes a while to figure things out when you are new in town. She will try the free parking when she comes back Monday night for a show.
September 23, 2022: Clark County Museum, "O" Show
AlteCocker went to the Clark County Museum today. This is the museum whose former director, aka "The Beard of Knowledge" known by Pawn Stars fans is the director; he has retired so do not expect to meet him. Sadly, this museum gets comparatively a small amount of foot traffic because it is very good; the kids that were there seemed to enjoy climbing on the old trains the most. The problem is that most visitors to Vegas come for 3 days or so before either heading off to the Grand Canyon or going home. It is too far out of the way. It is the kind of museum where old buildings, trains, etc., are brought in and reerected on the site so you can visit pre Strip Vegas; lots of discussion about building the Hoover Dam and mining. AlteCocker spent a couple of hours there. The most interesting parts are the outside exhibits. Do those before the temperature gets too hot. The Museum is $2 regular admission and $1 for seniors. AlteCocker bought a fridge magnet figuring she'd rather contribute to the museum than some damn place on the strip.
Then it was back home for a nap before heading for the Bellagio complex and the "O" Show (9:30pm performance). The show has no discounts. The 9:30pm show was not entirely sold out, but still pretty full. AlteCocker parked on the top deck because there is a great view of The Strip from on high but that does mean waiting for a lot of cars to get out first when thee show ends and everyone tries to exit at the same time. Parking was $15 for AlteCocker. The most you will pay was $18. They did lift the exit bars when everyone tries to exit at the same time at the end of the show, so cheaters could cheat, but AlteCocker, of course, did not attempt that stunt. All and all, even with the inconvenience of exiting, AlteCocker would recommend parking there. You simply do not want to be wandering around The Strip at night looking for your car in a remote parking lot to save a few bucks. She took the lazy man's way out.
"O" is a Cirque de Soleil aquatic show with plenty of sychronized swimming and diving. The venue was purpose built for the show so Vegas is the only place you can see it. AlteCocker has wanted to see this show as in forever. It is fantastic. It was worth the price. Just fabulous.
Then it was back home for a nap before heading for the Bellagio complex and the "O" Show (9:30pm performance). The show has no discounts. The 9:30pm show was not entirely sold out, but still pretty full. AlteCocker parked on the top deck because there is a great view of The Strip from on high but that does mean waiting for a lot of cars to get out first when thee show ends and everyone tries to exit at the same time. Parking was $15 for AlteCocker. The most you will pay was $18. They did lift the exit bars when everyone tries to exit at the same time at the end of the show, so cheaters could cheat, but AlteCocker, of course, did not attempt that stunt. All and all, even with the inconvenience of exiting, AlteCocker would recommend parking there. You simply do not want to be wandering around The Strip at night looking for your car in a remote parking lot to save a few bucks. She took the lazy man's way out.
"O" is a Cirque de Soleil aquatic show with plenty of sychronized swimming and diving. The venue was purpose built for the show so Vegas is the only place you can see it. AlteCocker has wanted to see this show as in forever. It is fantastic. It was worth the price. Just fabulous.
September 24-25, 2022: opera mess up; mob Museum
The highlight of September 24 was supposed to be a new opera writtenhttps://www.facebook.com/tksbobacreamery/ by a woman at UNLV. It didn't happen. That happens a lot on travel with AlteCocker. The ticket cost only $38, but AlteCocker could not find the parking garage or the theater. She phoned the box office for help and what obviously was a kid give her directions that ended up with me exactly where I started. He kept asking AlteCocker if she saw a McDonald's; there was no McDonald's. There were two cars in front of me making the same "pilgrimage." Not fun. They admitted that it was difficult to find the parking and theater. Do not do this unless you are a local and are familiar with the UNLV campus. AlteCocker hopes she is going to get the promised refund. This was not a case, by the way of not allowing plenty of time. AlteCocker left plenty of time as she always does when she is unfamiliar with the area.
September 25th went a lot more smoothly. AlteCocker visited The Mob Museum. She was a bit uncertain if the museum would be worth her while, but it was. The male home exchanger volunteers at the Museum and got a General Admission pass as a gift. That is all you need. Don't buy the upgrades. Alow at least 2 hours for the museum. It is a thoroughly modern museum about organized crime and the rise and fall of the organized crime 'families" in the US. At the end there is discussion of today's drug wars. As a retired attorney who once worked in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, AlteCocker found the museum fascinating. There is a "speakeasy" in the basement with drinks and snacks. It is worth a stop there as well. AlteCocker enjoyed the atmosphere and the silent film of "Zorro" that played while she visited.
Then it was back home. Getting home at 3:00pm, it was time to relax for awhile. AlteCocker finally went out for ice cream at TK's Boba & Creamery nearby. They advertised rolled ice cream. AlteCocker seen it before being made on the internet, but she had never experienced it in person. It was fascinating to watch them making the concoction. Everything starts with the same cream base. They add what they need to make the concoctions. AlteCocker had smores. Rather than have to explain this, AlteCocker took photos of the process. It all depends on having a frozen platform on which to build the dessert of your choice. The process is very slow. By the time AlteCocker left, the place was packed. People would have to wait for over half an hour in those circumstances. See photos below for an idea of the process.
After the ice cream treat, it was time to catch up the blog.
September 26, 2022: Red Rock Canyon; MAt Franco Magic Show
Today began the outdoors portion of the trip as AlteCocker began to get off The Strip. The Strip is simply not doable for great gobs of time. Parking is difficult and expensive and you would have to be crazy to eat in the overpriced restaurants. She has gained confidence driving in the area, but it is far easier to visit sites off the strip that have ample parking.
The last time AlteCocker was in Vegas many years ago, she focused on a long driving trip to Grand Canyon. She has since been to Grand Canyon several times--including, she thinks, 4 times to the South Rim and once to the more remote North. There is no need to repeat what has already been done. Today she went to Red Rocks Canyon, This is just north of The Strip through the town of Summerlin, about a half hour from the house she is using. Every day is hot in the desert, so, if you go, be prepared and bring water. Unfortunately, AlteCocker left her hat at home and had to buy another. She bought one that came with a really unneeded t-shirt, but the hat by itself would have been only slightly less, so there you go. The only time there is water in the Canyon is during Monsoons. If you are here when that happens, do not immediately run over to see the waterfalls. It is safer due to unexpected inundations to wait a day or two. The park is favored by rock climbers and people can fall and get injured or worse. At age almost 76 AlteCocker is not into rock climbing. Walking is enough. So she did the loop trail and took a lot of photos. The Canyon is a decent size but this is no Grand Canyon. If, however, you don't have time to see the Grand, you might want to visit Red Rocks. AlteCocker began her stay with the film at the Visitor's Center--which was excellent. However, the only place AlteCocker saw any desert animals was in the film. Given the temperatures in the desert, you are more likely to see them very early in the morning or just before sundown. Anyway, AlteCocker did not want to see the 2 kinds of rattlesnakes that inhabit the park.
After a bagel and donut at a Dunkin' Donuts, AlteCocker headed for home. She has noticed that her phone does not always have an easy connection to the internet for google maps. It is best to use a a place where there is wifi to get started. Always carry maps with you and sufficient water. And don't forget maps, water and a hat.
After about an hour down time at home, AlteCocker headed for the Mat Franco Magic Show at The Linq Hotel. She had parked in that garage once before for the ferris wheel. Repeating the experience turned out to be a big mess and AlteCocker got totally confused when it came time to pick up the car. Wandering around in a parking garage looking for a vehicle after dark was not a sensational experience. The problem was that AlteCocker was very naughty and parked where the valet parking was. Apparently few park there and nothing bad happened aside from parking lot wandering. Most people who fly to Vegas do not rent cars if they intend on spending most of their time on The Strip because they are a real headache there.
There are lots of magicians in Las Vegas. AlteCocker got an enthusiastic recommendation from her home exchangers to see Mat Franco. It was a totally amazing show up to the final flourish. Because AlteCocker is here solo, the parties that be tried to sit her in the rear on one of those high bar seats. AlteCocker does not do well on high bar seats because climbing up can be difficult. So, the next thing she knew she was in the first row. Seating is first come, first served. Do not take a seat you don't like, if you get there early. Just ask politely. AlteCocker did arrive just as seating began. The theater is small, so there are really no bad seats and seeing from the back would have been OK. The high seat was the issue. When they came around serving drinks and AlteCocker found out bottled water was over $8, AlteCocker passed.
The last time AlteCocker was in Vegas many years ago, she focused on a long driving trip to Grand Canyon. She has since been to Grand Canyon several times--including, she thinks, 4 times to the South Rim and once to the more remote North. There is no need to repeat what has already been done. Today she went to Red Rocks Canyon, This is just north of The Strip through the town of Summerlin, about a half hour from the house she is using. Every day is hot in the desert, so, if you go, be prepared and bring water. Unfortunately, AlteCocker left her hat at home and had to buy another. She bought one that came with a really unneeded t-shirt, but the hat by itself would have been only slightly less, so there you go. The only time there is water in the Canyon is during Monsoons. If you are here when that happens, do not immediately run over to see the waterfalls. It is safer due to unexpected inundations to wait a day or two. The park is favored by rock climbers and people can fall and get injured or worse. At age almost 76 AlteCocker is not into rock climbing. Walking is enough. So she did the loop trail and took a lot of photos. The Canyon is a decent size but this is no Grand Canyon. If, however, you don't have time to see the Grand, you might want to visit Red Rocks. AlteCocker began her stay with the film at the Visitor's Center--which was excellent. However, the only place AlteCocker saw any desert animals was in the film. Given the temperatures in the desert, you are more likely to see them very early in the morning or just before sundown. Anyway, AlteCocker did not want to see the 2 kinds of rattlesnakes that inhabit the park.
After a bagel and donut at a Dunkin' Donuts, AlteCocker headed for home. She has noticed that her phone does not always have an easy connection to the internet for google maps. It is best to use a a place where there is wifi to get started. Always carry maps with you and sufficient water. And don't forget maps, water and a hat.
After about an hour down time at home, AlteCocker headed for the Mat Franco Magic Show at The Linq Hotel. She had parked in that garage once before for the ferris wheel. Repeating the experience turned out to be a big mess and AlteCocker got totally confused when it came time to pick up the car. Wandering around in a parking garage looking for a vehicle after dark was not a sensational experience. The problem was that AlteCocker was very naughty and parked where the valet parking was. Apparently few park there and nothing bad happened aside from parking lot wandering. Most people who fly to Vegas do not rent cars if they intend on spending most of their time on The Strip because they are a real headache there.
There are lots of magicians in Las Vegas. AlteCocker got an enthusiastic recommendation from her home exchangers to see Mat Franco. It was a totally amazing show up to the final flourish. Because AlteCocker is here solo, the parties that be tried to sit her in the rear on one of those high bar seats. AlteCocker does not do well on high bar seats because climbing up can be difficult. So, the next thing she knew she was in the first row. Seating is first come, first served. Do not take a seat you don't like, if you get there early. Just ask politely. AlteCocker did arrive just as seating began. The theater is small, so there are really no bad seats and seeing from the back would have been OK. The high seat was the issue. When they came around serving drinks and AlteCocker found out bottled water was over $8, AlteCocker passed.
September 27, 2022: Pahrump Winery Symphony Restaurant
Taking the advice of the home exchangers, AlteCocker drove the truck to the Pahrump Valley Winery (no tours, just tastings). Attached is the Symphony Restaurant (reservations for dinner only). The dining room is very nice but the food was ho hum. AlteCocker had a burger with wagyu meat. She requested medium rare but got well done. It was still tasty and AlteCocker did not make a fuss about it. Then, after the meal was over, the waitress asked and AlteCocker told her that she wanted medium rare and it was well done. The waitress gave her a free coffee. As is true with every restaurant here, the portions are large and AlteCocker never has ordered dessert. Instead, since she had a glass of wine at lunch, she wanted to wait awhile before heading back to Vegas and found a local casino with an old west feel, the Gold Town Casino that had ice cream. $2 for a nice size cup of mint chocolate chip. AlteCocker did not join the locals at the gambling machines. She had ice cream and left. Then it was back home to dry the laundry that had been left in the washer when she exited for Pahrump. Into every vacation, a little laundry must fall.
Then, noticing that the price of gas was highly variable, AlteCocker joined Sam's Club because Sam's is around the corner from her exchange house and gas there is cheaper than anywhere else she has seen. Gas in Nevada is highly taxed and expensive. The do not have a state income tax and make most of their tax money from other taxes. With the truck costing so much to gas up and a Sam's Club around the corner, well, she joined basically to just use it on the vacation. It is not close enough to be useful at home. Such a deal! It cost $45 to join with $45 off on her first purchase, so AlteCocker went right on over and used it up. The lines for gas were huge because people were on the way home from work. AlteCocker had not yet reached gas desperation, so she took a pass.
Then it was home to phone laundry and do the blog.
Then, noticing that the price of gas was highly variable, AlteCocker joined Sam's Club because Sam's is around the corner from her exchange house and gas there is cheaper than anywhere else she has seen. Gas in Nevada is highly taxed and expensive. The do not have a state income tax and make most of their tax money from other taxes. With the truck costing so much to gas up and a Sam's Club around the corner, well, she joined basically to just use it on the vacation. It is not close enough to be useful at home. Such a deal! It cost $45 to join with $45 off on her first purchase, so AlteCocker went right on over and used it up. The lines for gas were huge because people were on the way home from work. AlteCocker had not yet reached gas desperation, so she took a pass.
Then it was home to phone laundry and do the blog.
September 28, 2022: Leonardo Da Vinci Multimedia Show
Today AlteCocker went to Perception in Las Vegas to see a multimedia interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci. This show originated in the Netherlands and, AlteCocker surmises it is done from the same people who were responsible for the Van Gogh show that originated there and has been making the rounds in the US. Las Vegas is not a town where people come for high art and AlteCocker assumed that she did not need a reservation. NO ONE else was viewing the venue when she arrived about 1:00pm. Based on that, just go whenever you want. You'll be either alone or with a small group of people. Taking photos is difficult as the media is constantly moving. Most of the photos went directly to trash.
This show does not compare with Van Gogh, but still was worth seeing. As with all such shows, the souvenirs were expensive. AlteCocker bought a fridge magnet.
Heading for home, AlteCocker stopped for coffee and a muffin, She really was not hungry. The heat takes a lot out of you. The late afternoon was spent looking for two mislaid credit cards. AlteCocker probably put them somewhere in the house (to be discovered when she is not looking for them, no doubt). There is no evidence of suspicious chargers so they are probably right under AlteCocker's nose. Annoying but not fatal. Not finding them means AlteCocker has to depend on one credit card for the rest of the trip.
Truck is now fully gassed in preparation for AlteCocker's planned trip to Lake Mead in the morning for a prebooked float trip on the Lake.
Early evening was spent making arrangements for a trip to Page, AZ, and Lake Powell next week. She booked a hotel for 2 nights and a tour of Antelope Canyon. More on that when it happens.
If she could just locate where she put the credit cards, AlteCocker's day would be complete.
This show does not compare with Van Gogh, but still was worth seeing. As with all such shows, the souvenirs were expensive. AlteCocker bought a fridge magnet.
Heading for home, AlteCocker stopped for coffee and a muffin, She really was not hungry. The heat takes a lot out of you. The late afternoon was spent looking for two mislaid credit cards. AlteCocker probably put them somewhere in the house (to be discovered when she is not looking for them, no doubt). There is no evidence of suspicious chargers so they are probably right under AlteCocker's nose. Annoying but not fatal. Not finding them means AlteCocker has to depend on one credit card for the rest of the trip.
Truck is now fully gassed in preparation for AlteCocker's planned trip to Lake Mead in the morning for a prebooked float trip on the Lake.
Early evening was spent making arrangements for a trip to Page, AZ, and Lake Powell next week. She booked a hotel for 2 nights and a tour of Antelope Canyon. More on that when it happens.
If she could just locate where she put the credit cards, AlteCocker's day would be complete.
September 29, 2022: Float Trip Black Canyon
The day for the float trip on Black Canyon below the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead arrived. AlteCocker had prebooked but after she got to Las Vegas. To get to the start point was explained in the emailed instructions. No problem. Thank goodness AlteCocker did not have to drive to the put in. It was, shall we say, an "interesting" road--full of hairpin turns and nerve wracking drops. AlteCocker used Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures. No problems. The trip is very well explained on the website for the company. AlteCocker was glad not to be driving. AlteCocker took the 3 hour raft tour. At the end of the trip AlteCocker was put in a van for the start point where everyone's car awaited. It was an excellent experience. We did not see much in the way of animals other than birds--same as what happened in Red Rock. Sigh! AlteCocker has a request to see some bighorn sheep but the sheep are not cooperating.
On the way back to Vegas, AlteCocker noticed the Nevada State Railway Museum in Boulder and immediately made a turn to see what she could see. They operate train rides on weekends. She ran into one of the guys who runs the place (or seemed to) to confirm they are running on October 1st. She also took photos of the old train cars. There is even a mail sorting car. Postal workers sorted mail while the train moved. The days when the rails, rather than the skies, held the US together are long gone, but looking at the artifacts is always interesting. There was even a an old French train donated as a thank you for Americans role in liberating France in World War II. If you go, you want to go on weekends when train rides are offered. There is no building besides one used to restore the trains. Now AlteCocker is a fan of old trains (usually from disused mining tracks, but, in the case of Boulder, the train was used to transport workers and equipment to the dam site when it was under construction). She got into a conversation about suggested trains in the DC area. She has ridden them all. So, the train ride is on the list for next weekend if it does not rain (yes, AlteCocker has been dealing with some rain--usually brief but torrential downpours).
On the way back to Vegas, AlteCocker noticed the Nevada State Railway Museum in Boulder and immediately made a turn to see what she could see. They operate train rides on weekends. She ran into one of the guys who runs the place (or seemed to) to confirm they are running on October 1st. She also took photos of the old train cars. There is even a mail sorting car. Postal workers sorted mail while the train moved. The days when the rails, rather than the skies, held the US together are long gone, but looking at the artifacts is always interesting. There was even a an old French train donated as a thank you for Americans role in liberating France in World War II. If you go, you want to go on weekends when train rides are offered. There is no building besides one used to restore the trains. Now AlteCocker is a fan of old trains (usually from disused mining tracks, but, in the case of Boulder, the train was used to transport workers and equipment to the dam site when it was under construction). She got into a conversation about suggested trains in the DC area. She has ridden them all. So, the train ride is on the list for next weekend if it does not rain (yes, AlteCocker has been dealing with some rain--usually brief but torrential downpours).
September 30, 2022: Nevada State Museums
AlteCocker went to two Nevada State Museums today. They are are adjacent. The first was devoted to the history of Las Vegas. The second to the history of the state. There is a lot of overlap, but both were surprisingly good. There were lots of things for children to do and some running around enjoying the museum; there is a skeleton of a mammoth and some of dinosaurs. In the rear of the second, there are some local animals. The snakes and desert tortoise seemed to be hits with the kids. AlteCocker spent a lot more time in the first museum than the second but so enough to not need to return. A highlight in the second museum, "Origen" is a flash flood experience. There was an excellent film there as well. These museums are quality and deserve a look if you have time in the Vegas area.
On the way home, AlteCocker stopped at the Mermaid Tavern at the Silverton Casino. This is only a short distance from her exchange home. The chief attraction here is a huge fish tank with a woman dressed as a mermaid swimming around. The neighbors told AlteCocker she had to see this place. AlteCocker found it rather underwhelming. She had dinner in the "tavern." It is really nothing much and the food was predictably burgers. AlteCocker is sick of burgers. Las Vegas food tends to be large portions of similar red meat everywhere. To get to the "tavern and the "mermaid," you park your car in the parking garage (free!) and then, fairly predictably, have to hike through the entire casino before reaching the mermaid. That part of the experience was totally underwhelming but the kids watching the mermaid seemed to be thrilled.
What is not underwhelming was the enormous Bass Pro Shops adjacent to the casino. It was an attraction in itself with lots of taxidermy animals (much larger than anything AlteCocker saw in the museums earlier in the day. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela are both owned by the same guy--who has given Trump a lot of money. AlteCocker was not about to buy anything in that store, but the displays were fabulous. While they are big sellers of firearms, they really don't want yours in the store. AlteCocker did not go upstairs to admire the rifles.
On the way home, AlteCocker stopped at the Mermaid Tavern at the Silverton Casino. This is only a short distance from her exchange home. The chief attraction here is a huge fish tank with a woman dressed as a mermaid swimming around. The neighbors told AlteCocker she had to see this place. AlteCocker found it rather underwhelming. She had dinner in the "tavern." It is really nothing much and the food was predictably burgers. AlteCocker is sick of burgers. Las Vegas food tends to be large portions of similar red meat everywhere. To get to the "tavern and the "mermaid," you park your car in the parking garage (free!) and then, fairly predictably, have to hike through the entire casino before reaching the mermaid. That part of the experience was totally underwhelming but the kids watching the mermaid seemed to be thrilled.
What is not underwhelming was the enormous Bass Pro Shops adjacent to the casino. It was an attraction in itself with lots of taxidermy animals (much larger than anything AlteCocker saw in the museums earlier in the day. Bass Pro Shops/Cabela are both owned by the same guy--who has given Trump a lot of money. AlteCocker was not about to buy anything in that store, but the displays were fabulous. While they are big sellers of firearms, they really don't want yours in the store. AlteCocker did not go upstairs to admire the rifles.
October 1, 2022: Ridin' the Rails
The And so it was back to the Railroad Museum in Boulder for a train ride. The highlight for me is that, because AlteCocker talked to them about her interest in old trains (and bought a t-shirt as a sort of donation), they asked if she wanted to ride up front. Of course, she did even if it was a difficult climb up. The engine was diesel and the train only went 4 miles back and forth, but trains are always fun. Snapping photos from the front cab was not an easy thing and there were open cars where the photos would have been better, but the scenery was not astounding with the main road into Boulder on one side of the train. AlteCocker made the best of it.
When we finished going one way, we had to transport this pedal cars that some folks choose to pedal one way back to the station. In hot weather, and it has been in the 90's every day, it would not be AlteCocker's ideal form of recreation. However, lots of families seem to enjoy the experience. There was no turntable, so the train backed up into the station. Still it was quite an experience riding up front. The ride was about 45 minutes. What is interesting is that Las Vegas does not have a train station and people come out to ride the tourist train because they have never been on a train. Sort of surprising, but, then, Vegas was created long after the transcontinental lines existed as a byproduct of Hoover Dam.
Afterward AlteCocker had a a pineapple and custard drink at a local place sufficiently ballyhood to get attention, Chilly Jilly'z. It was just around the corner from the Railroad Museum. It was excellent. Nothing with pineapple is bad in AlteCocker's opinion. Given the heat, it was just perfect. Ice cream, or anything close to it, is always perfect.
There was a brief run into the town after which AlteCocker headed back home. Getting home she had to make another reservation for an Antelope Canyon tour. The first company sent her an email cancelling without explanation. That can happen (but it shouldn't) if a large group wants to book and they need the extra place to do it. Of course, AlteCocker does not know that that was the reason for the cancellation, but the second reservation was cheaper, so maybe she made out OK after all.
Mulling over what to do tomorrow a reservation for the Neon Museum was secured for October 2nd in the evening. She has no plans for during the day except to sleep late.
When we finished going one way, we had to transport this pedal cars that some folks choose to pedal one way back to the station. In hot weather, and it has been in the 90's every day, it would not be AlteCocker's ideal form of recreation. However, lots of families seem to enjoy the experience. There was no turntable, so the train backed up into the station. Still it was quite an experience riding up front. The ride was about 45 minutes. What is interesting is that Las Vegas does not have a train station and people come out to ride the tourist train because they have never been on a train. Sort of surprising, but, then, Vegas was created long after the transcontinental lines existed as a byproduct of Hoover Dam.
Afterward AlteCocker had a a pineapple and custard drink at a local place sufficiently ballyhood to get attention, Chilly Jilly'z. It was just around the corner from the Railroad Museum. It was excellent. Nothing with pineapple is bad in AlteCocker's opinion. Given the heat, it was just perfect. Ice cream, or anything close to it, is always perfect.
There was a brief run into the town after which AlteCocker headed back home. Getting home she had to make another reservation for an Antelope Canyon tour. The first company sent her an email cancelling without explanation. That can happen (but it shouldn't) if a large group wants to book and they need the extra place to do it. Of course, AlteCocker does not know that that was the reason for the cancellation, but the second reservation was cheaper, so maybe she made out OK after all.
Mulling over what to do tomorrow a reservation for the Neon Museum was secured for October 2nd in the evening. She has no plans for during the day except to sleep late.
October 2, 2022: Lion Habitat Ranch; Neon Museum
Today AlteCocker got started late. That happens on a long trip. Energy does dissipate. She began by going to the Lion Habitat Ranch, where the MGM lions (formerly resident on their lot in California), now reside. The place is run on donations and is only open four hours per day because their main focus is on keeping the lions healthy and not on amusing tourists. You have free admission during your birth month--and it is AlteCocker's birth month, so no charge for her. It is a relatively small place. In addition to the lions, all of whom have names, there is one giraffe (strangely named "Ozzie"--a slang term for Australians) and some other animals (emus ostriches, one tortoise not native to Nevada, and some birds in the parrot family. There are no lion cubs as local regulations bar them for doing breeding and they have enough trouble taking care off the animals they have.
While the lions are the main focus, the giraffe does painting with a brush in return for treats if someone pays for the opportunity to hold the canvas. The demonstration AlteCocker was just a bunch of paint smears--and occasionally the person doing holding the canvas got painted as well. AlteCocker thought the whole business was silly, but the people involved pay for the the whole thing (and getting to feed Ozzie every time he paints}, so it is a way to make money. The giraffe, as is true with all of the animals, was donated by someone. The Habitat is basically allowing the animals to live out their lives in peace. It is not a conventional zoo. The number of lions makes it interesting. The males and females are kept separately.
After the giraffe painting, two birds were fed (or attempted to be fed; neither had a strong interest in taking food from the keeper. Then AlteCocker watched lions being fed. They got what looked like hamburger meat. One of the lions was named "Chumlee" after the bumbling guy in the Pawn Stars TV Show. They had had a contest to name that lion. Obviously Pawn Stars is a very popular TV show in Las Vegas. The Lion Ranch is worth 1 or 1 1/2 hours--no more.
Going to the Lion Ranch, AlteCocker decided to have lunch at Koji, a Korean barbecue place. She kept passing it and it looked interesting. AlteCocker had never had Korean barbecue. It was a $30 all you can eat buffet. You do not go and get the items. The Waitstaff gets them for you. The menu is extensive, so AlteCocker only got a small portion of things on the menu. Everything was excellent but it would take several visits to try everything. You get one noodle soup dish and all the meats are cooked on a burner. You cook them yourself and dip them in sauces. It is a big mess and, after finishing up, AlteCocker realized her clothes needed washing, so she went home and did the wash including the clothes she wore to the restaurant. Most of the people in the place seemed to be Korean. Highly recommend!
After the laundry was done, it was off to the Neon Museum. There is an adjacent parking lot but it does not have a lot of spots. AlteCocker had to wait until someone left. Because people do tours there, they leave in large groups. AlteCocker took both the basic tour plus the multimedia show afterwards. The multimedia show is called "Brilliant Jackpot". It has to be seen to believed and is an homage to old Las Vegas plus the guy who put it together, used signs that are too decrepit to be restored and brings them to life with inventiveness and modern computer techniques; it is also an homage to old Las Vegas, with music from Sinatra, etc. You do need to go to this museum at night and take the tour and, above all, see the show. To go during the day would be largely pointless. They are trying to restore some of the signs but it is a huge task and they need to raise money. AlteCocker really enjoyed this museum. After the show they leave the lights on so you can photograph the signs. A+++
While the lions are the main focus, the giraffe does painting with a brush in return for treats if someone pays for the opportunity to hold the canvas. The demonstration AlteCocker was just a bunch of paint smears--and occasionally the person doing holding the canvas got painted as well. AlteCocker thought the whole business was silly, but the people involved pay for the the whole thing (and getting to feed Ozzie every time he paints}, so it is a way to make money. The giraffe, as is true with all of the animals, was donated by someone. The Habitat is basically allowing the animals to live out their lives in peace. It is not a conventional zoo. The number of lions makes it interesting. The males and females are kept separately.
After the giraffe painting, two birds were fed (or attempted to be fed; neither had a strong interest in taking food from the keeper. Then AlteCocker watched lions being fed. They got what looked like hamburger meat. One of the lions was named "Chumlee" after the bumbling guy in the Pawn Stars TV Show. They had had a contest to name that lion. Obviously Pawn Stars is a very popular TV show in Las Vegas. The Lion Ranch is worth 1 or 1 1/2 hours--no more.
Going to the Lion Ranch, AlteCocker decided to have lunch at Koji, a Korean barbecue place. She kept passing it and it looked interesting. AlteCocker had never had Korean barbecue. It was a $30 all you can eat buffet. You do not go and get the items. The Waitstaff gets them for you. The menu is extensive, so AlteCocker only got a small portion of things on the menu. Everything was excellent but it would take several visits to try everything. You get one noodle soup dish and all the meats are cooked on a burner. You cook them yourself and dip them in sauces. It is a big mess and, after finishing up, AlteCocker realized her clothes needed washing, so she went home and did the wash including the clothes she wore to the restaurant. Most of the people in the place seemed to be Korean. Highly recommend!
After the laundry was done, it was off to the Neon Museum. There is an adjacent parking lot but it does not have a lot of spots. AlteCocker had to wait until someone left. Because people do tours there, they leave in large groups. AlteCocker took both the basic tour plus the multimedia show afterwards. The multimedia show is called "Brilliant Jackpot". It has to be seen to believed and is an homage to old Las Vegas plus the guy who put it together, used signs that are too decrepit to be restored and brings them to life with inventiveness and modern computer techniques; it is also an homage to old Las Vegas, with music from Sinatra, etc. You do need to go to this museum at night and take the tour and, above all, see the show. To go during the day would be largely pointless. They are trying to restore some of the signs but it is a huge task and they need to raise money. AlteCocker really enjoyed this museum. After the show they leave the lights on so you can photograph the signs. A+++
October 3, 2022: National Atomic Testing Museum
AlteCocker began today's follies with a stop at Grouchy John's Coffee. She had been passing this place and was attracted by its ridiculous name. The coffee and lemon blueberry muffin were tasty. The interior was, AlteCocker was told, full of Star Wars stuff because the owner was a fan of the genre. There were TWO Grouchy John's but the second one was, sadly, a pandemic casualty.
Who know that people used to come to Las Vegas to watch atomic bomb tests? That was before they really knew about fallout. But, they did. They even had a contest for "Miss Atomic Bomb" (double entendre noted). The main place where bombs were tested was just north of Las Vegas in the middle of nowhere. The museum tells the history of the bomb and the Cold War after World War II, something AlteCocker remembers very well. There is a lot of information. AlteCocker things she spent about 2 hours in the museum seeing the exhibits and undergoing a atomic bomb explosion experience. Easy parking and plenty of it. it is amazing that more visitors. They are too busy losing money in the casinos. She bought a "Miss Atomic Bomb" fridge magnet.
Who know that people used to come to Las Vegas to watch atomic bomb tests? That was before they really knew about fallout. But, they did. They even had a contest for "Miss Atomic Bomb" (double entendre noted). The main place where bombs were tested was just north of Las Vegas in the middle of nowhere. The museum tells the history of the bomb and the Cold War after World War II, something AlteCocker remembers very well. There is a lot of information. AlteCocker things she spent about 2 hours in the museum seeing the exhibits and undergoing a atomic bomb explosion experience. Easy parking and plenty of it. it is amazing that more visitors. They are too busy losing money in the casinos. She bought a "Miss Atomic Bomb" fridge magnet.
October 4-6, 2020: Side Trip Page, Arizona
Please note: There will be no blog posts while AlteCocker is in Page. She will catch up the blog when she returns to Las Vegas.