2004 Las Vegas

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Las Vegas, Nevada

November 8 to November 16, 2004

Summary: The planning for this trip began long ago.

We wanted to get out to Lake Havasu City to see my brother and sister-in-law. I had never been to their house and a visit was way overdue.

We also had never been to Las Vegas and wanted to see what that is all about.

Then - I found out about the Nellis AFB Air Show put on by Aviation Nation.

That was the final attraction that made this trip a hit.

Soon, my neighbors, Jackie and Neil, and friends in New Hampshire, Mary and Bob, joined up with us for the Las Vegas, airshow part of the trip. So here's how the trip went.

Monday November 8, 2004 - Beginning the trip - The First Day

We were up and at’em at 5. Brought Duncan to Bonnie's where he will be "on vacation" until we return. Soon, (6:15), Neil was here to pick us up and take us to MCO.

We arrived in plenty of time for our American flight 411 to DFW. Checked bags, through security and off to our gate. The flight boarded and left right on time and arrived a little early. Nice flight over the SE portion, the Mississippi River and on into Dallas (DFW).

We arrived at Gate A15 and our flight to Las Vegas was departing from Gate C32. If you're familiar with DFW, that's a long way. We planned to take the tram around, but as we exited the Jetway, Linda got us an electric cart and driver. Off we went to B32. We had plenty of time - so we had lunch at Friday's.

Flight AA1395 got off a little late - loading people and their "carry on bags" took a long time. It was a good flight until we started to circle just after our initial approach to LVN. Seems the weather was rainy, thunder and lightening. So we circled for about 40 minutes before making our final approach and landing. Then - baggage. The carousel started off OK, but then jammed somewhere down in the bowels of the terminal. It took 45 minutes before someone fixed it.

Next - to Dollar Rent-A-Car. That all went pretty well. Got into our full-size car (Ford Taurus) and headed down the road to Lake Havasu City. Thunder, lightening and showers all around us - but none affecting the driving until we got to Lake Havasu City. Then it was dark, pouring rain and flooding all around us. This was the worst rain in Lake Havasu City for years and years - that figures. We arrived at Pat and Bob's at 6:15 MST.

Pat had dinner ready for us. We visited for a while and then these tired travelers went to bed.

Tuesday, November 9, 2004, - Day 2, Exploring Lake Havasu City

I woke up at 4, got up at 5. Bob was up shortly after, Linda next and then Pat. Everyone was up and at'em by 6.

We had breakfast, visited and planned our day. Bob and I were going out on the lake for the day and Linda and Pat were going to explore Lake Havasu City on dry land.

First we had to prepare the boat. That consisted of emptying the rain water from the boat cover and the rest was easy. Off we went about 9:30, down the hill to the lake, over London Bridge and we launched at "Site 6" on the island. We cruised to the California shore and then north. When the lake narrowed down, back to the AZ side and south. We idled into "The Channel." This channel was cut through some years ago. It made the island and provided a place to put London Bridge. It's also the place where all the fast boats and young people gather on several weekends each year. Back into the lake and throttle up to 3500 RPM for a scenic run down to the Parker Dam. Back to Site 6 and home about 4. The Ladies had a similar day - but they were in the car.

We visited, had dinner, and then Bob and I were off to a Fishing Club meeting. They worked planning their first tournament of the season. It is scheduled to start at "safe light' on Thursday morning. Linda and Pat were working on some cross stitch projects, watching TV and chatting.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004, - Day 3, Lake Havasu City by land

Up and at’em early, Bob shortly after. Pat appeared all dressed and ready to go. She headed off to the gym for her work-out. Linda up soon after and we had breakfast. Visited, relaxed and generally unwound.

Bob and I headed out about 10 in the pick-up. Down to the lake and into Rotary Park. We walked from there, under the bridge and further until the walkway ran out. Headed back and stopped for lunch right near the bridge. Back to the pick-up and Bob took me to a couple of public fishing piers to enjoy the weather and the view. Back home about 3, the ladies arrived about 4. They had a great time playing BINGO at the VFW. No winnings.

We went out on the island and had dinner at Barley Brothers. Very nice table with a great view and a matching dinner.

Thursday, November 11, 2004, - Day 4, Veteran's Day, To Las Vegas

Bob up and at'em about 4:30, I was right after. Bob prepared and headed out for the fishing tournament. I read and watched the news. Pat appeared about 6:30 and Linda right after. Pat made us a big bacon and eggs breakfast. We visited for a while and then Linda and I packed the rental car and headed north about 9:30.

It was an uneventful trip and we arrived at The Monte Carlo at 11:30. They had a room ready and we moved right into 28-216. A great view of "The Strip."

We called Jackie and Neil. They arrived yesterday and are in room 14-335. We joined up with them at 12:30 and had lunch in The Marketplace Cafe. After lunch we went off to explore the Monte Carlo, New York New York, MGM, The Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. Phew !!

Back to our rooms for a little rest and Mary called. She and Bob had arrived in their room about 2:30 (from New Hampshire). Everyone had safely arrived!

We all met for dinner at 5:30. We feasted at The Pub and then headed down to The Bellagio to watch the fountain and light show. It was excellent - but only 4 minutes long?

We wandered around the crowded streets for a while and then headed back to The Monte Carlo. Some went to the casino, we went to 28-216. TV and to bed.

Friday, November 12, 2004, -- Day 5, Exploring Las Vegas

We were up and at'em about 6. We all met at 7 and went to The Marketplace Cafe for breakfast. Next we met at 9 and began our adventure. We walked to the nearest (New York New York) trolley stop. A trolley arrived around 9:20 and we got aboard, purchasing an all day ticket for $5. The next stop was the Excalibur and the trolley filled, including standing room. Well - we spent the next hour and a half on a jammed trolley, including a trolley change, getting to the north end of the strip. We got off at Circus Circus and started exploring every hotel/casino as we headed south. We finally got worn out/overloaded at The Mirage. We boarded the trolley there and got off at Broadway. Phew!

We took a little R&R before we were off again at 5:30. Mary and Bob went off to visit friends that live out here. We headed over to New York New York for dinner at Nathan's. Tonight we visited the M&M Store, Excalibur, Luxor, and Mandalay Bay. They are all spectacular, especially the inside of The Luxor. We used the trams on the west side of the street to get around.

There is a lot of walking involved in getting from place to place and even inside each place. They are all huge. We did not use the trolley enough to pay for the all day tickets.

Back to 28-216, TV and to bed.

Saturday, November 13, 2004, - Day 6, Aviation Nation Airshow

I was up and at'em at 5. Down to the food court for some coffee and reading. More coffee and back upstairs at 6:30 - breakfast with the gang at 7. After breakfast, Jackie, Neil, Bob and I headed out in the rental car for Nellis AFB - a few miles north of "The Strip."

The airshow was outstanding. There were aircraft performing all day long. The finale was a performance by the Thunderbirds. The weather was cold and windy - but tolerable. We got back to The Monte Carlo about 5.

Here are a few pictures I took.

P-51

B-25

We had dinner with our group and we made plans to meet again tomorrow at 2. Linda and I went back to our room to R&R for the evening.

Sunday, November 14, 2004, - Day 7, Downtown Las Vegas

I was up and at'em at 5. Down to the food court for some coffee and reading. Linda arrived at 7 and we planned our day. We read, watched Sunday TV, and had lunch at The Pub. Met with the group at 2 and took a taxi north to The Golden Nugget in "downtown" Las Vegas. Quite a place with a canopy over 5 blocks of what used to be "the Strip." We split up with an agreement to meet at the Plaza at 4:30.

We did meet and then had dinner at Center Stage in the Plaza. Next was the light show that everyone talks about. Somehow, a show is projected onto the whole 5 blocks of the canopy. It's brilliant and even tries to tell a story - though I didn't really follow it. It is quite a sight.

We walked to the bus terminal and took the express (the 302 bus) back to the Bellagio and walked to the Monte Carlo.

Sunday evening TV and to bed.

Monday, November 15, 2004, - Day 8, Our Last Day

We gathered for breakfast at 7. We had coupons, so we ate at Nathan's - buy one get one free. Next - we walked over to the Tropicana and caught a free shuttle bus over to Sam's Town. This is a large resort about a 20 minute drive the east. Very nice place. It's more subdued than the ones on the strip. It also has other activities besides the casino. The casino itself is quieter and didn't seem as frantic. We wandered around, played some slots, had lunch and then caught the shuttle bus back and were R&R'ing in 28-216 by 3.

Met with Jackie and Neil for a pizza dinner at Sbarro (how is this name pronounced?). Mary and Bob went to dinner on their own. We sat and chatted for a long time and then retired to our rooms to pack.

Monday, November 16, 2004, - Day 9, Going Home

Up and at'em at 4 AM. Met Jackie and Neil at 4:30 and caught a cab to AA at LVN. Mary and Bob's flight is mid afternoon. We got through security and to the gate in plenty of time - in fact, we got on the 6:30 flight to DFW instead of our scheduled 7:25.

The flight over to DFW was kind of rough. Early morning turbulence no doubt. The weather at DFW was cloudy and rain - but no delays. The arrival and departure gates were close together in the A terminal - so we settled into the departure area for the wait. Then Linda noticed they had changed our gate to the C terminal. So - off we went. But - after all that we finished the trip in good time and got home about 8 PM.

--- The End - of another great trip ---

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