I'm now listening to some DAT recordings I made on my trip to Vegas, so I thought now would be a good time to document some of my experiences there.

The trip to Vegas was something in and of itself. Beginning in Harrisburg around 7:30pm, Thurs 8/13, Mike, Audra and I set out in Mike's Honda Civic. No airconditioning, fairly crammed with supplies, but ready for anything. Before leaving town however, we had to make a stop at a beer distributor to get some Yuengling Lager. This was at the request of my friend Dave who now lives in Vegas, but does not have access to the East Coast selection of beers. I managed to find a 24 bottle case of the stuff, since the distributor didn't carry six packs, and we proceeded to fill whatever space was left in the car with bottles, ditching the box. We couldn't use our cooler because it was already packed with drinks for the trip. The plan was to get the beer to Dave at our arrival, but probably not cold.

So finally, we hit the turnpike West. Eventually we crossed the PA/OH border and proceeded to play the Sesame Street State Counting game.... 2... 2 states... ah! haa! haa! haa! We continued in this matter through 11 states. Some of our antics are on mini-cassette waiting to be listened to see how silly we really were.

The turnpike soon turned into I-70, which would become the primary route until somewhere in Utah. Crossing the country we came to the conclusion that we should just sell Ohio and Illinois to Canada, but that Indiana could stay. We just felt those states were too flat and didn't have very good rest stops. Further more, we decided Kansas was far too long and flat, but I gave it points for the Chinese restaurant we found near the end of the state, which served as our dinner for the first night.

The speed limit most of the way was 75, but many people would pass us doing 85 or more. We stopped several times along the way for the usual needs, and took in some minor sightseeing where possible. Each of us drove shifts ranging from 2 to 5 hours. Our original plan was to drag out our trip because we risked arriving in Vegas too early before check in time. However this soon changed when we found ourselves moving too fast to risk not having a room. So we decided to get a room for a Saturday night arrival which would provide a much needed shower and opportunity to have one more night in Vegas.

Colorado was interesting to drive through with its tall rockfaces and cliffs, however it might need to be put up for sale as well. The bathrooms at the rest stops were terrible, and signs on the highway before exits or construction were hard to find. However they did warn you 1 mile before a tunnel that indeed you were about to go through a tunnel. Brilliant.

Into Utah we went, where we began to get into desert country. Then a bit of Arizona and finally Vegas. This is where things started to get interesting for us. After a fairly safe and uneventful trip thus far, we nearly died on Rt 15 when Mike lost track of a car passing him in his blind spot. Mike attempted to change lanes when suddenly Audra screams "Mike!" and points to the vehicle. Instead of merely cruising back into his lane, Mike slammed on the brakes. In a split second the car that was in his blindspot managed to get clear while we proceeded to screech and spin for about a block (we were doing 75).

Luckily there was no oncoming lane, and the traffic behind us was distant enough to allow us to pull over. Of course I immediately wanted out of the car, and while I didn't attempt to berate Mike, I sure as hell better never hear him make a comment about my driving again!

We took a break to look over the car and settle the luggage which had shifted. No one was hurt, but this was the one time in the trip that I didn't have my seatbelt on. Who knows what would have happened. After a group hug and a cold drink (not the beer), we proceeded into the desert. The car showed some shakiness in the front end, so Mike planned to take it for an alignment and a tire check. He was planning on getting an oil change anyway.

Soon enough we arrived in Vegas, alive, around 6:00pm. Fairly sweaty and smelly I might add. It took a little while to check in, but we hit the showers ASAP, settled in and made some phone calls. I called my friend Dave but found I wouldn't be able to get together with him until at least Sunday.

We stayed at the Showboat for $20/night, except for the extra night we added for our arrival which cost $60. The room, on the 18th floor overlooking both the Strip and downtown in the distance, was very nice, clean and airconditioned. Maid service was great and the room was well insulated from outside noise.

Vegas: In a Nutshell... We did many things in Vegas, and to list them all would be overkill. Here are the highlights:

The food was incredible. Buffets, ethnic restaurants, you name it. Well priced and well stocked. An amazing seafood buffet at the Rio complete with kick-ass desserts.

The entertainment was also incredible. We didn't see anyone famous (although both George Carlin and James Taylor were in town, though not performing together), but there were many free shows put on by the casinos. One of these, at Ceasar's Palace, included animatronic statues, lighting effects and moving sets. Another at the Rio involved mechanical floats hung from the ceiling of the casino complete with a hot air balloon, pirate ship, pegasus, dancers and live musicians. Outside of Treasure Island there's a renaissance faire type of sea battle between two life sized ships, accented by music, fire and, of course, a ship wreck.

Two highlights for me were the 3D IMAX presentations. We saw one about the Deep Sea and another called Race for Atlantis. The former was a basic sit and watch show, but was really amazing, as it was my first IMAX experience. The second one was combined with a moving chariot simulator what rocked back and forth right in time with the video. Another simulation at the Hilton's Star Trek experience was very good too, but somewhat predictable since Mike already told me most of the story line.

Music and comedy were abundant as well. We didn't consciously seek out any bands, but saw several throughout the trip. There was a really great country blues band at Main Street Station one night that featured an upright bass player that resembled an ex-girlfriend of mine. I also saw a five-piece oriental Beatles tribute band. Several street and casino acts sound much bigger than they are, using MIDI to enhance their performance (and their paychecks). One highlight for me was the belly dancer and drummer in the Moroccan restaurant. The drummer was playing along with a CD while the woman danced...

Mike and Audra checked out a comedy club while I waited for Dave to show up (which he didn't). Apparently the show was pretty good. Audra and I checked out The Comedy Spot and had a free drink while watching three very good comedians.

Other highlights/incidents:

Top 3 Cocktail waitresses: Hard Rock Casino Main St Station Rio

While eating at the Cheesecake Factory, Mike finds a piece of glass in his salad. Mike's OK, got a free meal and shook up the manager a bit. We didn't make a scene, but it was disappointing.

I managed a free bus ride by pretending that I was one of the passengers of a broken down bus. A support bus came and I got within a block of my destination for free.

Free double-shot well drinks on Fremont street at a hole-in-the wall casinoette with 25 slots and one cocktail waitress.

Mike drinks a Warp Core Breach at Quark's Bar. It was a $19.99 drink served in a fishbowl, frothing with dry ice. The waiter said it was illegal to sell the drink to one person. He sold it to Mike anyway, but Mike needed some help finishing it and felt rather bloated thereafter.

Jeremy wins $80. Jeremy loses $75. Net winnings: $5.

Dave finally picks up the beer!

Mike loses his wallet the night before our trip home and I cancel his credit cards at his request. A casino finds his wallet the next morning, with everything in it, except his credit cards are cancelled now.

All in all it was a good stay. Vegas is very clean and the people were helpful. Traffic was a little crazy. Audra and I did NOT get married.

The trip home was frustrating since we no longer had a vacation to look forward too. It was especially hot on the way home. We got to see some great scenery in the Valley of Fire where the guest books are signed and people actually comment "It's too hot!". It's the freaking desert! What did you expect? Alaska?

Homebound we met up with a few minor detours, but managed to get home safely with no incidents on Sunday evening, 8/23. Audra and I were once again sweaty, sore and tired.

So, that's about it. Now, it's back to that album I'm making. We start recording drums in September!

PS: I saw Elvis only briefly... talking to two rather short, gray bug-eyed chaps...