Day 194

7-13-18  Friday

Terry and I met early Friday morning at the Fremont at their buffet for breakfast using points.  Excellent omelet and fruit.  We decided to play some NSUD at the Fremont, which turned out to be a mistake because we both lost the hundred buy in. 

We headed back to our respective hotels to pack up and get ready to leave for Laughlin.  It has been hot, but not too bad hovering around 100.  I picked him and Louise up at the Golden Gate at the drive to Laughlin went smoothly with the exception of the 95 after Searchlight, which is still being repaved and down to two lanes.  Flashfloods again have ravaged this area and the 95 between where you turn left to go to Laughlin and straight on to the I-40 was washed out because of flash floods.  It didn’t hinder us and arrived in Laughlin around 11:30.  Fortunately, Terry’s green card status lets him check in early at the VIP lounge at the Aquarius so they got their room right away. 

I drove over to the Trop at 12:30 and was able to check in early as well.  The place is starting to get busy and Casino way in front of the shopping mall in under construction, so there were some traffic problems especially with weekenders arriving.  After I got all unpacked, I headed to the Aquarius and they were playing at the back bar.  Terry was playing triple play BP and had hit Aces twice and also caught a couple straight flushes.  Louise was also ahead.  I played JOB and lost $50…once again…I’m not having a very good VP trip…what’s new?  We decided to walk across the street to see OCEANS 8, and though I’ve seen it already, I don’t mind watching it again.  They both enjoyed it—what’s not to like?

It was back to the Aquarius and a little more playing.  I put my $50 ticket in and got it up to $68 and we cashed out to go to the Cove for drinks and appetizers.  We had steak and shrimp kabobs where were great.  I enjoyed a mango margarita, my first alcoholic drink this year, which was amazing.  When the bill came, I gave the waitress the $7.50 which she knew what to do with and took it off the bill.  Terry used his green card coupons and points for the rest.  The bill had come to $74 (wow), but after all the discounts, they only took off $21 from his points.  I was surprised to learn at the booth that I have $48 in food comps on my card.  I had no idea, so I can use those on another trip.

Terry and I went to the full pay machines in front of the buffet and though you don’t get full value with points (we don’t really care anymore and renewing is no longer a priority), Terry played 10/7 DP and I gave 10/6 DDB a shot.  I did catch quad 2s, no kicker, and switched over to NSUD.  I played it down to the original $100, so at least I’m even for the Aquarius.  I said my goodnights and headed back to the Trop.

I have $20 in free play which I added a hundred and played the 7/5 progressive BP machines.  This was another failure.  I’m in dire need of a win on VP.  I may have to go the Martin route and start playing penny games again.

I was in bed by 9:30.  Laughlin, by the way, is absolutely packed with families.  Of course, the river is a big draw but I also think that families are now having to come to Laughlin because the bargains at Las Vegas have dried up and it’s simply so much cheaper here and if you have kids, you just want a cheap place with a pool.

I should note that I am NOT jogging during this trip.  I decided that I do need to give my legs a break for a week and as long as I get my 10 K steps in, this will be good enough.  I've been pretty good about staying within the 1500 calorie range and with the steps should be fine for what really is a vacation.  I'll be right back to it on Monday.

Food intake: veggie omelet and fruit (400); popcorn (500); kabobs and drink (500)