Took my 3rd Laughlin junket this yr courtesy of Edgewater.
In spite of another losing trip, really enjoy these trips since it saves a
lot of driving time.
Notes & Highlights:
Took junket from Stockton Metropolitan Airport which is about 2.5 hrs away
from home. Did it because it was the only junket leaving before my flight
coupon ($500) expiration on 10/31 & it was the closest available.
1. Stockton Metropolitan Airport
Had been prepared to pay around $50 for long-term parking as that's what bay
area airports charge so I was unprepared for what I did see. After parking,
walked into terminal & asked where do I find long-term parking. They said
you're in it. I parked in the parking lot about 50 feet from the front doors. No
more than 20 other cars at 5:30 pm. Did I mention the sign that said free
parking?
Went to the cafe, sat down in an alcove with a good view of the runway, was
handed a specially-printed menu for the Laughlin group. Nothing over $10. Also
nothing on the runway, literally. Did I mention that I was the 2nd customer
through the doors? This was at 5:30 pm. I'm beginning to think that we're the
only flight for the whole day. My suspicions are confirmed by the waitress.
So I ask her what sustains the airport. Well, we used to have Air West but
they left last yr, so now we have a few charters & A G Spanos. A G Spanos? Yes
you know he owns the San Diego Chargers?
Long story short, if you get a chance to fly out of Stockton to anywhere, do
it. Even in this day of strip searches for TSA, it was the most relaxing
airport experience I've ever had. Everyone was so helpful & unhurried (of
course, they had nothing else to do for the whole day).
2. Laughlin junkets other than Harrahs are dominated by Riverside customers
but customers of other hotels are beginning to show up. They fly on the same
plane as the Riverside customers. The casinos involved are:
Riverside
Flamingo
Edgewater
Colorado Belle
Pioneer
Golden Nugget
River Palms & Ramada Express opted out.
To check on flights from your area, get on to Riverside's web site:
_www.riversideresort.com_ (http://www.riversideresort.com)
click on Flights & use common sense.
Before the non-Riverside casinos were relying on word-of-mouth but now
they're beginning to advertise. Still, most were going to Riverside & only a few
elsewhere.
3. Played in only my 2nd Hold'Em tournament. In Laughlin, there's lots of
tournaments--slot, BJ, live poker with low entry fees & most have 100% return.
Most tournaments are $10 with $5 rebuys. I played in the BIG ONE, $20 entry
fee & $10 rebuy with $1000 guaranteed!
Made the final table & came in 8th (out of the money). Received some very
valuable advice from a young couple who knew how to play. Thank you very much,
Victor & April. Pretended I knew what I was doing & prayed on the river. Need
to train hard as I have a free roll in the Harrahs, LV tournament later this
month. After that, the 2005 WSOP, final table & need a colorful nickname.
Have more but must get back to studying to learn what kind of sunglasses to
get, what's the most intimidating T-shirt to wear, what sneers give you the most
cred.
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