Varied Skies

We came. We saw. We painted the town gray.

I have no moral, ethical, or religious objection to gambling. I just object to losing money. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is a slogan that works well for me in Vegas. After fleecing the poor fellows that run Prairie Meadows in Des Moines (Diggin’ Des Moines), why give it back to the Vegas tycoons when there are plenty of other things to do?

Why gamble on the Strip when you can gamble with your good looks at Great Clips.

Admittedly, I did not have much to lose at the Great Clips Crap Shoot.

Why gamble with money when you can gamble with your safety at FlipNOut?

Why suffer through the constant bombardment of casino noise at a hotel on the strip when you can stay as a guest at Desert Eagle RV Park on Nellis AFB, hear the sound of freedom flying overhead, tour the headquarters for the Thunderbirds, and still see the best the strip has to offer?

Why risk tricks in Vegas when base housing offers abundant Halloween treats and outstanding decorations?

And, if you really want tricks, Penn and Teller will oblige.

Why experience the valley of a gambler’s low when you can descend into Death Valley and stand at the lowest place on the continent?
Why be damned when you can visit one and tour its innards?

Out a ventilation shaft to the side of the dam about midway down.

The view from between the slats of the ventilation shaft.

Why get burned by a bad run of cards when you can safely tour the Valley of Fire?

Why play slots when you can hit the chicken-finger-jackpot at Raising Cane’s?

We enjoyed our somewhat unconventional stay in Vegas. But, after two weeks, the time came to say good-bye to Grammy and Pops and cash out. We left with fond memories and the utmost appreciation for the courtesies extended by Nellis AFB personnel. On this Veteran’s Day, we thank them, and all current and former military personnel, for their service.