So we struck out shopping yesterday but we had fun doing it with
the help of our outdated GPS.  The exciting part of the day
was driving back to Ak Chin through a Haboob.  Once we
arrived at the Valet, the monsoon hit and the Hotel and
property lost power for 45 minutes.  Luckily it was late
in the day as the heat climbed up VERY quickly.

This was a fun experience.  

Their grill blew up so the snack bar was limited and people
left the place to get fed.  Rooms were not accessible until
the power was restored.  So, anyone who had food in their
fridges were unable to get at it.

Our evening wrapped up at midnight as we ventured our
gaming day with a mix of slots, an electronic roulette,
and then finishing off with Big Times Poker.  

I lost $160 for the day and James lost $100.  Not bad
for the whole day and we are participating in the
Great Race to Rewards.

Today is pool day for us.  I just completed a horrid
cup of Hotel coffee and a store bought chocolaate
chip cookie.  Ooooh ick!  

Good morning Phoenix and AK CHIN!

The handicapped room they gave us is HUGE.
I asked for a shower chair which they brought
around quickly.  The shower itself will
accommodate a party of twelve.   

Yesterday was an incredible travel day thanks to the
great help from Southwest staffers.  James and I
could not have asked for a smoother one.

We are off to shop today at Beall's Outlets then
get in some gaming and therapy for me (any
kind of walking).  

Humidity is 60 percent today with a chance of\
storms which is typical for this time of year.

Off we go to enjoy our first day of many!

The video that goes with this recent trip!

The finale

Our last day at Suncoast was spent finishing packing and then out the door to the Silverton.

We got there a little earlier and grabbed a bite to eat in the Cafe.  I had the roasted turkey sandwich
and James had the homemade chicken noodle soup with an order of rye toast.  All of which was
comped of course.  The place was super quiet and service was swift and efficient.

Our regular "ATM" VP slots were not so agreeable.  We shared a virgin pina colada while we watched in vain as our hard earned cash got gobbled up and facing screens void of wins.  It was inconceivable really.  This spot has never failed to provide good returns for us.  Hmmm, not so today.  Behind us sat a wonderfully social elderly lady who told her stories of carpet repair woes and we could surmise that she was there trying to recoup some of the bill that she would be presented with later that day.  As luck would have it, her little wagers and persistence coupled with dealt aces and "jakes" as she would say, left her with a $400+ ticket and away she went.

Some penny slots were next on the agenda and before you knew it Anne, Steve and Jason were texting us that they had arrived and were waiting for us at the Buffet area.

Thank goodness this Buffet was comped (points) because it was not as great as I remembered.  It was Seafood Night and other than crabs legs, we didn't see much that would warrant jacking up the price for this one.  Anyhow, we all enjoyed our meals and desserts while being entertained by little kids who found the beaded curtains to be play things.  A little VP after and a lucky streak by James who got the Bonus on a Monopoly game, was a mini savings grace.



We all parted ways with hugs and best wishes and hopes to meet up again in December.  Our trip is already booked and I sincerely hope that fate sees to it.

This trip certainly wasn't rich in the sense of money, but as far as everything else is concerned, I had the time of my life.

Four Queens

Today we had a light breakfast/lunch here at the Siena Cafe and then headed out to get out our laundry.  No more "creepy poker guy" as there was someone new there this time running the place.

Both of us had free play at Four Queens so we met Mike down there and played a little VP for an hour before heading back to the Sun Coast for our play and eat promo.

Another wonderful dinner at the Sun Coast buffet with Mike, Norm and the two of us.  Mike made me one of his favorite concoctions of ice cream and coffee.  Oh boy!  I am going to struggle with my pants today, but it would all be worth it.  Norm shared his tales of travel as he is the nomad extraordinaire for sure.  No dust settles under his feet and it is almost mind blowing at how he manages to get around to so many places each and every day.  It sure does make the rest of us feel lazy at times.  Many people live their life through Norm's stories and photos whether he realizes it or not.

Sometimes it is all about the friends

We departed the Aquarius and made our way back to Vegas.  This last leg of the trip would have us at the Sun Coast for a few days and some quality time visiting with great friends.

They still have the Play and Eat program, so after a short nap we were able to cycle through 600 points each (with no loss) for two complimentary buffets.  Tonight we were meeting Carol and Mike.  It was a long time since we had the opportunity to connect with Carol and hearing her work stories and life in Vegas accounts were really interesting.  Mike made the special trip from home to spend time with us once he heard about my diagnosis.  Friends drop everything to be there.  Our time together was heartwarming to say the least.

 Our evening winded down with a little gaming that didn't really go our way, but we still had fun.  Mike was the lucky winner with hitting a Royal while earning his comp buffet before supper.

Our4 evening ended around midnight after watching some David Letterman interviewing George Clooney.

RED CARD day!

It was another quiet day for us.  The evening was full of nasty storms and rain that kept up most of everyone in the town for sure.  We woke to more rain and it continued most of the day.

Instead of rushing out of the room, we bummed around for a bit watching baseball and chilling.  I had a tough time leaving the sheets, so that is what I did.  Stayed put for a while.

By the time we got out of the room it was close to 2 and I had my free play to do $ 135 and churned it up to a good $ 350 before we made our way to the Buffet for Italian Night.  Another comped meal for us and both of us had a good feast. 

For the rest of the night we continued a slow bleed but had fun playing around on different machines.  We played up my card to the points we like to keep it at and then continued on his new RED CARD which we achieved last night some time.  This gets us free smokes (neither of us smoke) and 3 X points along with the discounts on food in the Casino restaurants which we already get.  25 % off is pretty good, but like James said it would be nice if Red Card got a little more. 

Room service is here and we are going to have some snacks while catching some television.  Nice to relax early in the evening for a change.  It was a dizzy day for me so I am thrilled to be not on the move for now.