After the late night, the plans were to re-group in the lobby at 11am to wave bye-bye to those who were leaving, and then to do... something. Which is a bit of a dilemma when we got back to the hotel a bit after 2am, no one set an alarm, and 11am is, well, earlier that yesterday's noon gathering time. Needless to say, waking up at 10:40am didn't help matters much, particularly when there's three people (well, two people and myself) trying to get in and use the bathroom.

But at long last, we descended to the lobby... but after 11am, regrettably, but not so much so that anyone much noticed or was greatly put out by the delay; and as such, we weren't the last to arrive. Once the collective gathered in its entirety (10 in all at this point), we headed out to the Florida Palm, a Cuban restaurant built into the Howard Johnson's on Las Vegas Boulevard that sifichick had recommended.

The experience was an interesting one. The menu itself had all of the items numbered, 1 to 89, which I suspect makes ordering for the server, the kitchen in preparing, and the creation of the check, so much easier. the_bald1 had a #4, for example. I also found that the_bald1 is not nearly as unique as I thought, which I found refreshing. In observing the dietary preferences of others, it seems that metsfan is darn near identical to the_bald1, although Baldie still takes it a step further. But it's nice to know he's not the lone voice in his arena.

As we wrapped things up, got the leftovers boxed up and headed out, it was time to say goodbye to karlin, who had to be at the airport at 1:30pm to catch her flight back home to South Dakota. After hugs for most, she and I shared a moment. I had a Corona for her, since she can't drink (what with being pregnant and all). But still, we shared a moment. (Jealous, aren't ya?)

The group split at that point, between naps and whatnot, and those heading over to gamble. Being part of the underage contingent, we wandered to Walgreens to restock on soda for both current and later consumption, and then back to the hotel. Once nestled back in the room, I prepared the usual for storing the future-use Diet Pepsi.

We were set to head out around 3pm or so, meet the balance of the group, and wander about Caesar's, but the naps became somewhat prolonged, and we ended up departing closer to 6pm, just in time to meet for sushi. bstB, the_bald1 and I were the first to arrive, which gave us the chance to grab seating for 9 humans, 1 duck, and then peruse the menu. I was amused by two finds as we waited, addressing the fact that sushi is served raw, and how you can get your martini prepared.

As the group gathered, and we reviewed the menu, there was some (quite legitimate) heartburn around the main courses ranging from $30 - $130 per person, with a median of $50 per person. That just wasn't going to sit well, and we ended up at the buffet, which was quite impressive, yet, the_bald1 somehow managed to select only a meager sub-set of all that was available.

Fast forward to after dinner, and we wandered out to Treasure Island for the 7:30pm battle. Being nestled behind a post, and only 10 inches tall, proved a bit complicated for seeing anything. Perching on the virtually hairless scalp of the_bald1, I managed to salvage a few photos amidst the blur. Basically, you have your pirates floating about. The British happen upon them and demand surrender. The pirates suggest the shove off, and warning shots are fired by the British, and countered by the pirates. The Brits fire a volley or two that eventually sets the pirate ship on fire, and then it explodes -- twice... or so it seems, and then, the pirates fire back, and the British ship sinks. Which I suppose also spoils the ending. Sorry.

We got free of the crowd around 9pm or so, wandered back to Caesars to do a bit of shopping (none for me, no one would give me credit or put the charges on my bill), so I waited for the group to meet me at the bar for a Coke, a smile, and a few pics (as I cave in to pressures from Soapbox to have more people pics... which danielk and others already have under control, just not yet posted, I regret). Doing a cameo is zootnarf, and then the group, from left, is zootnarf's guy, zootnarf, danielk, hal97, bstB, the_bald1, and metsfan.

From there, we departed back to the hotel. The collective I was with retired for the evening given the early departure, and as such, alas... my day ended.

Go back to Day 2 | Continue to Day 4