Today's drive isn't to the usual Newark or Albany. Instead it's to JFK. This is not my usual choice of airport to fly from because of the distance and the hassles and expense of getting there (there are a bunch of tolls along the way). The drive down to Queens was not bad considering I never made the drive. Being the middle of the night there simply wasn't much traffic.

I arrived at Avis and returning the car was a little odd. The return lane was closed and I thought they weren't open until later. Then a guy came out of nowhere and directed me in through the exit. Returning went well and I was on the monorail to terminal 4.

The reason I'm flying out of JFK is because I'm flying on Delta today. I have over $600 in credits available from a canceled trip last year (thank you COVID – 19, asshole). Delta is still suspended in Stewart, the flights out of Newark sucked and all connect so I decided to bite the bullet and go from JFK because it's a hub for Delta.

I booked this flight back in March before airfares spiked out of control. Between the $600 in credits I have, combined with the $600 credit I will be getting from Caesars Entertainment for my Diamond Elite trip, I decided to go first class. Not only did I get first class I got Delta One for just $985. Since I booked, this ticket has more than doubled.

Delta One differs a bit from regular first class. First, the seat reclines 180 degrees into a mini bed. Second is meals that are chef prepared which are suspended due to COVID (aka the airlines making excuses for not serving food) there are is also “open bar”, electrical outlets, USB jacks, TV, and games. You also get Sky Club access.

I checked in on my phone already but had to check the suit case. I found the check in area for Delta One and checking in was super fast.

Next up was security. This was smooth even though it was busy. Only one pain in the ass had to be told 9 times to put her mask back on.

I got through security and found my gate. Great, just as I got there I got a text there was a gate change. All of the way at the end of the terminal. Then it was on to the Sky Lounge.

Nice room with some breakfast items and beverages. Everything was limited due to COVID-19 protocols.

It was getting close to boarding time so I left the Sky Lounge and went back to the and waited for boarding. When boarding began I was in the first group to board after kids and handicaps and took my seat, 1A. This is flight 752 non stop to Las Vegas scheduled to depart at 7am and land in Las Vegas at 9:26am for a flight time of 5 hours and 26 minutes. The standard announcement was made that it would only take 5:04. This was actually an updated flight. Originally it was supposed to leave at 8:05 and arrive at 11:16am for a total time of 6:16. I was quite happy with this change to the earlier flight arriving much earlier on a shorter flight.

We took off right on time. The flight was very smooth. I passed the time watching TV, playing games and making use of the seat that turns into a bed. This was a welcomed feature.

We landed in Las Vegas at 8:59am, almost 30 minutes early and taxied to the gate. I was one of the first off the plane and on my way to baggage claim. My bag came right out and I was on my way to the renal car center.

The line for the bus was long. There have been many reports about long lines for the shuttle buses. My guess is because it was fairly early there wasn't much of a wait but I was wrong. It took 5 buses before I got on.

Because there have also been reports of long waits for cars and even a lack of cars I have to reservations booked. One with Hertz and one with Avis. I booked a mid sized at both using discount codes through my job. There is about a $30 difference in price with Hertz coming in cheaper. I decided to see what kind of car they had me in at both places before I made a decision on who to actually take the car from if, they even have a car.

When we landed I got an alert from Avis to pick my car. They gave me some choices and some upgrade choices. One upgrade choice was to a mid sized SUV for over $400 a day additional taking the rental well over $10. I should have jumped on that. I chose a, get this, a 2021 Silver Chevy Malibu. This one only had 6,800 miles on it.

I never got an alert from Hertz which scared me a bit. When I got to the rental car center my name wasn't on their scoreboard either. Fuck it, I'm not dealing with it and I'm confirmed in a car with a rental agreement at Avis AND got an upgrade to a full size.

Avis was the winner. When I got over there my name was on the board and I could see my car in the spot they said it was in C15. I gave the car the usual inspection and was on my way. There wasn't a single person ahead of my at security and in 30 seconds I was on my way.

The next stop was up to Green Valley Ranch to meet up with Jimbo and Katy. Because of COVID I haven't seen them in 18 months. The first order of business was breakfast/lunch. We went to the cafe and I got a BBQ Bacon Burger. Really good burger and I'd get it again if I were in the mood for a burger. Jimbo charged the meal to his room to so he could use his food credits. Thanks for lunch guys.

Now it was time to play. We all chose to play 5 play and 8/5 bonus. I just got my ass kicked and despite hitting aces and a few other quads, dealt winners were weak. I dropped a few hundred here.

Next up was to get Jimbo down to the rental car center so he could get his car. Originally he was supposed to come in today but flight changes got them in last night.

I came to Virgin and saw a few of the fellas from the Hard Rock days at the craps tables. Virgin hired back around 90% of the people that worked at the Hard Rock. It was good to see them but this place will never be the same as it was back in the day. I know it, they know, we all know it.

The line to check in was a but long so I walked through the place and tried to visualize where everything used to be when it was the Hard Rock. Some stuff was easy or still there and some stuff you would never know this was the same place. I played a few penny games while I was wandering and won twenty bucks.

I got checked in now that the line was shorter and it was quick. I was given room 20629. This is a king room with a few of the roof of what used to be the Joint. This is the first time I've ever stayed here and didn't have a pool view, or as Dee used to call it, the petry dish. It has a strange layout. When you walk in there is a closet area which is similar to 2 lockers side by side with a curtain over them. Across from those there is a make up table with mirror. The bathroom is small with the same layout the Hard Rock had with a toilet, vanity and a shower stall in place of the tubs. The bedroom has a cart like unit with the mini bar in it and a flat screen above it. There is a sectional sofa, small table and a few other small tables bedside. Another unusual thing is there is a door that separates the bedroom from the closet area. Does that make this a suite?? Probably not and they don't call them rooms here, they call them chambers. It's hard to believe this is the same room I used to spend a lot of time staying back in the day.

I got my stuff and took a short nap. Next up was back up to Green Valley Ranch. I found Jimbo and Katy and started playing again. This was not a good session either.

For dinner Jimbo & Katy made reservations at Borracha in Green Valley Ranch. I've never been here before and was looking forward to it. I got the 3 taco platter with carne asada. It also comes with rice and beans and crispy or soft shells. I got the crispy. Pretty good meal and I can't give a fair comparison to Jack in the Box tacos. Jimbo & Katy covered the tab with their room credits and we were on our way. Thanks for dinner guys.

I was back at the machines again and again a bad session. I switched things up to triple play and hit aces again but that didn't help. In total I dropped over 5 bills here today and got less than 5k in action. I wasn't pleased especially because my plan was to do 10k. I gave up. If I get an offer, great, if not, not a big deal.

One thing I did have that was a surprise was $25 in free play on the kiosk. Not sure where that came form because the last time I was was here was 18 months ago and I haven't gotten an e-mail or postal mail offer from them.

I ran the $25 through 8/5 bonus triple play quarters and turned it into $33.

I left GVR and drove back to the Hard Rock (it will ALWAYS be the Hard Rock) came up to the room early at around 9 o'clock. It's been a long day and sleep was much needed.

Total win/loss for the day - $440
Total Comps for the day $144