This is a copy of my old Deck Log (Online Journal). I am now using an online blog at my "Have Web Sites Will Travel" web site. I use it to chronolog my travels around North America (my American Odyssey).

This "Old" Deck Log is now only an archive of past postings. It tell's the reader where I have visited and what adventures I have had up til the time I started my blog on Have Web Sites Will Travel. This archive was written primarily from the perspective of a tourist. Not necessarily my work log though I may do some of that too, especially in those early days when I built the sites resouces. Initially I used it to detail my efforts in getting prepared for the adventure. Then I chronicled the adventure itself.

To read my current Blog, Deck Log, Journal or Captains Log go here.

Date:     15 December 2003    9:06 AM

Location:     City: Las Vegas     State: Nevada

Log Entry Title:     Summary of Last week, Week of 8 December 2003, in the Las Vegas area

Log Entry:     This was my last week in Las Vegas. I must say there is a lot of stuff to visit here. However, my memory of my last visit to Las Vegas in the early 80's was spoiled a bit. The town is many times larger than it was then and far more crowded. Traffic is a nighmare. Reminds me of the Los Angeles, California area. That is not a good reminder.

I would like to come back again but I would like to spend an etire winter here where I can really take some time to see everything and not have to be in a rush.

8 December 2003

Most of this week was set aside for work and preparations for my departure for Arizona next week. I was planning to take a day trip over to the west end of the Grand Canyon but the weather took a turn south. some much needed rain arrived this week. Las Vegas has been experiencing a 4 year long drought. Additionally, as I got closer to planning the excursion I found that there were no roads (maybe some trails) to the western edge of the Grand Canyon from the Las Vegas area. At least not close enough for a day trip.

Next year when I pass near this way again, coming south from Boise, Idaho I will go through Utah and catch the east end of The Grand Canyon then on to New Mexico, Texas and then on toward the east coast. Then in a future pass through this area (in 3 or 4 years) I will catch the west end. That time I will make a point of spending some time in Northern Arizona.

15 December 2003

Been suffering the last few days from a bout with a cold or perhaps a touch of the flu (later determined to be my ever faithful sinus infection). I immediately went on Echanacia with Golden Seal, and started sucking on the Zinc lozenges. I think they are helping and hope to ride this out without getting any worse.

My sister, Linda Yost, added The Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, as a place I must visit. So today my last day to do so, I went down to The Hard Rock Casino and Hotel. I found it to be a neat place with lots of Rock and Roll paraphernalia. Complete with a lot of Elvis Presley displays. Of course I found Elvis to be on display in most of the Casino's in Las Vegas one way or another. Or in one example when I was in Reno/Sparks I found Elvis' Gun collection in Sierra Sid's Truck Stop. Elvis is everywhere in Nevada.

Making final preparations for getting underway tomorrow, Tuesday 16 December.

Ray Plumlee