Dateline Dayton – A week ago Wednesday, my brother-in-law Willie and I were on our way to Las Vegas.

We had an early flight out of Dayton, with a connection in Minneapolis. Even though our flight from Dayton was on time, we squeezed and had barely enough time to make it to the departing gate in Minneapolis. Willie is not a fast walker. A fair amount of walking was required to reach our gate.

Once we landed in Las Vegas, we rented a car. We drove from Las Vegas to Reno, via Dayton (Nevada, that is) and Virginia City, with casino stops along the way. By 7 o’clock we were tired from our flight, even though we did sleep on the airplane. We had made two casino stops, one requiring us to drive 17 miles out of our way. However, we stuck to our plan, passing the nude girls and at least three brothels.

When we arrived in Hawthorne, we found the El Capitan, which offered us food, lodging and a casino.  So that is where we spent the night. Our plan was to start early, have breakfast in Dayton, then go to Virginia City and Reno.
Unfortunately, my navigator fell asleep, and I didn’t pay attention to my written directions. I failed to make the turn for Dayton. Instead I stayed on Route 95 until it turned into Route 80. Fortunately there was a McDonald’s that got my attention 15 miles down the road. Since we still had not eaten, here was an opportunity. While taking the exit ramp, I saw a sign for Reno. Sadly, it aimed in the opposite direction.

After tasty nourishment, we got back on Route 80, this time in the right direction. This was the most beautiful part of our drive, sun shining on the snow-covered mountains causing them to glisten.

When we finally reached Reno, I must say it was disappointing. I wasn’t expecting much. I thought it would be like Atlantic City. What I found was a downtown Las Vegas, without the excitement or glitter. And oh, did we have to do a lot of walking. Willie did not enjoy that part.

Maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind after my driving error. Or maybe it was just mid-morning and the town had not yet come alive. Willie managed to win some money, and we did visit a few casinos. I acquired a sampling of player cards for my collection before we returned to the road for our trip back to Las Vegas, via Virginia City and Dayton.

Virginia City is a mountain town. This was one curving, winding, bending trip. The scenery was outstanding. We were driving up the side of a mountain where you could see for miles. We also lucked out on the weather. It was beautiful.

Virginia City was a mining town, very rustic, with wooden sidewalks and old buildings. This city did make our long drive worthwhile. Why? In one casino, we found a Silver Strike machine. The only problem was, I already had the strikes that were in the machine. I had bought them some time ago online. I did keep the strikes I won because I can use them to promote the hobby and as gifts.

Willie and I enjoyed lunch in a small candy shop/café where we both had a chicken tender sandwich. I topped it off with a dish of ice cream. I did pass, though, on the opportunity to purchase candy. It looked so delicious.

After visiting two more casinos, which were very small, we were on our way to Dayton Nevada.  Now rain was starting. However, it didn’t cause us a problem. Dayton is a growing town with a lot of new homes. We visited two more casinos along Route 50. I bought more player cards and also some tourist literature since this was, after all, another Dayton.

Next week, the Las Vegas experience.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net