As with several US Western states, Ronnie has some history with Nevada. Namely, Los Vegas. In his professional life, Ronnie was spirited to Emerald City of the Desert more times than he cares to count. If you get a chance to visit him in whatever hovel he ends up settling into, ask to see his collection of convention lanyards. It’s a truly impressive mountain of necklaces and nametags. As well, there was a trip to Tahoe way back in the deep dark recesses of his memory. Not sure who or what occasion it happened to be. Probably that choir tour in the early 1980s, but there was a stayover in a lakeside cabin and he has memories of a massive crystalline lake. No, these images aren’t from the Godfather series, Ronnie actually visited Lake Tahoe… stop laughing.

SIDE NOTE: That Emerald City image is kinda funny juxtaposed with the whole “i don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Rocinante” vibe… yea… hilarious. Wipe that grin off yo digital pixels.

Here’s the funniest part of Ronnie’s history with Vegas. Upon his first visit, he couldn’t wait to hear the jingle jangle of hitting jackpot playing quarter slots. So, the first bank of machines he encountered, he dove in with a vengeance, figuring he could win displaying an overwhelming show of force on a single machine. $200 later, he internalized some conventional wisdom… “the house always wins!” He looked around, noticing how much investment had to go into making such a gawdy display of excess. And since this was back in the days of cheap meals and endless cocktail bar attention, he could eat and drink on the cheap as long as he still had coins to feed the beast. Calculating the booty was depressing. The few beers he drank amounted to maybe $15 retail, the meal was basically attained for the bare-minimum food cost… near break-even. And what did Ronnie pay for this paltry haul? $200 in rolled up quarters? Needless to say, he never gambled in Vegas again. Well… one other time. Once, there was an occasion where he had some time to kill before turning in on his last night in the new Aria Hotel, Ronnie calculated how much three beers would cost in a club, and resolved not to spend a dime more. This time he was able to play the quarter slots four hours for the cost of those three beers.

Walking the strip, or lapping casino floors was Ronnie’s favorite method for getting his daily steps, and the thing that sticks out most in his recollections were all of the “escort” solicitors with their calling cards. They would try to get his attention flicking the cards in his face… hilarious… and those guys had awful memories. It took two or three rejections for them to remember Ronnie wasn’t interested in what they were selling. Sin city? Ya, right. Ronnie’s assessment of the changes Vegas had made between the golden “Fear and Loathing” days and most of Ronnie’s trips between the years of our lord 2010 to the 2019/20 pandemic was this:

Vegas morphed from “Sin City” to “Disneyland for Adults”.

Anyway, Nevada is known for the aforementioned gambling and expansive desert landscapes, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and showbiz entertainment. And the good news for our HSoB tour, Nevada has Hot Springs aplenty, boasting several naturally heated springs, many of which are accessible to the public. Some popular options include the Travertine Hot Springs on the California border and Ash Springs in Lincoln County.

Nevada has it’s own version of stark natural landscapes, including the Great Basin National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the Valley of Fire State Park. These areas offer stunning scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

And they’ve got the learning centers, too. Several small to medium-sized colleges and universities, such as the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These institutions provide a range of academic programs and opportunities for students.

And what about the literary landmarks? While not as renowned as some other states, Nevada has its share of literary landmarks. Mark Twain, for example, spent time in Virginia City and Carson City during the silver boom.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The good? Nevada is often praised for its low taxes, business-friendly environment, and vibrant entertainment scene. The state’s diverse landscapes, including the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Lake Tahoe Basin, also attract visitors and residents alike. The bad and the ugly? Some of the challenges facing Nevada include the arid climate, limited water resources, and rapid population growth in certain areas. Additionally, the state has faced issues related to gambling addiction and the social consequences associated with the gaming industry.

Where to go in Nevada for some quality recreation time? Lake Tahoe… widely regarded as one of Nevada’s most stunning natural attractions, Lake Tahoe is a massive alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic beauty, and year-round recreational activities.

Who’s Who from Nevada? As mentioned earlier, Mark Twain spent time in Nevada during the silver boom and drew inspiration from his experiences here for his writings. Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Native American leader, Sarah Winnemucca advocated for her people’s rights and worked to preserve their culture. Known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” Wayne Newton is a legendary entertainer who has performed countless shows in the city for decades.

Nevada offers a unique blend of natural beauty, urban excitement, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, experiencing the thrill of gambling, or immersing yourself in the state’s history and culture, Nevada has something to offer everyone.

Onward through the fog… R.H.

Bring your abacus…
When you visit Vegas…
If you’re not careful…
You’ll lose you anus…
Maybe punt…
Rent a Tahoe cabin…
Either way, you’ll leave…
Your treasure here.