Drove to Buffalo Monday night (from Toronto) and caught flight out at 6:30 am. Smooth flight and was checking in at the Wynn around noon ($119 per night summer special).

Got a resort room on the 32nd floor overlooking the mountains and the golf course. The room was by far the best we have had in our trips to Vegas. Bed was unbelievably comfortable and we even considered (briefly) buying one but $2,900 plus $1,000 shipping to Canada seemed a little excessive. We have stayed at some other nice rooms Palazzo (which is the second best), MGM, Paris, PH but nothing compares to the Wynn.

Had lunch at BLT Burger bar at Mirage – wasn’t too bad but definitely not as good as Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay. Spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the strip playing some slots.

Had dinner at PF Changs at PH – I know it’s a chain but it is pretty good Chinese food. Finished the day off listening to a little karaoke at PH and crashed relatively early (midnight).

Wednesday

Went for a workout at the gym – gym/spa facilities are as good as you would expect for the Wynn. Walked over to TI to play some slots and cheap table games - $5 three card poker and let it ride. Quickly figured out that I’m not too lucky and didn’t bring enough money to wait for the cards to balance out so after $125 decided to pack it in.

Took a cab over to the Hilton and wandered around (had never been there before) played some slots. Had lunch at Quarks (Star Trek experience was closing down early Sept). Took a cab to outlet stores (past Mandalay Bay) and spent the afternoon shopping.

Went to Mandalay Bay – had dinner at Red, White and Blue – and then signed up for 6 pm tournament. Only 10 players – with 3 paying (so basically a SNG). Unfortunately something I ate didn’t agree with me and I ended up leaving the table to hang out in the washroom and then just headed back to the Wynn to recuperate the rest of the night.

Thursday

Had an early morning workout and then spent an hour at the nice Wynn pool. Wandered down to the European part but nothing happening there!! Wandered down the strip – lost another $100 at $5 three card poker (I guess I just don’t learn!). Cashed in some winning Euro 2008 tickets at Caesars and went to Mesa Grill for lunch. We really like the southwestern menu and atmosphere there.

Walked down to Excalibur to check out the new electronic tables only to find out that they weren’t going to open up until Friday night. Instead went over to MGM and got into a 1/2NL game with $200. Played for about 3 hours but was pretty card dead hit one set but that was about it. Seemed a little louder than usual – I’m sure it wasn’t maybe I’m just getting older! Overall a pretty aggressive (for 1/2NL that is) table with few pots being limped in. Ended up down $15.

Took a cab over to N9ne for early dinner reservations – excellent food – had the surf and turf (filet and lobster) – still our favourite place for dinner. After that cabbed to Harrahs to see Rita Rudner show. It was ok at best – maybe the jokes will be funnier in 15 years when we’re closer to her age. Setup also kind of sucks – end up sitting at tables with other people which is not something we expected.

Finished the night off playing a little 2/4 limit at Harrahs for about 3 hours. My first time playing in the room. Overall impression was pretty good – fun table except for one older eastern European guy who was leaking money. He obviously knew what he was doing but was starting to lose it because of the hands others were winning with. Ended up about $40 – biggest hand was flopping a set with 66 and turning a full house. I had sworn off playing 2/4 limit unless I was drunk but lately I’ve just adjusted my mindset. I’ve accepted that I can’t protect big pocket pairs and realize that it’s best looked at as a chance to socialize and play a game that is less stressful but still involves more skill than all other table games.

Friday

Early morning workout and then some pool time again. Given how wet the summer has been in Toronto it was nice to lounge around the pool and enjoy the heat. Wandered up the strip, had a frozen drink or two and played some slots with the wife. Had lunch at Margaritaville – better than we expected – huge portions.

Ended up signing up for the $65 TI 2 pm tournament. Had about 40 players. Pretty card dead (only one pair (88), no AK, AQ, AJ or KQ) but got down to the last two tables by pushing when I needed to. Ended up busting about 13 or 14th place – only had 3-4 bb and pushed on the last hand before second break with 10 8s. Just wasn’t worth coming back for and lost to overcards. Enjoy the intimate vibe at TI – staff and dealers were friendly.

Headed back to the Wynn – had a sandwich for dinner and then signed up to play 4/8 limit. After about 30 minutes wait they opened another table. I enjoy playing this game, people still play some funky cards but overall people seem to have more of a clue about how to play the game. I would guess about half of the table were locals. Played solid cards and was slightly up. Ended up in a big multiway pot and flopped a set of 10’s. Was unable to bet others out and j6o ended up hitting a gutshot on the river with the 6 (but that’s limit!!). Next hand ended up getting some of that back from the same guy when I turned the nut flush. Bought in for 100 and ended up about $65.

Cab to airport around 9:30 pm.

Overall – not too much poker but had a pretty relaxing trip – will try to get started earlier in the trip next time I visit. Actually enjoyed playing limit more than no-limit this time out. My wife turns 40 later this fall so I’m going to see if I can arrange another Vegas visit.