Harrahs waterfall trip report

OK, I got to go to the sinful casino again. I've been on probation (imprisoned) for a couple of months by the wife. I lost some serious money, by our net worth value, earlier this year so I'm in the red. Oh, the waterfall in the post title? First things first. I was celebrating with my wife a wedding anniversary (#14), a new record for me. I should have taken her to the islands, flew 1st class, got the premium treatment, etc. But as I mentioned earlier, I'm in the red for the year. And Harrahs Cherokee is a nice little place within driving distance, and they were offering me a free room (imagine that, and remember I'm in the red for the year). This little casino happens to be in the middle of a really nice mountainous area, area gets plentiful rainfall each year, views are stunning in just about every direction ( and they were offering me a free room, I guess cause they just like me ). I should mention that I had a nice pile of Rewards Credits and several Free Cash offers that just happened to coincide with this particular weekend ;-)

So on Friday afternoon I load up the kid's kayaks, and the kid's bikes, and the kid's other stuff that I can take to the in-laws up at the lake and leave it all there ( including the kids ). There was a little room left for a suitcase each for the wife ( will refer to her as 'Angel' from here on, 'the wife' is not complimentary enough ) and myself, some hiking gear, a small cooler, etc (barely).
Off to Harrahs Cherokee. ...to be continued.

So we are off to Harrahs Cherokee. Ate some fast food along the way, checked in around 2130 (9:30 PM), settled into room briefly, and headed for Diamond lounge. I am playing at mid-Diamond level, Angel has never been here before. Ate some decent meatballs, veggies, deserts and back to room. Angel doesn't like the casino. She doesn't gamble, and is really sensitive to smoke. We did cruise by the BJ tables so I could look for players/dealers/supervisors I'm familiar with. Only one hit, supervisor that I'm thinking I don't like too much, probably my fault, not his. On to room and lingerie show. Yes, I look good in lingerie. I could tell Angel didn't want me to leave her alone so I didn't. No Blackjack tonight, started to type BJ for short, worried about the reader's little minds.

Sat morning, 0700 I'm up and need coffee. Made some with the little maker in the room and headed out to explore a little (and smoke, yes I smoke, coffee and smoke go together). There were Fisherman's in the creek/river and some had some nice stringers of trout. I did not bring my gear ( Angel doesn't gamble, Angel doesn't fish ). So I get back to the room and Angel has my day all planned out. Off we go to some waterfall that's still within the Tribal territory, long funny ride when we thought we were lost at least half the time. Short walk to falls, very pretty. Then back on road and up to Blue-ridge Pkwy to another waterfall, little walk from the road. BTW, there are at least 13 named waterfalls and a couple UN-named, and some mountains (named and unnamed) that we visited. I will fill in the names later, I have begun to have a hard time with names, but Angel has them all! Then off the Parkway and into Dillsboro for lunch at Haywards BBQ (sp).

Now that is not correct. I messed up. We did go to two waterfalls (names later), ate lunch in Dillsboro ( significant place in my family history) but the order of things is wrong. Also hiked to the top of Waterrock Knob on the Parkway, 360 degree views, bought a couple books at the REALLY nice visitor center, and proceeded. Proceeded to go check out 3 waterfalls in the 'Deep Creek' area, which turned out to be just inside the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Wow! Hundreds, maybe thousands, of tubers walking up the same trail with us headed toward the waterfalls. Looked like a scene about some tuby looking aliens on their way to the dinner line. I took pictures and video here, and everywhere mentioned in this TR. Anyway, 5 falls, one mountaintop, lots of scenic lookouts, some BBQ and Angel is OK with us returning back to Harrahs, returning along the tuckaseigee river (another significant spot in my past).

Showers, buffet via rewards credits, another lingerie show, did I mention that I look better in lingerie than out of it? The buffet is pretty good I think, but I cannot compare with casino buffets elsewhere due to my limited exposure. Angel did not want to be left alone, she doesn't gamble, I didn't gamble either Sat night. I grumbled a little, but only to myself. To be continued...

wow, you must have really screwed up. On the other hand, you really are an expert on the waterfalls now. Can't put a price on that!

I think this was you [so far?]:

Quote: odiousgambit

wow, you must have really screwed up. On the other hand, you really are an expert on the waterfalls now. Can't put a price on that!

I think this was you [so far?]:

Not a bad pictorial, good for you. But I think you missed the point.
I'm a rascal, she is an Angel.
I spend way, wayyyy, too much time thinking about what I want.
Angel thinks way too much time thinking about what I want.
I'm blessed, she is an Angel, you'll just have to take my word for it (remember I'm a rascal when you consider ''my word').

Sunday morning was a replay of Sat morning above, again starting about 0700.
I return to room, perky Angel is up, and on the laptop, and again has my day all laid out.
Many hours later I am scheduled to get laid, but first:
Drive an hour or more (back toward home first, then a sharp left) on Hwy 28 toward Highlands NC.
Funky road, been 25 years since I drove it last. Goes up into Cullasagee gorge (sp).
Cullasgee Falls is first, beautiful but foliage in the way (I have better pics from 25 yrs ago ),
Then the Cascade, then Quarry Falls, then Dry Falls, then Bridal Veil falls. All very cool, especially Dry Falls.
This is a road that 15 MPH takes your life into your own hands regularly, frequently, and you pray anyone you meet knows what they are doing as well.
Then thru Highlands NC, should have bought there 30 years ago, and on toward Cashiers NC.
But a stop to hike up Whiteside Mtn first. Took 1.5 hours, was strenuous overall, but beautiful.
Then back towards Cashiers, into actually, hard right and 8 mile out to another falls.
This only 10 min walk to, nice falls, well proportioned teenage girls sunning at base of falls, got pics.
Back to Cashiers, 90 degree right on something (SR 107), no that was the last one..?.
Headed towards Saphire and Lake Toxaway somewhere a few miles you turn right to go to Whitewater falls, another 8 miles that way, 8 miles back.
Whitewater Falls, at 411 ft is the longest falls east of the Rocky Mtns. Very pretty, short walk, but not close to falls themselves. Great view from a distance. 20 years or so ago you could walk to the top of the falls, fence there now. Angel doesn't like jumping fences into prohibited territory (was a 1 mile hike or so, back when you could hike or so).
Stopped by 'The Gorges' State park in NC nearby, but didn't hike to the 2 waterfalls there. Angel said, I've had enough, so back to Cherokee thru several small towns, and eventually the freeway.
To be continued

This is painful to read. And I don't mean the writing.

I was going to post that I just missed you, since I will be there tomorrow night, but from what you've posted so far, I don't know that I would have seen you. I'm not sure you were at Harrah's except for the lingerie shows.

Darn 2F. Had I known you and Angel were going to spend that much time out of the casino, my wife and I could have joined you. I had no idea so many waterfalls were in the area.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

I think you missed the point.

OK, well, you might ask yourself "why would somebody miss the point?" A guy participating heavily in a gambling website goes to Harrah's Cherokee and wants to file a trip report that is all about waterfalls. A guy like myself might think you were injecting some humor about his wife exacting a price for a screw-up, assuming you actually wanted to gamble. I even allowed myself to think maybe calling your wife 'angel' was part of the humor.

Well, OK, if you say you really wanted to see the waterfalls and that's all, then that's the deal. We await the continuation.

Quote: odiousgambit

OK, well, you might ask yourself "why would somebody miss the point?" A guy participating heavily in a gambling website goes to Harrah's Cherokee and wants to file a trip report that is all about waterfalls. A guy like myself might think you were injecting some humor about his wife exacting a price for a screw-up, assuming you actually wanted to gamble. I even allowed myself to think maybe calling your wife 'angel' was part of the humor.

Well, OK, if you say you really wanted to see the waterfalls and that's all, then that's the deal. We await the continuation.

+1

Don't go chasing waterfalls

Quote: Actuarial

Don't go chasing waterfalls

at least don't go looking for them downstream in your canoe LOL

Quote: odiousgambit

at least don't go looking for them downstream in your canoe LOL

Funny that you mentioned going over the waterfall in little boats, more on that later...
Harrah's waterfall TR Part 4
Sun afternoon on way back to resort after another 8 waterfalls, another mountain hike, lots of winding Mtn roads, and fancy Wendyburger for lunch.
Arrive 5:00ish. Have a reservation at Brio Tuscan Grill at 7:00 for dinner courtesy of my Host, nice guy.
Italian style, not fancy, $15-$20 entrees. First showers, (badly needed), a couple Scotches (badly needed), a little lingerie show (always needed).
Two huge appetisors, a Bruschetta Sampler, and Steak Carbonara, both very good but huge servings. A Salmon with Crab/Shrimp for me, Veal something for Angel, both good but not special. Then a little stroll along Soco Creek that runs thru the property, very scenic lots of flowers. Back to room where finally, at long last, Angel says I can go redeem my Free Cash offers. I have explained to her that I believe it would be seriously frowned upon by the establishment if I didn't sit down at the table and run that money across the table AT LEAST once.
Quick clothes change and bang I'm at the table with one of my favorite dealers. Buy in for $1500 cash, and requested $2500 marker.
H17 3:2 Dbl any 2, Split to 4, NRA, DAS, NS $15-$1000
To be continued
Sorry, I'm a very slow typer....

Used to go camping on the far side of the falls and take LSD at Whitewater Falls in the early 70's. It was a very primitive area then compared to now.
Dillard GA is one of my favorite places in the world. It and Rabun Gap have been ruined in the past few years by the widening of 441 and the commercialization of the countryside. Dillard House Restaurant is still good and serves family style. They also rent out tiny hobbit chalets on the side of the mountain.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Funny that you mentioned going over the waterfall in little boats, more on that later...
Harrah's waterfall TR Part 4
Sun afternoon on way back to resort after another 8 waterfalls, another mountain hike, lots of winding Mtn roads, and fancy Wendyburger for lunch.
Arrive 5:00ish. Have a reservation at Brio Tuscan Grill at 7:00 for dinner courtesy of my Host, nice guy.
Italian style, not fancy, $15-$20 entrees. First showers, (badly needed), a couple Scotches (badly needed), a little lingerie show (always needed).
Two huge appetisors, a Bruschetta Sampler, and Steak Carbonara, both very good but huge servings. A Salmon with Crab/Shrimp for me, Veal something for Angel, both good but not special. Then a little stroll along Soco Creek that runs thru the property, very scenic lots of flowers. Back to room where finally, at long last, Angel says I can go redeem my Free Cash offers. I have explained to her that I believe it would be seriously frowned upon by the establishment if I didn't sit down at the table and run that money across the table AT LEAST once.
Quick clothes change and bang I'm at the table with one of my favorite dealers. Buy in for $1500 cash, and requested $2500 marker.
H17 3:2 Dbl any 2, Split to 4, NRA, DAS, NS $15-$1000
To be continued
Sorry, I'm a very slow typer....

Gotta wonder if Angel knows about the marker. This is getting interesting.

PS: how much of the cash was 'free cash' ?

Quote: ncfatcat

Used to go camping on the far side of the falls and take LSD at Whitewater Falls in the early 70's. It was a very primitive area then compared to now.
Dillard GA is one of my favorite places in the world. It and Rabun Gap have been ruined in the past few years by the widening of 441 and the commercialization of the countryside. Dillard House Restaurant is still good and serves family style. They also rent out tiny hobbit chalets on the side of the mountain.

Dillard House is still good, hopefully. It's been a couple years since I ate there.
You have to watch the speed limits thru there as they change every couple hundred yards, anywhere from 55 to 25, and all in between ;-)
If you have kayaks on top of your old SUV you might get pulled over even if you aren't speeding.
Conversation with 6 ft plus young bundle of muscle in crisp uniform might go something like this:
Afternoon officer, is there a problem?
Sir, license and registration please.. Fumble thru glove box for registration.....find, hand over.
Mr Feathers, what did you throw out the window just as I turned on my blue lights?
I'm confused, "I didn't throw anything out the window, might have flicked my ashes?" I am smoking cigarette.
"I just pulled onto the road right back there, bought some firewood at the place with all the funny ceramic statues, bears and giraffes etc. camped up here at Mocassin Creek State Park with my wife and kids". " We just paddled the Tuckasseegee River, they are behind me, they stopped to grab a pizza, I stopped for firewood."
Mr Feathers, just how much marijuana do you have in your vehicle?
I laughed a little, "no marijuana in the truck Sir"
I pulled you over cause you looked like you weaved in your lane back there. You sure you don't have any pot in there?
I laugh some more, can't help myself. "Officer, you are about 30 years late to be pulling me over to look for pot in my truck, but you can look if you want, I'm really just on my way back to the campsite, wife and kids are 10 minutes behind me."
Officer says, Mr Feathers, you have a nice weekend, you drive carefully now", and walks away.
I proceed down the road, open the console and grab the half finished Mikes Hard Lemonade that I just stashed in there. Finished it, quickly.
I was only a hair away from being in jail up the mountains, again. Not fun.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

you can look if you want

never say that, or agree to it if it is requested

Quote: odiousgambit

never say that, or agree to it if it is requested

But what are the consequences if you don't consent, assuming of course that you have nothing to find?

The occifer decides to call for back up, or canine unit, etc., and you are detained for a couple of hours while they push the issue ?
How much probable cause do they need to have before they impound the car?
Of course both of these will ruin your day, even if in the end they just let you go.

The occifer is a cheat, and plants evidence that he then finds, and now you are booked (and screwed) ?

Quote: odiousgambit

never say that, or agree to it if it is requested

I have a bit of a problem with 'authority figures'. I think it dates back to my wicked youth when I always watched the rear view mirror.
And you are correct, saying, you can look if you want, is not a good idea in general. But this time, well it worked, he walked away.
There have been a couple of times up in those same mountains where I obviously did not say the right things ;-)
And a couple times nowhere near the mountains when I obviously didn't say the right things ;-)
Maybe I just have a 'guilty' look about me.
Actually, to tell the truth, well admit the truth...ahem....I've been very lucky.

Quote: RaleighCraps

But what are the consequences if you don't consent, assuming of course that you have nothing to find?

The occifer decides to call for back up, or canine unit, etc., and you are detained for a couple of hours while they push the issue ?
How much probable cause do they need to have before they impound the car?
Of course both of these will ruin your day, even if in the end they just let you go.

The occifer is a cheat, and plants evidence that he then finds, and now you are booked (and screwed) ?

If they find that joint your stupid nephew left there when he borrowed the vehicle, you can still get off with that explanation [that you loan the car sometmes] and that the occifer had no probably cause to search the vehicle.

Also, it's the principle of the thing. You can go down the entire Bill of Rights saying "I don't have anything to hide so I don't care"

I-Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly-for example, pretty easy to say you don't care if they didn't allow the XYZ folks to protest since you don't care about their cause and 'I never protest'


II-Right to bear arms-look how many people say take all the guns, they trust the government etc


III-Quartering of soldiers-seems far out now, but it'd be easy to say you want to be patriotic


IV-Search and arrest-The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized..........case in point, laying it out in full, easy to say 'I have nothing to hide'


V-Rights in criminal cases-easy to see due process thrown out the window, for example, and say what do I care that guy was guilty anyway, won't happen to me

VI-Right to a fair trial- again, too bad for that guy, who was guilty (a lot of the 'don't care' comes in the form of what you see happening but not happening to you and "it wouldn't")

VII-Rights in civil cases-repeat

VIII-Bail, fines, punishment-Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.repeat


IX-Rights retained by the People-The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.repeat


X-States' rights-this one is disappearing already, reason=repeat of above points

Quote: odiousgambit

If they find that joint your stupid nephew left there when he borrowed the vehicle, you can still get off with that explanation [that you loan the car sometmes] and that the occifer had no probably cause to search the vehicle.

Also, it's the principle of the thing. You can go down the entire Bill of Rights saying "I don't have anything to hide so I don't care"

I-Freedoms, Petitions, Assembly-for example, pretty easy to say you don't care if they didn't allow the XYZ folks to protest since you don't care about their cause and 'I never protest'


II-Right to bear arms-look how many people say take all the guns, they trust the government etc


III-Quartering of soldiers-seems far out now, but it'd be easy to say you want to be patriotic


IV-Search and arrest-The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized..........case in point, laying it out in full, easy to say 'I have nothing to hide'


V-Rights in criminal cases-easy to see due process thrown out the window, for example, and say what do I care that guy was guilty anyway, won't happen to me

VI-Right to a fair trial- again, too bad for that guy, who was guilty (a lot of the 'don't care' comes in the form of what you see happening but not happening to you and "it wouldn't")

VII-Rights in civil cases-repeat

VIII-Bail, fines, punishment-Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.repeat


IX-Rights retained by the People-The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.repeat


X-States' rights-this one is disappearing already, reason=repeat of above points

+1
Wow, nice post. Don't flaunt those creds we discussed earlier, but these are right on.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

I have a bit of a problem with 'authority figures'. I think it dates back to my wicked youth when I always watched the rear view mirror.
And you are correct, saying, you can look if you want, is not a good idea in general. But this time, well it worked, he walked away.
There have been a couple of times up in those same mountains where I obviously did not say the right things ;-)
And a couple times nowhere near the mountains when I obviously didn't say the right things ;-)
Maybe I just have a 'guilty' look about me.
Actually, to tell the truth, well admit the truth...ahem....I've been very lucky.

if you do have something in your car, it's far superior to not allow a search. if you don't, then it's probably a slight timesaver to allow a search. however, you should never allow a search to protect everyone's rights: for example, if only people with something to hide disallowed searches, there is a much higher incentive to illegally search knowing they are very likely to find something.

if they do find something illegal (or even if they don't), they may try and seize your money. got some ziplock bags? open your wallet and give me the proceeds of crime, even if it's just $200. i've also had things broken in my car before when i consented to searches while in a hurry. now, i'd never give permission under any circumstance, regardless of the legality of my possessions.

also, don't answer questions like "how much money are you carrying?" or "do you have any marijuana on you?". you can be evasive, or very direct and just say "i don't answer questions", or you can say something like "you think i'm carrying marijuana? that's an insult. i'm not going to answer any more of your questions sir, sorry". i recommend the second choice. if they ask why, say you're a libertarian. good conversation ender with any cop.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Funny that you mentioned going over the waterfall in little boats, more on that later...
Harrah's waterfall TR Part 4

H17 3:2 Dbl any 2, Split to 4, NRA, DAS, NS $15-$1000
.

Part 5, Harrah's waterfall TR....
You see, I thought I got the 'terms of play' spelled out nicely, I was proud, then I thought about it some more, not as proud now.
I should add, 8 deck shoe dealt game, auto shuffle machines, not CSM - that's a whole different beast.
I have not seen any CSM at Harrah's Cherokee, may be there but I have not played against, or seen.
I have seen shuffle machine have a hiccup, dealer manually shuffled, only once. Dealer did not embarrass himself.
I don't really understand the auto shuffle machines, is there one of the 'little people' down there shuffling those 8 decks while we are playing with these 8 decks? Maybe a well trained monkey? Crap, I didn't really type 'monkey' anywhere in this TR did I? I assume there's an ingenious automated little shuffle machine down there, probably made in China.
So, time to play. But before we go there I should, in all fairness, explain my 'play'.
I have to pick words carefully, because I am determined not to utter a couple of words that seem to be frowned upon round here.
It's an etiquette thing...
Let me say that, as the self designated 'village idiot', I have a very structured methodology as to the value of my next wager, which is dependent upon a host of factors and conditions at a particular point and time in a game. I have about 20 distinct 'wagers'. The methodology is progressive at times, regressive at times, has triggers, has stops. I'm keeping a couple sets of data constantly updated each hand. I should add, carefully and specifically, that I do not count cards. Repeat for clarity, I do not count cards.
I will play at the smallest min bet table available, assuming rules similar to those described above. My most frequent wager is the table minimum. My average bet is in the Black range. I frequently bet the table max. As an aside, $15-$1000 sucks. $15-$1500 is what I would consider 'normal'. Same with $10-$1000, normal.
$10-$500 is an abomination, look for that on Royal Caribbean Cruiseline, I hope they are reading;-)
When I actually start to play, I been waiting very patiently for a couple days now, trying to be a good husband, celebrate the anniversary that is, really is, much more important than a little play at the table.... Crap, someone taps me on the shoulder, in the middle of a hand no less.
To be continued...

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

I should add, 8 deck shoe dealt game

Hey 2F, thanks for the TR so far. One thing: unless they changed things up in the last 3 weeks or so, Harrah's Cherokee deals 6 deck shoe games (not 8 decks).

Quote: CallSaul

Hey 2F, thanks for the TR so far. One thing: unless they changed things up in the last 3 weeks or so, Harrah's Cherokee deals 6 deck shoe games (not 8 decks).

Thanks CaulSaul. You are probably right, but when I specifically asked a couple months ago, I asked is this 6 deck, answer was no, this is 8 deck. There were more than 4 decks, less than a dozen.
Part 6 Harrah's waterfall TR
Tap on shoulder, I turned around..very slowly. Big lady standing there, introduces herself as, let's call her Mom, Hi I'm Mom from VIP Services. Just wanted to come by and offer our assistance on anything you need, we're here till midnight, or 2:00 or something, so good to see you again....
I didn't know what to say, think I managed a 'nice of you, thanks for coming by'. I had only been at the table 10 or 15 minutes. I assume that there is some 'notification system' when my players card is scanned, or when I request a marker. Who knows? If you know, then pls share with the rest of us. Usually it's my Host that pops up just to say HI but I knew he was out of town this weekend. I guess I should have asked 'Mom' just exactly what she could assist me with, but I'm not always that quick on my feet, and I think I'm getting even slower as time passes. I tried looking around their website yesterday and didn't find any mention of 'VIP Services'. I may have missed out on something good, maybe they just wanted me to know that they knew I was at the table? Again, who knows?
Crap, gotta go, more later, part 7

Hmmmm, I wonder if Mom is going to be motherly if you need to be mothered .... just wondering

as far as that other female, I see you have avoided my quiz about whether she knows about the marker

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Thanks CaulSaul. You are probably right, but when I specifically asked a couple months ago, I asked is this 6 deck, answer was no, this is 8 deck. There were more than 4 decks, less than a dozen.
Part 6 Harrah's waterfall TR
Tap on shoulder, I turned around..very slowly. Big lady standing there, introduces herself as, let's call her Mom, Hi I'm Mom from VIP Services. Just wanted to come by and offer our assistance on anything you need, we're here till midnight, or 2:00 or something, so good to see you again....
I didn't know what to say, think I managed a 'nice of you, thanks for coming by'. I had only been at the table 10 or 15 minutes. I assume that there is some 'notification system' when my players card is scanned, or when I request a marker. Who knows? If you know, then pls share with the rest of us. Usually it's my Host that pops up just to say HI but I knew he was out of town this weekend. I guess I should have asked 'Mom' just exactly what she could assist me with, but I'm not always that quick on my feet, and I think I'm getting even slower as time passes. I tried looking around their website yesterday and didn't find any mention of 'VIP Services'. I may have missed out on something good, maybe they just wanted me to know that they knew I was at the table? Again, who knows?
Crap, gotta go, more later, part 7

Harrah's corporate has made it a policy the last couple of years or so to send their executives out to the tables to acknowledge their most valued customers. They key off your card being in the system while you're at the table, and I assume have some check mark on your account that you're a VIP to them. I've had the top host, the casino manager at various places, and once the general manager of Harrah's LV come find me at the table out of the blue just to introduce themselves, check in on me, thank me for coming back, whatever line occurs to them to acknowledge I'm there. I find it a little awkward but also a little gratifying, so I sort of "get" why they're doing it. Even in Ocean's 11 (the remake) you see Andy Garcia making it a daily part of his table rounds playing the casino owner, (and there are probably other examples) so maybe it's kind of a casino standard that Harrah's has ramped up recently.

I will say that I saw the general manager on a later trip and, when he asked again if there was anything he could do for me, I asked him a question about my Diamond Century dinner just to see what he would do. He personally made the redemption arrangements and reservation at Ruth's Chris for me (and Doc and Mrs. Doc) from the dice pit and seemed happy to have it as a task. And, yes, I was flattered that he took the time, so if that was the point, it worked.

Quote: odiousgambit

Hmmmm, I wonder if Mom is going to be motherly if you need to be mothered .... just wondering

as far as that other female, I see you have avoided my quiz about whether she knows about the marker

OG, I'm sitting here with my 10 and 12 year old sons. We make a nice trio watching funny videos on the tube.
You had a quiz about the 'other female'? I missed the quiz, can I have a do-over?
In advance, there is no 'other female', that is official, and mostly true, but what darn test?

Part 7, Harrah's waterfall TR
So I'm at the table, the dealer and I are 'familiar' with each other. I should mention that I think I am a good tipper.
$25-$50 per hour, in advance, yes, in advance. So the dealers like me, or at least pretend to like me.
Here we go, ....it's just Blackjack, I won some wagers, I lost some wagers, I had some fun, I had a lot of fun.
Bet anywhere between $15 and $1000, lots of bets. Table is hootin and hollerin, I try to stay fairly quiet, at least mostly quiet.
The cards were nice to me, I won a little money, in spite of a table full of...I'm looking hard for a good term.....
The good term is ' a table full of idiots ', that's the best spin I can put on the situation.
I might as well have been playing against a CSM, let's say I was at second base, 1st and 3rd were brothers ( I didn't know until later ), there were a couple of other rather vocal players spread in between. Unlike some of the notable TRs I have read here, I cannot re-iterate the exact hands for the most part.
Just before midnight, as my sweet dealer goes on break, again, I announce to the table that I'm supposed to be here celebrating my wedding anniversary, color up and head to room.
The true count for the session is plus $1825 plus Free Cash of $450. Nice.

Now the mathelites and the other experts, all of whom I have a tremendous respect for, will laugh at my little game, and probably rightfully so. But win or lose, my game is never boring. What is the opposite of boring? Exciting is not enough to describe.
So I trot to the room, Angel is in pajamas, not lingerie. We talked for a couple minutes. She, of course, had to remind me of a cruise last year when I was up 15K, only to lose 21K over the next couple days. I, of course, reminded her that I won 6K the last day, to finish the cruise (comped fully, and was Alaska) even, so it was a break even situation. This conversation has come up with several people since then. My response is, and will continue to be: you win 3K the 1st night, 4K the 2nd night, 8K the 3rd night, now you are up 15K, and you don't understand why I went on night #4? Really? You would have had to tie me down with really big rope to keep me from showing up on night #4, even then I might have chewed my way out.

So here I am, I'm hooked, the game I play is exciting, to say the least. Actually I think I'm good for business for the 'house' just by sitting down at the table the avg bet for the other players tends to rise. They see me winning 400, 600, 1000 bets and they get excited. They bet more than they would have. They don't understand that when I just lost a 1K bet, and then won a 1K bet, that I actually just lost 1K overall, it's over their heads.
But I digress.
Angel said, you don't know when to quit. I said, my dealer goes home at 0200, I want to play more. Angel said something like 'don't bet our children' but I was already out the door.
To be continued

Harrah's waterfall TR part 8
So, like a good husband I checked in on Angel around midnight. Then back to tables.
I'm up a little, friendly dealer still there, brothers at seats 1and 6 are gone, couple of other players still there. I take seat #2 of six. We play, it's mostly win some, lose some for a bit. Comes to a critical point in the game. Should mention that a fairly attractive female has taken seat#1. Being coached by guy standing behind me. Don't know what to think about guy at the time, or the female in seat#1. Looking back, I guess pimp and employee.or some other weird arrangement. Anyway, triggers and bets and conditions are such that it is time to bet max 1K, so I did. Weird sexy lady to my right in seat#1 has a big $15 wager out. I had 2 cards = 10 vs dealer 4. I doubled, most of the rest of the table (4-5 players) played their hands, well they played their hands as you would expect against a dealer showing 4. Except for the female in seat #1 who splits 5's against a dealer 4. Yep, you read that correctly, split 5's against a dealer 4. Did that with my 1K bet on the table at seat#2. When she had $15 wager in seat#1. I do not remember whether she won or lost. Now I am always very tolerant of the plays around me. The cards come out of the shoe, I might need this one, or the next one, or the last one. I don't try to figure it all out after the fact, but some people do. All silliness to me. Anyway, I doubled on 10 vs dealer 4, got a face for 20. Dealer, my favorite dealer, drew another 3 cards for 21. Ouch! That's a 4K swing in bankroll. I was quiet, the rest of the table went nuts. Lady in seat#1 walked away, seat 3 was yelling, seats 4 and 5 had disparaging things to say about the play(s). Darn if my dealer didn't get in on the conversation.

Now the truth is, I had a good hand, one to double. The dealer wound up w/21 vs my 20. This happens. You roll with the wins, you roll with the loses. But at this point I'm about even, maybe a little down, and I hear Angel's voice saying "you just don't know when to stop" . I was up a couple grand a couple hands ago. I win a few hundred back then dealer (my dealer) leaves at 2:00 AM sharp.
To be continued

Nice trip report so far. I've gotten a little more used to your style, sort of Will Rogers-ish but in your case you sometimes seem to throw a few curveballs to throw off the reader. Off-putting at times, but this report has turned good.

Regarding the mathletes, you're right, you are not going to get their stamp of approval for the way you play BJ. I'll defend you, sort of. IMO there is nothing dumber than flat-betting BJ and playing for hours, the variance is too low. To vary the betting is one way to beat that. Card counting would be the best way to decide when to increase your bets, while you seem to say you go on hunches. Well, at least you are not flat-betting. What you describe as your big bets, wow, now that's going for it. And yes indeed you will find yourself with new friends from the darkside making sure you feel welcome.

I've given up on finding out if Angel knows about the marker. I think I have guessed correctly on a few things but not gotten a confirmation. Those curveballs, you know.

OG
Missed your initial question. Angel knows I play with markers. I have a healthy credit line with Harrah's . I had a weird moment in the parking garage a year or so ago and have stopped walking around with large sums of cash on me.

I do not like this new format.
Remember 'New Coke'?

Quote: odiousgambit

Nice trip report so far. I've gotten a little more used to your style, sort of Will Rogers-ish but in your case you sometimes seem to throw a few curveballs to throw off the reader. Off-putting at times, but this report has turned good.

Regarding the mathletes, you're right, you are not going to get their stamp of approval for the way you play BJ. I'll defend you, sort of. IMO there is nothing dumber than flat-betting BJ and playing for hours, the variance is too low. To vary the betting is one way to beat that. Card counting would be the best way to decide when to increase your bets, while you seem to say you go on hunches. Well, at least you are not flat-betting. What you describe as your big bets, wow, now that's going for it. And yes indeed you will find yourself with new friends from the darkside making sure you feel welcome.

I've given up on finding out if Angel knows about the marker. I think I have guessed correctly on a few things but not gotten a confirmation. Those curveballs, you know.

Wasn't trying to throw curveballs, can you give me an example so I understand?
Angel knows about the markers, angel knows everything and that is my official answer.

Harrah's waterfall TR Part 9
So it's 2AM, I'm about even, my favorite dealer just went home (I asked her if she'd like to go dancing, she said there isn't anywhere to dance around here. I took that as a polite "no". I could tell it really bothered her when I lost that last big bet, it showed on her face. That's why I like her, she truly enjoys when the players win. She knows that most lose, facts are facts. I like that lady.
New dealer, young Asian guy, crisp, smooth, and quick. This is when I usually get mugged at the table. I took a deep breath, then another, then ordered another scotch and away we go. BTW, you have to pay for alcohol at this casino. That is the single biggest complaint I have there. I think it's a state law I was told, or a tribal law, or something. So w/tip it's $10 a scotch. I'd had several at this point, figure that into win/loss column, I pay with 2 reds each time. Let's call him Bing, the dealer that is, starts dealing. I'm betting, still #2, #1 vacant, big mouth still #3. #4 and #5 new players, both played predictably. No one is betting over green, most min to mid level red. Typical table. I won some bets, lost some bets. Bing is quick, sometimes I blink and my chips are gone, and Bing is waiting for my next bet. I like a fast table. I gradually regained my previous position chip wise. Had a couple nice mid-level split or double wins. Had one last 1K bet, truthfully don't remember whether it was a split or a dbl. Don't remember the cards, my apologies. Won that one, another 4K swing. It's late, I'm tired (spent most of day climbing friggin mtns). I think I should leave. An acquaintance from previous days here waves from the next table over. He asks 'you bout done with that shoe?' Yes, I say...
To be continued

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Wasn't trying to throw curveballs, can you give me an example so I understand?
Angel knows about the markers, angel knows everything and that is my official answer.

I also assume my wife "knows all" 'cuz that's how they get you when it comes time to lower the hammer. A guy just has to assume she knows all. Trust me on this. In the meantime, I trust to the fact she can't reveal that she knows all. This way I can talk about her and she has to pretend she doesnt know. And I just make sure she doesnt need to lower the hammer.

An example of your curveballs. Well, like I speculated that all the waterfall stuff wasn't really your cup of tea but you had to make yourself dig it or pay the price. I hinted by posting that cartoon for example. You denied that this was true, but later developments make it seem like I was on to something. So that's the curveball.

I talk about my spouse way too much here. A real chancey business. Plus, my experience is, people think what ever you complain about is just the tip of the iceberg on a marriage on the rocks. In my case, completely untrue. I like to think of it as like "the honeymooners" in my marriage, where all kinds of outrageous attempts to manage things go on but we love each other.

Quote: odiousgambit

I also assume my wife "knows all" 'cuz that's how they get you when it comes time to lower the hammer. A guy just has to assume she knows all. Trust me on this. In the meantime, I trust to the fact she can't reveal that she knows all. This way I can talk about her and she has to pretend she doesnt know. And I just make sure she doesnt need to lower the hammer.

An example of your curveballs. Well, like I speculated that all the waterfall stuff wasn't really your cup of tea but you had to make yourself dig it or pay the price. I hinted by posting that cartoon for example. You denied that this was true, but later developments make it seem like I was on to something. So that's the curveball.

I talk about my spouse way too much here. A real chancey business. Plus, my experience is, people think what ever you complain about is just the tip of the iceberg on a marriage on the rocks. In my case, completely untrue. I like to think of it as like "the honeymooners" in my marriage, where all kinds of outrageous attempts to manage things go on but we love each other.

I was about to reply to your last post, lots of good stuff to reply to...then I stopped
Then I stopped. Angel wants me to cook dinner now, bay scallops in a cream sauce is the menu, only item on the menu. This one is a little tricky, still trying to get it just right. More later...

Harrah's waterfall TR part 10 (?)
3 AM, I know I'm ahead a little, played thru the shoe.
Got up, colored up, walked away.
Gave my old buddy that just moved to this table a big handshake, wished him luck.
To cage, redeemed another $800 in Free Cash, apparently they are good after midnight.
I thought I might have to wait until 6 AM or 8 AM or something.
So the total for about 5 hours, I'm going to pull out the journal now and get this exact....
$4320 win, plus $1250 Free cash, plus several scotches, plus approx $300 in dealer tips.
And comped room, some pretty good food comped, not a lot of gambling.
Not anything to brag about, but a lot better than minus numbers.
Last trip was minus numbers.

So I thought a TR attempt would be fun,
Turned out to be a chore.
The long weekend was a lot of fun.
It was an anniversary celebration, we celebrated.
13 waterfalls, climbed (hiked up) a couple mountains, saw a couple lingerie shows, actually got to play a little Blackjack. In spite of doubts expressed, all this was good, about as good as it gets. I meant for that to show, apparently I fell short. You see, I'm a hiker, well used to be a hiker. After the end of my second marriage I asked myself what I wanted to do, since I didn't have to ask anyone else what they wanted. I decided to go for all walk in the mountains, Ex wasn't keen on Mtns, I'd been missing them. I hiked (backpacked) for 600 days, most every one of them was glorious. Now this wasn't all at once, 600 days over ten years, single guy, working full time. 60 days a year avg, that's ALL vacation time, plus just about every weekend except for the sweltering midsummer ones, for ten years. With a 50 lb pack and a big jhit eating grin. Somewhere in year 1 or 2, I was on the trail somewhere and ran into a sign. Sign said something like 'for next 2000 yards do not under any circumstance step off the trail. Peregrin Falcon nesting site nearby". Now that was cool, saw a lot of signs over the years, this was a first. And there in the trail, on the ground, lay a feather. Very pretty feather it was. I picked it up and carried it with me. Somewhere later in the day, there on the ground, was another feather, another pretty feather. Now this one was an owl feather, but I didn't know that at the time, but I picked it up too. Later that night, at my ever mobile campsite, I took those two feathers out. I decided to tie them to one of my two walking sticks, the one for my left hand, with a bit of parachute cord. I was hiking on The Appalachian Trail at the time. Lots of people hike there, some for an afternoon, some for a week, some for months at a time. They tend to assign each other names. I passed a couple the next day on the trail, they were taking a break. Later they passed me, and then I passed them again. Nearly dark that night, I've got my tent set-up, already got water from nearby spring, got meager dinner almost bubbling on my little camp stove, and into my camp walks that same couple. I smile, they smile, he say's "Two Feathers, what's for dinner".
To be continued..

Quote:

In spite of doubts expressed, all this was good, about as good as it gets. I meant for that to show, apparently I fell short

Well, it is kind of funny the take I had on your journal as you started out. You really did want to do the waterfalls. I kind of feel bad about that now.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

Harrah's waterfall TR Part 9
So it's 2AM, I'm about even, my favorite dealer just went home (I asked her if she'd like to go dancing, she said there isn't anywhere to dance around here. I took that as a polite "no".

Was Angel going to join the two of you dancing?!

Quote: SOOPOO

Was Angel going to join the two of you dancing?!

I don't think my dealer thought it was a serious request.
And it wasn't the first time I've asked her.
Angel knows I cut up with the dealers.

I smile, they smile, he say's "Two Feathers, what's for dinner".

Harrah's waterfall TR, part 11

So that is the origin of "Two Feathers", it stuck.
BTW, Angel called me on the 600 days of hiking. So I pulled the records,.... I'm busted.
Was only 9 years and 325 days hiking, give or take a dozen. There were a couple years where I exceeded 60 days, and it was about 10 years. 60 x 10 = 600, right? Wrong, call it 325. Funny but I've been telling that story for so many years that I thought it was true ;-)
Another BTW, there is a sign on top of Whiteside Mtn warning of a Peregrine Falcon nesting site. Been at least 20 years since I thought about the true origin of "Two Feathers". There are several stories told about the origin, but that was/remains the true one. Would have gone right on hiking and that 600 total would have come true but things changed. I'd been out on the trail for a week, first week of May, bout 16 years ago. Had my little brother come pick me up somewhere, can't remember the name of the gap right now, just a road crossing for the trail, Rd was NC 19E. Had him drive me the 100 miles or so back to where I left my truck when I started walking. Was Sat evening. As a thanks for driving all the way from Atlanta to give me a ride I was going to treat him to a little river trip down the Nolichucky River ending in Erwin TN in inflatable kayaks on Sunday. I had stopped there for a day a year earlier, did the trip to waste a day cause I was a day ahead of schedule on another weeklong hike. No reason to get to my pick-up point a day ahead of schedule and just sitting there in the middle of no where waiting on a ride a day later. So this river trip looked like fun, was a lot of fun, wanted to enjoy it again with little brother. So we camped there by the river outfitter, drank some whiskey and howled at the moon till late Sat night.

Let me backtrack just a little. For a couple years before this time I had been regularly leading backpacking trips for a little outdoor adventure club in Atlanta called SOA, Single Outdoor Adventures. As the name implies you were supposed to be single and enjoy the outdoors to join. Good size club, had several hundred active members, mostly female, kept organized a good calendar of events 10-20 a month for members to get together and meet other singles. Most common was a group caravan of cars up into the mountains, or even somewhere local, for a little hike of a couple of hours, often to some waterfall, then a group dinner to socialize. I had heard about this club, went on a couple of these day hikes, not bad. Met a couple crazy guys there, doing the same thing I was, chasing women in the woods. We committed to leading at least one overnight backpack into the mtns for the club each month. Longer on holiday weekends, etc. So this went on for a couple years, I had met a fiery Scottish lass, red hair, green eyes, and one hell of a temper. And quite the backpacker. Marched right up some the most formidable mtns in the SE right behind me, carried her own load, both on trail and off trail. I had kinda run out of new trails to hike so was concentrating on hiking where I thought there aught to be a trail. Some of that in conjunction with the Forest Service, some just for fun. Good couple of years there but she liked to fight, regularly and intensely. Got old, we had drifted apart.
Now that hike the first week of May each year, beautiful flowers in the SE mtns that week, if I tried to describe you probably wouldn't believe. Any way that week I always hiked alone, was insistent, wouldn't let anyone come along. You interact with other hikers on the trail entirely differently if you are by yourself as opposed to with a group, or even with your Scottish Sweetie.
That week's hike was over, ten years running, OK nine years running. Little brother and I report to the outfitter Sunday Morning to kayak the mighty Nolichucky ( in inflatable kayaks called 'ducks' ) along with a group of a half dozen rafts and another half dozen 'ducks'. Walk up to the gathering area and run into a buddy from SOA, Randy. Hey man, what's up? Got an SOA outing going down the river today, what are you doing here? Just came off a week's hike on the trail, was great. Walked around a tight turn in the trail yesterday right into a really big bear. Scared the crap out of us both, he ran one way, I ran the other. Hi group, Hi Nancy, didn't see you. I'm Two Feathers, I regularly lead backpack trips for this club, you may have seen them in the calendar. Speaking of which, I hadn't seen this trip listed. Nice to meet you all, let's go paddle.
To be continued, next installment is the last. Very slow typer.

'nice to meet you all' let's go paddle.

Harrah's waterfall TR part 'Final'
Started this,so feel I need to finish.......

Close to an hour 'shuttle' to the put-in for this section of the river.
In river, very nice. Properly spaced rapids with good run-outs for the most part.
River level was good, not a dam release situation, just flow dependent on rainfall.
Goofed off w/lil brother most of the morning, splash each other, turn each other over, spin each other around, etc.
Come lunchtime break at halfway point, noticed a women again, had noticed her earlier.
She's attractive, not an exotic beauty or anything, just cute as a button, nice sparkle in her eyes.
She's also wearing skin tight neoprene 'divers suit', very attractive actually.
I elbowed brother, nodded toward her, made a crude comment.

After lunch, down the river we go, I talked a bit with this sparkly women, here and there, between big rapids.
She's fairly new to ATL, likes the outdoors, wants to meet some people. I'm a vulture, was a vulture back then at least.
Back down at the take-out, back at the campground, I gave this women one of my business cards before everyone scattered in their own directions. Now this business card was a bit unique. A couple of the ladies in HR at my employer's nat'l HQ had printed it up as a joke, or a compliment, or something. They printed everyone's cards, including my normal card as sales rep for the company. I'd been sort-of chasing one of these ladies, she'd been running away. The other was sort-of chasing me, as I was chasing her co-worker, and friend. Corporate HQ was just a mile or two from the ATL local office where I worked. Yes, I used to work, work hard, long intense hours.
The card. The card was a simple drawing of 2 feathers for the most part, had my cell #, my private email address, and of course my name, 'Two Feathers'. I still have a few of those cards. Sparkly women took mine, we went our separate ways.
A week or so later later the sparkly women emailed me, or called me, I don't remember which now. We talked, I invited her to dinner, we started dating, I was a bit too old for her to seriously consider a long term relationship with. Our backgrounds were so different, there was a chasm. But we decided to take up kayaking together, real kayaks not inflatables. We paddled, we camped, and of course I took her on some hikes (backpack trips). I knew some very special places, like Wildcat Falls in the Slickrock Widerness, Virgin Falls way up near Kuntukee in a 'BoWater Pocket Wilderness', the Roan Highlands on the AT, the Grayson Highlands in VA where the wild ponies were nice enough to pretend that they remembered me, the Shining Rock off the Blueridge Pkwy where she met the local mountain men that hold ( used to hold ) a mass family reunion each Labor Day Weekend. I had been adopted into their family, another long story. She got, sparkly women that is, a trail name during this time. She became 'Sparkles'. But she really wasn't meant to be a serious backpacker, she said her hip hurt or something. No problem, backpacking out, kayaking in. Jump off waterfalls in little plastic boats. Song of the Chattahoochee , Down from the hills of Habersham, down thru the valleys of Hall, I hurry amain to to reach the plain, run the rapid and leap the fall. Quote, sort of. That's in GA. TN and NC and AL and SC, and WY and many others have sweet kayaking.

I married Sparkles, or she married me. We had babies and quit paddling, and quit hiking, but learned about diapers, and toddlers and young sons. They are 10 and 12 now, they have small kayaks, we have begun to camp again. No more Angel, it was beginning to sound sarcastic, call her Sparkles now. I love her dearly. So much it hurts at times, I don't deserve her, that's where the 'Angel' monicker came from.

And just for you degenerate gamblers:
I had $1280 in Free Cash for this last Sun and Monday combined. It wasn't planned but on Sun AM I filed away a bunch of expired 'vouchers' and re-organized the mail and ran into that fact. Sparkles was on the computer finalizing some family getaway next weekend when I came to her and explained the situation. $1300 bucks honey, it's just a 3 hour drive. She already knew that I would not take 'Free Cash' without running it over the table, AT LEAST ONCE. It's an etiquette thing, a Karma thing. Off I went, won approx 3.7265 K and collected my 'free cash'. Now I am even with this store again, not counting accommodations, and food, etc.That statement does include free cash/play, but doesn't take into acct generous dealer tips. So I'm a winner!. Well, just at this store. Still lifetime BJ loser, but it's getting close. I see another story on the horizon.
Peace and cheers! 2F

Great stories.

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

And just for you degenerate gamblers:

whew, finally something for me!

Angel sounds like the real deal. Not too good to be true either perhaps.

No marker in addition to the freeplay?

Quote: odiousgambit

whew, finally something for me!

Angel sounds like the real deal. Not too good to be true either perhaps.

No marker in addition to the freeplay?

Uhh, OG please pay closer attention to the stories ;-)
It is Sparkles now, not Angel............

Quote: odiousgambit

whew, finally something for me!

Angel sounds like the real deal. Not too good to be true either perhaps.

No marker in addition to the freeplay?

Sparkles is indeed the "real deal", and at least almost too good to be true.....
'Cept she is true, and she still has that sparkle.

Buy in was $800 cash w/request for 4K Marker. Processed quickly, 5 min at most.
That was $500 I grabbed out of ATM leaving town, plus Sunday Free Cash that was 300 + 180. And some cash on hand ( in pocket ) less $140 for a mineral specimen I bought at a fantastic annual rock and mineral show in Franklin NC that I just stumbled across on my way north. I have a very nice collection, maybe I'll post a picture of the primary display one day ( haven't worked out the details on posting pictures here yet ).

During the play at table, (yesterday) the younger brother of an older Asian gentleman who is a bit of a buddy of mine at the table from previous visits, they were playing together this time, split Aces to draw another Ace on each. I asked could I take a picture of hand, since this was a first I'd seen I think. Dealer said "no", then dealer busted. Served her right. Was odd night at table in several ways, and totally opposite from night a week ago. Only one table max bet for me all night (win). Had some nice intermediate dbls and splits that were winners. Found another dealer or two I wouldn't mind playing with again. Got mistakenly paid for a hand I'd lost, twice. Red bet, no big deal. The 1st one was too late to point out without delaying game, I started to try, guy next to me said let it go. Next time I was quicker, dealer paid a doubled red bet I had just lost, I said Whoa instantly, dealer looked again, scooped up all chips and moved right along. Had fun. Still got jet lag, or casino lag, or something. No doubt I'll feel normal tomorrow, normal being a relative term of course ;-). 2F