Going Out With a Bang
December 3, 2008
Figuratively and almost literally.
The crowds here lately have been a beautiful thing.
Las Vegas Strip - Late November 2008
The city is raking in less dough due to greatly reduced room rates, but I am personally seeing a noticeable spike in people on The Strip and in Downtown.
I am not implying that we are back to 2006, or even close, but it’s finally a pain in the ass to drive down Las Vegas Boulevard again.
I found myself behind the wheel this morning, and as much as I hate driving the Boulevard, I figured I would take a quick spin since Wednesday morning would obviously be a breeze.
Imagine my surprise when I took a right from Tropicana, and was greeted with what can only be described as gridlock. It took me a solid half hour to get back up to Spring Mountain, and back onto the side streets.
I almost got taken out near Harmon by a rather large lady in a Ford Explorer. She stared right at me, and then pulled out directly in front of me. I locked up the brakes, missing her by probably 6 inches, and I hit the horn.
She responded by … what else … flipping me the bird.
I had the nerve to drive on a road that she had intended to use at some point. How discourteous of me. I will be more careful next time.
Aside from the mad cow in the deathmobile, it was a pleasant drive.
The Sunday through Monday rates and cheap gas are having a palpable effect on the California driving market.
I say this with confidence because the number of California plates were a solid 90% of traffic as a whole. There is no doubt where all these people are coming from.
Given that Las Vegas is technically only 40 miles outside of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, this makes sense … but I didn’t see this level of traffic 3 months ago.
It’s not just the large screen TV’s at Best Buy that are on sale. The City of Las Vegas is on sale.
Unless this trend reverses quickly, it looks like we are going to close the year strong.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go run a few more errands.
Does anyone know who I call to schedule road time?
I’m pretty sure a large woman in a Ford Explorer owns the roads, and I’m not leaving my house until I get permission this time.
Written by VegasWilly on December 4, 2008 at 9:20 am
boo yah!
Written by Booyaboo on December 9, 2008 at 9:05 am
I am surprised you haven’t figured out yet that rental cars have California license plates, too. It’’s not all just peeps from Calicrapia.