Hi everyone Plenty to update you with since we got to the states. On the second day in LA we picked up Billy 'the beast' Smith (brother of Derek 'the hamster' Smith for all the Oz crew) our 5.2 litre V8 Dodge conversion van, with no steering (you don't have to steer in the US), terrible brakes and 5 gallons to the mile. Still legendary though in all 50 states. In LA we watched the Dodgers play the Detroit Tigers at baseball and the Dodgers won 5-3, ate huge amounts of Mexican food and attempted to have a night out, unfortunately LA is so big we couldn't find anywhere. Still had a great time including an England v USA game of wiffleball (street baseball) where we were robbed by cousin Vicky's husband Hans who had some interesting interpretations of the strikezone! All in all loved LA and headed to the Grand Canyon (spectacular stuff) where we did some epic hikes down to the river and built manly bonfires whilst camping out alone in the forest. From the canyon we drove to Vegas, definitely the most ridiculous place in the world. On the first day we parked up in a casino car park, went for a bit of a gamble and ended up in the Coyote Ugly bar in 'New York New York'. Second day we checked into a really cheap hotel for a much needed shower before we checked out the town. Highlights being the fountain display outside the Bellagio and the crazy 'indoor/outdoor' shopping in Caesars Palace. Few more bets in the evening and some beers (free if you're gambling). Relatively early night before the big day tomorrow. Pete's birthday starts badly as we drive miles to rent some snazzy attire but are thwarted by the extortionate pricing. Day improves as we check into the Hard Rock hotel (also very cheap), buy some T-Shirts and treat ourselves to some top notch nosh at the cafe, during which the whole cafe sang 'Happy Birthday' and Pete got a free ice cream - very amusing. Drink some champers in the room before hitting the town. We had a few drinks in 'Wynn Casino' - fancy, then 'Treasure Island' where we consumed muchos margharitas in front of a spectacular pirate show. Off to the Venetian for some Cognacs and a bit more fluttering. At this point the night gets a bit hazy and we head to the Monte Carlo for more betting and an Irish bar in NYNY. Few more yaks later and we end up in Coyote Ugly again - lots of fun had before MG and SB witness PB disappear before discovering him propping up a pillar then seeing him dismount elagantly to the floor at the sight of another cognac. Amusing walk home includes disruption of pristine flora during multiple bush dives and PB deciding to go for a quick snooze outside the MGM Grand. All in all a great night and PB has great birthday all round. Betting results. I know what everyone's thinking, we all lost loads of money....... Max : Solid performance throughout from the worlds most sensible gambler. Multiple cashing in of $2.30 tickets from the poker machines means MG comes out $15 up for the three days. MG = smug. Av. $5.00 Bezu Fache : Excellent start with solid $60 profit on first night which is soon dwindled down over the next 2 days. Still, nothing rash and Sib's rollercoaster ride ends up in a small profit of $10. Av. $3.33 MG still smug Beeching : Big time Beeching starts off like a man possessed on the first night and has an unbelievable run of bad luck on 50/50 bets. Approx 18 out of 20 lost! Anyways, chin up but PB slightly peeved after 2 day loss of $400. Predicted turn around on birthday however as the wind of luck changes and PB leaves the croupier agitated as he walks away with a cool $600 from his table. Good old boy! Av $67 and the winner. Git