Then came a bonus. The gate to the yard which was not part of the tour was opened and those of us who wished to were able to spend approximately another half-hour browsing and photographing there. It was while there that I started to feel that something was wrong. As Jan and I left the tour site we intended to go downtown on a chip run, then to the Stardust for the goodies there, then to the Riviera for the special chip. In short, the rest of the day was to be filled with all the fun of a chipper's convention.

We were in the hot truck on our way to Golden Nugget when I told Jan, “I have to park and get into any casino. I'm not doing well.” From my first-aid training I was recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion in myself. We pulled over to some parking meter and I left Jan to feed it while I headed to the nearest casino, which was the California. I almost didn't make it. In fact I thought I was going to collapse right in the street.

I did make it into the casino, where Jan and Security proceded to pamper me as I took measures to bring down my body heat, rehydrate and feed myself, and take my meds. It was several hours until I felt well enough to go back to our hotel, and I was done for the day. No more chip-run, no more convention floor, no Last Dance trade session & BF raffle/auction. The convention was over for me.

Why this long story? Not for sympathy. That part of the convention doings in which I was able to take part were great. It would serve nobody well to dwell upon that which I missed. But I had planned to get to know many of you personally, and I can't help but regret that loss. To those I said I would see at trade sessions, I apologize. Next year, I hope.

Sunday brought an experience that took a little of the sting out of my disappointment. That night we went to the Danny Gans show. It was a one-man-show that kept us in wonder and amusement for the whole show. He is a very talented and versatile entertainer, and I was soon over the “sticker shock” of the ticket prices ($100 each)

I'm already looking forward to next year's convention, but I'm thankful “rubbing shoulders” with you all on The Chipboard for the interim.