I’m down in Vegas for one last hurrah. Annual shred tradeshow. Graphically “representin’” for the likes of Coal, Union and Snowboard mag. And a board series for Ride. And some other goodies.

Little bit sad that this is the last one held in Vegas, but a whole lot glad that I get to be down here with my buddies, hanging out, working a little, sipping firewater and throwing away hard-earned loot.

Next year, the thing travels to Denver, so, you know, the goddamned party is over, or something. I heard some suit in the cab line today saying, “Maybe these guys’ll actually get some work done next year.” Who knows.

I flew down this afternoon, and sat next fellow Portlander Mike Leblanc. We caught up on all things Holden and Portland and talked about his brother who is building a house “off the grid” in upstate New York. Sounds pretty good to me. Big Mike. Helluva guy. Hey shredders, make sure yer next jacket is a Holden. There you go.

I tried to get a room at the Luxor, then the Hard Rock, but the “just show up and get a room” rates were through the roof. All this, from my iPhone, walking from the gate to the baggage claim. So cool.

So I opted for a dicey Motel 6 long block off the strip. I got in, locked the door, and got to work on the next pile of Union stuff. A mellow night. I worked, then caught a cab to meet some dudes at a place called the Golden Steer. Sat there for an hour, as someone forgot to call and tell me plans had changed. I grabbed a cab back to the Motel 6, and hit up In-n-Out burger on the way. So good.

Here’s to another kick-ass Vegas tradeshow deal.

(+) Rose, you prick, you better make some time for us little guys.

- - - -

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO GET US IN THE SPIRIT OF “LOSING OUR ASSES”: The Vintage Vegas Postcard Museum.