LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The last time I traveled to the sparkling city of “Lost Wages” four years ago it was billed as my crappiest vacation ever because of a lower intestinal “issue” I came down with shortly upon my arrival.

Let’s just say I didn’t spend too much time away from the toilet…

A few weeks ago, however, I ventured back into the saddle and made the trek up Highway 93.

One minor hiccup came during my haste to make it to Highway 93 as a State Trooper felt it necessary to pull me over and meet me in person.

“Where ya going in such a hurry?” DPS Officer White asked me.

“On my way to Vegas, sir.”

“Guess your day isn’t starting out so lucky, huh?”

“Well, sir, right now I’m hoping I can get lucky with just a warning from you, sir, instead of a ticket, sir.”

“Maybe we can play something similar to roulette. Pick a number. How fast do you think you were going?”

“I know it was over 60, sir. Do I win anything?”

Turns out it WAS my lucky day, however, as I slowly drove away with an official warning in my glovebox and an unofficial warning to watch my speed as I headed toward Nevada.

I figured maybe as soon as I cross the state border I should take a chance on a one-arm bandit.

Maybe Lady Luck would be with me on this trip…

Despite the Great Recession a while back, seems to me Las Vegas has bounced back quite nicely, thank you very much.

It could just be my imagination – or perhaps it is so overwhelming that it’s difficult to take it all in – but it seems to me that every time I travel to the famous city 10 more huge casino/resorts have sprouted from the desert floor.

Turns out we didn’t spend much time in the gaming rooms. I was actually in Vegas for some Kiwanis International training, and wife Brenda tagged along for window shopping and the thrill of spending an entire weekend with me.

The location where the conference was held was a business hotel, for crying out loud, and didn’t even have a casino. Of course, you’re never too far away from the action in Vegas. We walked The Strip a couple of times, ate at the Harley Davidson Café and took in the delightful Blue Man Group at the Monte Carlo.

The Strip is always an entertaining place. Never seen so many characters dressed up and waiting for photographs (and tips, of course).

Saw a ton of minions from “Despicable Me,” some showgirls, Elvis, a couple of Chewbaccas, several transformers and more minions.

Panhandlers are getting more creative as well. One guy was willing to let you punch him in his “lower region” for a mere $20. Claimed he wasn’t wearing a cup. I didn’t really want to find out.

Another fella figured he’d get right to the chase with his little cardboard sign: “I really just want some beer money.”

Like I said – Vegas is back, baby, and you don’t even need to see a show or hit the casinos to get entertained. It’s all out on the sidewalk.