3001: The Final Odyssey Mystery Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
NOT at the listed coordinates
The DUNES opened on May 23, 1955, as a low rise resort with
"Hollywood Star" Vera-Ellen providing the entertainment in the
Magic Carpet Review. When the North Tower was added in 1961 it was
one of the finest and largest hotels on the strip. The South Tower
was added in 1979. The hotel was built in part with financing from
movie mogul Al Gottesman and the Teamsters Pension Fund. The resort
boasted an 18 hole golf course, a rooftop health spa and a 90
ft-long pool. The Hotel's Slogan was "The Miracle in the
Desert."
In its early years, the DUNES was known for the 35 ft tall
fiberglass sultan (1964) that stood above its main entrance.
Although it opened to much fanfare, it struggled from the start;
one of the reasons possibly being it was located at what was the
southernmost part of the Strip at the time. The hotel frequently
had to borrow money, and even Caesar's Palace lent its executives
to help out, as well as bringing in numerous famous celebrities and
entertainers such as actor/singer Frank Sinatra’s surprise
appearance
dressed as a sultan. On January 10, 1957, in a desperate move
to keep the resort afloat, the DUNES became the first hotel/casino
in Nevada to offer a topless show, called Minsky’s Follies -
the first of which was "Minsky Goes to Paris." The State
Legislature was "in an uproar," but the show set a record for
attendance in a single week at 16,000. In 1961, a 24 story tower
was built, bringing the number of rooms up to 450. In 1970, there
were rumors Howard Hughes would buy into the hotel but that did not
end up happening. In 1979, the hotel expanded to 1300 rooms. In
1985, the sultan statue, by now on the golf course, had caught on
fire - reportedly due to an electrical short in its stomach. In
1987, Japanese investor Masao Nangaku purchased the DUNES "for $155
million but could not make it a financial success".
On November 17, 1992, the DUNES was sold for the last time to
developer Steve Wynn's company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. for $75
million. On January 26, 1993, the DUNES closed its doors for good.
Like some of the other legendary hotel/casinos of its era, it could
no longer compete with the newer and more exciting megaresorts that
were being built.
Nangaku formed a partnership with a Minnesota mogul from Orrock,
Sandu Nes and they searched the state for land to develop.
Expecting legalized gambling, all assets were converted into silver
currency, as a hedge against the rotten economy. The two men were
incompatible partners. Their kingpin and local contact, Pat
Roller, hid the treasure, then disappeared.
I heard some of the rumors from my father-in-law, who used to run
around with Don Laughlin, in Owatonna. Many secrets were overheard
at Costa's Candies and Restaurant. Nobody knew which ones to
believe. They were crop sprayers at the time. Norm went into the
Navy. Don went to Nevada.
Desperately trying to "close" the case, and the mystery, some guys
from the NWR (Nevada Warison Recaption) claimed
victory.
Renegade agents ck and
PH exposed the ruse, and it was determined that the NWR guys
confiscated a "decoy"
Solve the puzzle, enter your solution on
geocheck, start your journey.
I filled up my gas tank three times when I was hiding the
caches.
The log sheet at EACH stage MUST be
signed.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)