Yes, I well remember those trails via Goose direct to LAS. If all went well one overnight and only 11 hours flying time. But that was when we cruised at FL350/M0.8. I also well remember the crewing in inside the hangar at Goose (which was OK). I also remember trying to launch from Halifax operating off a poorly de-iced, sloping GA pan in the middle of February! Closest LOX at Greenwood and Nimrod u/s again!
Best trip back was Halifax direct CGY. Missed out Laajes since 150kts on the tail most of the way.
I was always an advocate of the Southern Route in the winter. The difficulty seemed to be to find a single airfield that would/could accept Fast Jets, AAR and Advanced/Sweep C130. I know that after 9-11 everything became far more difficult.