Yes, back on another trip - this time revisiting Florida with Sam. We first came here together back in 2007 for a shuttle launch. This time he "landed" in my lap for spring break, so I thought why not? Besides, my good friends Jim and Laurie have been practically begging us to stay with them near Tampa. I think I only planned this two weeks in advance...I guess I thrive on spontaneity.
I am writing this after our third day, since it's hard to write and drive. Took us two days to get down here. Didn't start really well though. First I heard a funny rattling sound under my drivers wheel, and took it to Honda for a check. An hour later they did say something was wrong, but didn't have the part. Thankfully it wasn't anything serious. Then as we just entered the highway, I remembered that I forgot his Xbox controllers. Yep...drove back. All said and done we finally left by noon...and already had a room waiting north of Atlanta.
With a whole lotta time wasted, I drove like mad. Averaged about 85 all the way down, and predictably arrived in record time - about 9 hours. We tried to go to a Dave and Busters next door, but that was insane. Settled for some cheesy bread at Domino's. The next day we headed down to Florida, and made it in time for dinner. Jim and Laurie took us out for pizza, and afterwards Sam decided to shoot around with some kids at a nearby park. Great weather of course, and before we slept we took a joyride into downtown Tampa. Yippie!
We enjoyed an excellent night of sleep in our room, and after a short chat with Laurie, we headed to Lakeland to take in a Tigers spring training game against the Jays. When we got to the box office, we heard that only standing room was left, but low and behold the ticket agent slipped us two FREE box seats...and we were set. We then sat in the beautiful Florida sun and soaked in a great game - with all the regular players starting since opening day was this week. Although Sam was pulling for the Jays (?), the Tigers took the game (we think...left in the 8th), which was punctuated by a mammoth home run by Prince Fielder (it went as high as it did long...seriously).
To beat the crowds, we headed back and spoke to both Laurie and Jim about our great experience. Not much time since we scored tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning game. We showered and headed out. Our seats were WAY up on top, but a great view anyhow. The game itself was a treat, with the 'Bolts winning in the last minute...good times. Afterwards we wandered over to a local sports bar to catch the NCAA men's championship game. Sam of course ignored that and started playing with guys in their 20's, and making bets on pop-a-shot. He beat them and won $10. I need to take some lessons from him.
Great first full day in FLA.
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