For the first time in our trip, we had no idea what this day held in store for us. Once again Sam and I awake at the crack of 10am, and head towards Micky D's for b-fast. However, when we get back, we have no plans. Laurie was home and clued us in on some ideas, such as a laser tag place. In the end, I took another look at the Frozen Four tickets, and they had come down to $50 each...so I took 'em.
Now the Frozen Four is the Final Four for NCAA men's hockey. Some genius thought it would be great to have Tampa host an event where the main participants all reside north of the Mason-Dixon Line. Now for the Super Bowl that works...but not so much with college hockey. For 2012, the four teams competing are Union College in NY, Boston College, Ferris St. from MI, and Minnesota. Union and Ferris are quite small, with Union only having an enrollment of just over 2,200. Compare that to Minnesota's hefty 50K student body, and you can understand the charm of this event. This would NEVER happen in college basketball.
So we set out once again for the Tampa Bay Times Forum, where we were on Monday night. Now the place is all decked out in Frozen Four stuff, and Sam being impatient wanted to get in right away. We did - 70 minutes before the first game. LOTS of time on our hands. To my dismay the seats we got were right under the bands...and when they played...WOW! So we moved to a spot near center ice, and caught both games there. Like I said, smart to host this in Tampa - the place was barely 3/4 full. Teams like Ferris and Union don't travel well...if at all.
Sam as usual made friends with those sitting by us, and we saw Ferris St. beat Union in the first game. Pretty sloppy - and definitely not the NHL. Still was entertaining, and nice to see a school never winning having a chance at a title. The second game turned into a rout. Boston College is the number one team in the country - and for a good reason. They good! Although Minnesota was the aggressor - BC was the finisher. We left the Forum when the score was 4-0, and it was 6-1 BC when we finally left downtown. Oy.
That was basically it. Still no real plans for tomorrow afternoon...
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Run to the Sun - Day 5
Another day, another breakfast at McDonalds. I could think of whole lot worse things than starting your day on McGriddles...right?
Today's adventure took us to St. Petersburg and Tropicana Field - home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was the last exhibition for the team, and they were playing the "Future Rays" - or a bunch of guys from the minors. We got there in plenty of time since Sam wanted to get a good seat, but when we did get there, he found some young kids and hung with them - in the handicapped section in the concourse. Even so he was able to snag as many as 6, SIX, baseballs from batting practice. Not too shabby.
The game itself was a bore, but it was nice to see the starters from the Rays play a few meaningful innings. The dome itself wasn't as bad as I thought - not as sterile. Looking around I know the team did as much as they could to bring character to a facility built quick on the cheap, and really not meant for baseball. The dome itself not only slopes down towards the outfield, but has no less then two levels of catwalks (??) which practically interfere with fly balls. I've been to domes before, and still have no clue why this stadium has so many of these walks. Another weird thing was that only 5,000 showed up - if that - and due to the small crowd, you could practically hear a pin drop between pitches (save for the loudmouth fans that want to hear themselves echo).
After the game we headed to downtown Tampa, to a spot called Ybor City, to meet up with Chris Berger, who is the younger brother of my high school bud Brian. He lives in the Tampa area and works in Sarasota. We both arrived a bit late since traffic was nuts. Sam and I got stuck on the bridge crossing over the bay...lovely. Chris was even later. Ybor City is a historic cigar-making district gone nightlife spot with bars everywhere...dotted by tattoo parlors. It's basically a duplicate of the French Quarter in New Orleans...even down to the architecture. We had a nice dinner at a local brewpub, and headed back.
We arrived back at Jim and Laurie's to actually see them before their bedtime. I took a nice walk with Jim around his neighborhood to catch up on some issues. After I returned Sam was itching to play basketball, so we found an old ball outside a daycare nearby, and shot around. Then a bit of tennis afterward, and played until the lights shut down on us. We came back, showered...and off to pillow world.
Today's adventure took us to St. Petersburg and Tropicana Field - home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The game was the last exhibition for the team, and they were playing the "Future Rays" - or a bunch of guys from the minors. We got there in plenty of time since Sam wanted to get a good seat, but when we did get there, he found some young kids and hung with them - in the handicapped section in the concourse. Even so he was able to snag as many as 6, SIX, baseballs from batting practice. Not too shabby.
The game itself was a bore, but it was nice to see the starters from the Rays play a few meaningful innings. The dome itself wasn't as bad as I thought - not as sterile. Looking around I know the team did as much as they could to bring character to a facility built quick on the cheap, and really not meant for baseball. The dome itself not only slopes down towards the outfield, but has no less then two levels of catwalks (??) which practically interfere with fly balls. I've been to domes before, and still have no clue why this stadium has so many of these walks. Another weird thing was that only 5,000 showed up - if that - and due to the small crowd, you could practically hear a pin drop between pitches (save for the loudmouth fans that want to hear themselves echo).
After the game we headed to downtown Tampa, to a spot called Ybor City, to meet up with Chris Berger, who is the younger brother of my high school bud Brian. He lives in the Tampa area and works in Sarasota. We both arrived a bit late since traffic was nuts. Sam and I got stuck on the bridge crossing over the bay...lovely. Chris was even later. Ybor City is a historic cigar-making district gone nightlife spot with bars everywhere...dotted by tattoo parlors. It's basically a duplicate of the French Quarter in New Orleans...even down to the architecture. We had a nice dinner at a local brewpub, and headed back.
We arrived back at Jim and Laurie's to actually see them before their bedtime. I took a nice walk with Jim around his neighborhood to catch up on some issues. After I returned Sam was itching to play basketball, so we found an old ball outside a daycare nearby, and shot around. Then a bit of tennis afterward, and played until the lights shut down on us. We came back, showered...and off to pillow world.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Run to the Sun - day 4
Today was interesting. At least it started off better at McDonalds, but I think those employees are whacked out. Got my order wrong in the drive thru. Whatev.
Another spring training game, this time at the Blue Jays home in Dunedin...which is very near the Gulf of Mexico. Same teams as yesterday, but this time the Jays pulled it out. Good thing too since Sam bought himself a sharp jersey and hat. Apparently he likes the Jays (?). Like yesterday he made fast friends with whomever he could. Unlike yesterday we were able to get seats in the last row, in the shade, and having the great Gulf winds keep us cool. Ahhhh.
After that we wound our way south to famous Clearwater Beach. Such a nifty place. Not sure how they are able to squeeze so many folks on a tiny, narrow island - but they manage. We snaked our way to a spot by the beach, got changed and headed out. Both of us swam at first, but Sam wasn't happy very shortly after and we had to abort. So we changed back, and headed to Crabby Bill's for dinner. Then we set off on a nice little walk around the beach area, and then headed back south. We found a county park beach, and went there to enjoy the sunset.
From there it was finally back home, but not all was done just yet. Sam wanted to go to WalMart at midnight, and so we went. It's vacation time, ok? I did end up getting some nice stuff, so no loss! Glad we didn't sunburn, so at least we should sleep good.
Another spring training game, this time at the Blue Jays home in Dunedin...which is very near the Gulf of Mexico. Same teams as yesterday, but this time the Jays pulled it out. Good thing too since Sam bought himself a sharp jersey and hat. Apparently he likes the Jays (?). Like yesterday he made fast friends with whomever he could. Unlike yesterday we were able to get seats in the last row, in the shade, and having the great Gulf winds keep us cool. Ahhhh.
After that we wound our way south to famous Clearwater Beach. Such a nifty place. Not sure how they are able to squeeze so many folks on a tiny, narrow island - but they manage. We snaked our way to a spot by the beach, got changed and headed out. Both of us swam at first, but Sam wasn't happy very shortly after and we had to abort. So we changed back, and headed to Crabby Bill's for dinner. Then we set off on a nice little walk around the beach area, and then headed back south. We found a county park beach, and went there to enjoy the sunset.
From there it was finally back home, but not all was done just yet. Sam wanted to go to WalMart at midnight, and so we went. It's vacation time, ok? I did end up getting some nice stuff, so no loss! Glad we didn't sunburn, so at least we should sleep good.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Run to the Sun 2012...Days 1, 2 & 3
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.
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.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Bowl Circus
Indianapolis finally got its wish and is hosting the Super Bowl in 2012. I think that's 46...or XLVI...whatever. They just need to call it the Super Bowl and be done with it. Anyways Sam and I took a day off to go down and experience all the happenings surrounding this over-hyped game (on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012). We were definitely not disappointed.
To say that the City of Indianapolis did a good job preparing for this would be an insulting understatement. In fact I can't think of a more well-prepared series of events since, well, my trip to the Women's Final Four last year in Indy. This city just gets it right. For the biggest sporting event in our country, Indy created an extensive "Super Bowl Village" which runs along Georgia St. between the convention center and whatever the new name of where the Pacers play. To say it mildly, this concept has worked TOO well.
Of course it certainly helped that the weather was more in-line with April than February with highs in the 50's (!). This brought 'em out of the woodwork. Even though Georgia St. was totally re-built with heaters suspended above a median pedestrian path...they weren't needed. All of this helped lead to a "perfect storm" which I'll touch on shortly.
As for us we got downtown and found some great parking a few blocks from the Village. From there we went up the Soliders Monument in the Circle and gazed out on a sunny day in Indy. We quickly caught site of many significant landmarks...like the JW Marriott sporting a massive Lombardy Trophy on its front face. Hope hotel guest can see thru that!
We then wandered from the Circle and started to cruise the Village. Crowds were thick, but manageable. After stopping in at a few places, I decided to meet up with some work colleagues at RW Armstrong at old Union Station. We were given a great tour by Kelly Tingle, who also introduced us to an indoor basketball court which we took shots on. Sam wanted to play Horse, I settled for Pig...but still didn't get past P. Oy.
We moved on and walked quite a ways to Victory Field where they turned the entire playing field into a huge sandbox. Um...sure. Nothing to see there so upon a request for Sam we made our way to the Statehouse...where it was simply dead. Nothing going on...and the tour guides looked plenty bored. Thought maybe some folks would have visited...then again the Village was hard to break away from.
We sauntered back there and then to the grand NFL Experience expo which took over the entire Indiana Convention Center. Quite an impressive feat seeing how massive that place is. As we entered the place was packed, and we quickly discovered that we would do nothing that day without a special wristband to get in the front of the lines for kicking, passing...and just about anything else worthwhile. This was a pain, since that wristband line was about a 2-3 hour wait. Oh yeah, it also cost an extra $45! So being me I avoided as long as I could - but Sam was being extra grumpy since he couldn't do anything. I was getting extremely grumpy since I almost got kicked out since the geniuses didn't give me a basic wristband that showed I paid. Yes...I was approaching wit's end.
Thankfully we got lucky and purchased a special wristband for Sam...and then he was able to do about anything he wanted. It was worth it in the end...I just want to avoid looking at my credit card for a while. The set-up was just amazing with interactive everything going on - quite the spectacle. We spent about 4+ hours in there all told. It was nearly 9pm...and my feet were ready to fall off. Sam's too.
We ventured out of the Experience and saw firsthand what happens when you have unseasonably warm weather plus a popular band playing for free...near anarchy. Stepping out of the Convention Center we were met with a sea of humanity that spread out in all directions. The crowd had grown exponentially in the time we were inside. It appeared that far too many folks had descended on the area...and the cops were a bit overwhelmed. Sam and I were able to meet up with an old classmate of mine at an info booth, but Sam wanted to get to the Pacers pro shop at what-ever-they-call-it arena where they play.
Moving thru the Village towards the arena was very problematic by now. You could barely walk...so Sam and I smartly ducked into a parking garage that got us on another street...where we avoided the mass of humanity waiting for some band called LMFAO. Never heard of them...which Sam found fascinating. We made the arena, where I was able to finally sit down in a nice leather chair and drink some iced coffee (the pro-shop has a Dunkin Donuts...score!).
After I pried myself up I got Sam an early birthday gift...and then made our way back to the car. We made on last stop by the giant Roman numerals on Monument Circle...where each numeral had been turned into a video board...nice. We just about limped back to my car from there, and raced out of the city. By the time we did traffic was becoming really bad...and people really drunk. Thankfully nobody was hurt or no riots took place. They were lucky. Our departure time was about 11pm...over 12 hours since we arrived.
All-in-all a most amazing time in Indy for this event. They did it right, with a bundle of things to do right in a great downtown area. Hope it returns again in my lifetime...they deserve it.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Great Midwest Tour - Day 9
Getting up today was interesting since my phone couldn't decide what time zone it was in. This made setting my alarm VERY challenging. Anyways I did figure it out, woke up on time (for us) and off to our next destination...Terre Haute to see the Rex.
On our way I wanted to stop at Turkey Run State Park, but with the heat, and a not-so-enthusiastic son, I thought against it. All the way into Terre Haute I was second-guessing myself, but as this trip has taught me...there seems to be a better surprise.
After arriving in town, we had a nice meal at IHOP, then decided to visit the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. Sam clued me in on this, and I have been reading a lot about it as of late, so it seemed like a logical visit. When arriving, we are told that an actual Holocaust survivor is now speaking to a small audience. Not only a survivor...but a survivor of Auschwitz, and if this wasn't impressive enough, she was a twin experimented on by Dr. Mengele himself. Sitting down I am struck at how articulate and captivating she is. I come to find out that CANDLES was actually her brainchild as she began to unwrap her fascinating history. Sam and I both sat absolutely captivated at her sad sorry...of being deported...of losing her parents...of barely surviving the experiments...of nearly being shot at the end. I think back how my own grandfather survived his wounds back in WWI, and how fortunate I am to be here. We were in the midst of a true survivor whose edict to "never give up" provided us with an amazing example of courage and survival. Sam asked quite a few questions as well...and was genuinely riveted by her story. This was exactly the effect I hoped this would have on him...and we are both indebted to Eva Kor and her example of survival, courage and forgiveness.
It was at this point that one of Sam's family members in Terre Haute called...Bill. These are my ex-wife's family who I visited often up until the divorce. I hadn't seen them in many years, and Sam hadn't seen them either. So we contacted Bill and made our way over to his house to meet with him and his wife Sue. We had a great time, and Sam was literally tacked by Bill's grandchildren upon arrival. We stayed for about an hour, caught up on each other's lives, and bid adieu. I was very happy to have made the time.
Now it was game time and we arrived at where the Rex play their games...at the same ballpark where Indiana State plays their games. The Rex are in the same league as the Dans, and just like Danville, and very enthusiastic and large crowd packed the stands for the game. Beforehand there was a roller derby exhibition in the parking lot which was comical, and these women we part of several acts from that point forward. We found some great seat right behind the plate, and watched the Rex win 2-0. Like the night before we stuck around for autographs and a couple of t-shirts. Another fantastic baseball experience.
It was at this point where I was offered White Sox tickets for the next day from my friend Brian's sister, Wendy. I said I'd talk to Sam and get back to her. After a long discussion with Sam about what to do, I called back to say we'd take them...but she texted back that her classy husband already gave them to a buddy since he didn't hear back from me. Needless to say I was a bit angry about this...at the very least we should have been afforded the courtesy of first refusal since we were offered first. I had to swallow this one since I know it wasn't Wendy's fault, but on-par with her husband Mike's behavior. Next time I'll just do a Nancy Reagan and just say no.
Okay, enough of that - off to bed and ready for our last day of the trip...wonder where we will show up???
On our way I wanted to stop at Turkey Run State Park, but with the heat, and a not-so-enthusiastic son, I thought against it. All the way into Terre Haute I was second-guessing myself, but as this trip has taught me...there seems to be a better surprise.
After arriving in town, we had a nice meal at IHOP, then decided to visit the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. Sam clued me in on this, and I have been reading a lot about it as of late, so it seemed like a logical visit. When arriving, we are told that an actual Holocaust survivor is now speaking to a small audience. Not only a survivor...but a survivor of Auschwitz, and if this wasn't impressive enough, she was a twin experimented on by Dr. Mengele himself. Sitting down I am struck at how articulate and captivating she is. I come to find out that CANDLES was actually her brainchild as she began to unwrap her fascinating history. Sam and I both sat absolutely captivated at her sad sorry...of being deported...of losing her parents...of barely surviving the experiments...of nearly being shot at the end. I think back how my own grandfather survived his wounds back in WWI, and how fortunate I am to be here. We were in the midst of a true survivor whose edict to "never give up" provided us with an amazing example of courage and survival. Sam asked quite a few questions as well...and was genuinely riveted by her story. This was exactly the effect I hoped this would have on him...and we are both indebted to Eva Kor and her example of survival, courage and forgiveness.
It was at this point that one of Sam's family members in Terre Haute called...Bill. These are my ex-wife's family who I visited often up until the divorce. I hadn't seen them in many years, and Sam hadn't seen them either. So we contacted Bill and made our way over to his house to meet with him and his wife Sue. We had a great time, and Sam was literally tacked by Bill's grandchildren upon arrival. We stayed for about an hour, caught up on each other's lives, and bid adieu. I was very happy to have made the time.
Now it was game time and we arrived at where the Rex play their games...at the same ballpark where Indiana State plays their games. The Rex are in the same league as the Dans, and just like Danville, and very enthusiastic and large crowd packed the stands for the game. Beforehand there was a roller derby exhibition in the parking lot which was comical, and these women we part of several acts from that point forward. We found some great seat right behind the plate, and watched the Rex win 2-0. Like the night before we stuck around for autographs and a couple of t-shirts. Another fantastic baseball experience.
It was at this point where I was offered White Sox tickets for the next day from my friend Brian's sister, Wendy. I said I'd talk to Sam and get back to her. After a long discussion with Sam about what to do, I called back to say we'd take them...but she texted back that her classy husband already gave them to a buddy since he didn't hear back from me. Needless to say I was a bit angry about this...at the very least we should have been afforded the courtesy of first refusal since we were offered first. I had to swallow this one since I know it wasn't Wendy's fault, but on-par with her husband Mike's behavior. Next time I'll just do a Nancy Reagan and just say no.
Okay, enough of that - off to bed and ready for our last day of the trip...wonder where we will show up???
Great Midwest Tour...Day 8
Kinda tough to top seeing two sitting governors over the last few days, but away we went. We got up and out of our hotel to visit a local eatery called Major Munch. We ate here last year and were fortunate enough to find it. I even remembered that fabulous chicken sandwich too...yum!
When we finished we planned to leave the city, but decided to tour the riverfront one more time. As we did we can across a pure jewel - an LST boat from WWII. Not only any LST boat, but one that served during D-day. After I got over that bit of immense history, I gladly forked over some bones to take a tour which was being offered. As we made our way down the ramp, we saw an older gentleman come forward from the boat's deck...and met us in the shade. His name is Bing, and he's a genuine WWII vet...at 90-yrs young. This was very impressive since the tour took us all over the boat...over several floors by stairs...with the temperature easily over 90...with humidity. Thankfully there were air-conditioned rooms which we (and Bing) could take a break in. A fantastic find on our trip of discoveries!
From here we made a b-line to Vincennes to visit the George Rogers Clark Memorial along the Wabash River. I knew about this hero of the Revolutionary War, but wasn't sure just what he did. Being a National Park site, there was a great visitors center with a movie about Mr. Clark's heroism. Apparently thanks to him, we were able to win the west from the British during the war, and eventually capture the Great Lake states. There is also a huge memorial to Mr. Clark and his improbable victory at Vincennes. I won't take the time to recount his amazing feat...do yourself a favor and look him up yourselves...you WILL be impressed!
We then took a very quick tour of Vincennes University (really small campus), and made our way across the river to Illinois and then up to Danville for our next game. Our goal was to see a Danville Dans game, who are actually college kids on summer break. They also pay to be part of these teams...and this league provides baseball excitement for a number of mid-to-smaller cities that are not able to support a professional team. The stadium was really old, and the field not well-kept. The amount of dust kicked-up was crazy since they didn't have enough of a ground crew to keep the dirt watered down. The crowd however didn't mind and the stands were pretty full. Interestingly enough I met a fellow who actually graduated from Purdue. In landscape architecture...which I have a degree in. So we ended up with a LOT to talk about. As for the game the Dans ended up losing but not after putting up a great fight in the ninth inning to eventually lose 4-3. Afterward Sam and I played catch in the outfield and was able to have several players sign autographs. All-in-all a fantastic experience to see a number of players who very well could end up in the majors one day.
Since we didn't check into our hotel yet we began the search for it...after another Steak and Shake stop of course...:)
When we finished we planned to leave the city, but decided to tour the riverfront one more time. As we did we can across a pure jewel - an LST boat from WWII. Not only any LST boat, but one that served during D-day. After I got over that bit of immense history, I gladly forked over some bones to take a tour which was being offered. As we made our way down the ramp, we saw an older gentleman come forward from the boat's deck...and met us in the shade. His name is Bing, and he's a genuine WWII vet...at 90-yrs young. This was very impressive since the tour took us all over the boat...over several floors by stairs...with the temperature easily over 90...with humidity. Thankfully there were air-conditioned rooms which we (and Bing) could take a break in. A fantastic find on our trip of discoveries!
From here we made a b-line to Vincennes to visit the George Rogers Clark Memorial along the Wabash River. I knew about this hero of the Revolutionary War, but wasn't sure just what he did. Being a National Park site, there was a great visitors center with a movie about Mr. Clark's heroism. Apparently thanks to him, we were able to win the west from the British during the war, and eventually capture the Great Lake states. There is also a huge memorial to Mr. Clark and his improbable victory at Vincennes. I won't take the time to recount his amazing feat...do yourself a favor and look him up yourselves...you WILL be impressed!
We then took a very quick tour of Vincennes University (really small campus), and made our way across the river to Illinois and then up to Danville for our next game. Our goal was to see a Danville Dans game, who are actually college kids on summer break. They also pay to be part of these teams...and this league provides baseball excitement for a number of mid-to-smaller cities that are not able to support a professional team. The stadium was really old, and the field not well-kept. The amount of dust kicked-up was crazy since they didn't have enough of a ground crew to keep the dirt watered down. The crowd however didn't mind and the stands were pretty full. Interestingly enough I met a fellow who actually graduated from Purdue. In landscape architecture...which I have a degree in. So we ended up with a LOT to talk about. As for the game the Dans ended up losing but not after putting up a great fight in the ninth inning to eventually lose 4-3. Afterward Sam and I played catch in the outfield and was able to have several players sign autographs. All-in-all a fantastic experience to see a number of players who very well could end up in the majors one day.
Since we didn't check into our hotel yet we began the search for it...after another Steak and Shake stop of course...:)
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