One more game to go in the hockey tour. Tomorrow night, 7PM, Ann Arbor, MI.
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Tapeleg
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Tapeleg
For the second day in a row, sheer force of will and the promise of a hockey game on the other side of a drive are the only factors getting me out of bed this morning. I would sleep till noon today if I could. You bet I would.
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Tapeleg
There is nothing worse (which is a little dramatic, I know) than Bennigan’s and St. Patrick’s Day. Fake Irish place catering to the suburban amateur night holiday drinkers. Throw in karaoke, and someone could lose an eye. Awful.
At least the beer is cold.
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Tapeleg
I finally stopped for the night, at 10:55 PM local time, just 40 miles from Chicago. About four hours drive time to Grand Rapids tomorrow for the 4:00 PM game. Plus I got a good rate here at the Holiday Inn, and I am about to subject myself to my forth dose of karaoke on this trip. You gots to do what you gots to do.
Once I got to the commit or peel off point, I called the Waterloo Blackhawks to see if there were tickets available for tonight’s game, but all they had left were SRO. I had some indecision before about stopping for the game, and this was the deal breaker. And frankly, I’m happy I didn’t go.
The road trip officially ends Tuesday in Ann Arbor, MI, catching up with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Not that I’m ready to end this thing, but my real job beckons.
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Tapeleg
How all great breakfast is served: drive-thru.
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Tapeleg
I am awake by sheer will and determination alone. It is only the desire to make it to Grand Rapids, MI and the hope of seeing another hockey game tonight that drives me right now. And in a moment, coffee will enter the mix.
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Tapeleg
You may (or may not) notice that the Grand Rapids Griffins have been added to the schedule. This will be the last game of the West Coast Hockey Tour, a team that is decidedly not “west coast.” It is a 4:00 PM game, which means I have a lot of driving to do in a very short amount of time. Still, I’m keeping it at the speed limit. Not below, but certainly at.
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Tapeleg
I made it to Rapid City. The drive was nice enough, but everything had a very washed out feel to it. Perhaps it was the snow coverage, or the lack of color compared to the other drives from this trip. After you drive through the American southwest and the Pacific Coast Highway, the beige of Wyoming has little appeal. I always thought there was a color shift when you crossed the border into Wyoming, now I am sure of it.
When I saw the Rocky Mountains shrinking in the rear view mirror, all I could think was that to the right was home, just a few hundred miles away. It wasn’t hard to stay the course, since I had a hockey game compelling me east, but it made for a sad moment. I wouldn’t trade going on this trip, and I am not ready for it to end, but I sure miss Denver.
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Tapeleg
Made it to South Dakota. Three state day.
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Tapeleg
Cutting through Wyoming.
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Tapeleg
This is the Wheely Beast from REI. I love this piece of luggage. It’s a simple as a rolling duffel bag, but so much more. They have other colors as well. If you need a bag, might I recommend.
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Tapeleg
Billings seems to have a casino on every block. Here is the liquor store next to my hotel called “Bottles and Shots,” which has a shot bar in the liquor store, as well as a casino in the back.
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Tapeleg
Ready to leave Billings. I don’t think it will be as easy to find a good cup of coffee on the way out of town.
There is a new version of this blog theme that should be ready right after I finish my trip. Grrrr…. It’s really cool, with live updates, threaded comments, and it’s easier to read. I’m going to be using it on my next trip, as well as some other things I have going on.
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Tapeleg
This is what the drive to Rapid City looks like.
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Tapeleg
I’m in my hotel in Billings, MT. I found the ice rink, just up the street, but I was about an hour late to catch the hockey. I think it was just pickup or mens league. I would have stayed and watched anyways. Live hockey is still live hockey.
6 hour drive to Rapid City tomorrow, with a game at 7:00. Then I have a few choices to make.
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Tapeleg
Big Sky in Montana.
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Tapeleg
About to head into Montana. A good three state day (a bit of Idaho), two of which I have never been in before. Narrowing the list.
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Tapeleg
This is what my drive from Spokane to Billings, MT looks like.
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Tapeleg
That does it for the west coast. The tour continues into Rapid City, SD on Friday, Grand Rapids, MI on Sunday, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I find games in Billings on Thursday and somewhere on Saturday. I’m not ready to end this yet.
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Tapeleg
Today is NHL Trade Deadline Day. I have to get back to Seattle to get some work done and record a podcast. I will be listening intently to the coverage on XM Radio (a life saver on these trips).
But first, crazy donuts. You’ll see.
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