The Great Voyage

David R.

August 28, 2010 - 5:29 PM

After running around for hours on end until almost midnight on Wednesday, my car was finally packed up and ready to go. As much as I would have liked to have a companion for the ride, I don't think another person could have possibly fit in the car. Even in the front seat I had things packed to the top of the car.

I didn't leave my house until around 7 a.m. on Thursday morning. I thought it was probably better for me to sleep a little longer and get some rest since I had been working a ton from Sunday to Wednesday night. The Atlanta Braves were in Denver to play the Rockies and since it was my last series of the summer my boss decided to let me work all three games. I was glad to make some extra money but the time that I had set aside to get ready for my trip was cut down, which made Wednesday night seem like a fire drill.

I took the route that I had planned on taking, which took me over the continental divide and into Utah. It wasn't until I had been driving for a few hours that I realized that this new route was surely slower than the regular route through Wyoming. On interstate 80 in Wyoming the speed limit is set at 75 mph for the majority of the ride, and the highway runs straight, so travelers can gain some serious ground. On interstate 70 through the western half of Colorado, the speed limit is set at around 65 and the road winds through the mountains, making it harder to keep a constant speed.

I eventually made my way through Salt Lake City and up to highway 84, which takes you through Boise and into Oregon. Honestly, the next worst part of the drive (2nd to Wyoming) is the stretch from Boise to Burns, Ore. The whole way I kept thinking to myself, "Wow, I'm making great time." I thought I was moving right along. Wrong. After hauling for an hour I was approaching a mileage sign which I thought would tell me that I was getting close. It instead reported that I had more driving left to do than I had already done since leaving Boise. I thought it had to be a mistake. Wrong again. I continued to drive and drive and drive and after thinking I would never make it, I drove by the cathedral known as Autzen Stadium. I was finally back.

We have the keys to our new house, now it is just a matter of making the switch. My roommates were down yesterday so we moved in a few things to claim our territory then we chose rooms. The house is older but still in good shape and will make a great place to hang around in for our last year here.

Tomorrow is my first day with the Athletic Department for Fan Day. It sounds like a good time and will be good practice before the season begins on Saturday.