The weather on the drive was uneventful. The rigs got a good wash and when we pulled into the campground space we got hail. Nothing too big and we weren't moving, so we just sat it out for a few minutes. Just a few sprinkles while we set up.
Now we start to pack up for the summer and switch to the "snowbirds selling the homestead and moving south" phase. We learned a lot this winter and are looking forward to next season full timing. We might make a few changes but we agree this will work, and there are a lot of places we've yet to see.
Went to the Timbers home opener last night. What a night! Being the first MLS game in a totally revamped stadium, there were many questions about how the traffic (both auto and pedestrian) would flow with the much larger crowd. Ryan and I have season tickets which come with all day/all route bus passes so naturally we left the house 3-1/2 hours early to allow plenty of time to get there and check out the facility before the game.
So much for the plan. As we leave, Gene (a Soldotna High friend of Ryan's) drives by and offers to drive. We figure we are so early we can park near to another friend's (John) and have a mini tailgate in his apartment, then walk the few blocks to the game.
Turns out Portland has rezoned parking with a 2 hr limit anywhere near the stadium. So we eventually park and walk the six blocks or so to John's. Did I mention it is a fifth floor walk up (or take your chances in the 1940's elevator)?
After a few beers and chips we walk to the stadium, arriving 2hrs+ before kickoff. The line for our gate goes halfway around the Stadium and the gate opens 107 minutes before kickoff (another tradition starting yesterday).
Did I mention it is raining, as usual, all day and evening? At least when we finally get in (1 hr+ before kickoff) the seats are under cover. We are in the Timbers Army section which stands for the entire game. At least Grandpa gets to sit at halftime.
Finally, there is a soccer game; which we win 4-2. Then there is the reverse walk back. Grandpa slept well.
For Sundays game, we plan to take the bus.
Stay dry.
About Me
- Troy
- 1964: after high school life begins. Asked to consider not returning to OSU after the first year. 1966 drafted; grunt, door gunner, HU1 pilot. Out in Dec '70. 1972 married, joined fire dept and bought first house over a 6 month span. 1980 moved family (which now consisted of wife Teri, daughter Amy and son Ryan) to CO. 1990 moved all to bush Alaska to work for the dark side (the FAA). Started Blog to keep family and friends up on our whereabouts. Retired in March 2010. In Feb 2012 sold house in Alaska. By May had bought in Redmond and completed the move. Still nesting in Redmond and loving it!
