Columbus > Denver

Am filling in on the NHRA show this weekend out in Denver. I traveled out early so I could check out Red Rocks which is right near the track.

Here is an excerpt from the website:
Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. The dramatic sandstone monoliths serve as a history book of animal and plant life in the area for the past 250 million years. As spectators gaze at the towering red sandstone rocks, they view the ancient tales of prehistoric times.

Upon arrival, I discovered that there was a concert that evening – The String Cheese Incident. I really don’t know how to explain it other than a freak show. You can google it to see what kind of music it is and fans that attend.

It was very hard to drive around because there were people stumbling everywhere.  Add in the fact that I didnt know where I was going.

It’s very hippy-esque.




I did see a naked guy while driving out of the park. He was standing there peeing with his pants around his ankles, FACING the road. Quite the scene.

I was able to do a little hiking away from the Amphitheater area. Some truly amazing sights!

Next I went to a quaint little place nearby for dinner.
Had terrible service.

I went by the truck for a few hours – there was a partial set day today for the rest of the crew. I haven’t done this show for a while, so I stopped in to get ‘updated’.

Later in the evening, I had a few drinks back at the hotel with my long-time friend Pete.

Columbus

Smokey and Claude came to visit for a few days….

Cleveland

On Friday morning, I left Jonny &Amanda’s early and went downtown to STO. I had to do a little training.

After that I got checked into the hotel, had some lunch and then went to work.

It was great to see everyone on the crew again. They are all so wonderful!
If only it wasn’t baseball!

Indians defeated the Tigers 8-2


On Saturday morning, I got up and went over to Cliff & Boo’s – I was going to meet baby Avery! He is about 10 weeks old.

He is so sweet! His loves it when mom or dad hold him and do squats. It makes him very happy!






It was a nice morning spent with friends – and a new little friend!

In the afternoon, I headed back over to STO for another game.
God I love this crew!

Indians defeated the Tigers 2-1 in game 2 of a double header. Thankfully, we only broadcasted game 2. Game 1 was a makeup game from May 7th that had gotten postponed.


Sunday always comes quick! Short turnaround.
But that is all part of “living the dream!”

Indians swept the Tigers 7-2.

Columbus > Cleveland

What a roller coaster ride the past 24 hours have been!

Unfortunately, I have to head up to Cleveland for work this weekend. The timing could not of been worse.

I left in the mid afternoon and headed over to Jonny & Amanda’s place. We had an evening of dinner, drinks and catching up in store.

Amanda made a yummy dinner of chicken parm!

Shortly after dinner, Matty joined us and we sat and watched a movie.

Cats always know I love them…

But oh was I suffering… (I am allergic)

What a great evening!
I wish I could hang with Jonny & Amanda more often!  (Matty too!)

Columbus

Today was indeed an interesting day.

My best friend lost his job.

I also attended a benefit for a co-worker who has lost everything… he has Lou Gerhig’s disease and is no longer able to work. Since he is a freelancer, he has no insurance.

I am so proud to be a part of an amazing group of people who came together tonight to honor a long time friend and co-worker in his time of need.

Please take a minute to give thanks for what you DO have.
Don’t ever take your job, your family or your life for granted.
Because as I was reminded today… tomorrow, it could all be gone.

Worthington

Today was baby Isabella’s Baptism!

Dave and I set foot in a church and it didn’t burn to the ground instantly. Wow!

It was a very nice service followed by a wonderful gathering of family and friends.

Worthington, OH

Following tradition, Dave, Roger and I had a cookout today and watched the Nathan’s Hotdog Eating contest on ESPN.

Roger had to go to work, so Dave and I spent the afternoon doing yard work at both houses.

In the evening, we did what every mature adult does on the 4th of July… I packed up a cooler with Sprite, Coke, Seagrams 7, Captain Morgan and ice. Put it in a backpack.. then got out our biking sipper cups and put them in their holders. I put the backpack on, he strapped our soccer mom chairs to his bike and we peddled to downtown Worthington to watch the fireworks.

Even though it’s only a couple of miles, I have very strict drinking and driving rules. Plus, riding bikes while drunk with chairs and backpacks tied to us – only makes it more fun and challenging!

We sat on a patch of grass behind Worthington High School and enjoyed the show.

The bike ride home was interesting as the traffic is really heavy. But we made it safe and sound.

Columbus

Chicago vs Columbus - MLS


Worked the visiting feed for Chicago today.

I really have nothing to report. Uneventful day!

Columbus Crew defeated Chicago Fire 2-1

July 1st - 2nd

Columbus

Red White & Boom!

Set day on Thursday for “Boom!” went well. My suggestion of hiring a freelance TD for the day REALLY paid off! Made a world of difference.

Like every year, there were a lot of challenges, but we were able to overcome them. This event always makes me “think” and that’s good for me. So many days and events I am on auto-pilot – but not this one!

Of course there were idiots camping out for the “perfect” spot to watch the fireworks.

Really? You want to sleep for 2 days in 90+ degree weather to watch some fireworks that you can see on TV? In HD at that!






Things came together at Boom Central…

And before you knew it… it was time!

The ride back to the station is always a treat! I ride back with the talent and they are so very funny! I can’t tell you the stories though… sorry :(

Key Largo > Miami > Columbus

Went and found another great breakfast spot this morning! Doc’s Diner.

Afterwards, we headed back and loaded up my luggage.

Dad took me to the airport and then he went back to Fort Myers for the day.
Mom stayed in Key Largo.

The flights back were good.

It's was nice to be home again!
I have tomorrow off too!

Holy crap look at my garden! 

Don't look at the weeds growing on the patio though!

Key Largo

This morning I spent a few of my pre-dawn hours at the “TV Lounge” in dad’s SUV stealing the internet from afar. It’s what I have done every morning on this vacation. We have limited internet access in the trailer and its use is intended for Trimcraft.

I spent my daylight morning hours at “South Beach” soaking in as many rays as possible.

We went to lunch again at Sundowners and the spent the afternoon in the bay near Pennekamp.

A very peaceful afternoon for all on our last family day.

Key Largo

We hung out in the back bay in the morning.

Then we headed out to the Atlantic for one last chance of snorkeling.

Mom and I snorkeled on Grecian Reef.

Later, dad and I tried to get to the Jesus statue, but the water was too rough. There wasn’t an open ball close enough for us to tied up to.

Oh well, maybe next year!






We did however have some dolphins ‘run’ with us!

Excuse the camera work – it’s rather hard to keep balance at that speed!

Thank God it was only that kind of “Fins” and not the other kind of “Fins”!

Key Largo

The Captain needed another “Land Day”. So we headed out to breakfast to a place called “The Hideout” or “Hiddenout” – depends on who you ask and which sign you read at the place.

It was very Keys-y, but also VERY good!








Nearby, there was also the “Boatel” – which intrigued us for sure, so we checked it out.

That was the “nice” one. It was basically an apartment built on a barge that was permanently docked.






The rest were makeshift house boats built on former pontoon boats. Also permanently docked. Wish I had taken photos.

Next we drove around to look at the fronts of the houses we have been seeing the backs of from the water. We were also on the lookout for rentals – always looking for new places to stay!

After that, we headed down to the Hilton where mom and I had stayed for Spring Break. We had wanted to show dad how awesome the place was.

Then mom & dad took me back so I could lay out in the sun at “South Beach”.

In the evening I made flank steak for dinner.

Key Largo

Another day spent in the Gulf of Mexico.

It has been disappointing since we have the Gulf of Mexico back in Ft. Myers. We are in the Keys – we should be in the Atlantic! Plus I wanted to snorkel.

Oh well – can’t control the weather. The sun is out and there is nothing like a day on the water!

We needed some gas so we headed over to the marina. The Sh’Ed II holds 200 gallons of gas, so filling up is costly and takes a while. Marina gas is anywhere from $1.50-2.50 MORE per gallon than at a regular gas station.

The only time dad uses a marina is when he is in the Keys. It’s a lot of time & effort to get the boat out, trailer it to a gas station and then put it back in. And the further South you get in the Keys, the more gas costs even at regular stations. (the further the tanker truck has to travel from the mainland).

Anyway – while they were filling up the boat

I ventured over to the Boatominium

It’s always interesting to see the boats in there.
Yah see.. it's a condo for boats!




When I came back out, the guy next to us was filling up his boat. His GPS had like a 20 inch monitor. He also had another enormous screen for radar. Holy Crap! He also spent over $1,000 on gas!

We then wandered over under US1 and just floated around for a while. Dad fished. Mom and I read.

Wait, does that sign say “crocodiles” ?

Apparently this is the only place in the US where there are crocodiles. Nice.






In the late afternoon, we headed back since low tide was coming.

The pass is always interesting.

That is how you get from the back bay of the Atlantic over to the Gulf of Mexico.

Nice houses and boats to look at. However, this time, it was kind of depressing. A lot of rotting houses & boats due to the economy.





There is always wildlife to admire as well.

Didn’t get very good photos since they blend in, but almost every Key in the Keys is being overtaken by iguanas. For years people have let them go after they decided they didn’t want them anymore. Well, they grow to the size of their environment. When they are not in a 20 gallon tank, they tend to get really big and VERY nasty!

They can knock you off your feet with their tail!


Look for the black & green stripes on his tail – then you should be able to see him. I don’t even have the tip of his head or tail in the photo!

Key Largo

Rough waters again today – so headed back to the Gulf of Mexico.

Floated around for a few hours.

For lunch we tried a place called Sundowners.

Did I ever hit the jackpot here!

Key Lime Pie Martini!!

It tasted like a liquid Key Lime Pie – right down to the crushed graham crackers on the rim!

Lunch was good and we had a nice view.

Afterwards, we walked around the marina.  When looking at the deep sea fishing photos… sure enough – there was an Ohio State fan in the mix.

I swear, I can not get away from them!

After lunch we explored for a while longer and then headed back in.

Key Largo

I got up around 6:15a and headed over to the “TV Lounge” where there is free wi-fi. Got caught up on a few emails and research I needed to do, but are difficult to do on my phone.

Got back a little after 7a and joined mom under the tiki hut on our dock. We had coffee, read our books and enjoyed the morning breeze.

Around 8:30, we got on our bikes and headed over to Publix to get some provisions for the day. We never seem to go a day without going to Publix! Lack of planning ahead I guess.

Once we got back and unloaded, we headed over the “South Beach” with our new chairs, bottled water and books in tow.

It’s always a scene – trying to balance all our crap without dropping it in the water. See we put the chairs in the water to help keep us cool.  (there is no video of this for a reason!)

Spent about 2 hours basking in the sun and then headed ‘home’ to cool down and for some lunch.

After lunch, we went back to the beach and spent another hour paying homage to the sun gods.

After cooling down and cleaning up, I started working on much overdue expense reports. Such fun!

In the evening, I worked on making salads for a late dinner – dad is returning around 9pm.

While waiting for him to arrive, I worked on the blog for a bit, while relaxing under the tiki hut on the dock… sipping a boat drink. Tonight’s special – homemade sangria!

I can honestly say that my day of pretty much nothing, has completely exhausted me!

Key Largo

Due to the Tropical Wave down in Dominican Republic, our weather in the Keys was forecasted to be a bit nasty in the coming days.

We had planned on being out on the water by 7:30a, but considering the Captain and his First Mate didn’t get up until 7, it was more like 8:15a before we got underway.

Even the water in the estuary and canals was quite choppy. Seas inside the reef were supposed to be 2-4 feet, beyond the reef 3-5. Well we found out on Saturday and Sunday that they were at least a foot higher than NOAA had predicted. So we didn’t even try the Atlantic.

Nothing special about this video – just want to share my beautiful home state.

We headed over to the Adams Cut and ventured into to the Gulf of Mexico.

Mom and I cracked open our first Miller Lite of the day around 8:45am. Why not? We are on vacation!

We read our books while dad ‘fed’ the fish breakfast. He eventually did catch something, but it wasn’t a keeper.

We had to head back in around noon because the tide was going out and we wouldn’t make it back to the dock at low tide.

Good thing we went we did as the water in the estuary was 1 foot, 2 inches. The Sh’Ed II draws 12 inches.

I made mom and dad a late breakfast of eggs, toast and bacon. Afterwards, mom and I took two of the patio chairs, towels, bottled water and books down to “South Beach”. The patio chairs were very uncomfortable, but did the trick. We wanted to sit in the water too keep cool.

After about an hour, we felt we had soaked in plenty of sun. Plus, it probably wasn’t helping my sun poisoned arm much!

We got cleaned up and headed to the dive shop to get a part mom had broken on her BC over the weekend.

And of course, our daily pilgrimage to Publix!

While I was at Publix, mom and dad went to K-Mart to get mom and I real beach chairs.

After we returned to the trailer, dad decided to head back to Fort Myers. He had a lot of checks to sign and paperwork to deal with. Since the weather is supposed to be bad tomorrow, he figured he might as well spend it working.

Once he set out, mom and I set out on a bike ride around the park. Also, depositing our bags in the recycle bins.

After we got back, we sat on our dock for a couple hours reading. Again, enjoying the cool breeze and shade.

Eventually, I made a late dinner of sloppy joes and coleslaw.

We cleaned up the kitchen, checked on the boat once more (to make sure it wasn’t moving too much in the winds) and then went to bed.

At 1:08am, the storm hit. But thankfully it only lasted for about 20 minutes.

I was surprised that I was able to sleep – considering the fact that I started taking steroids today for my ear. My doctor told me that I would likely not sleep for the next 10 days.

Key Largo

The Captain needed a break from the boat for a day.

Have I mentioned how small my bedroom is?

I only slept in it the first two nights. Since then I have been moving the living room furniture around so I can fit the Aerobed in there. Much better! Plus there is a TV, so I am able to sleep.

Didn’t do a whole lot today. Mom and I ran some errands and then mainly just sat and read magazines & books.

Key Largo

We got out around 9:30 this morning.

When we arrived on Grecian Rocks, only to find that there were no balls available.

You can’t anchor while on a reef or in a protected area as you will ruin the live coral with the anchor. So there are big white balls that are connected to the ocean floor that have a tie line attached. When there is an open ball, you tether to it for as long as you want.

We stalked a few boats for awhile to no avail. So we headed to the North Dry Rocks.

It was way too rough there, so we turned back to the Grecian Rocks and just waited until someone left.

At first, we tethered to ball 14. We were over a grass bed and it seemed that it was a bust. Mom went off on her own and eventually I decided if I wanted to see anything, I was gonna have to let go of my tie line to the boat.

I told dad to watch me cuz I was going to join mom.
This was a pretty bold move for me. I am basically terrified when not attached to the boat. I am not the best swimmer and the first sight of a shark turns me into an Olympic swimmer!

I was able to catch up with her and we just floated at the edge of a reef. The water above the reef was only 2-3 feet and if we swam over top of it, we ran the risk of the swells of the water to force to touch them. Touching the coral kills it and it also leaves a pretty nasty burn on your skin!

After about 20 minutes we ventured back to the boat.

Next we tethered to ball # 11

It was really rough there because we were at the edge of the reef. It was about 20 feet of water – but because we were at the edge, it was going to allow dad and uncle Hugh to swim out and around to the outside of it to dive.

After they went down, mom and I ventured out. Aunt Mary stayed on the boat to keep watch since it was so rough.

It was quite the swim and the current kept pulling us in the wrong direction. But we finally made it and started to see some pretty cool stuff. That’s about the time I looked up and realized how far from the boat we were.

I told mom that we couldn’t go any further – we were too far for me.

We floated around for about 5 more minutes and she said we should go back.

Which usually means she has spotted a shark and doesn’t want me to know. So I said, sure!
She swears she only saw a barracuda – but she has told little white lies about sharks in the past.

Soon after we got back, dad & Uncle Hugh surfaced

They had a great dive and saw lots of cool stuff! And a few sharks.

But they assured me it was on the outside of reef in 30 feet of water – no where near where I had been.

We had wanted to go see the Jesus statue, but couldn’t find it. It’s been years since any of them dove/snorkeled there.

Christ of the Abyss is a 8 ½ foot statue standing in 25 feet of water. It has been seen by millions since being placed there in 1965 in the John Pennekamp Underwater park.

Oh well, maybe next time.

The sun poisoning on my left arm is getting worse. And my left ear has yet to open.
Ugh! So annoying!

Here is a recap of our day....

In the evening, we grilled hot dogs, burgers. Yum!