BCS National Championship BAMA V TEXAS Janurary 2010

January 5, 2010 - January 9, 2010 Pasadena, California - Tim, Tanya, Ivan, Pattie, and Jonathan

The Road to the Championship began in ATL.

January 5, 2010

Tuesday night Tim and Tanya met Ivan, Pattie and Jonathan at the Comfort Inn on Camp Creek Parkway. It is COLD. We checked in and went to Lornhorn for dinner. Back to the room. We have a long day on Wednesday.

January 6, 2010 - aka, Jonathan's birthday. Trip to Pasadena, nice present.

Wednesday morning we were up before dawn and on the way to the airport. The hotel provided us with a shuttle. We helped some fellow BAMA fans load their luggage into the shuttle. They didn't know that you can leave your car at the hotel and take the shuttle. We arrived at the airport, used curb side check in. I swear we were the first people to check in. :) Good news: We were through security in about 15 minutes and they even had to pad down Tim, aka, hip replacement man. WHOOOOOOO! Bad news: We have 3 hours before the plane leaves. Oh well, better to be early than stuck in security lines.

It really is a small world. Waiting for the plane was an AMSTI teacher from CA Donehoo and the principal from Litchfield Middle which is an AMSTI school.

Finally, it is time to board the plan to Chicago. No problems. For some of us it was our first trip to the Chicago airport. We ate lunch and then camped out to wait for our flight. We had a LONG layover but finally it is time to go to LAX. The flight from Chicago to LAX was VERY LONG. We all became very bored. Once we landed, we picked up our luggage and then onto car rental. No problems at ALMO either. We used the self serve kiosk and it was a breeze. Thank the Lord for the GPS, aka Karen.

On to the freeway with 7 or 8 lanes on each side. WOW but surprisingly it is not too bad. There were cars everywhere but the driving was not too difficult. "Karen" directed us to our hotel. We checked in, unloaded and proceeded to find dinner. We were starving. Dinner was at Cafe140. The bread was fabulous. Next, onto World Market and Ralph’s for supplies. WHEW! Traveling is over and we are here. Back at the room, Tim detects smoky smell in the room. Upon further investigation, the smoke detector is hanging from the wall with a towel over it. Tim calls the front desk and long story........ we move rooms. Now in the new room, we discover that the air conditioner doesn't work. Yes, in LA in January you need air. In Alabama it is 15 degrees but in LA it is 60 and need some air circulating in the room. Another call to the front desk and they come to check it out but it is an electrical problem and no other rooms are available so they bring us a fan. It's been a long day. Finally, time to sleep.

Thursday, January 7, 2010. GAME DAY!

Ivan, Pattie, Jonathan, James and Leah went to IHOP while Tanya and Tim went to Ralph's for coffee, and game day supplies. We join forces back at the hotel and onto to Old Pasadena.

We finally find a place to park and we hit the streets. Before we had made it to one shop, we ran into Phil and Lynda who were on their way to wait for Michael and Amanda. We shopped and purchased programs and ticket lanyards. More shopping and we ran into Michael and Amanda. The atmosphere is terrific. There are Bama fans and Texas fans everywhere. It is so much fun. Small world, Jonathan ran into Vicky Brown.

We have tickets for the Alumni tailgate package which begins at 1 PM. Finally it is time to go to the Rose Bowl. We still can't believe we are here and going to the historic Rose Bowl. What a privilege for a college football fan. What a blessing!

Pasadena is an easy town to navigate and James, AKA Rand McNally, is great with directions and is currently serving as navigator. Tanya is driving and James is the navigator.

We make our way to tour pre-purchased parking area. We are parking on a golf course, yes, a golf course. Now to find the Alumni Tailgating Tent. We walk toward red and white balloons but no that is not the correct tenWe show a map to some game official on a golf cart and he sends us in the wrong direction. We circled the WHOLE Rose Bowl.

We walked and walked and walked. We saw great sights and many fans. It is amazing just to be here out side the stadium. Finally, on the opposite side of the stadium from our parking area, we finally find the tailgate party. We have to get in line for the actual tickets. Tim stands in line forever for beverages, while the rest of us collect the plates of food. The choices were hamburger or hotdogs and chips.

Note to self.... do not buy the tailgate package again. $35 is a lot for a hamburger, chips, drink and a place to sit down. We must walk the mile or two back to the car for our jackets. The weather is beautiful. It is at least 75 degrees but when the sun goes down, it will be chili. On the way back to the car we ran into Sharon Tucker and Allan Rutherford and their families. Small world!

We found our gate and our seats. WOW! We are in the Rose Bowl. We are at the National Championship Game! Incredible. The Rose Bowl is old and shows it age but WOW the football history in this place.

Evidently when it was built, it was only built as a football field. The exterior walls and gates had to have been built much later. The concourse was dirt and vendors are set up along the walls. There are only 15 tunnels leading in to the Rose Bowl. There is security posted at each end of the tunnel and when it is full, they stop people from entering the tunnel until it clears.

We arrived early to soak up the atmosphere. Watching it fill up was so cool! Cheers from fans would begin periodically. The band arrive and Cheers of Roll Tide became more numerous. Every time the band played the fight song, all Bama fans would sing, very loudly, the fight song.

The pregame included paratroopers with an Alabama flag, a Texas flag, a BCS flag, an American flag and one with a red streamer. Josh Groban sang the National Anthem and there was fly over by 4 fighter jets. Well, it is the National Championship game.

The first quarter was a mix of blunders by Bama and after holding Texas 2 field goals Bama finally scored. Colt McCoy, Texas QB, went out with an injury. Bama proceeded to score three TD's and a field goal to lead at the half 24-6. Third quarter was extremely frustrating. BAMA couldn't move the ball and Texas was getting its act togher and out gaining Bama in yards.

Tim went to the restroom and outside the restroom was a FIGHT between a Texas fan and a Bama fan. One went to the hospital and one to jail. The Texas guy lost his shirt during the fight. The police were taking statements.

Texas pulled to within 3 points 24-21 before the AL defense stepped up and caused a 4th quarter fumble. BAMA recovered and a few plays later, scored to make it 30-21. The noise was so loud all game that you could barely hear the radio. We stood the whole game. The people in front of us stood on the seats so we were basically watching the game as we looked between their shoulders.

They were also VERY DRUNK! The fact they didn't fall had to be luck. The bleachers were wobbly and they stood on them and they couldn't stand on firm ground without swaying so they are lucky the didn't fall and roll onto the field. We are glad there was a video screen because that is how we watched a lot of the game. Bama scored again to seal the deal.

The final score was 37-21. Bama wins its 13th National Championship. WOW!! And we were there! WOW WOW WOW! We sang Rammer Jammer and the fight song.

The crystal football was presented to the team and Coach Saban. Unbelievable.

Now for the hike to the car. One the way out of the gate, there were people grilling and selling food on top of grocery store carts. YUCK. We are starving but not that hungry. :) The Rose Bowl vendors ran out of food by half time.

We find the car and it is Champagne time! We are the Champions! WHOOOOOOOOO The parking lot, aka golf course, clears a little and we decide to leave. Its a slow process but we have been in worse traffic leaving a game. We drop James and Leah off at their hotel and being our search for food. At this time of the night, nothing is open except McDonalds. Yes, our celebration dinner was McD's.

Back at the hotel we fall asleep watching the replay of the game. Still can't believe it.

Friday, January 8, 2019

Friday morning we have a tour of LA scheduled so our morning began early and with the help of "Karen" we are off to Hollywood LA Tours. GPS "Karen" is a wonderful invention and with her help we arrive early.

We check in and then walk around and see the stars on the sidewalk of Hollywood Blvd. The tour begins and our driver is Donny Dangerfield. He's quite a character. Born and raised in LA and loves his hometown. He has lots of comments about the city and the sights. The tour took us through LA and to Venice beach. Venice beach was our first picture stop. It is beautiful.

Waves are amazing. Then onto downtown tour of LA both new and revived. Downtown LA, aka, concrete jungle. LA High School is a new multi million dollar building and it takes up an entire block. It's impressive. Second stop and we bought popcorn from a street vendor.

Tim had his picture made with a donkey. Jonathan and Pattie bought souvenirs. Donny was terrific. Lots of facts, current and past events as he described the area. Back to Hollywood for lunch. Lunch was at Mel's diner on Hollywood Blvd. It's the diner in American Graffiti. Across the road is Hollywood High school where John Ritter was student council president. After lunch we toured Hollywood.

Our next picture stop was on the side of a mountain where we could takes pictures of the Hollywood sign and have it in the background of pictures.

Then onto Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hiss, and Bel Air. We saw the homes of the STARS. Our final stop was on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Yes, Bama fans galore on Rodeo Drive.

The trip back to Hollywood took up on Sunset Blvd, which is part of historic Route 66. Part of the tour took us by Malibu breach where Baywatch was filmed. It was a great tour and we saw lots of sights and learned a lot about LA.

Even though it was rush house when we finished the tour and headed back to the hotel, with help from "Karen" we didn't have any trouble. Back at the hotel we got ready for dinner at Smitty's.

Before dinner, there was a quick shopping excursion to Old Pasadena. Parking was nonexistent so Tim, yes Tim, Pattie and Ivan shopped while Tanya and Jonathan drove around town looking for a parking place. None found so we picked them up with the souvenirs and we were off to dinner. Smitty's is an upscale restaurant but this is the only nice sit down dinner we have had since arriving in LA. The food was fantastic. Back to Old Pasadena for more shopping. Luckily, we found a place to park and everyone can shop one last time. Now time to refuel the van, one more trip to Ralph’s, and time to repack.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Saturday morning and its time to go to the airport. "Karen" gets to there and leads us to the rental car return, once Tanya enters LA rental car return and not just LAX. DUH! "Karen" is only as accurate as her operator. Signs were not plentiful so thanks to "Karen" no problem. Note to self, when traveling in a strange city ALWAYS rent a GPS. A quick return and we hop on the shuttle to the airport.

Good news, we are early but the check in process at LAX is not as efficient as the one in ATL. Shock! Check the big bag and whew, it is 48 lbs, just shy of the 50 lb limit. Souvenirs are packed in the carryon bags so clothes had to go somewhere. Security check in was no problem even though Tim was once again thoroughly searched.

Bad news, now time to WAIT for our plane. We have about 3 hours. Oh well, better to be early than be stuck in traffic (in an unknown city) or in the security line forever.

We camped out at gate 47 but then our gate was moved and so the Ray Barnes campsite picked up and moved. Finally it's time to board the plane. The plane is going to be PACKED so the stewardess offers to check peoples carry on.

We all allow her to check our carryon luggage. We will pick them up in ALT with our other bags. Our plane is suppose to land at 6:20 in Chicago and our plane to ATL boards at 6:50.

The flight from LAX to Chicago was smooth. We literally walked off the plane in Chicago and got in line to board the plane to ATL. That's close! The flight to ATL was smooth. We collected our luggage, called the hotel for pickup. Of course Tim and Tanya had to refuel the caddie.

Once again we were all starving since the only time we had eaten was breakfast in LAX and that was a LONG time ago. We picked up coffee and some chicken. We arrived home at 12:30. WHEW its been a long day.

What a wonderful trip! BAMA National Champions and we were there. WHOOOOOO!

SEC Championship Bama - v - Florida December 3 - 6, 2009

SEC Championship - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Tim, Tanya, Jonathan, Nicolette, Dottee and Mollee

This Nicolette's first RV Trip.  We left for the ATL Thursday, Dec. 3 around 6 PM.  Tim and Jonathan were in the RV and Tanya and Nicolette followed in the Escalade.  We had Nicolette's GPS so we had no problems with directions.  WE had to stop and fill the Caddie with fuel and stop at the Flying J - exit 19 - to fill Allie with fuel and top off the water to prevent the August disaster from being repeated. 

The lot is crowded but we are able to find a good spot.  We parked, got leveled and set up inside.  We unloaded the car.  IT IS COLD!

Friday morning it is COLD! For breakfast we had biscuits, steak and chicken.  Jonathan, Tim and Nicolette were setting up outside when TV 33/40 came through the RV lot and interviewed the group.  Then it was off to lunch at Taco Mac and a walk to Olympic Park.  Phil calls and they are going to FanFare.  We will meet up with them later.

Taco Mac was good.  Then a walk to Olympic Park where we see Kirk Herbstreet adn Desmond Howard.

We had our pictures made by the Christmas Tree. 

We were able to meet up with Phil, Lynda, Michael, Amanda, Michael Jr., Matthew and Laura.  Oh my the boys are so cute.  We played football with Michael and Matthew.   

Michael and Matthew ran and played and were adorable.

Back at the RV, we must make a trip to Publix's.  We needed a few supplies.  Afater the Publix trip we played Wii.  Nephie and Nicolette SMOKED Tim and Tanya in bowling mostly because Tanya's left hook has returned with a vengence.  The only solution, play Wii every day!

We cooked steaks.  We built a campfire.  It was a great day.  We walked back to Olympic Park and took Dottee and Mollee. 

During the night, Nicolette heard a fight outside the RV.  Bottles breaking, yelling, etc.

Saturday morning the day began with Nephie saying "They're here" meaning James, Ivan,Steve, Amy and Isabella are parking and walking to the RV.  We are all still in bed.  Everyone was up immediately and getting dressed in record time. 

Tanya proceeds to make coffee and breakfast. Saturday morning Tim found the evidence of the fight that awoke Nicolette.

We watched ESPN Gameday and then Amy, Isabella, Tanya and Nicollette take Mollee and Dottee for a walk around the dome.

Tim made Timz Dogz.  James and Ivan went to pick up Leah.  Finally it's game time.  WOW what a game.  Everyone bundled up and watched the game outside.

Everyone was cheering.  Horns were blowing.  It was LOUD and CRAZY.  It was fun!  BAMA WINS, BAMA WINS... Whoooooo

Bama is SEC Champs!  We go to the Dome to see the players.  Tanys gets interviewd by an ATL news crew. 

We wait for the players and see a few.  Then back to the RV.  In the lot there is a parade.  Yes, a parade of BAMA fans and a jeep playing the Rammer Jammer, the fight song and Bama cheers.  It was so much fun. 

Sunday morning began quickly because we had to get up and get moving.  We had to be out of hte RV lot because Falcons fans were moivng in.  We stopped by the Flying J to dump the tanks.  No problems on teh trip home.  BAMA SEC CHAMPS!  #1 and going to the National Championship Game in Pasadena.   Allie is 42-8. 

Bama - v - UTC November 21. 2009

November 20 - November 22, 2009 BAMA - v - UTC
Tim, Tanya, Jonathan, Dottee, and Mollee

Friday was an interesting day. Mother was leaving the hospital and going to rehab. Tim, Tanya, and Jonathan met Mother at the Rehab Center in Piedmont and got her settled in. Then to the Barnes house to pack for T-town. No trouble on the ride to T-town. We are able to get in the lot by 6:30. We unloaded the car, set up the RV and wait for Ivan to arrive.

Ivan arrives and we meet Nicolette and Jada at Mugshots for dinner. Dinner was great as usual and then it was off to Publix for our weekly trip for grilling supplies. Why we do not win Publix’s tailgater of the week amazes me! Next stop, Twice the Ice! Even though it is cool, we still need ice for drinks.

Since Bama’s game is a early kickoff, we are having breakfast casserole. Nicolette is taking it to her house and will cook it before returning on Saturday morning.

Friday night around midnight, the Rehab center called and Mother was not doing well and they were sending her to the ER in Gadsden. Her O2SAT is low. Tanya had to call Daddy so he could go with Mother to the ER. Saturday morning we called to check on them and they were STILL in the ER. Nicolette and Jada arrived with the casserole. Everyone was still in their pajamas. Tanya calls Mother’s doctor and leaves a message for him. Nan and Ellen arrived. We are still putting away beds because we have been trying to find out information about Mother. We began to set up outside. Janis, Randy, Hunter and Brianna arrive. Finally we get everything set up. We called Mother’s sister Ann and she was going to check in on her. We also called David and Elaine. Ivan decided to skip the ballgame and go to Gadsden. Tanya sent Phil a message to let him know Mother was back in the hospital. In the meantime, Steve, Amy, James, Leah, and Isabella arrived. Phil called and he was also going to Gadsden. Things settled down and it was game time.

A new problem, as if we didn’t have enough. We can’t find the bike lock keys. We searched and searched. Finally decide they are in the Xterra which is in Anniston. John, next door, beat the lock off the bike rack. Tim and Tanya are off to the game. Tanya stopped at the Corner, Gingers and the Supe Store before finding a lock. On to the ballgame. In the meantime, Mother had gotten admitted and into a room. Daddy has gone home to rest. Ivan is keep us updated through phone calls and text messages. She is stable and getting oxygen.

Bama won-45-0. WHOOOOOOO, Tim left the game early to go to the RV and get the kabobs ready for grilling. Back at the RV, its time to grill. Ginger, next door, is grilling pizzas. YUM! Pizzas were great. The best I have ever eaten. The kabobs were great. A great season of football and tailgating.

Since the BAMA game began at 11:21, everyone was tired and we had an early evening.  Even Dottee and Mollee were tired!

Saturday night, Jonathan work up Tanya and Tim because it was raining and storming. The awning was out and the wind was BAD. At 330 AM, Tim and Jonathan were outside rolling up the awning. It rained and rained, but NO LEAKS! YEA!

Sunday morning, Tim went for papers. The pack up and clean up process began. Pack up and clean up was easy. We dumped the tanks and filled up with fresh water so the RV would be heavier and easier to drive home in the WIND! The trip home was uneventful.

In two weeks, it is onto the ATL for the SEC Championship game. WHOOOOOOOO

Till……. December 5 RTR

Bama - v LSU November 2009

Tim, Tanya, Jonathan, Dottee and Mollee -11/6/09-11/8/09  BAMA - v - LSU

Tanya spent the morning at CARES getting meds for the continuous sinus infection.  A BAD way to spend the morning. 

Jonathan picked up Tanya at work.  Tim was at home so when we arrived at the house, we finalized the loading and left for TTown.  The trip was quick and easy.  After arriving in TTown we sent to the STRIP.  We went to Express and purchased a new "animal" for our collection.  This one is a tiger that is wearing a shirt which says "I wish I was Big AL"    Then it was back to Cottondale to pick up Allie and move to Coleman.  We got parked, unloaded and set up with no problem.  YEA!   We are resuming our normal routines.  Dinner at Mugshots, trip to Publixs and Twice the Ice.   

At Mugshots we ran into the Hulsey's and decided to have dinner together.  We placed our name on the list and were told that it would be 1  1/2  hours.  SO.... off to the bar to place a takeout order.  While waiting to place our order, we make friends with some LSU folks.    The takeout order is going to take a while so we leave the Hulsey's waiting for the food and we go to Publixs for our supplies.  Back at Mugshots, Tim and Jonathan drive around the block while Tanya goes in for the food.  AND the order still isn't ready.  Finally, the order arrives but it is missing fries and pickles.  Chuck is very nice and corrects the order.  Finally...... now to Twice the Ice.  Ivan met us at the RV.  Jonathan set up the Real Big AL.

Saturday morning, Ivan and Tim went for breakfast.  Tanya and Jonathan set up chairs and got the RV ready for the day.  After breakfast, Tim began making Timz Dogz.  Tanya and Ivan took Dottee and Mollee for their weekly trip to the stadium.  Meanwhile, Nan, Ellen, Jame, Leah, Steve, Amy, Isabella, Zeke, Marc and Kathy arrived.   This is Zeke's first tailgate.  Timz Dogz were great as usual.  Dottee tried to steal my hotdog.  Finally, it is GAME TIME! 

The game was so exciting.  Bama trailed but fought back to win 24-15.  WHEW !  Tim and Ivan left the game.  Nephie and Tanya stayed for the whole game.  Tanya had several "fits" - aka Saban fits - of anger over play calling (throwing out of the endzone) and breaking the huddle with 12 men. THANKS to Scarlett who kept Tanya entertained -via text messages- or Tanya may have completely lost it during the 4th quarter. : ) Tanya may need anger management or Xanax if McElwayne continues to throw the ball while the offensive line and quarterback's feet are in the ENDZONE. 

Back at the RV, champagne to celebrate that  BAMA WINS THE WEST!  WHOOOOOOO!   Anne and Taylor join us after the game for burgers and celebration cookie!   The Duncans left after eating.  Jonathan took Anne and Taylor to their car.  Tanya put away all the chairs. It was a GREAT day and a GREAT evening. 

Sunday morning Tim took the pups out and then went to get Tanya's bike.  Tanya's bike was chained to a light pole because Tim left the game early and there was only one bike lock key so Tanya walked back to the RV after the game.  Jonathan went for breakfast and papers.  After breakfast, Tim took Tanya and Jonathan on a tour of a new Allie.  WOW!!!!!  the improvements since 2004 are amazing!  It is also a diesel.   All I want for Christmas is a new Allie  no,no no, no that is correct,  All I want for Christmas ........... is a national championship.  You can always buy a RV.   The rest of the clean up , inside the RV and outside was painless.  The filling of fuel, water and dumping went smoothly.  That's always a blessing.  The ride home was uneventful.  BAMA - SEC WEST  CHAMPIONS!   whooooooooooooo  Now for Mississippi State!