This morning started with breakfast at 8:00, luggage to the coach and a shopping spree with our Buckley Bucks. We were each given $100 to spend on apparel or travel gear. It is an incredible marketing tool since it is all branded with Jay Buckley Baseball Tours. So we managed a jacket, 4 shirts, and a denim shirt. Not too shabby.
Wheels rolling at 9:45. We then headed to Navy Pier. Had hoped to do one of the boat tours, but they were sold out for the time that we needed. We didn’t book ahead because with the Chicago traffic you can not depend on getting any where at a particular time. So we decided to explore the pier and spend our 2 3/4 hours there.
First stop was the Centennial Wheel that we had seen from a distance. It was a brilliantly clear day in Chicago so did get great views. It goes pretty quickly so you do get to do 3 revolutions. It is 246 feet high and the original was built for the World’s Fair (by Pittsburgh native, George Ferris) to rival the height of the Eiffel Tower. The following pictures were taken from the wheel, hence the reflection.
Then we walked through the Crystal Garden to the shop area. It is easy to pass the time looking through some of the shops and boutiques.
Keeping an eye on the time, we figured it was best to get some lunch. Have never been to a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and it beckoned me. Earle would have preferred Bubba Gump’s Shrimp, but I persuaded him to go to the former. And since it is always 5:00 somewhere, I started with a margarita. What else could you have there? Earle had chicken nachos and I had a child’s fish and chips. Ordering off the children’s menu is one of my latest practices since the portions are much smaller and just as good.
By the time we were finished, it was time to head back to the coach. The gardens on the pier are lovely and we passed a couple of statues on our way. The first was a tribute to all the captains of ships and the second a delightful and whimsical one of children playing, entitled The Whip.
It was just about 95 miles to Milwaukee
We arrived at Miller Park a little after 4. After Ollie parked the coach we walked to the tailgate area where we had a catered tailgate dinner consisting of brats, Vienna hot dogs, baked beans, chips and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
The park opened at 5:40 and we headed there after having dinner. It is really a lovely park and of such a unique design. The roof was open for our game tonight.
The statues here are of Hank Aaron who played for the Milwaukee Braves and 3 of those construction workers who died in the construction of Miller Park.
Just inside the entrance was the team store and the place where I could get my passport book stamped. We then headed up to the Loge level where we saw the Selig Experience. It was a well done film of how the Braves left Milwaukee and the efforts of Bud Selig to bring back baseball to a city. It was quite reminiscent of how Mario Lemieux saved hockey in Pittsburgh. Because of his efforts Selig was elected Commissioner of Baseball in 1998 after having served as acting commissioner from 1992. His office is recreated in a room as you exit the theatre.
Once again restrooms put PNC park to shame.
From there we headed to our seats. Wow - Row 13 right at first base.
The scoreboard was huge, but not that exciting. Lots of good stats, but very little video. On either side were the retired numbers of Brewer all stars.
The Brewers were hosting the Reds and because of the NL Central standings, we were in the minority rooting for the Reds. Killed me to root for Joey Votto and have him standing right in front of us. At least we didn’t have to see Ryan Braun. It was a great game with the lead see-sawing back and forth. Lots of offensive action including a grand slam homer that tied the game and gave the Brewers a chance at the win. But the Reds battled back and went on to win it after an exciting 9th inning.
Meanwhile we were keeping an eye on the Pirates imploding again. A grand slam by Paul Goldschmidt (would that he had stayed in Phoenix) in the top of the 10th spelled doom. The resilient Buccos battle back and had a good chance to win, but Joey Cora in all his wisdom waved Kevin Newman home and he was out at the plate. Final 6-5, Cardinals.
It was easy exiting the park, boarded the coach and on to Delafield, WI and the La Quinta Inn. Arrived at the hotel a bit before midnight with just enough time to organize for the morning and hit the bed.
No comments:
Post a Comment