It has been 20.5years since I rolled out of bed and took a short ride to the see the Tigers play. Since 1999, I have flown or driven to any games I have attended. Always at least 5 a year. Most of the time it is all the home games. I do love Tiger Football, but that is not the reason we traveled.
Things that are important when you are 21 seem to change as you progress through the stages of life. Calls for a road trip to see a band or attend an event with a big crew were all met with "let's go" when you are 21. As the years go by you get less and less "Yes". In your head, you say Yes! Then you think about all the conflicts and even sleep you will miss. There were no consequences for long weekends in your early 20's. Now there are of various shapes and sizes. It is difficult to get the old band back together. But when you do, it sounds as good as it always did. That's Clemson Football. 7 days a year.
Somewhere along the way, someone made an over reaching rule that all responsibilities can take a back seat to at least 7 football Saturdays in the Fall. If you want to see your spread out buddies, then you make the trip to Lot 1. You relive the good old days. If you cant do that, what is the point of all the rest of the effort? If you ever see the person that made the rule that football is King 7 days a year, please send him to Lot 1 in the fall. I have lots of beers to hand out to repay them for the golden mandate.
For 2018 and the foreseeable future, we are 20min to Clemson. We have extra rooms and they are popular. We had a lot of firsts this year. For game 1, we took the boat to Clemson. It was an absolutely beautiful morning for the 45min boat ride at sun rise. Somewhat poorly planned and decided over beers the night before, it turned out great. Boating+ Football. Seriously? Where have you been all my life?
Next we had Uncle Unicorn in the house for 3 games. He got one solo trip and one with each of the cousins, Vera and Lucy. Vera had a great time. Evidently Lucy wont miss us SC Terry's. Upon departure, we said "We will miss you Lucy" She says " I wont miss you" as she rolled up the window. We will have to up our game next time.
Our kids made 3 games. A first. The NC State game had some Wolfpack fans come and stay. Their girls were good friends with Kamdyn. It was a great day to look forward to as we made the transition from Apex to Anderson.
I got to tour the Football complex termed "Dabo Land" courtesy of the Carter connections. I probably invited myself. I wouldn't normally do that, but I didnt see another chance. The place was awesome. We all got to go down the slide. I challenge you to go down that slide without a smile. The tour was totally private. Add that to my running tab, Carters!
You need me in the Fall? Call the King and ask for permission. Otherwise, come to Lot 1 on Football Saturdays and watch the old band get fired up.
