Scott's time in the holy land.

I just returned from a trip to Columbus, Ohio. I was visiting a long time friend of mine who is getting married in June. I am the best man in his wedding. Bryan wasn't having any of it when I told him I wasn't going to be able to come to his bachelor party. He flew me in and along with a few other friends and family we had a great time in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Good eats, euchre, hiking, campfires, and guitar hero were among some of the activities.


One of Ohio State's Cafeterias. I forgot about Ohio sunsets. There is nothing like them. There are always clouds making the sunsets always different and enjoyable to look at.
Bryan (Smalley) and I dropped Liz, his fiance, off at their weekly small group Bible study and headed here, Brazenhead Irish eatery. It was the first day of March madness basketball. Besides watching the games on the television we enjoyed a pint, caught up on life, I shared all the wisdom I have in my three years of marriage and had a few good laughs. I was remided how much I enjoy hanging out with Bryan.
Smalley had to work on Friday so I found myself wandering around local t-shirt shops and the campus itself. Then, there it was...The Horse Shoe. Ohio Stadium. I hadn't been there in years. I think the last time I was there was ten years ago. I took a few dozen pictures when I got a view of the inside stadium seats.(see the below pic.) "What I would do to get in there today", I thought. I walked around the stadium and noticed all the gates were locked. Then...a food service truck pulled through a gate about 20 ft. ahead of me. My causal walk became a run as I sqeeze in right behind the truck.
Ahead of me I could see the stadium seats through the gate. "Go Scott!" At first I was content just being in the stadium. Then I wanted to get as close to the field as possible. Then...then...a gate. Yep, an open gate. Minutes later I was standing in the endzone then the 50 yard line.
I wish I had a football. I wanted so badly to catch a pass even if I threw it up and caught it myself. Hahaha.
After what seemed like 20 minutes of walking around on the field I set up the camera and got one of myself. I was able to set the camera on the ground and put it on timer. I needed proof that I was there! I was spurred on by the guys to my left in the photo. With a smirk on my face I asked them if they could get a football and throw me a pass real quick on my way out. No.




Bryan is the director of a dorm on the O.S.U. campus. This tells you the hatred between the Buckeyes and U. of M#@hg*.
Bryan letting the OSU president Gordon Gee what he thinks needs to be done.
Saturday morning. Todd and Dave enjoying a conversation during breakfast.
Since I planned the weekend, I had to plan the food as well. Then I realized I had to cook it. It was actually a success. Breakfast: Eggs with potatoes, peppers, sausage, bacon and fruit.
John helping with the turkey bacon.
This was the cabin we stayed at. It was a cheap stay at 150 bucks for two nights. We split the price and it was a great deal for us poor college guys.

A vulture?
This always amazes me. No matter what the age, give a man a rock and he is entertained for hours. Skipping rocks at the base of a waterfall.


This is Old Man's Cave.
Bryan and Todd getting the fire ready for the evening.
Bryan's choice for dinner: Brats. I soaked them in beer for 3 hours before and they came out great. Our sides were: Baked beans cooked on the campfire, sourkraut, salad, applesauce.
When we returned from Hocking Hills, Dad, Cheryl and Emily made the two hour trip from Akron to Columbus for a quick visit. We ate at The Cheesecake Factory.
Bryan and I.
A nice picture...yet incomplete.
Dad and I.