From Omaha

Day 3: Really enjoyed sleeping by the creek. It rained at a few points throughout the night too, so it was like a double dose of white noise.

Body is still on eastern time, so I could only sleep until about 5am, but I was able to pack up most of my stuff before starting the Gulpha Gorge to Hot Springs Mountain Trail hike. It was a pretty easy hike, and there was no one else on the trail yet.

A second 9 hour drive was not ideal, but this one was better than the first, as I had not driven through Arkansas, Missouri, or Iowa, and really enjoyed watching the landscape change from small mountains, to hilly farmland.

Made it to Omaha a little after six. Staying with Chris and Maria, who are close with my friend James. Incredibly hospitable of them to let a stranger stay with them. I really enjoyed meeting them and their kids.

Day 4: I woke up and drove down to a trail system that included a pedestrian bridge from Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa.

I ran on both sides, including a loop around the stadium. There were already a lot of LSU and Arkansas fans in line to get into the tailgate lots at 8:30. I both admire their dedication and shake my head at the foolishness of getting there so early when their game isn’t until 6pm.

Went back to the house and was treated to a breakfast of eggs and waffles by the Hilgers. I only stayed for a little as I wanted to get back to the stadium to make sure I could get a parking spot.

Ended up parking on the same street I did for running, then started walking toward the stadium and immediately went by the hotel my Dad and I stayed at when he brought me to watch FSU play 17 years ago. I made it down to the stadium and took in the bar and tailgate scene. It’s really cool being here opening weekend when there are eight fan bases represented. Reaching Omaha is an accomplishment and you can feel the pride of making it this far and the optimism to go all the way emanating off all the fans.

The seat I bought was in the sun, so I opted for a standing room seat in the shade. Most of the fans in the stadium were not fans of either team so naturally we all rooted for Murray State to upset UCLA.

It was to no avail as the Bruins jumped out to an early lead and held off the Racers to win 6-4.

I grabbed some ice cream afterwards from Zesto’s, which is an Omaha staple and directly across from the stadium.

I ate my dessert before dinner, then headed downtown for Zio’s Pizzeria, where my dad and I ate back in 2008.

It’s been really special spending Father’s Day weekend in a place that brings back so many good memories of him.