It was my first time and Frank's first time this century! (A bad experience with some not-so-hospitable fans many years ago and he decided he wasn't going to go to a game there for a long while.)
We left the TeePee in Starke where our good friends Ken and Victoria keep their Tail Gator 5th wheel they use for all the home games. It worked out perfectly, including a ride to/from the game!
As we have done with past away games, we like to drive around, get a lay of the land and take in the sights. (Let's just say there is only one "claim to fame" in Starke and we were a week too late for the event.)
Home of "Old Sparky"
As mentioned, we had The TeePee at the KOA in Starke and after touring, we needed to get things ready for cocktails with the Broomes.
Frank, Victoria and Ken
Dinner was at a pretty tasty Mexican restaurant, Laredo.
Ken with a seriously big 'rita!
We have The TeePee, the Broomes have the TailGator.
Since the game was so late and we weren't tailgating, we did some more touring around the bustling metropolis of Starke during the day. We stopped at the local RV supply shop and picked up a few items, including chairs like our friends the Glazers have. (Too bad it was the end of the season but we'll be ready for any spring trips we go on.) Then on to the local butcher, Roy's. The downtown area is about a block long and charming, complete with a two screen movie theater.
Frank and Ken - brothers from another mother
Victoria and Leann - taking the new chairs for a test drive.
The guys making sure the chairs would work for them.
Our friends the Glazers (who we park next to in Tallahassee), introduced us to some dear friends of theirs, Lynn and Rob. They are also first time motorhomers with a new-to-them coach.
We didn't spend any time around campus or in Gainesville but that's ok because historically Seminoles haven't been well-received in the Swamp. Ken and Victoria have a great parking spot as well as seats in a box so we didn't bother with tailgating.
What a beautiful, clear night for a football game.
Everyone is all smiles before going into the game.
Victoria and Leann - sisters from a different mister.
We were thrilled the Marching Chiefs were at the game!
Thankfully we were in the middle of the FSU section.
And the Marching Chiefs were across the aisle from us!
First year Marching Chief, cousin Sidney.
I thought Renegade didn't go to away games. :o)
Jack Nicklaus and his wife. (Grandson is #35 Nick O'Leary.)
Before going into the game, the Broomes said they might be able to get us passes to come up to their box during the 4th quarter. And they came through!
View of the field from their box.
If you looked at solely the stats, Florida's numbers were better.
But thankfully it's the final score that matters.
We waited until nearly everyone was gone before having our picture taken.
Thanks, Victoria and Ken for your hospitality!
So, back to the opening statement. We have cheered the Seminoles on at every game this season. And while there were some games they lost, we had a terrific experience at every game! We may not be as fortunate with the schedule next season (having three away games back to back and in relatively close proximity), but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Go Noles!
