Gentlemen, Start Your Engines (NH, RED SOX & NASCAR!) **Updated 2/11** COMPLETE About This Page:

[disneyknut]

OMG.. I just started reading this & was so disapointed there isn't more.. honestly, you a way with words.. & i'm loving all of the nascars barbs going back & forth.. this really is going to be a great trip report
keep it coming!!!

[LizardCop]

Originally Posted by crystalloubear

I sure hope Jeffery washed his hands really good after touching that!!!

Can't wait to hear more!

I was thinking the same thing. We carry individually wrapped sanitary/disinfectant hand wipes for special occasions like this, or to use after changing the baby's diapers...

More Please.....

[DyanKJ130]

for the wonderful comments everyone! Not quite sure if Jeffrey scrubbed up after that photo. My guess is he probably did.

Originally Posted by RobDVC

So... Did you pick campsite #20 for any special reason, or was it picked for you by the campground?

Rob, when we started camping at this campground we were a little farther 'into' the safari. We noticed site #1 was usually empty, so we asked for that site as it was right by the path leading to the bathrooms/showers. Site #1 is also across from site #20. It was then that we noticed how much larger that site is because it's not perfectly straight next to the marshy area. Then about 2 years ago, we noticed that the guy who was normally in site #20 wasn't there so we asked about it for the next race. The folks that run the campground told us that the guy who normally has it was deployed to Iraq and we could have it until he returns, which I think is very fair. Two years is a long time, so I don't know what has happened to him. I hope that he is okay.

The campground, more or less considers, it 'our' site now. They even held it for us after the unfortunate toasting of the PopTart! They are very kind to us there!

[DyanKJ130]

Now playing: The unveiling of Kyle, simulated racing and we have neighbors!!

Day 2 – Thursday, June 28, 2007

Today I wore my red Timlin shirt, so today was dedicated to Red Sox relief pitcher – Mike Timlin #50

Some of you might remember him as the guy who did the ‘chalk outline’ of Johnny Damon the day after Johnny ran into the wall over by the bullpen. He split his eyebrow open nicely that evening. (This was in the 2004 season, when Johnny still played for the Red Sox.)


Dedication out of the way, I can get on with Day 2. We got up, the boys had cereal for breakfast and then we hung out at the campsite for a good part of the day. It was still hot, but not quite as humid. I took a walk down to the far end of the safari area and took a picture of our campsite from over there. We’re that tiny dot in the background!


There was no one around!!! NO ONE!!


Back by our site again! NO ONE!!


When I went back into the trailer, I caught the boys doing something. They didn’t let on to what they were doing, but I knew it had to be no good! And, yes, that is Kyle on the left!


The face of innocence? I think not!! What?!?!


We had lunch around noon. The boys had hotdogs and I had one of those Select Entrée Salads (I think that’s the name of them). If you haven’t had one, they are really good. It comes in a plastic container with all the ingredients to put on your salad. All you have to do is add the lettuce. I got the one that included turkey, ham, cheese, cranberries and a lite raspberry dressing. Only 270 calories!

While we were having lunch some people drove past us to set up camp. They were a little farther down and I recognized them immediately as the loud partiers. I was glad they were away from us.

Around 2:00pm we decided to go back to Wal-Mart to check out the Jeff Gordon racing simulator. There really wasn’t much going on. The Dale Earnhardt, Jr. crew was setting up the Dale Jr. Experience.


This wasn’t opening until tomorrow, but we didn’t feel the need to come back to do it as we’ve done it a couple of times now. You go in by that first door on the right and they line you up in the trailer by the windows. While you’re lined up in there you can look at the display case that spans the length of the trailer. It contains all sorts of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. memorabilia. It’s pretty neat to look at. Eventually, they take you through the back door into an air conditioned theatre and show a film about Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Its pretty neat, but one can only see the same movie so many times. In that open area, they will set up racing video games and one of Dale’s cars will be in there. It really is a fun time and it’s all for free!

Here are the boys next to the car, which I’m assuming went in that open area. That’s Kyle with all the hair! (Hey, I can’t complain. He was consistently on the high honor roll for 9th grade this year, with straight A’s & 1 B. I figure we’ve got other things to worry about than the length of his hair. I’ve told him that as long as he keeps it clean, I don’t care as long as he likes it )


Next, we headed over to the Jeff Gordon ‘racing simulator.’ They were giving away cold Pepsi (dark…some new kind). Kyle tried it and said it was okay.

There weren’t many people over by the simulators. Doesn’t it look like Jeffrey is longing to jump into that seat with Kyle?


Then they raced each other


So serious!


Kyle won! In all honesty though, Jeffrey took over when a little girl decided to bail on the ride. In any event, we enjoyed what they had to offer there. In past years, they used to have far more. It was almost like a mini amusement area. The M&M’s car (both when Schrader & Elliot raced it) had a trailer, with some cool memorabilia and an even better simulator than Gordon’s. They would also give a full sized poster of the driver with the M&M’s guys doing something funny to the car and some candy – usually Starburst & lollipops (due to the heat, I’m guessing). Kellogg’s had a trailer where you could have your picture taken in front of a green screen and play on their simulators, while they developed a 3X5 picture with you on the front of a cereal box. There were other simulators, racecars and a platform with a half of a racecar on it, where you could change the lug nuts and race the person next to you. Everything was free and they gave you lots of free stuff too. I don’t know why, but they’ve stopped doing it. Either that or they have moved to another location and we are unaware of it.
Racing complete, we just had to go into Wal-Mart and spend another $77. I couldn’t even tell you what we bought because I don’t know!

We headed back to the campsite and found we had even more neighbors. They had joined the rowdy group down the end. I referred to this as ‘tent city.’ There are like 5 or 6 tents down there.


Kyle wanted to watch a movie so we went inside the trailer. He watched “Billy Madison.” Jeffrey took a nap. (How does one fall asleep in 5 seconds flat?!? Why can’t I do that?!? I want to be able to do that!!) I kind of half watched the movie, while fiddling around on my laptop. I think I played Slingo for a little while.

Once the movie was over, we decided to make dinner. Jeffrey cooked the steak on the grill, while I made macaroni & cheese on our little electric stove with 2 burners. I also made some cucumbers with sour cream and had that instead of mac & cheese. Everything was delicious. The boys helped me clean up by washing a pot!


Jeffrey made a fire and we sat by that, while listening to the radio. The Red Sox had the day off, so we listened to some music instead. Kyle & I tried to make some s’mores, but our chocolate was all melted even though it had been in the air conditioned trailer. (We figured it out later. We had it on the counter over the refrigerator, which throws a little heat ) We still made one each and it still tasted good. It was just a little more messy than usual. We sat around and watched the fireflies for a bit, then we went to bed.


The best thing today was sitting by the fire (Kyle says it was watching “Billy Madison”
The worst thing today was the melted chocolate
The funniest thing today was Jeffrey & Kyle washing the pot
The weather today was HOT & humid! (but not as bad as yesterday)


Up next: Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Fenway Park!

[DrDolphin]

Great update Dyan!!! Kyle's hair is getting SO LONG - but like you said - as long as he's getting good grades and washing it - who cares. Can't wait to read more!

[JaimeandChad]

Great update, and I agree about his hair as long as it's clean and he has good grades what's the big deal? Oh and I the Red Sox daily tie in

[chezp]

Sounds like another great day!

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Dyan We too have that habit of going into Walmart or Target and walking out everytime with a bill over $70, and not quite sure what we bought

Sounds like another great day! More please

[WDWfan]

Another parent who pretty much let her son do his own thing with his hair. My only rules were that it had to be clean and when he started coloring it (yes - he went through a phase where I never knew what color he would come home with ) the color had to be a color found on a regular person's hair. He went through bleached blonde, black (the only color I really hated ) and red before he got tired of that and went back to his normal brown.

I can't wait to read more Dyan!

[DyanKJ130]

Now playing: Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to Fenway Park!

Day 3 – Friday, June 29, 2007

Today I wore my red Okajima Red Sox shirt, so today was dedicated to Red Sox relief pitcher – Hideki Okajima #37. Okajima had been flying under the radar at the beginning of this season, especially with all the hype produced by the Matsuzaka (Dice-K) signing. Okajima has been absolutely AMAZING with his .79 ERA!! .79!! He was also voted by MLB fans to be a member of the American League All-Star team. He actually got the last spot on the team. Two interesting facts about Okajima: he has 2 pitches named after him – the Oki and the Oki Doke!




Okay, enough about Okajima and on with Day 3! We got up and hung out at the campsite this morning & part of the afternoon. We watched a few people set up their campsites, while we sat at our picnic table. We must have eaten lunch, but I don’t have that in our notes. I know Jeffrey had a snack by looking at this photo! Kyle doesn't eat the stuff - he just borrowed the can!


We did play 1 game of rummy prior to leaving. And while the boys enjoyed harassing me about my poor start in this game, slow and steady wins the race and I WIN!! I WIN!! I WIN!! That’ll teach ‘em. (hee hee)

Now, initially we were not intending on going to a Red Sox game while we were camping, but I came upon an excellent opportunity. I am a member of the BoSox Club. (I’m sure this comes as a big surprise to everyone! ) The BoSox Club hosts all sorts of things for its members, while also raising funds for various charities. One of the most popular events is BoSox Family Day at Fenway Park. Prior to the 7:05pm game, the gates opened to BoxSox members (with a ticket) at 2:00pm. Children under 12 were treated to a kids’ clinic with some of the Red Sox players. Then at 4:00pm hot dogs & drinks were served, followed by the 7:05pm game that evening. The cost for all of this?? FREE!!!! All I had to do was fill out the form for up to 3 people and send it in to be entered in a drawing for the tickets. We were fortunate enough to be selected, but I also know there were hundreds of tickets. While they weren’t the seats I am used to being spoiled with, Fenway is small and we were going to be at the game for FREE!!!! Can’t beat that. We would be seated in the Grandstand by right field under the overhang. We only received tickets and did not get tickets for the clinic or the meals.

Since Kyle wasn’t under 12, we decided to leave around 3:00pm. I had wanted to leave at 12 (especially since we weren’t familiar with coming from the North) and see about getting in early to watch the clinic, but Jeffrey was resistant to that, so I compromised. **Please note this is important later on!** Our journey to the MBTA station should be about an hour; about 15 minutes longer than we’re used to. We had a little trouble finding the station and I got a little cranky because Jeffrey didn’t want to stop to ask directions , who in turn got cranky with me Eventually we stopped and got directions. We had to go back to what I thought was the station about 10 minutes ago We found our way to a parking garage, walked over to the station, charged up our Charlie Card and caught the next train in.

We made it to Ruggles station and headed out towards the free shuttle to Fenway. When we’ve gone in via Ruggles before, I have always taken the shuttle. When the shuttle wasn’t there, the boys decided we should walk to Fenway as they had done it a few times with my dad. So, off we went and we walked…and walked…and walked. The foot I had surgery on a few years ago was screaming at me because I was wearing my Red Sox sneakers instead of a good walking shoe and I became a little cranky again. I think I was also a little hungry, so that didn’t help any. Two miles later and we were finally entering the place I hold dear to my heart… FENWAY PARK!!


Kyle by the Ted Williams statue


Roush Fenway Racing


Some entertainment


Snuggling up with Wally (more like…”I’m only doing this for you, Mom” )


We worked our way back outside to Yawkey Way because I wanted to go to the Yawkey Way Store to by some more shirts. We saw this guy hammin’ it up with the crowd.


Once we got inside I purchased a red Tim Wakefield #49 shirt and a blue Josh Beckett #19 shirt. I had hoped to get them both in blue, as I have more red shirts than blue shirts, but they only had red for Wakefield. Oh well, I was only hoping to mix it up a little. I live in Red Sox shirts all summer and for the non-observant people we see I’d like for them to know I am not wearing the same shirt day in and day out. Oh well, who cares what they think! I my Red Sox!!! I offered to purchase shirts or whatever else for the boys, but they declined. More for me! YAY!

We left the store and headed back into the park to find our seats. The boys followed me and we were seated by 6:00pm. There were some people already there from the BoSox Club and we chatted a bit. Turns out we should have gotten meal tickets and we should have gotten there earlier. Apparently, the clinic wasn’t the usual type of clinic…on the field type of thing. There was a table set up on the Red Sox dugout and the children under 12 were escorted to sit right in front of it. The adults sat a little farther back. Three players for the Red Sox – Kevin Youkilis #20, Dustin Pedroia #15 & Alex Cora #13 came out and had a question & answer session with the kids. Then Josh Beckett #19 came out and signed autographs! Oh well, live and learn. I was still ecstatic that we were at the game!

We settled in, then Jeffrey & Kyle went off to get ‘dinner.’ Kyle & I each had a hot dog & shared a diet Coke (in a souvenir cup, of course…only 50 cents more & at least you feel like you’re getting something for your $$) Jeffrey had a personal pizza with a Sprite.

We got to know the two gentlemen in back of us. They came from the Cape and told us they were in their 90’s. The one directly in back of us provided us with a great deal of entertainment with his comments throughout the game. He was hysterical. He also gave me a pat of approval on my Okajima shirt and made various comments about him during the game when things looked rough.

Then I took some photos of our view. (Side-by-side with the view I’m used to…approximately 20 rows behind home plate)

View of the big screen………………………..........................……….view from dad’s seats


View of the green monster……………………….....................…….view from dad’s seats


View of the field……………………………..............................………. view from dad’s seats


Now, for all you race fans out there. This, I didn’t know was going to happen at the game today. Jeffrey’s jaw dropped open when this all played out. He was like a little kid and it was great fun to watch. At the start of the opening ceremonies this flag dropped down.


Then they introduced all the drivers: #6-David Ragan, #16-Greg Biffle, #17 Matt Kenseth, #26-Jamie McMurray and #99-Carl Edwards. One-by-one they came out onto the foul line. I zoomed in on it, but it really isn’t a good picture


Then the #99 racecar appeared and drove slowly around the warning track!! (I told Jeffrey & Kyle that the driver should peel out in centerfield The guys in back of us thought it was funny ) The car had a paint scheme right up my alley! It was white with RED SOX painted across the hood, with red “stitching” on the body & hood! It was way cool!!








How was that?!?! Now, why are all those people standing there by the flag?? They have to stand there to catch it and then parade it out of the park. It’s actually pretty interesting to watch. I tried to get a picture, but it really isn’t very good.


The Rousch Fenway drivers threw out the first pitches and the bullpen guys headed out to the bullpen.


Then the Red Sox took the field


Tim Wakefield was pitching, which totally thrilled Kyle! Let me explain. For the longest time, whenever my father would give me tickets it almost always turned out that Wakefield was pitching. Don’t get me wrong, I am BY NO MEANS complaining. It just became comical. (I’ve seen my fair share of games….Derek Lowe’s no-hitter …one of Bronson Arroyo’s first games at Fenway…I still remember asking my dad, “Who’s that??” It was all over after that!) Anyway, Dad would give me tickets months in advance and when the day would come…Wakefield. An unexpected day at Fenway…Wakefield. Game One of the World Series…Wakefield! Tonight…Wakefield! I actually enjoy watching the Knuckleballer that he is, but Kyle does not like when Doug Mirabelli #28 (Wake’s catcher) goes up to bat because I love to sing the song Doug chose to ‘introduce him.’ “Skydiving.” Between me singing that & then "Sweet Caroline" in the middle of the 8th inning that's about all he can take! Heaven forbid they both occur in the same inning!

Kyle getting ready to score the game. (My dad taught him how when he was like 7 or 8 and now he has his own scorebook! I know! NERD!! )


We even had a touch of Disney


The game was a lot of fun with the two guys in back of us. (I wish I had taken their picture!) One of them kept trying to get Kyle in trouble by asking Kyle to ask the “3 Stooges” who moved in front of us to sit down & stop moving around. Of course, I kept stopping Kyle from provoking an incident. The whole lot of us really wanted to get these guys. They were awful. Swaying side to side…putting each other in headlocks…banging some lady next to Jeffrey…and the best one was when the dad got up, turned around and started to scratch his private area! EWWWW!! We were thankful when they decided to leave a little more than an inning to go. Here is a photo of the back of their heads. I think this was the one time they were actually watching the game.


We got to see Hideki Okajima #37 pitch in the 8th and Jonathan Papelbon #58 (Jeffrey’s favorite) pitch in the 9th. Kyle still idolizes David Ortiz #34! When it was all over the Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 2-1. It was a nice evening out.

We headed out of the park and caught the free shuttle back to Ruggles. We were the first ones on the bus! J On the drive back to Ruggles is when I realized how far it was that we walked We were back at the car by 11:30 and at the campsite by 12:30am. The temperature had dropped to 49° - less than ½ of what the high was 2 days prior. It was COLD!!!! Brrr We ran up to the bathrooms and ran back to get in the trailer! There would be no need for A/C tonight. I even wondered if we should turn on the heat! We crawled under our blankets and drifted off to sleep!

The best thing today was being at Fenway Park!
The worst thing today was Dyan getting a little cranky & the 3 Stooges
The funniest thing today was the 2 BoSox guys in back of us
The weather today was 88°@campsite à 68°@Fenway à 49°@campsite

For those of you who stuck this long update out: Thank you!! I hope I didn’t bore you to tears. I’ve been a Red Sox fan since birth and I just can’t help myself!!


Up next: Fun & Games at the campsite