Final Four - New Orleans - 2012

What an outstanding time in New Orleans last weekend!!!
Jim, Pete, Ryland and I met up in New Orleans on Friday afternoon and we each flew home on Tuesday.
Great food, great beer and great friends!!!
Only disappointment was Saturday's Buckeye game...leading throughout and then losing by two!!!

On Friday, we had the opportunity to go to the Superdome and watch the Buckeyes at their last practice prior to the game on Saturday. It was a close-up view of a Buckeye practice.

On Friday evening we went to Woldenberg Park for a free concert, the AT&T Block Party featuring KISS.

On Saturday we took the trolley to the Garden District. On our return from that area, we stopped at the Columns Hotel to have a drink in their bar. From there, we caught a taxi and went to the Buckeye Rally that was held at the downtown Sheraton.

The rally featured ex-Buckeyes as well as President Gee and Gene Smith. The band, cheerleaders and Brutus were also there.

Buckeyes 62  Kansas 64

(all that needs to be said!)

We hand some great New Orleans food in places like "World Famous" Mulate's

Baby Cries with Michigan Fight Song !!

Lincoln, Nebraska !

Pete talking with Ron Cook, a player from the 1957 Ohio State National Championship Team. Ron's wife also had two pairs of "Gold Pants" to display for us.

With an outcome like we had... it is still possible to say we had a really great weekend!!

Pete and I flew out of Cleveland on Friday morning around 9 am and returned around 5:30 pm on Sunday evening. 

The first comment I need to make is regarding the hospitality of the Nebraska fans. The hospitality was incredible. Not once, but several times, we were approached with a  "Welcome" or a  "Glad you are here."

We were invited to tailgating and on several occasions offered help as to the bars or restaurants we should be sure to find. Just REALLY nice fans.

We spent some time in the Hay Market Area ... an area of bars and restaurants and great fans. 

Here we are the first day talking to Mark and some of his friends about parking issues and places to see while here. Great guys who later invited us to tailgate with them prior to the game on Saturday.

That evening, Joel found a great cigar bar where we smoked a Hemmingway cigar (thanks, Joel) and drank a local micro brew beer.

"The Crew" at a Mexican Restaurant. We had Don Quixote Amber Bocks and some good food.

Again, the fans at Nebraska were GREAT to be with. Here we are with Mark Champion, a local architect and Nebraska fan, at his office downtown prior to the game. GREAT group of guys!!

The game was truly a game of two halves... totally in control the first half and outplayed and defeated in the second half. 

Wisconsin 29 Ohio State 33 UNBELIEVABLE !!!!

You had to have been there!!!!

Awesome, Incredible atmosphere and emotions!!!

Ohio State receiver Devin Smith catches a 40-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left, putting the Buckeyes ahead for good. Wisconsin defender Marcus Cromartie, left, is late to arrive. (from Columbus Dispatch)

Ohio State’s Braxton Miller takes off on a 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The score put the Buckeyes up 26-14. (from Columbus Dispatch)

Michigan State Game

Well, Joe, Pete and I  had a good weekend in Columbus... however, the OSU football team contributed Nothing to that good time.

Friday night we saw an exciting girls volleyball game...really...close games, hard play, and a victory. We also went down to the new Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe for something to eat, and drink. We also found a bar, Old Bag of Nails Pub, located in Grandview where we had a another drink before heading to our hotel.

  "Hineygate" with the Danger Brothers was good!!

The game really does not deserve to be commented on... NO offense, questionable play calling and no QB play!!!  UGLY!!!!

After the game we did stop at the Student Union for something to eat, and drink.

Octoberfest

Friday on our way down to Cincinnati, Pete and Joe and I stopped at the Tilted Kilt!!! Only comment...."well worth the stop."

Seven of us arrived in Cincinnati for the annual Octoberfest. 

Cincinnati's Octoberfest is the 2nd largest in the world!!! The first is in Munich, Germany.

Saturday evening, we went to a couple of the local establishments for beers and to watch the Buckeyes. It was NOT an enjoyable evening as the Buckeyes were beaten by Miami 24 - 6.

Overall, however, it was an outstanding weekend of beers, German foods and good friendship!!!

Thanks, Guys.

Need to plan for next year's Octoberfest!!! (and a stop at the Tilted Kilt)

Ohio State vs. Toledo

Hineygate was way more comfortable enjoying...

...than the ballgame. Wow !!!  Waaay too close!!! We could have easily lost that one!!

Final: OSU 27 - Toledo 22