Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
It was the morning of November 4, 2019 and the Gray Rental Chariot (GRC) was packed for the 2nd Leg of the 2019 College Football Pilgrimage. Included in the cargo were the Blessings & Gifts that my Feet received from Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field. For more on the Blessings & Gifts, visit the Pilgrimage Section on the Homepage and click on the Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Story. This is a 16,000 word short story filled with pics and images.
The drive from near Atlanta to outside of Oxford, MS, the home of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the 8th Oldest College Football Stadium in the USA, was advertised for about 300 miles. It was estimated that with the driving skills and habits of My Feet, it should take about 5 hours or less. Speed was not a priority, but Safety and Good Health was. Most of the drive was programed by the GPS to be on freeways and 4 lane roads. When venturing from one Shrine to another Shrine alone, many thoughts entertain My Feet. With no-control on the outcome of the Pilgrimage, My Feet ventured into the UNKNOWN.
There are those who claim that they enjoy driving and there are those who do not make such a claim. My Feet fall into the second category, for driving is a necessity of getting from point A to Point B. As the driver, sightseeing is minimal as one’s senses have to remain vigilant for the dangers that lurk on the roadways. The GPS routed the trip back through Birmingham Ala, the landing point for the start of the 2019 CFP. It was on the same freeway taken to Atlanta from Birmingham. Mental notes were used as a reference for roadwork construction was part of the drive from Birmingham to Atlanta.
Stops were planned at the 100 and 200 mile mark to stretch and take a few Deep Breaths while enjoying the scenery. The anticipated construction roadwork did not cause any unexpected delays, but it did slow down the speeds of the Chariots. Once beyond the construction, the higher speed limit gave a sense of making-up for lost TIME. All seemed to be back on the original schedule around the 150 mile mark. Then an unexpected sign reared its head with a Warning. It read, ‘In 5 Miles, One Lane’. The Chariots were still flowing freely, but in a short distance, all would change dramatically. At the 4 Mile Mark, the Chariots pace dropped to a walk.
Though the walk kept moving, it changed into a slow baby’s crawl between the 4 and 3 mile mark. Progress was being made. To keep the Spirits of My Feet up, my thoughts kept reflecting on a statement once used in another writing. “Slow Progress is Progress”. One should remember that in the Game of LIFE, once the Progress Stops, the Dirt Throwin Will Begin. Eventually, at the 3 Mile Mark, both lanes of traffic were now at a Snail’s Pace. When one adds, a Snail’s Pace with no clock to inform the driver, one’s Patience is put to the test. The 3 mile converging drive took about an hour. Though the GPS kept offering new route directions with a few exits, it was decided to remain with Slow Progress.
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Many, who shared my Pilgrimage with me, blest me with a safe and healthy journey. As I thought about the many ‘Blessings’ that were created, the two that affected me the most were:
Two travel days make up the agenda. My Pilgrimage began on Wednesday, 11/8/16 and will end upon my return home on Saturday, 11/26/16.
Another relationship would go separate ways. (CAUTION THIS POST IS 10,500 WORDS)
I always adhere to the words of Coach Jack Laraway.
My 12-year-old dream was to “Attend College on a football scholarship and to become a teacher”. Coach Jack along with other coaches provided me the guidance, encouragement, and wisdom for me, so that I was able to PLAYIN MY DREAMS at Pitt University.