I-80

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A trip that has been on the backburner for at least two years has finally come to fruition as tomorrow I leave for my final baseball road trip of the season, the I-80. This finale trip will be one for the record books as I have an exhaustive list of activities planned and a new ballpark to see.

Tomorrow evening, I jump on board of a Greyhound bus to Portland. This is the first time I have used Greyhound on a baseball road trip as I usually prefer to take the train. However, in this case, taking Greyhound is a necessity because of my flight on Friday morning. I will be getting in to Portland at around 9:30pm, and after a late dinner, I'll head out to the airport on-board the last Red Line train around 11:30. 

My flight on Southwest to Reno, NV doesn't leave until 6:45am on Friday morning, so I'm planning on getting to the airport, getting my boarding pass, and finding a quiet place to curl up for a few hours of sleep. I've never done this before, and I'm a little worried I'll be rousted by security. If worse-comes-to-worse, I have enough money to book a one night's stay at a hotel. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

I will get into Reno at around 8 in the morning. This is when the fun starts. My first stop is to pick-up a rental car in downtown Reno. Hoping to be on the road no later than 9:00am, I'm going to drive down to the old-West enclave of Virginia City. I really want to tour this historic city and see the sights, but the most  important thing is to ride on the famous Virginia and Truckee Railroad. 

I plan on being back into Reno by 3pm. I will drop off the rental car, check-in to the hotel, and meet with a very interesting and significant person. 

Back in October, I spearheaded an effort to honor a fallen police officer here in Creswell. I was able to get the City Council to pass a proclamation honoring the fallen serviceman's life and commitment to our community. On Friday, I will be meeting the widow of the police officer. I'm a little nervous to meet her, but, at the same time, I'm excited to hear more about her late husband, who I have worked hard to honor.

After meeting with her, I'll make my way down to Aces Ballpark in downtown Reno. I have been wanting to go to this park for a long time, and I am really excited to finally see it. I have heard pretty good reviews of the park, so I'll see how it matches up in comparison to other Triple-A parks.

Once the game is over, I have to do the obligatory Reno scene. I might check out some of the casinos along Virginia Street, gamble a little, and just community analyze. I'm really looking forward to comparing Reno and Las Vegas, where I went two seasons ago. I have heard multiple people list comparisons and differences, but I want to see it for myself.

After crashing for the night at the Sands, I'll wake up and find the nearest breakfast buffet. I have to be ready-to-go, however, no later than 8am as I have to catch the westbound California Zephyr out of Reno. It what is supposed to be about a legitimate day ride over Donner Pass and the Sierra Nevadas, I am scheduled to get into Sacramento around 2:30 in the afternoon. 

Now, depending on the train schedule, I have a scheduled 3pm tour date at the famous Sacramento Tunnels. I have done the Portland and Seattle Undergrounds, so I am looking forward to the Sacramento version of such a unique aspect of history. It all just depends on the train not being late!

I've been to Sacramento before, so I have an idea on some activities before the game. I think I'll probably hit up the Sacramento Southern excursion train ride, check out some of the shops in Old Town, and grab a bite to eat. At about 6pm, I'll head over the Tower Bridge to Raley Field.

I haven't been to Raley Field in about four years, so I have some recollections of it, but I am excited to view it now with all of the experience I have behind me. I'm older, wiser, and much more seasoned when it comes to going to ballgames, so I guess this my opportunity to be reunited with the home of the Sacramento Rivercats.

My train back home to Oregon doesn't leave until around midnight, so I might hit grab a few drinks before the overnight train trip back to Eugene.

As you can see, this trip is going to be pretty intense and action-packed. I'm glad all of you will be along for this ride as I embark on the final road trip of Baseball Extravaganza 2012.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)