College and Cholesterol - Counting Down the Days (Redneck Wonderland Part 2)

[Noel Mugavin]

I was over form the park where the festival and food was being set up.
Interesting boards about the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta on 1 side of the park









Time to eat. Went the rib ends, lady in the photo seemed a little apprehensive about serving me and mentioned something about Daddy to her female workmate. Apprehension came clear, as Daddy returned and had a crack to her about touching his BBQ. He took my serving off her, went to the BBQ and added some more meat and sauce as if to make a point that she didn't do it right.



It was okay, didn't finish it, just too much meat



Back to the hotel for a quick pit stop and to decide on my ensemble. Strange day, where it wasn't hot, nor was it cold. Bit of a breeze though that brought the temperature down a bit at times, but too warm to wear a jumper. Went the 2 shirts.
Back out and off to Georgia State University Stadium, which has a bit of history about it.
As does Peachtree Street.



Route took me back down past the Capitol Building.
Another Lady Liberty



Where I was heading

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Georgia State Stadium, formerly Turner Field, formerly Centennial Olympic Stadium


Parking lot is the site of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, former home of the Atlanta Braves. Following the Olympics, the Olympic Stadium was reconfigured for the Braves and the County Stadium demolished


As I was meandering, heard the sirens and there they were, Arkansas State with the police escort. Asked the young bloke about it later, told me they get it everywhere they play. Fair enough for the Alabamas, Clemsons and Notre Dames, didn't realise the smaller schools got the VIP treatment as well.


For those of you that read that masterpiece of a trip report - 'Taking My Stand in Dixie' - you would know that Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record in the 70's. A black man, Aaron received death threats warning him not to break the record. He broke the record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, right at the spot of the commemorative wall. Tailgaters had set up directly in front of it, so not a great shot.








Hank Aaron statue

 

[JohnM]

Wow, I'll get my mate at Clemson to arrange a police escort for me when I arrive next year .

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Wow, I'll get my mate at Clemson to arrange a police escort for me when I arrive next year .

Photos of the football facility please

 

[JohnM]

Photos of the football facility please

I have zero interest in that stuff, and I think Geoff's is not high, but if we get out to campus I'll try to remember to get him to take me there.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

It was home coming for Georgia State, so I was just doing a bit of people watching, having a few chats with people. Highlight was the Miss Georgia, blonde haired southern belle giving out lemonade samples that told me my accent was 'so cool'.





3 of Atlanta's finest


Into the stadium which Georgia State has purchased and transformed it into a football stadium. Georgia State don't get big crowds and they go the old Port Adelaide trick of covering their seats on the top deck with tarps. Prior to their move to their current home, they played at the Georgia Dome.
Last year at Arkansas State training when I visited they had the big speakers blasting out music at their training sessions. This year, nothing. Again, turned to the young bloke for an explanation. Preparation for the small crowd and lack of noise at Georgia State. In reality it was a small crowd, it definitely wasn't quiet though.




Lot of empty space due to the renovations




10 teams of the Sun Belt


Pre-game practice

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I have zero interest in that stuff, and I think Geoff's is not high, but if we get out to campus I'll try to remember to get him to take me there.

Would it get your foot in the door if you told them the photos were for someone who is a Marriott Rewards member?

 

[JohnM]

Would it get your foot in the door if you told them the photos were for someone who is a Marriott Rewards member?

I suspect not... .

What's Marriott Rewards? .

 

[JohnM]

It was home coming for Georgia State, so I was just doing a bit of people watching, having a few chats with people. Highlight was the Miss Georgia, blonde haired southern belle giving out lemonade samples that told me my accent was 'so cool'.

B-b-b-but where's the pic?

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I suspect not... .

What's Marriott Rewards? .

Hotel rewards program that give out 300ml bottles of water to high flyers like myself

 

[JohnM]

Hotel rewards program that give out 300ml bottles of water to high flyers like myself

Phwoar! - man, how do I sign up to that nirvana?

 

[Noel Mugavin]

More of the pre-game








Nice touch by the Georgia State cheerleaders to come over and chat and have photos with the visiting Arkansas State Troupe, all 5 of them. Could perhaps be another college tradition.


These guys were starting their airforce career on Monday, making their pledge on-field

 

[BriarFlyer]

Enjoying your TR very much, Noel. A worthy sequel to your Stand in Dixie.

Astro's were just commencing the playoffs and are now 1 win away from playing in the World Series, if they get there should account for the Nationals fairly comfortably.

Hmmm....

 

[Noel Mugavin]

To the game and the young bloke was called into action a few times early, which isn't a good sign for the team as it means the offence is not making any movement up field. Unfortunately the defence was even worse, however they somehow held Georgia State to only 7 points at quarter time







That all changed early in the second quarter, as Georgia State found the end zone twice and raced to a 21 - 0 lead





KD from the latest edition of Netflix's Last Chance U. Loves the attention from all accounts and not a team player



Fortunately A-State finally sprung to life and were able to put some score on the board.
Kicker, Grupe, successfully converts for the extra point.
Grupe is a walk on, so pays full tuition fees. The college recruited and gave a scholarship to another kicker after Grupe had a bit of a poor finish to last season. He worked hard on the off-season and held his starting spot at the beginning of the season. He's only missed 1 conversion or field goal attempt this year and is a semi finalist in the award for the best walk on in college football. Met his family last year, very nice people, as is their son and hopefully he is awarded a scholarship for his efforts.





Georgia hit a field goal on half time to head in with a 10 point lead, however momentum had shifted to the visitors.
Finish of the half time show



Early second half and A-State were in trouble again

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Never tried them and Georgia State had put another 7 points on



Field goal attempt



My camera has a 'effects' mode, spits out about half a dozen photos with special effects. They're completely random, so you never really know what you're going to get. I really like this one though.





Georgia State band were making a lot of noise and they were also pretty good



Late in the game an Arkansas State player went down with what looked to be a serious ankle injury


It's the south, so both sides on one knee to pray

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Despite threatening at times, Arkansas State paid the price for a slow start and went down by 13 points







Quick chat and a goodbye to the young bloke and I was on my way. No huge throngs heading back to downtown, didn't really want to be walking on my own through the city at night, so decided I would get to the hotel opposite the Olympic torch and call an Uber. When I arrived at the intersecting street there was a family/group of 6 at the lights who headed toward the city at the light change. Made the decision to just follow a few metres behind them. When walking I was thinking this is probably a bit disconcerting for them, but what can you do. Would have felt worse if they had young kids with them, but youngest would have been late teens.
Separated a block or 2 after the Capitol Building where there was a bit more activity on the street, past the festival in the park, air was heavy with the smell of dope. Not my thing, straight to the hotel, plans on getting a feed a the hotel restaurant. It didn't seem to be open, so just headed up and sorted myself for departure the next morning and to bed.

 

[Noel Mugavin]

Early start and what could have been a nasty situation in the hotel foyer due to some drunken late night/early morning revellers was averted by one thankfully not so drunk friend.
Boarding pass printed out, bag dropped (paid for on the net the day before) and through security.



Fairly painless, went to the pre-TSA check area first, as did most other people - was just over form the Delta check-in desks. The plebs area was another 50 metres or so away and not so well addressed with signage.
Departing from Terminal 3, decided not to take the train but to stretch the legs and walk the underground walkways.
Atlanta keeps it interesting with different displays between terminals. Africa between 1 and 2





Between 2 and 3 was a rain forest effect, complete with chirping bird noises



Between 3 and 4. Thought did go through my head to walk to the end of all terminals then take the train and come back. In the end I couldn't be coughd and went up the escalator into Terminal 3



My ride



Boarded and departed on time, clean and comfortable plane. Live TV available so able to watch the news and a bit of ESPN. Basic snacks given.



Arrived on time into Newark, about an hour and a half flight.
Always a great sight



Didn't spend long in the terminal, but looked clean and plenty of light

 

[Noel Mugavin]

There's a few options to get to Manhatten from Newark, I decided on New Jersey Transit and the train. Quite a lengthy wait at the desolate and windy station, followed by a slow, cramped and uncomfortable ride to Penn Station. Think if in the situation again will give the airport express bus a crack.







Added bonus on arrival at Penn Station, escalators from the tracks were out of action, so up I walked lugging my suitcase.
Out of Penn Station and Manhatten just smashes you in the face.
Walk of 7 blocks to Hotel Shocard, chosen simply for it's proximity to Penn Station. This was a lightning stay so staying around Times Square is not my ideal choice, but you do what you have to do.
Manhatten, so room is quite small. Comfortable bed, didn't hear anything form the street, the air conditioner on the other hand.





1st stop in New York - Shake Shack. Location at the Port Authority, not enjoyable though, just way too crowded. Nothing wrong with the burger.
Off to get a MTA card and down to the Staten Island Ferry







15 minute or so wait for the ferry.
Not the greatest of photo taking conditions

 

[Noel Mugavin]

I've been fortunate to visit New York twice before and had been to the crown of the statue of Liberty, pre 9/11, and in 2015 everywhere but the crown. Read somewhere that viewing form the Staten Island Ferry is just as worthwhile, so one of the reasons I was on the water.






Off the ferry and I spent about 45 seconds on Staten Island as I simply entered the terminal and raced around to jump on a returning ferry as last calls were being made


Back off on Manhatten and wandered around Battery Park
'The Immigrants'



Inside of Fort Clinton.




Korean War Veterans Memorial


American Merchant Mariners Memorial. My previous trip to New York I was in a rush to get to my ferry to Liberty Island and just snapped a quick picture of the memorial off. Looking at it later realised it was a terrible picture and worth me taking more time to get a decent shot. Didn't even realise there was another figure they were trying to rescue.
And of course the path in front of the walkway was under major repair so couldn't get a clear shot, so had to make do trying to get a decent one from an angle.

 

[Julesmac]

View attachment 196390


I've been fortunate to visit New York twice before and had been to the crown of the statue of Liberty, pre 9/11, and in 2015 everywhere but the crown. Read somewhere that viewing form the Staten Island Ferry is just as worthwhile, so one of the reasons I was on the water.


View attachment 196391

View attachment 196392

Off the ferry and I spent about 45 seconds on Staten Island as I simply entered the terminal and raced around to jump on a returning ferry as last calls were being made
View attachment 196394

Back off on Manhatten and wandered around Battery Park
'The Immigrants'

View attachment 196395

Inside of Fort Clinton.
View attachment 196396

View attachment 196397

Korean War Veterans Memorial
View attachment 196398

American Merchant Mariners Memorial. My previous trip to New York I was in a rush to get to my ferry to Liberty Island and just snapped a quick picture of the memorial off. Looking at it later realised it was a terrible picture and worth me taking more time to get a decent shot. Didn't even realise there was another figure they were trying to rescue.
And of course the path in front of the walkway was under major repair so couldn't get a clear shot, so had to make do trying to get a decent one from an angle.

View attachment 196399

My daughter lived in NY for 2 years & we had a month with her before she wound up to come home. On our last day we caught a little ferry around the harbour & as we were heading back towards the city they played Billy Joel's "A New York State of Mind". It was a real goosebump moment, & if I ever hear it on the radio am immediately trasnprted back. Loving your detailed TR