Puget Sound 2013

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Certain trips hold a special affinity in the Baseball Road Trip lore. It seems like some of the trips I have done just make sense and that the tumblers of the experience fall into place to annually foster a wonderful experience. Since starting Baseball Road Trips in 2007, I've begun to identify which destinations suit me well and offer the best baseball experience. Tomorrow morning, I will embark on one of those trips.

The Puget Sound trip has been done at least once a year for the past three. I've been to Safeco Field in Seattle and Cheney Stadium in Tacoma many times, but the combination of the two just makes for a great Baseball Road Trip. There is enough adventure within it that I am constantly being surprised by the trip itself.

For once, it is going to be sublime to not have to wake up at 4:30am to catch the early morning train out of Eugene. I actually get to sleep in and depart the station at 9am with a scheduled arrival into Seattle a little before 4pm.

My girlfriend, who is going on this trip, and I will then check-in to our hotel in Downtown Seattle. When planning this trip, I flat out refused to do the hostel experience, so we found a nice little hotel in Downtown right off of the bus line.

After check-in and dropping our bags off, I am going to take my girlfriend up to the Smith Tower observation deck. She has never been there before, and, come to think of it, I haven't taken all of you up there either. I've been to the top before, but it has been about six years, so I will be sure to take lots of photos and make mental notes of this experience.

Once we've had our views satisfied, we'll make our way down Occidental to Safeco Field for the 7pm tilt featuring the Mariners and Athletics. Aaron Harang is scheduled to take the mound for the Mariners, making this the second time I have seen him pitch, while the A's counter with Dan Strailey. Not exactly a scintillating match-up, but if my previous trip up to Seattle was any indication, Harang should pitch well.

Before closing down for the night, my girlfriend really wants to experience the Saturday night scene in Seattle. While I have never actually gone out on the town after a Mariners game before, I'm kind of excited to check out those multiple sports bars and clubs around Safeco that are closed up whenever I go up for a day game. Unlike last year, it will be nice to be able to be with someone and not have to fly solo out on the town. A major plus in my book.

On Sunday morning, we'll wake up and take the city bus down to Tacoma and transfer over to another to take us out for the afternoon game at Cheney Stadium between the Fresno Grizzlies and the Tacoma Rainiers. This is my girlfriend's first time going to Cheney, and it is her first time taking the Tacoma public transportation system, which is an interesting experience in itself.

After the game, we'll make our way back to the Amtrak station and jump on the late train home. I expect us to be back in Eugene at midnight.

This will be a fun trip and ratchets up the intensity and comprehensiveness of Baseball Road Trips for the season. I see this as a progression from Memorial Day - Seattle and I'm liking where this is taking me. I'll be sure to update Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare throughout the weekend, so keep an eye out for that. I will also update on Saturday and Sunday nights about the days activities.

Always take on a 3-0 pitch ;)