John’s Blog
Visit a National Park
Aug 4th
Next weekend, Aug. 14 and 15, more than 100 national parks are offering fee-free days. This is the third of such “free day” offers at these parks. The remaining two are Sept. 25 (Public Lands Day) and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Almost every state has at least one participating national park.
For National Park Week earlier this year (April 17-25), all 392 national parks had free admission. Usually, 246 national parks are free, while 146 of these parks charge entrance fees ranging from $3-25. Besides giving tourists a financial break, the goal is to encourage more future visits by showcasing the natural beauty and the many outdoor activities that each park offers.
The fee waiver does not include camping, reservations, tours or use of concessions, although many of the parks are offering discounts or special offers on their concessions. Many of the parks will also be offering free equipment rental and instruction. This would include snorkeling, kayaking and more.
I highly recommend a trip to one of the national parks. We tend to get so caught up in the daily grind that we forget how awesome nature really is. I love a long hike down a nature trail or just relaxing in a small boat while the current takes us down river. The possibilities outdoors are endless. If you can manage to get a good pizza delivered to your cabin (or tent), it doesn’t get much better.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Behind the Twins
Jul 28th
I recently had a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota Twins and their home, Target Field. I walked away extremely impressed.
Just opened this April, Target Field is the newest stadium in major league baseball. According to ESPN Magazine, it is ranked No. 1 in all sports for stadium experience. Located in the Warehouse District just west of downtown Minneapolis, the 39,504-seat stadium was designed by Populous, who wanted to create an original yet classic ballpark. Populous incorporated local limestone and Minnesota fir trees in the design. The stadium gates are numbered after retired numbers worn by former Twins stars (and Jackie Robinson).
Because of an afternoon of storms, batting practice was canceled, but that didn’t wash out our experience. We started out in the state-of-the-art, spacious visitors’ clubhouse. The Chicago White Sox were in town, and we encountered pitching coach Don Cooper, pitcher Mark Buehrle and pitcher Bobby Jenks enjoying small talk. We briefly joined them but moved on before overstaying our welcome.
Heading to the field, we were immediately struck by the immaculate Kentucky blue grass. A handful of players and coaches gave us their opinions on the new park, and all were very favorable. Twins coaches (and baseball lifers) Rick Stelmaszek and Tony Oliva stated that the park was incredible and one of the best either has ever seen.
Soon it was time for manager Ron Gardenhire‘s pre-game interview session in his office. Gardy kept it short and light, answering questions about a few injuries and the pitching rotation (of course, we asked him about travel). We talked to a few more players and headed to the pressbox, where we met broadcasters Bert Blyleven and Jack Morris (former pitching greats). Each praised Target Field for its amenities and local touches.
The food at Target Field represented traditional ballpark fare along with some creative choices, all while incorporating delicious local flavors. Hrbek’s (named after former Twins star Kent Hrbek) is a lively bar near first base (naturally). Minnesota’s own Schweigert Meats supplies four local hot dog varieties. Great food and aromas were everywhere.
We checked out sightlines around the park and were amazed before we settled into our seats. Then we sat back and enjoyed a 3-2 Twins win in just under two hours.
Twins management must carefully screen the Target Field service staff, since everyone we encountered couldn’t do enough in terms of service and friendliness. For instance, Ron (the head guy in the press lunchroom) not only provided excellent service and quality food but offered interesting facts about the ballpark and downtown area.
I really want to thank the Minnesota Twins and especially Molly Gallatin, manager of publications and media services, for their time and consideration.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Rafting Adventure
Jul 21st
Along the way to our Minneapolis destination, my friends and I made a sidetrip to do some white-water rafting at Wildman Ranch in northern Wisconsin, about a five-hour drive from Chicago. The fun takes place on the Peshtigo River, which features the longest continuous stretch of rapids in the Midwest.
Our adventure started when 11 of us and the guide waded into the water to climb onto the raft. Our guide gave us some tips before pitting the left side against the right side in a balance contest. The left side lost when they fell into the lake. I should have been part of that, but I managed to fall into the raft instead. With the water test done, it was time for some real fun.
We paddled under the instruction of our guide, doing our best to row in sync. Soon we were at the first rapids. The four-foot drop was a nice appetizer for what was to come. We bounced around a bit, paddled strongly and got a little wet; but we stayed afloat and paddled onward.
After another short stretch, we beached the raft and hiked to check out the big rapids. Although a bit nervous, I suppose it was better to see a preview of what awaited us. The 10-plus-foot-drop looked a bit menacing.
We hiked back to the boat and paddled toward the challenge, everyone filled with nervous energy and adrenaline. The guide shouted a last preparatory warning as we hit the rapids. We bounced around but sailed through it all quite uneventfully, except for a couple of refreshing splashes.
We beached the raft again, hiked back a bit and prepared for one last run at the big rapids. This time, the river was a bit more agitated. About midway through, our raft started sliding sideways. At this point, I really thought there was a good chance we would capsize. Several huge splashes and some strong rowing later, we sailed into calmer waters, having conquered the rapids again.
The whole experience lasted about three hours. Upon reaching dry land, we had some Cokes and snacks at the lodge, where we also watched a picture stream of our recent adventure.
This was an awesome experience. The Wildman guide was helpful, funny and assuring throughout the afternoon. He did a great job keeping us alert while letting us enjoy the experience. We always felt safe yet infused with just enough apprehension to make it exciting.
The rest of the Wildman staff (pre- and post-rafting) were also great. It was simply a fantastic time.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Houston Musings
Jul 14th
In the July issue of Global Traveler, Sharon King Hoge wrote an excellent piece on Houston. It made me a bit homesick for the city. Although Houston was never technically my home, I spent a fair amount of time there when my sister and her family lived there a few years back.
Hoge mentioned that 71.7 percent of Houstonians drive to work. I was amazed at that number, as I never saw really bad traffic (except for construction zones). A big part of that reason is because the roads were built with many lanes and many connections. Houston even thought so far ahead as to make allowances for future on-ramps in some areas.
Hoge listed such Houston highlights as the Space Center Houston and the Sam Houston Pavilion. She also included the National Museum of Funeral History, a lesser-known but fascinating place. These are great choices, and I would add the Galleria, which is a huge complex housing a mall, two Westin hotels and an office tower.
Over the years, we saw sporting events at Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros baseball team), Reliant Stadium (home of the Texans football team) and the Toyota Center (home of the Rockets basketball team and the Aeros hockey club). Unfortunately, I never saw an event in the Reliant Astrodome, the first domed stadium in the world, which still stands in Houston.
I also fell in love with eating in Houston. I can honestly say I never had a bad meal in the hundreds of times I went out to eat. Like most places, Houston has great dining, but their casual restaurants really stand out. I had my best barbeque fish and chicken at Goode Company Barbeque. I had my best turkey sandwich at Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli. I had my best buffet pizza at CiCi’s. Finally, I had the best ballpark food ever at Minute Maid Park.
Now that my sister has moved back to Chicago, I only go there about once a year. My brother-in-law, nephew and I will usually go down for the series between the Chicago Cubs and the Astros. Actually, that brings up my only real complaint about Houston. The Cubs never seem to win when I am there!
It was great reading this article. It reminded me how much I love Houston.
– John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
