Plagens' Travels

In the last year-and-a-half, I?ve lived in Chicago, Syracuse, Washington DC, and Detroit. That?s quite a few moves. Now, after nearly 2,000 miles of driving spread over three days, Boise can be added to that list. That?s right? I have arrived. The final leg of the drive seemed to be an uphill one; literally. From western Wyoming, through Utah, and northwest into Idaho, the elevation seemed to become greater and greater. Maybe I just noticed it quickly because, as you can see, the four places I listed at the top of this passage are not exactly known for their elevations. But as the terrain was rising, I was looking off into the distance in hopes of seeing the area upon which Napoleon Dynamite was filmed. Now that I?ve researched and checked a map, I know the drive took us nowhere near that particular locale. But in the short time I?ve been in town, I must say I?m impressed with the city, and I?ve only encountered nice people. After taking a look into Qwest Arena, I only became more excited for hockey season, and hopefully you all are just as excited. Thanks for checking in again. I?ll talk to you all soon.DAY 3Hey everyone! The journey westward continued today, through Des Moines and Omaha, Lincoln, North Platte, Cheyenne, and now Rock Springs, Wyoming: my current location. Nebraska was everything I imagined, and it brought back memories of Harry and Lloyd?s venture into the plains region in Dumb and Dumber; fortunately, I meant to be in Nebraska, and did not drive ?a sixth of the way across the country in the wrong direction.? Another town along the way was Kearney, Nebraska, home of the USHL?s Tri-City Storm. But when passing through Kearney on a trip west, I couldn?t help but think of everyone?s favorite educational computer game, The Oregon Trail. Fort Kearny (with one less ?e?) was a stop, as was Fort Laramie; we did see Laramie, Wyoming. The next obstacle after my trip resumes will be the Green River Crossing, and I am still debating on whether or not I should ford the river and risk drowning my oxen. I?ll probably just follow the interstate.Kidding aside, however, traveling west of the Mississippi brings one amazing sight after another. The terrain, whether it?s the flat Nebraska land that allows one to see for miles, or the mountains of Wyoming, is truly picturesque.With or without oxen, Boise is within reach. I?ll see you all soon.DAY 2Greetings, everyone! I?m about 550 miles closer to Boise than I was when I last checked in?I always knew Grinnell College existed, because it?s in the same athletic conference as my undergraduate institution, Lake Forest College. However, I never thought I?d be staying in this small Iowa town. Grinnell, Iowa is my current location; a tiny college community about an hour east of Des Moines. But the drive?s been fun. My dad agreed to help with my move westward, so I?m not traveling alone. I?ve seen some new places, too; I?ve done the Detroit-to-Chicagoland drive countless times, but had never followed the signs past the Windy City. Previously, only a Motley Crue concert and a Warped Tour had taken me as far west on I-80 as we ventured this afternoon. We passed through the Quad City area of western Illinois and eastern Iowa, home of the AHL?s Flames, and it was all new to me.And more uncharted territories lie ahead. I have never been to Wyoming, and somewhere in that state will likely be my next intermediate stop en route to Boise. ?Til we meet again?DAY 1Hello citizens of Boise and beyond, I?m Doug Plagens, the new play-by-play voice of the Steelheads, and your newest friend. Things are pretty hectic on my end right now, but I figured I would introduce myself before I hit the road. Obviously, I love hockey, and really enjoy all sports? and even things that somewhat resemble sports; I guess what I?m saying is I?m not ashamed to admit that I do enjoy watching professional wrestling. But hockey is what I grew up playing, as it consumed most of my time before I went to college and retired to the broadcast booth. Rock & Roll is a passion of mine in most all of its forms, and I also enjoy spending my free time in the gym. Needless to say, I?m pretty fired up to get out there and get things going. I?m sitting back here in the Metro Detroit area (Go Wings, Lions, and Tigers) with the car just about packed and ready for the 28-plus hour drive upon which I will embark soon. I?m certainly excited to get out there and meet you all. Stay tuned for more from the road?PLAGENS? TRAVELS?.