On the way to Folly ...

Because he loves vacation (and the beach) so much,

Bo has started having us leave a day early for vacation.

That way we can get in the condo just as soon as its ready

and have sand between our toes before sundown.

This year was no different.

We left on Friday.

Since we headed north-ish this year,

instead of straight south,

we were able to take a little detour in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

That would be where Bo spent 4 years of his life ...

going to college,

playing baseball,

and doing a lot of growing up!

Saying the campus has changed a bit

is probably one of the biggest understatements of the century.

What once was a small campus

is now a beautifully groomed, growing university.

Amazing what 20 years will do!

The college is now called USC Upstate ... and they are the Spartans.

Back in the 90s, they were USC Spartanburg and were the Rifles.

This pic is dark - sorry - but this is the field that Bowdie

practiced on and also even played games on.

The dorms in the back were NOT there - 

just woods or a field or something.

Notice - no stands, no scorebox, no back stop.

That part has stayed the same!

And this would be the baseball stadium today.

Notice, Bo had a field.

Now they have a stadium.

Huge difference.

Really nice.

Makes my heart hurt just a little that Bo didn't get to enjoy this!

Most of Bowdie's games during his 4 years were played here.

This is a minor league field in Spartanburg.

It is old, but so cool.

*read wooden painted stands*

It really was a neat place to play.

I loved getting this shot of Bowdie showing it to Jarrett.

Sweet moment.

After, we had to stop for lunch at the Beacon.

It's pretty similar to the Varsity in Atlanta.

It's even been on 'Diners Drive-Ins and Dives' on Food Network.

When you order, you tell a nice black man standing at the counter what you want.

He then part yells, part sings your order to the line.

It's pretty awesome!

And, of course, in honor of our friend Ben,

we had to sit in the Panthers room!

(they do training camp in Spartanburg each summer)

Love good memories ...

great start to vacation!