Browns (Browns Stadium)

Cleveland Rocked!
Morning temperatures read 46 degrees with accompanying  5-10 mph winds.  Once outside, we all pretty much agreed it was the coldest 46 we've ever felt.  And 5-10 miles per hour?  Yeah right.   Early on we decided to steer clear of the die-hard locals in the Muni Lot (short for Municipal Lot, as GW so aptly deciphered).  From our hotel, we could see their tailgate fires pin-spotting the otherwise dark parking lot before sunup.  No sense in interrupting their tradition.  No sense in putting our butts in harm's way either.

After driving a lap around the stadium, we settled on a small lot in the shadows of the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, just across from the Naval Reserve Center.  Number two car in the lot, that was us.  Perfect, just perfect.....ooor not.  We miscalculated and overlooked the fact that there weren't Port-a-Johns nearby.  Oops.  

Well, no matter.  Patriots fans saw our beacon and soon began to fill the lot.  With our banner hoisted and beef tips grilling up, all was well.  'Course, that restroom thing would bubble up more and more in conversation as the morning wore on.  How was that problem remedied?  Well, don't ask don't tell is the policy on this one.  But the split frame picture at the bottom of the page will give you an idea of the lengths some had to go.
 
Joe from Murphy's Patriots in Virginia Beach joined us along with his friend Darren, as did road-warrior Rich from Richmond.  We apologize, can't remember his gal's name.  We can't thank them enough for hooking up with us on this trek.  Pats fans from all over flocked to the parking lot.  One thing is for sure, Patriots fans certainly travel well.  So not missing the opportunity,  we just couldn't resist snapping a group photo.  

The game turned out to be much easier than expected; and the Browns fans were gracious in defeat.   As our tradition warrants, we fire up the grill post-game - win or lose.  

A high of 46 degrees?  No way.  Don't believe it for a second.

2004 Browns Tailgate