My Saturday Adventure

[la_samtyr]

So, I did A Thing on Saturday. As in, I went to Denver to see the Avs-Pens game (a matinee game, btw) and I had a great time! What a great game! Seriously, it was like playoff hockey. Very tight scoring, no fighting and only one minor penalty late in the third. (The fans tried to call several penalties but the refs ignored them, lol! ;) 10/10, would do again! :D

And now, for the rest of the story.

No, I did not fly out. I may be crazy about hockey, but I'm not rich. I took the train -- a nice 6-7 hr. ride which got me there right in time for breakfast.

A few words about Union Station, Denver. It went through a major overhaul a few years back and it now has several coffee shops, etc. which are all very nice and moderately expensive. It has a four-star hotel attached to it as well (those prices start about $450+ for one night, and that is for a *small* single room), so no, I did not stay. But you really should check out their website. The food court is full of win. :)

What I failed to take into account was the altitude because there is a reason Denver is called the Mile-High City. It's never bothered me before but Saturday was... problematic. It bothered me some but I thought it would be ok.

Unfortunately, I had about a fifteen-minute walk to catch the free tram that went to the arena (which was a plus) and then another 15 minute walk to the arena itself. I did catch my breath somewhat though I also needed to hydrate. But all in all, I felt ok. I also visited with several other fans, and it was so nice to talk about hockey with people who like it too! Big plus right there! :)

Entering the arena, there was a tray for wallet/purse, keys and phone and then a quick scan for any other metal. Picked up my purse, etc. and had my e-ticket scanned and I was inside. Easy-peasy. The arena has about 20K seats, so it is quite large inside. Staff allowed me to use the elevator instead of the escalator, for which I was quite grateful. Upstairs, I started walking toward my entrance, picking up some snacks (expect to pay $$, btw) along the way and again, there were staff to guide me to my seat.

The game was great! Everything I could have hoped for! I met three nice young men sitting in front of me (this will be important later) and chatted with an older gentleman seated beside me. All in all, total win!

Leaving the game, I managed most of the walk back but exiting the tram, and about half-way back to the station, I started to run out of gas. Between altitude, over-heating (I was wearing a jersey over my hoodie), mild dehydration and low blood sugar, I was in poor shape.

Right about then, my three angels (remember the nice young men sitting in front of me?) appeared and were kind enough to help me manage that last bit. They were quite concerned about my low sugar, asking if I needed 911. They saw me safely into the station, where they brought me water and a sandwich (I handed one of them my debit card, shocking I know) and once they were certain I would be ok, they left.

To Christian, Tyler and Brian -- even though you will never see this, I thank you all. Bless you!

The return train trip was mostly on time and uneventful. And so ended my big adventure. :)

Comments

[catalenamara]

I'm glad you were able to see the game, and yay for your rescuers!

[la_samtyr]

Yes, I had a great time. :) And it is so nice to discover that there are still some people who are willing to help a stranger. :)

[hhimring]

Glad you enjoyed your outing and the game,except for that one bit, which must have been quite frightening, and yay for Christian, Tyler and Brian!

[la_samtyr]

I had a great time and thankfully my three angels made it even better. :)

[erulissedances]

I haven't thought about the altitude in years. I'm sure I would also be affected, since I'm living at such a low altitude here in Minnesota. Still, it would be wonderful to visit Denver one more time. Maybe within another year or two. Things are hectic now, impossible to leave for a few days.

I love hockey, and with both the Avalanche and the Wild playing well, it's been a great season.

- Erulisse (one L)

[la_samtyr]

I've been in Denver enough that the altitude usually isn't an issue. This time it was though. ::shrugs:: Who knows why.

But it was a great game and worth it!

I's like to suggest you look into buying a part-season season ticket package for the Wild. You're close enough, and since you enjoy hockey, it would be a good deal. I myself am looking into a similar package for next year's Avs season. :)

[erulissedances]

I would love it (I used to have season tickets for the North Stars). However ... the Xcel center is in downtown St Paul and getting in and out of there will add an additional hour to my time frame. That won't work. So we catch all of the games possible on TV, and those that aren't able to be watched, DH listens to. It's as good as we can do since I'm not willing to fight the traffic or use public transportation.

- Erulisse (one L)

[la_samtyr]

Maybe you could look it as a mini-vacation? :)

[shirebound]

Three cheers for your angels!

[la_samtyr]

I was truly blessed indeed. It's nice to know that there are people who will take time to help a stranger.

[keiliss]

That sounds like the absolute best kind of adventure, including the transport - I love train journeys. And after all the horror stories one hears, it's great to run into good, helpful young men.

Years ago I lived at high altitude, I'm pretty sure I'd suffer if I went back to visit.

[la_samtyr]

I had such a great time! Mini-adventures are the best! And my angels saved it from turning into a disaster. It's nice to know that there are people who will take time to help a complete stranger. :)

[cairistiona]

I'm so glad you had a good time and physical issues didn't mar the day. How nice of those three to help you out! I've never been to a game, but the hockey fans I've found online all seem to be such nice people. I'm sure that some of them aren't, but on the whole, it seems like there's a lot of kindness in the fandom.

Those hockey jerseys are *warm*. I often wear one over a t-shirt when it's around 40F and I don't need a jacket over it.

[la_samtyr]

I had a great time and it was a great game! :) My angels were so kind to take the time to help a stranger! Hockey people are the best! I hope you get to a game one day. :)

Hockey jerseys are very warm, so I only wear them on rare occasions.

[spiced_wine]

I’m so glad that you had a good time apart from the last bit, but those young men were so amazing. I love stories like this because the young’un’s have a bad press usually, but they can be lovely!

[la_samtyr]

Yes, my angels were amazing. They kept my visit from turning into a potential disaster. I am so blessed to have met them, even for a short time.