QUACK 2 - WhAt A DOO - ZY!

Oregon Visit Day 2 started with a bit of a sleep-in, continental breakfast, relaxing, and then it was time to suit up for our trek to the stadium.  Sienna had the opportunity to be bussed from campus to the stadium, but she opted to walk instead, which turned out to be the wisest of decisions.

The walk took us behind our hotel and past this quaint river, with wouldn't you know it, some ducks!

 

I had just bought her this backpack the same morning, so she's actually looking quite "ducky" on her way to be an actual Duck for a day.

 

Here we are getting closer to the bridge.

 

 

Sienna and I were tickled pink to hear the moving water and to take in the natural beauty of the area.

 

Photo ops!

 

 

 

As you leave the bridge and continue walking along the path, it's as if you're in a forest like Little Red on the way to Grandmother's house.

 

 

And just as we thought we couldn't possibly be going the right way, out comes the golden 'O'!

 



It peeks through the trees as you come around the last curve of the path.  All are surprised, especially us tourists!

 

 

We keep walking, and get closer....

 

 

She looks ready doesn't she?

 

 

As we arrived a bit early, we took in the athletic sights.  Here is the football building, and behind it, their practice facility.

 

Here are different scenes of the exterior of one side of the stadium.

 



 

Definitely lots to look at and admire!  Then it was time to get to work.  Sienna very kindly helped unload the trucks.

 

Then it came time to check out an instrument.

 



 

Instruments in hand, the band walked through the same tunnel the football team does.  It was so cool!  I tagged along and just tried to pretend I belonged there!

 



We're getting closer...

 

I can see the light....

 

and TA  DA  !!  We are in Autzen Stadium!

 



 

And here goes Sienna, off to conquer the field as a Duck!

 

Here is a little video I took as I stood on the field.

 

The stadium is really breathtaking!

 



 

As the students got into their sections to begin practice, I headed out back to campus for lunch and sightseeing.

 

But don't you worry, I was back in time to see my little girl perform before the game.

From my seat, here's the band working the stands.

 

 

Here they are moving down to the field for performance.  Sienna spotted me in the stands!

 

 

Here are some shots of the performance from different angles.  The field view pictures were taken by Oregon personnel, and I just copied them.

 

Here is one of me zooming in on Sienna.

 



 

Here she is keeping an eye on the drum major.

 

 

Performance was a success!  Thank you Drum Major!

 

 

Seeing the stadium at capacity is quite a sight!

Here she is pepping up the crowd.

 

 

 

After the game they allow fans to come down to the field.  Selfie-time!

 

 

My feet on the Autzen turf.

 

Sienna had a fantastic time and learned so much!  Day 2 done.  We're tired!

 

I'll leave you with an Oregon created video that highlights the day.  No view of Sienna, but believe me, she's there!

 

 

QUACK 1

Our trip started early at a new (to us) airport called Williams Gateway, in Mesa.  It was quick to drive to, had no traffic, and there were no problems parking.  The best part is they fly direct to Eugene, Oregon, and the flight is only 2 hours and 4 minutes!

 

Here we are in the Eugene Airport, and Sienna is happy to see her first duck!

 



 

We got a taxi to the Best Western Greentree Inn, located right across the street from the building we were to report to for our campus tour.

 

It's kind of hard to see, but the hotel is located right behind this local and popular pizza joint.

 

 

After checking in (thankfully our room was ready at 9:30 in the morning), we dropped our stuff off, rested a bit, and then headed to campus for our tour.

 

Along the way we saw this cool mirrored building with a water feature.

 

It ended up being a special building just for athletes.  Dang.

Then we hit the Ford Alumni Center, where we sat and listened to an admissions counselor give a 25 minute presentation.

 



 

Sienna was excited about it!

 

Next to the Ford building is the basketball arena.

After that, we were off for our tour.

 



 

Cool bike rack.  You know - O for Oregon!

 

This is our tour guide - Francis.  We saw him later at the game with no shirt on and his chest painted green.  He was the D in the boys who spelled out DUCKS.

 



 

The following are a series of pics around campus:

 

 

Pretty buildings and yes, lots of trees.  Apparently before they were the ducks their mascot was the Tall Firs.

 

This brick building was apparently where several scenes from Animal House were filmed.

 

Sienna is digging the trees and the fresh air.

 

 

So am I!

 

The O is everywhere!

 

The duck is everywhere too!

 



 

Here is a gorgeous turf field for soccer.

 

 

And behind the turf field, the famous Hayward Field, home of many national track meets.

 

Our tour also took us through one of the residence halls, so Sienna got to see a dorm room, bathroom, common room, and dining hall.  All the residential halls are very close to the buildings on campus, so getting to classes will take no time at all.

 

 

This Duck Store was busy all day.  Students and fans galore buying gear for the first home game!

More tall firs and one weird girl!

 

Signs we are in the right place!

 

 

Whew!  That was a long, yet informative tour.  We walked a ton!  We were happy to be back to the hotel for a rest before my Aunt Eleanor and cousin Laura came for a visit.

 



 

They live in Albany, Oregon, about 45 minutes away.  We had a lovely dinner at a brew pub next to campus, and Laura who works at Costco, bought us these awesome Oregon sweatshirts as a gift.

 



 

Perfect for the chilly weather!  It was a great day!  Two more to go!