For some reason we were spared any true cold-weather games until the last trip of the year. From the heat in Oxnard, California, the heat and humidity of practicing and playing in New Jersey in early September to the cold and snow of Denver, it has been a very interesting year of travel for the Oakland Raiders.
It was 40 degrees at kickoff in Denver this past Sunday but the temperature quickly dropped as the sun sank behind Sports Authority Field at Mile High. You never know what you're going to get weather-wise in Denver no matter the time of year. It could snow in June or hit 80 degrees on New Year's Day.
We stayed in downtown Denver this trip. Our hotel was less than a block away from 16th Street Mall which is a central thoroughfare for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. There are plenty of eateries, watering holes and stores along this long drag. Walking was a bit treacherous with the ice and slush, but, with everything in close proximity, it wasn't difficult to get out and about.
The view of the Rocky Mountains is spectacular from downtown Denver and the stadium sits next to an amusement park. It was a little chilly for a roller coaster ride. Maybe next time.
We flew 36,106 miles during the regular season, 10,000 more than the next team (Seattle Seahawks). The Raiders scrimmaged with the Cowboys in Oxnard, played at the University of Minnesota during the preseason, spent a few extra days in the Garden State, traveled to London, England, and visited a couple of cities for the first time in several years.
The W-L record notwithstanding, and it is not lost on me that this is what matters, this season has been a unique one for travel and experiences. It was unseasonably warm in England and Kansas City, there was plenty of good food and entertaining and educational attractions. We met a lot of phenomenal people along the way.
Thanks to our pleasant and professional crew from United Airlines.
I hope you enjoyed reading the Travel Blog this season. I certainly have enjoyed writing it.
