Haven't Seen Y'all Since Omaha!

We were exhausted. We thought a good night's sleep in a Motel 6 would do us well, but we did not take advantage. We missed the continental breakfast and even asked for an extra thirty minutes before we had to check out. We felt like garbage and knew we had to do it all over again. 

Not only did we dread the drive, but we were meeting our friends from Mississippi State we made in Omaha at the College World Series. We talked to John and Hunter prior to our night in Tuscaloosa about meeting up with them for a beer. Peter turned over and asked, "If we didn't text them yesterday, would you want to meet up?" The answer was clearly no. Regardless of how our bodies felt, we had to do it. The meeting spot was the Keg and Barrel in their hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With our eyes barely open and our feet dragging, we walked in. 

And for good reason. John welcomed us with open arms. We quickly remembered why we wanted to reconnect with our pals from the Midwest. Hunter joined us shortly and the conversations flowed like the Mississippi River. We talked about everything from our times at the World Series to the abundance of craft beer at the bar. They informed us that Wolf was on the big screen during the game for his heroic foul ball act and we told them of the girls that ran out onto the field. We talked about Mississippi politics, the tornado that ravaged the town, and sports. Love these guys. Our somber and sober feeling turned into a lively, lovely feeling. 

Beyond Peter's head and a garbage bag are the numerous taps from around the country including Oregon's Rogue Brewery. We chose to indulge in the local IPA's like Devil's Harvest and Suzy B from Southern Prohibition, which is a Hattiesburg brewery. We met the owner of the Keg and Barrel, who was the driving force behind increasing the legal alcohol percentage by weight in beer from five to eight in Mississippi. This was passed in April 2012.

After the bar, we headed back to John's house. He lived in a beautiful gated community on an acre of land. He grilled up some sausages and chicken for us. Loved it. 

Chicken turned out great. Us northwesterners can't compete with this barbecue. 

Peter and Hunter leaning on the deck railing in awe of John's grilling skills. Well, mainly Peter. 

One of John's wieners made the pic. 

With full stomachs, we began the lawn games. We played beersbee (follow the link for the rules). We played a best of seven series which was cut short at 6 games when Wolf and Hunter hit the stick for the match. Peter and the Wolf are thinking about investing in two plastic pipes to play this game. 

After the beersbee game, we headed to the garage. We mixed up the teams and played Oregon vs. Mississippi in a few games of beer pong. Peter and The Wolf took the first game. 

John and Hunter talk strategy after game 1. We had an argument in the morning about who won. 

A shot of the beersbee field in daylight. 

John bringing it in for the real thing before we leave.

The deck in daylight. 

John's girlfriend was nice enough to cook us a great southern breakfast. We had bacon, eggs, sausage casserole, and of course, biscuits. Best breakfast of the trip.  

A shot of their house as we headed onward to New Orleans. 

We saw John and Hunter in the College Series Of Fortunate Events.

A special thanks to John and Hunter. Thank you guys for showing us Hattiesburg and opening up your home to a couple of travelers you had only met once before. Please visit the northwest and let us take you to Autzen Stadium. You guys are great. 

Thin Lizzy - "The Boys Are Back In Town"