When John David and I first started dating, he opened my eyes to the world of tailgating. I didn't tailgate while at Alabama, and sure enough didn't after I graduated.
A year or so before we started dating, John David began a tradition of loading up his smoker and heading to the quad for a full day of food and friends for most of the home games. The first football season we dated, I got to go along for the ride and help out. Since then, between an engagement and a wedding, tailgating has really taken a backseat.
This football season, we decided we would focus our energies on tailgating one weekend...so this past weekend we finally made the trip with smoker in tow!
Chams had me up super early on Saturday (which is a feat in and of itself) getting ready and packing up for the busy day ahead. I admittedly was being somewhat difficult to motivate. I love the tailgating event, but know all too well what is left after the day is over...a half day of cleaning!
We got to Tuscaloosa early and had some time to kill before firing up the smoker. We took a stroll down University Blvd, reminiscing about the college days and how so much has changed in the short five years since we graduated. We ended up shopping at the Locker Room and treating ourselves to a little early lunch here:
Oh my, this would be one of my top 5 favorite things about Tuscaloosa! The barbecue nachos are divine, and a must on game day!
These didn't last long!
We got back to our tailgating spot that our good friends Luke and Katie had set up for us and fired up the smoker.
As many of you know, my Chams can cook...especially on a smoker. On Saturday we had a variety...
Wild turkey breasts, a Boston butt, duck poppers and chicken wings (per my request). It was all so wonderful, and is still being enjoyed at the Chambless Ranch!
After extremely full bellies, we headed to the game.
It was a great W by the Crimson Tide!
On Sunday, the dreadful cleaning of all the tailgate supplies awaited us. By the time everything was clean and put away, we were exhausted. Guess we better rest up for the next tailgating trip...next year!
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