Cereal

I guess you cannot simply hop on a international flight these days

You may have seen this already, but: https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_outermountainloop.htm ... My favorite part: If you go through with it, you will probably want to truly appear like you know what you are doing when you check in with the rangers/whomever, so they don't try to stop you from going. But, yeah, there are a couple of spots to cache water (food not allowed in cahces, but looks like you're good for that). I wouldn't worry about people stealing other people's water. There is like NO ONE out there. I would plan to not depend on the natural water sources at all. Hopefully you will have some clear days, and you can clearly see the rolling hills out into Mexico for many miles! Now, the Guadalupe Mtns. are slightly less desolate. I don't recall the logistics of that trip as much, except parts of the hike were beautiful! One last thing before I forget: When you hit up Guadalupe Mtns, you should DEFINITELY take a half a day to cross the border into New Mexico and check out Carlsbad Caverns. It is really funny how it just looks like there is nothing there -- just a couple small buildings off the highway in the middle of the desert -- then come to find out that there is an entrance to a massive cave there! It's amazing.

This is super-cool. Anyone see any articles or anything describing the planning of his feat? How many attempts did it take?

For the newbies (and anyone else)... we have a Tailgate Central forum where specific games will be discussed... already some chatter regarding the @CIN and @CAR games. As for myself... looks like @CAR is the only sure thing. I will think about coming back to WNY for the home opener, then hang out for a week and head to Charlotte for Week 2.

I talked with a Panthers ticket rep last week and again yesterday regarding the group tickets, which go on sale to the public today at 10am. Yesterday he told me that: The minimum number is 20 tickets. You will be required to pair the Bills game with a second game (likely the Vikings in December), so 20+ tickets to that one too. Tickets will be $80 each. Tickets will be upper-deck (500's) on the corners, and will not be assigned til later in the summer. Yeesh... no thanks. Anyone else looking into this? How about the official Bills Backers in Charlotte?

I went in May (I think memorial Day weekend?) a few years back. I brought 10L of water, I think they recommended at least 4L/day. Without looking... I think you can drive to three or four locations on the Outer Mountain Loop (Is that what you're doing?) and stash food/water. Don't forget that some water will be used for making food, too (I'm assuming freeze-dried meals here). "Rolling the dice" may be inadvisable... going a day without water in potentially 100+ degree weather... Is there potentially a water source at this Boot Spring? Yes, I would call a ranger maybe a week ahead of time and they can help make sure your plan is sane

I did both of these when I lived in Austin! June will be harsh. I assume you will be caching food and water in Big Bend? Please make sure you have adequate plans for water. Gas station ice cream never tasted so good as when I finished that Big Bend hike!

Haha. I recently got a new job, and TWICE I accidentally printed itineraries for my interview trips (flights, hotel, etc.) to my current company's home office, while I was AT my current company's other office (elsewhere in Rochester) Someone (no idea who) simply stapled them and placed them on my desk, apparently. No one called me out on it. Good luck!

Some good replies thus far! I have an epic tale of triumph that transpired during the aftermath of the Bills' victory over the Browns this past season. I've been saving the post for a rainy offseason day in May or June...

I'll complain that the Panthers game is their home opener, so tickets may be more expensive(?). And also that I cannot lump it in with a Virginia Tech home game On the flip side, the Carolina falls on my brother's birthday, and since it's early in the season, he won't have to sacrifice a hunting weekend to attend Also, no home games Thanksgiving weekend or Christmas/New Years. It is nice to be able to lump in Bills games with trips home to WNY..... I'd thought we would avoid this! We knew they'd be away for Week 17 due to the World Juniors outdoor game, and likely away for Week 16 as well. Then they slam us with Week 13, 14, and 15 to make up for it!

Not home Thanksgiving or Christmas

That's what sources appear to indicate. Looks like it would contradict Boyst's: Boyst, you hearing anything different?

I do think it's a bit strange, but certainly not unprecedented, as I believe row33 is alluding to.... For example, the Saints and Bucs played each other on Dec. 11 and Dec. 24 this past season! That is extreme.

Where are the rumors? Where are the leaks? Two days here, folks. I am convincing myself that the Bills will be @Carolina on MNF Week 4, with three winnable games preceding it, so that they could maybe be 2-1 entering the game. Something like: Week 1 @CIN Week 2 NO Week 3 NYJ Week 4 @CAR on MNF (This is not based on any facts or reports! Just my delusions...)