Fun, controversy on a double-decker bus headed to New Orleans

Here I am, on a bus full of Utah fans on our way to the Sugar Bowl. There is excitement busting from every part of this vehicle. The following is a short play-by-play of the first couple hours of the trip.

The trip started out strong, with a 6 a.m. departure for 70 Ute fans cramming into a brand new double-decker Le Bus vehicle, ready for 30 hours of movies, food, sleeping and lots of Texas scenery. In the beginning, everything came together well and all was smooth sailing. Of course, obstacles are unavoidable. No less than an hour in, confrontation erupted. If ever on a bus full of passionate Utah football fans, please keep in mind that it isn’t a good idea to suggest their team doesn’t deserve the accolades bestowed on it. Being confined in a moving vehicle out in the middle of nowhere with a clan of now angry Ute fans after you does not make for a fun trip for anybody.

Once the yelling and fighting about whether or not Utah should or should not be considered a powerful program based on their appearance in two BCS bowl games in five years and whether or not Whittingham really bleeds Utah red or Cougar blue had finally subsided, the bus stopped as well. We were too heavy to pass through the weighing station in Monticello, Utah, and were told to turn back. After offloading the trailer full of our luggage, we sat in the parking lot of the largest gas station in the small town for 2 plus hours trying to decide which 15 paying passengers to kick off the island and leave stranded until another bus could find them, at least five hours away.

After Survivor-style alliances were formed and people were ousted, (thanks again for saving us, Bob) the bus got word of a pardon, allegedly from Governor Hunstman, and all people and suitcases were stuffed back on the bus to continue on our way.

We are now eight hours into the trip but two hours behind. Cortez, Colorado, here we come.

Sarah Thomas is a part-time sports clerk with the Deseret News.