2001: DENVER “THE ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION OF DUKE”
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DAY 1: CHEERS!
Yet another Palooza adventure is launched with the first official toast between Sean and Craig at John Wayne Airport.
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DAY 1: EASY RIDER
With Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda as his backdrop, Duke thinks to himself, "You know what, I really was born to be wild.”
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DAY 1: STRAIGHT TO ROCKIES
Looking fresh and chipper, the Paloozians embark on their latest twisted journey in the much-maligned Palooza Van.
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DAY 1: THE DUKE OF COLOPALOOZA
The namesake of our sixth Palooza is proudly displayed upon the dash of the Palooza Van--a glowing symbol of heroism and charm.
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DAY 1: READY TO HIT THE LINKS
With storm clouds swirling around them, the Paloozian faithful discuss club strategy for the ever-tricky opening hole at Pole Creek.
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DAY 1: WHAT THE HAIL?!
But before they can really get going, they're assaulted with a painful barrage of frozen hail, icy wind and bad opening tee offs.
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DAY 1: HAIL HATH NO FURY
After the hail stops, the Paloozians decide to test fate by getting back on the course--only this time with a startling array of Colorado's finest.
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DAY 1: IT'S IN THE HOLE
Big Al ignores the cold weather and launches into another spectacular swing at hole #2.
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DAY 1: CLEM & DINK
Palooza regulars, ClemBox and Dinky finally arrive separately to take their place in history's coldest ever round of golf.
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DAY 1: ARE YOU GUYS DONE YET?
The Paloozians finish up in the dark, as this deer waits for them to leave so he can eat some quality grass.
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DAY 1: HAIL OF A FIRST DAY
His first Paloozian activity literally shot down by the hands of god, all are reminded of Dukie's pending "ultimate destruction".
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DAY 1: MOUNTAIN PIZZA TIME
Having worked up an appetite on the course, the Paloozians move on to Hernando's for the annual pizza binge and sing-along.
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DAY 1: HERNANDO'S IN ACTION
When the pizzas arrive at Hernando’s during the Palooza, it is a true feeding frenzy where nary a slice survives.
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DAY 1: POKER NIGHT
The boys return to the cozy environs of the Log Palace to launch into a little poker party.
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DAY 1: COLD HARD CASH
Milo fittingly "fleeces" his fellow Paloozians for a few benjamins.
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DAY 2: NOT READY FOR WINTER
In a shocking turn of events, the Paloozians experience their first snowfall--an amazing occurrence for early September.
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DAY 2: JUST A DUSTING
Luckily, the sun begins to peak through the clouds around the Log Palace and the Paloozians decide to forge ahead and fish.
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DAY 2: TROUT FISHING REDUX
By the time the Paloozians arrive at Colorado River Guides' luxury shack, the sun is out and the lads are ready to reel in some big ones.
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DAY 2: DUKIE BOOTIES
Several Paloozians shame the brotherhood by donning these cute little fish booties to protect their feet from the icy cold water.
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DAY 2: LINES IN THE WATER
Big Al, Milando and Clem all go on to snag some trout...well, I guess that guppy Milo snags is technically a trout anyway.
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DAY 2: BEER TIME!
Dinky and Hummer make their way to the shore, ready to polish off the remaining frosty-cold Tecates and swap fish bootie stories.
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DAY 2: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
With another successful trout excursion complete, Fishing Guide Paul does the honors and cleans the Paloozian bounty.
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DAY 2: BACK TO THE PALACE
Clem, fresh off a fly-fishing clinic that may last him a lifetime, goes mano-a-mano against the hill climbing prowess of the Palooza Van.
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DAY 2: NICE TREE
Nothing says “Kremmling Kitsch” quite like a Christmas tree and welcome arch made of deer antlers. Touching.
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DAY 2: AC/DC COMING UP!
Wreckage counts his jukebox money in Kremmling's freaky hunter bar. The eclectic patronage just loves our special blend of fish stank and classic rock.
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DAY 2: AL SNAGS A NIPPY NAP
After a long day of fishing, Al settles in for a quick nippy nap before dinner.
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Day 3: NOW THAT'S SOME SNOW
Day 3 begins with a lot more of the white stuff--about 6 inches worth. And it was quite cold. Good thing the boys were headed down to Boulder.
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DAY 3: WINTER IN SEPTEMBER
Wreck usually mans the shotgun seat to help Smalls navigate for optimal curb hitting. Here he is inside the snow-covered Palooza Van.
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DAY 3: MORNING PICK-ME-UPS
Hot lattes were just the ticket, as the boys stop in Winter Park for a little breakfast before moving on to Boulder.
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DAY 3: CLEM FEIGNS INTEREST
Clem doing his best to appear interested in Al’s latest attempt to patent the long-researched “Jesus Balls”.
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DAY 3: DO YOU GUYS HEAR HUMMING?
Whenever there’s a need for the food arrive quickly, Jay’s humming seems to kick into high gear.
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DAY 3: BUFFS WIN!
The Buffs storm into action and stomp the hapless San Jose Spartans 51-15, while the Paloozian brethren fight off another bout of icy cold rain.
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DAY 3: RALPHIE HOMAGE
Following the game, the Paloozians gather around the Ralphie statue to add an exclamation point after a solid win.
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DAY 3: IT'S OFFICIAL
Dukie officially enters the Paloozahood with the traditional tongue-kissing of the Colopalooza brick.
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DAY 3: CHILLING ON THE HILL
Dukie replaces Clem in the circle of trust formed to allow for the incessant discussion of computers, coding and web design.
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DAY 3: SUNSHINE RETURNS
As is often the case, brutal game time weather is followed by a spectacular afternoon in Boulder.
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DAY 3: POST-GAME RACING
Several Paloozians walk to the far end of the Balch Fieldhouse next to Folsom Field for a breathtaking slow 100 yard dash.
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DAY 3: MAYHEM BEGINS
After dinner at Rio Grande and a taste of Boulder bars, all hell broke lose at the hotel. Here, Wreck fittingly dons the trash can.
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DAY 3: PARTY HEARTY
And even more fittingly, Big Al somehow manages to sleep and scratch his shiny head simultaneously as the Paloozians carry on all night.
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DAY 4: COORS FIELD
The next day, the suddenly refreshed Paloozians visit scenic Coors Field to take in a Rockies-Giants game.
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DAY 4: SCOREBOARD!
Sensing the celebrities in attendance, the Rockies scoreboard reads, "Welcome Colopalooza 2001 & Pledge Dukie.”
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DAY 4: BARRY'S HAT TRICK
In what proves to be his most important game down the stretch to 72, Barry Bonds rounds 2nd after he first of his three homers.
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DAY 4: SAN FRANCISCO 9 - COLORADO 4
Dinky stretches out a bit, just seconds before he is pelted in the mullet by a towering foul ball. The Giants won big behind Bonds’ huge afternoon.
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DAY 4: ENOUGH ALREADY
Milando, clearly displaying the painful effects of early parenthood combined with Paloozian deprivation, appears ready to go home.
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DAY 5: TIME FOR BEER SAMPLES
With Big Al & The Guapster safely tucked away back in OC, the remaining Paloozians venture on into Day 5 and a quick Coors Tour.
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DAY 5: BEER KNOWLEDGE
Our guide doe not appreciate Wreck's unique brand of beer-tainted humor, taking every opportunity to cut him down to size.
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DAY 5: SOME FRESHIES
Aaaaah, the fresh taste of one day old beer. Smalls & Dukie toast to a successful Palooza over a lovely arrangement of pink carnations.
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DAY 5: NO HAIR BEYOND THIS POINT
Jay takes a snapshot of his tight haircut in an attempt to finally get that short-haired brewery gig he’s been dreaming about.
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DAY 5: PUPPIES IN THE BOX
Jay looks on as the dogs are locked into the starting gates before the next race.
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DAY 5: AND THEY'RE OFF!
The dogs blaze down the first straightaway in a valiant but fruitless attempt to catch that damn mechanical rabbit.
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DAY 5: MICKY D'S RUN
Upon leaving the track, the Paloozians discover a great Big Mac deal running at McDonald's. Needless to say, they stock up.
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DAY 5: INVESCO FIELD DEBUT
Then as a fitting conclusion to a great week, the Paloozians enter Invesco Field for the first time to watch the Broncos-Giants game on MNF.
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DAY 5: NATIONAL ANTHEM
The first flag ceremony at Invesco. Check out the fans forming the Broncos logo in the upper deck.
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DAY 5: FLYOVER TIME
In what would prove to be the last aerial stadium flyover in America for a while, the Blue Angels soar over the pre-game festivities. Broncos go on to win and go 31-20 over the Giants to open up their new digs in style.
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DAY 6: PALOOZA WAKE UP TO 9/11
Tuesday's pre-flight wake-up call is not what the Paloozians are expecting, as Sean and Duke watch the WTC collapse from their hotel room.
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DAY 6: FLIGHTS CANCELLED
After a brief hour of shock, the Paloozians act quickly and commandeer their Palooza Van and drive home. They make it to Vegas later that night.
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DAY 6: STRANGE NIGHT IN VEGAS
The boys arrive at the Hard Rock and play the most surreal round of blackjack ever—complete with replays of the day’s tragedy on every screen in the casino.
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DAY 7: NO FLIGHTS IN VEGAS
The Paloozians depart Vegas on their way back to Orange County. Here’s the completely quiet McCarran Airport.
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DAY 7: BACK IN CALIFORNIA
The Paloozians pass Whiskey Pete’s and the California state line on their way back home.
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DAY 7: A PALOOZIAN HERO
Later that day, it was finally time to bid farewell to the finest vehicle in Palooza history, as the 2001 Paloooza Van is dropped off at desolate John Wayne Airport.
Inside Colopalooza: Craig Jacobin