I'm gonna climb that mountain...

In preparation for my upcoming trip to Colorado, I am trying to decide whether or not to invest in some trekking poles. I'm having a hard time deciding because I've never used them, but everything I read suggests they are needed. So, check the poll here and let me know what you think...

Gratuitous Auburn Post

Anyone else love Auburn Football? I sure do.

At the request of a reader, I had to suspend my streak of consecutive posts regarding the world's game. So, here' your opportunity to comment and let everyone know how much you love AU!

As if they needed the help

On this past Sunday night the US Men's National Team took on FIFA #1 Argentina in a friendly match leading up to World Cup qualifying play. The US had played England and Spain in the weeks before, and had really looked sub-par at best. In contrast, they played a powerful, energized game against Argentina's A-squad.
It was a back-and-forth game until the 70th minute when Pablo Mastroeni was inexplicably given his second yellow card - and sent off. What's the explanation? Is there one? Apparently, after a foul and booking of Maurice Edu, Mastroeni picked up the ball and through it to his teammate. This was apparently in an effort to waste time. The fact is that Argentina was making a substitution and wouldn't be playing the ball for about 1 minute anyway. Once again, a referee tried to make an example and ruined a game. Thanks, Joel Aguilar.
On another note, the US team started a center back named Califf who played very well. I would actually say the game ball, for a field player, goes to Heath Pierce. Very impressive.

VP Warriors Moving up...

The Vickery Park Warriors of NTPSA fame have concluded another season. After victory and a championship last fall, they moved up 3 divisions to Div. 6. This proved to be a challenge as they finished in 6th position this season, but I'm sure they will move on to even more glory next year. Great season!

Broccoli. (Sorry, I don't know what that means, but Jeff seems to like the phrase...)

-B

After much deliberation...

I have to announce that Team Torres will not be entering this years Blue Ridge Relay. That is to say, I won't be entering or organizing the team. I've made the choice between the BRR and heading out to Colorado, and chose the trip to Colorado. It was made easier by many of the folks who were going to be on the BRR team not being able to participate. I didn't want to go all that way and spend 30 continuous hours with at least 1/2 of the team made up of people we didn't know. But, there is always next year for me. I'm very sorry to those of you who are still interested to bail on you; but, I hope you go ahead and do the race and I hope you have a great time! Let me know if you need contact info for anyone who is still interested.
I'm off to begin obsessing (insert: preparing) about the trip to Colorado in July. I'll keep you updated!

B

Happens to the best of us

Here's a link to a story out of Utah involving a track meet, a camera man, and a javelin. Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think. But, you should probably check your stomach before checking out the photo...

http://www.standard.net/live/news/133306#

Trip to the Poky Mounsains...

We have returned from yet another successful McCallen trip to the Smoky Mountains. This continues to be one of my favorite places to go. You can have the beach; get me to a trailhead in the Appalachian mountains, and I'm on my way.

We marked two more trails off of the 850-mile long list this trip: Forney Ridge trail from Clingman's Dome parking lot and Alum Cave Bluffs trail. Both of these were spectacular walks, and both were very different. Forney Ridge trail was more steep and much more technical with lots of roots and rocks. But, once you get to Andrew's Bald, all of the looking down at your path stops and you get to take in the clear view of Fontana Lakes and beyond. Alum Cave Bluffs trail is somewhat more simple to trek, but the outcome is no less incredible. The Bluffs are a sight to behold and I would recommend the 3.5 hour round trip to anyone.

Some extra excitement from the trip included a powerful thunderstorm bringing sideways rain, quarter size hail, and lightning on Friday night. We also witnessed a charter bus becoming stuck on Ski Mountain road on the way up, and, yes, on the way down. I submit this as the greatest act of ignorance of the weekend, no offense to the driver. Finally, we saw 3 black bears in Cades Cove (And about 80 deer). On the way back to the cabin after Cades Cove Saturday night, we also got up-close and personal with ole Smokey. A 300lb + black bear tried to make a break across the road in front of us, but luckily for all of us, he thought better of it...

When are we going back???