Page 3

2011, Page 3

Spring Training !

In mid-March we jumped in the trusty Sportsmobile and headed out toward Phoenix, AZ, to take in a couple Padres Spring Training games. But first we had to pass through the little town of Buckeye where we saw some Ohio State football players getting tattoos.

We spent the first night at a regional park south of Phoenix where we could camp for $10 a night. There were no hookups or anything but for $10, what would you expect? It was quiet and private.

We hiked around a bit and admired the saguaros.

We even hooked up our sun shower over a palette we found nearby. What luxury! Lorri was dancing on our blanket.

We met up with our friends, Tom and Patty, and their clan Trevor, Ryan and Kirstin, Ryan's honey.

We got to see the Seattle Mariners and their future HoFer, Ichiro Suzuki. The little girl who sang the National Anthem was really good and will probably be a famous You Tube sensation someday. I wish I had her autograph. That's Tommy sandwiched between Ichiros.

There we are at the game, which the Padres lost of course. After the game we did the "Stroll of Honor" around the bases honoring those we've lost to cancer and those that are fighting it.

Tailgating before and after the game is de rigor, which I think means that you must do it if you are to enjoy the Spring Training experience.

Patty & Trevor, Ryan and Kirstin

The next day it rained all day but the game was a night game. We went to a movie in the afternoon and then to happy hour at the nearby Black Angus. Miraculously the rain stopped and they ended up playing the game but we got too happy at happy hour and missed it.