Going up Adams! Pictures Sunday.

Here are a couple of pictures of me playing in Kleinman a week ago that recently appeared on the Internet (I’m in red, and no that second picture was not a foul, though I think we both ended up with some quality grass stains). These were from our first game of the tournament.

Also, good news, my digital camera has returned to me after turning up under the seat of the car I was riding in on the way down to Portland. I was kind of looking forward to an upgrade to something in the 9 megapixel range, but hey, this one is still free, or paid for at least.

Weekend update. Mary, a friend, and I went for a hike yesterday in Goat Rocks Wilderness area. Up to Bear Creek Mountain to be exact. According to this site the hike was 12.8 miles with 3000+ feet of elevation gain. So, easier than the solo hike I did last weekend, but I was definitely feeling it by the end.

Mary was breaking in some new boots and ended up with massive blisters on both heels and had to cut short her hike. So that was a bit of a bummer as she missed out on some spectacular vistas from the peak. Great views of Mt Rainier, Mt Adams and all of the Goat Rocks peaks.

My digital camera is currently missing in action as of the Ultimate tournament last weekend. I don’t know if I just misplaced it somewhere or if someone walked off with it. I suspect the latter as I’m usually pretty careful with my stuff. So that stinks, but I guess it was getting close to time for an upgrade anyhow. We did take a few pictures on this hike with my friend’s camera so I’ll have to see about tracking those down in the interest of vicariousness.

Today was a little more leisurely. I’ve started to read again after being badly deprived (busyness of new city/house/job) for the last couple of months. I am determined at this point to make time for books. Everything is better when you’ve got a quality story running through your head. So, I read for a while this morning, did a little yard work, ran the dogs, and played Ultimate Frisbee this afternoon. I still feel far too pressed for time these days (hence the infrequency of website posts), but maybe that’s just what life is like when you work a professional job. Still working on finding a good balance.

Just back from Portland at about 7 pm this evening. Very much worn out and nursing a few injuries (one arm has been tingling like I have a pinched nerve in my shoulder and I have a fat lip from a Frisbee to the face), but definitely happy about a super fun tournament. We ended up going 3-3 (one close win, two easier wins, two blowout losses, and one very close loss that we really should’ve pulled out) over the two days. I consider this a success for our team.

I think I personally played really well the first day (four games), playing smart, hustling, and getting in position to put up points. And less so the second day (dropping an important pass in our own endzone and later missing a teammate on a short throw also near our own endzone, in the same game). Still, it ended up not being disastrous, I guess as we squeaked out that win and I made up for it the next game with a couple aggressive layout denials and some hustle points on offense.

Physically, my legs bothered me all weekend. I was able to get one quad loosened up by our second game, but the other one just locked up more and more as the day progressed, to the point where I was fairly hobbled later on that night. Today was slightly better (pain but not hampered at least).

I learned a ton from this weekend from watching the cohesive high caliber teams playing at a skill level that we’re nowhere near yet. It was especially amusing watching the championship game with guys and girls just flying around, making cut after cut and putting throws right on the money. Lots of layouts on both offense and defense and a very quick pace.

I know at least one member of our team was snapping off pictures, so hopefully those will will make it up here in the near future.

Tomorrow is Kleinman Eruption. Portland, Oregon, thirty teams, four games on Saturday and two or three more on Sunday. My first Ultimate Frisbee tourney ever and I’m pretty amped. My legs have been a little tight the past few days (quadriceps feel pulled and I definitely played much harder than I should’ve yesterday), but hopefully I can loosen them up by tomorrow morning. Other than that, with all the practices we’ve been having, I’m definitely feeling strong and in game-shape and ready to run like crazy.