Lomax to Green 84
Hall of Famer
First, let me clarify that I live in what may be the most boring, non pictuesque part of the United States. For those of you who see the mountains and canyons of the wonderful state of Arizona every day, you may think I am a little off in saying this, but to me, your state is the most breathtaking place I have ever seen! You see, I reside in west-central Illinois. Home to corn fields, bean fields, mosquitos, knats, deer flies, 95% humidity in the summer, and sub zero temperatures in the winter. The only reason I stay is because of the wonderful people and also because living in such a drab area really teaches me to appreciate places such as the wonderful state of Arizona.
I love Flagstaff, and I can't hide my love for this wonderful oasis any longer because for the first time in 6 years, me and my family get a chance to come back and visit! The last time I was here, Dave McGinnis was head coach, Wendell Bryant was holding out, David Boston was 260 pounds and getting bigger, and Raynoch Thompson was considered a "core" player. How times have changed!
Here are my 10 reasons why Flagstaff is the greatest place on Earth:
1. Cardinal fans: It's so cool to see Cardinal fans everywhere you go.
2. Hope: Training Camp is the place of perpetual hope. Hope for a successful season, hope that the rookies pan out, hope that the super bowl is just as attainable for us as any of the other 30 plus teams out there.
3. The weather: Damn it's nice to get out of the humidity for a few days! A simple, yet completely satisfying memory of Flagstaff: seeing my breath due to the 48 degree temperatures at 5:30 a.m. in morning. Sitting outside my hotel room, sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee, and thinking of only one thing; what Cardinal shirt will I wear to camp today!
4. The smell of the pondersosa pines: The sweet vanilla smell is so refreshing especially when I am used to the smell of hog and cattle farms back home.
5. The walk to training camp from my hotel: This year we are staying at the Sleep Inn at Woodlands Village. It's only a 10 minute walk to NAU and I get goosebumps thinking about the excitement I feel the first time we take that walk to camp.
6. See the joy on my 8 yr. olds face when he finds out we are going to Flag: My son is as rabid a fan as I am, and my wife and I have decided to keep the trip to Flagstaff a secret. I can't wait to see his reaction the first time he gets to see Quan and Fitz up close. A dad's dream!
7. Buffalo Park: As beautiful a city park as there is anywhere in the world! The views of the San Francisco peaks at dusk are breathtaking. You can take the loop around the park, or if you have time take one of the trails that leads into the mountains. The huge rock formations and boulders on the mountain trails are a little kids dream.
8.Mt. Eldon Lookout Trail: A strenuous, yet fun filled hike to the top of Mt. Eldon. The round trip takes about 4 hours. There is a lookout tower on top and you can see for miles. It's less strenuous then the hike to the top of Humphrey's Peak but just as fun. The lower elevations have huge boulders to climb on.
9. Oak Creek Canyon: Awesome hiking trails, views of the canyon are breathtaking.
10. The backdrop of Cardinal red, the beautiful green practice fields, and the mountains in the distance. A photographers dream. My wife has a picture we took 8 years ago of the practice fields, players, and Mount Eldon in the background that is simply awesome!
I admit that I am a major geek! Never been to one of the Flagstaff drinking establishments, but I've heard they are alot of fun as well. I hope to see some of you guys in a few weeks.
I love Flagstaff, and I can't hide my love for this wonderful oasis any longer because for the first time in 6 years, me and my family get a chance to come back and visit! The last time I was here, Dave McGinnis was head coach, Wendell Bryant was holding out, David Boston was 260 pounds and getting bigger, and Raynoch Thompson was considered a "core" player. How times have changed!
Here are my 10 reasons why Flagstaff is the greatest place on Earth:
1. Cardinal fans: It's so cool to see Cardinal fans everywhere you go.
2. Hope: Training Camp is the place of perpetual hope. Hope for a successful season, hope that the rookies pan out, hope that the super bowl is just as attainable for us as any of the other 30 plus teams out there.
3. The weather: Damn it's nice to get out of the humidity for a few days! A simple, yet completely satisfying memory of Flagstaff: seeing my breath due to the 48 degree temperatures at 5:30 a.m. in morning. Sitting outside my hotel room, sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee, and thinking of only one thing; what Cardinal shirt will I wear to camp today!
4. The smell of the pondersosa pines: The sweet vanilla smell is so refreshing especially when I am used to the smell of hog and cattle farms back home.
5. The walk to training camp from my hotel: This year we are staying at the Sleep Inn at Woodlands Village. It's only a 10 minute walk to NAU and I get goosebumps thinking about the excitement I feel the first time we take that walk to camp.
6. See the joy on my 8 yr. olds face when he finds out we are going to Flag: My son is as rabid a fan as I am, and my wife and I have decided to keep the trip to Flagstaff a secret. I can't wait to see his reaction the first time he gets to see Quan and Fitz up close. A dad's dream!
7. Buffalo Park: As beautiful a city park as there is anywhere in the world! The views of the San Francisco peaks at dusk are breathtaking. You can take the loop around the park, or if you have time take one of the trails that leads into the mountains. The huge rock formations and boulders on the mountain trails are a little kids dream.
8.Mt. Eldon Lookout Trail: A strenuous, yet fun filled hike to the top of Mt. Eldon. The round trip takes about 4 hours. There is a lookout tower on top and you can see for miles. It's less strenuous then the hike to the top of Humphrey's Peak but just as fun. The lower elevations have huge boulders to climb on.
9. Oak Creek Canyon: Awesome hiking trails, views of the canyon are breathtaking.
10. The backdrop of Cardinal red, the beautiful green practice fields, and the mountains in the distance. A photographers dream. My wife has a picture we took 8 years ago of the practice fields, players, and Mount Eldon in the background that is simply awesome!
I admit that I am a major geek! Never been to one of the Flagstaff drinking establishments, but I've heard they are alot of fun as well. I hope to see some of you guys in a few weeks.
