Phoenix Suns vs Detroit Pistons

On Thursday night, Billy took me to an NBA game at the America West Arena in downtown Phoenix. The place was packed, and we rallied with the crowd as the Suns battled it out with the undefeated Detroit Pistons. What a great game! The Suns were in the lead for the most part, until the last 1:56 when they were tied. In the end, though, Detroit hit a three-pointer that gave them a five-point lead in the last 16 seconds, and we headed out the door along with half of the crowd. Oh, well.

But it was so much fun! We were just 11 rows from courtside, and being so close made it better than TV!

In high school, I followed the Philippine Basketball Association (my country's professional basketball league) like a fanatic. I was one. I rooted for my team, Ginebra San Miguel, like an ardent fan and never missed a game. With my meager allowance, I accumulated newspapers and sports magazines, cut out articles and put them together in a book. I knew which day of the week each paper would come out, and if the news stand outside my school ran out, I would board a jeepney and travel to the next one a few miles down the street. Few other things have earned such devotion from me since then.

In those days, my favorite players have mostly been point guards or off guards. PBA's Ricky Brown, Chito Loyzaga, Jojo Lastimosa, and Hector Calma were great. I loved seeing them dish out assists and shoot three-pointers. And here again, in the NBA, my favorite is Steve Nash. What a player! And btw, he was last season's MVP -- need I say more?

Here's to watching more games live this season. It's so much fun!

Hiking Mt. Tallac in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Sunday, Aug. 28, 2006; Mostly sunny with moderate winds
Trail length: 9.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 6,480 ft. to 9,735 ft.
Elevation gain: 3,255 ft.
Difficulty: Strenuous



My notes:
Arduous climb. Started at 11:30 a.m. right after driving in from Reno. Going uphill, felt like my lungs were burning! (Perhaps had not acclimatized yet?) First use of my trekking poles and camelpack. Beautiful views of higher elevation, especially with patches of green grass and snow amidst barren soil and occasional trees. Views of Floating Isle, Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cathedral Lake, and various others in the Desolation Wilderness. Summitted at 4:15. Started descent at 4:30. Did not use trekking poles going downhill, and was able to shuffle down a lot. Arrived back at trailhead at 6:45 p.m. In summary, 4 and a half hours going up, 2 hrs 15 mins heading down. In retrospect, trekking poles may have slowed me down. Didn't use it again going uphill for the rest of the trip. Looked at Tahoe Area Trail/Topo Map, Tallac Hike listed as Expert/Technical. Well, now I feel like I can do anything!!!



Trail guide:
Mileage (one-way): 1.7 miles to Floating Isle, 2½ miles to Cathedral, 5 miles to Tallac Providing a spectacular view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness, this strenuous hike is well worth the effort. The first part of the trail to Floating Island and Cathedral lakes is moderate and can be enjoyed by the novice hiker. Beyond Cathedral Lake, the trail becomes steep and strenuous as it continues up the front face of Mt. Tallac. The trailhead is located approximately 3½ miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Look for the Mt. Tallac Trailhead sign directly across from the entrance to Baldwin Beach and turn left down the dirt road. Continue to the trailhead parking. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Sierra mountains; bring a jacket, carry lots of water and allow plenty of time for your trip. A wilderness permit is required.