Team First Soccer Camp

I have a thing for famous people....(Secretly I wish I was famous)....And I have thing for fitness.....(which is obvious to most!).  So when given the opportunity to watch some AMAZING famous athletes do their thing how could I ever say no!!!

 

 Team First is a soccer camp run by Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Tisha Venturini-Hoch (Tisha pictured above, and I promise one day I will get that move dialed!!!!).  They did an amazing job building confidence, teaching respect for the game and each other, and had an incredibly fun time doing it!!! I didn't participate in the camp, but I certainly walked away feeling motivated and inspired!!

 

As were these girls!!  Up and coming soccer all stars....I am sure of it!!

Old Rag - The Best of the Best

Old Rag is my favorite hike in the Shenandoah valley.  Its got everything....great elevation gain, on a great trail, followed by about a mile of awesome rock scrambling to the peak, and an awesome easily trot-able trail down the back side!

I do get bummed out that this trail, to me, is the best of the best here on the East Coast, the trail is often super packed with people, and the two-plus hour drive doesn't win it any points......BITTER PARTY OF ONE......But I'm trying to stay focused on the positives -- at least I have access, and now have a schedule that allows me to get out more often.....(just had to vent, because sometimes venting makes a person feel a little better!).

Andrew had never done this one before, and he certainly had a great time!! Bummer for us when we reached the top, the clouds rolled in, so we didn't get the fabulous views of the Shenandoah Valley below.  Regardless it was an amazing day, and I was super excited to busting out the Houdini!!! Fall is in the air -- enjoy everyone!!

Overall Loop and Some Product Testing - Patagonia Super Cell

Story in short.  I like gear, and I like to know how well it works.  So when my new Patagonia Super Cell arrived I had to give it a test run, literally!  This jacket is new in the Patagonia spring line and is their lightest weight (12.8 oz) hardshell Gore-tex jacket.

But, for those who are short on time, and most likely won't make it through the whole post,
here is my quick 5 star rating scores with comments:
(If I could figure out how to make a star in blogger, I would have....!)

FIT/COLOR:  5 STARS (Note: I ordered the M, then downsized to a S.  I'm 5'8, 150/155.) 

BREATHABILITY:  2 STARS (It's waterproof.)

WATERPROOFNESS:  5 STARS (It's Gore-tex.)

WHEN WOULD THIS JACKET ROCK:  I think this jacket would be a great piece for Colorado/Wyoming, etc peak bagging.  I think it would be a great piece for more mellow international trips (ie hiking Annapurna, Kilimanjaro, Inca Trail, etc).  Also, I would certainly throw it in my pack on rock climbing trips and any sort of easy trail backpacking trips.

WHEN WOULDN'T THIS JACKET ROCK:  It is certainly lightweight, and not sure how to test its durablity.  Some heavy Alaska bush wacking, I think, would tear it to shreds.  Too light for any really wet ice climbing.  And a D.C. hot humid day....well, I would rather be naked!

I learned the last time I went out to the Shendandoah's to give a shout ahead of time to make sure the road is open.....and sure enough, even on a 50 degree calm day, the road was closed!  I had done the 9.0 mile Overall Loop last year, and with great views and access outside of the park it was the pick of the day.

I left the car with the jacket on, a merino 2 crew neck, and began my "trot".  (Trotting = something between a walk and a jog.)  I warmed up pretty quickly.  The front waterproof zipper was easy to zip and with the larger plastic it was easy to use with cold fingers and gloves (see above).  The underarm zips, as usual, were a bit of a struggle.....The touch point system that lock in the cord at the waist and the hood seem to work a little better than the Patagonia Super Alpine....the waist seems to be ok, but the hood still seems to come loose with movement.  The hood never bothered me, never was floppy or blowing in the wind.  There is no hood tie down if that's that's your thing.  

By mile four, as expected, I was completely overheated and the coat came off. I don't think most people would choose to run in Gore-Tex, but what a great way to test its breathabilityt!  It packed easily in my running pack, and then it was time to bust out the Patagonia Houdini, the best jacket on EARTH!!!!! (see above).

Ok, these photos don't have anything to do with product testing I just liked them!!  Lower photo is the view from the top.

As I reached the top, temps dropped and clouds moved in.....the trail was snow packed and the unexpected  hail began.....Ok, i'll quit my bitching about the road being closed, I get it!! However, I was very happy to have the Super Cell with me!!  Water beaded, as I would have expected.  And with the cooler temps the jacket felt great.

I also was very happy when I turned the next corner and saw this!!!! (SEE BELOW!). It is still running pretty good, but I bet with cooler temps it will form up pretty quickly  Looks like there is great top access with solid trees, so it is probably even top ropeable!  Let me know when you are ready to go exploring.  I got a rack and ropes!!

In the end, I think the jacket is great and I would certainly recommend it.  The color was great and looks awesome in photos!!!  It fit me perfectly, but like I said I downsized.  I am in agreement with some others, that perhaps the inside of the jacket, on a hot day, won't feel so great against skin.  But if you are looking for something light weight and something to keep you dry, the Super Cell is  not a bad choice.  

PS. I used it the next day on my bike....once again I warmed up pretty well, but the hood fit great over my helmet!!

PSS.  Feel free to comment, disagree, or ask many questions!