mesa: the rest

Aside from baseball (Kerry Wood!), we were also looking forward to getting some sun. This is what we left,

and this is what we went to. Sun and 80 degree weather!


We were also looking forward to getting some good food. I was ecstatic to discover that there was In n Out in Mesa


and it was our first stop, mmm Animal Style. Just don't ask us how many times were ate there...


Before we left, Mandi asked me what else we were going to do besides watch baseball. "Hmm, Starbucks, eat Thai food...oh and go to a mall!" was my reply. Which we did...because those are things we don't get to do here. But, shamed by Mandi, we also decided to do some sight-seeing that didn't involve baseball or food.

After Sunday's game, we headed out to Lost Dutchman State Park, on the famed Apache Trail.


The Superstition Mountains.


We went on a short hike in the park to walk off some of those stadium hot dogs.








On Monday, before we left, we drove around downtown Phoenix. One last Starbucks, and we checked out Chase Field, home of the D'backs.


Then it was back to the snow...

mesa: the cubbies

Steve, my dad, and I just got back from spending a long weekend in Mesa. The sole purpose of the trip? Spring Training! Go Cubs Go!

First things first, time to lay out all of our gear.


Day 1: Cubs vs. Padres


Soriano!


HoHoKam Park.



Autograph time...Steve waits patiently while we line the field, pens at the ready.


Sean Marshall:



My dad meeting Matt Camp:


Brett Jackson working the line:


Then we found out that Fergie Jenkins was in the stadium!


Cubs beat the Padres 9-4


Day 2: Cubs vs. Dodgers


Steve waits patiently again while we hunt for autographs...and catches a line-drive while the Dodgers take batting practice!


It's Len and Bob! First televised game on WGN.


Marlon Byrd warming up...


and then signing.


Cubs take the field.


Soto and Dempster, ready to go.


Before we headed down to Mesa, I told Steve that my goal was to get a picture with Kerry Wood. Probably not likely, he said. And then in the 4th my dad and I went down to buy a bottle of water, and who do I spot out of the corner of my eye? WOODY!


Nicest. Guy. Ever.

It took 10 innings, but the Cubs beat the Dodgers 5-3.