TrackTown, USA: A bit of a lazy morning, as we didn't need to be to Historic Hayward Field until around 4p. Nice. I slept-in until 7:15. (Please read that last sentence with a big pinch of sarcasm.) Our only task before heading to the track was to pick up our parking pass... so we picked up our parking pass, then went directly to the University of Oregon bookstore to purchase two "GO DUCKS" license plate wraps for our new Barbie RV. It won't be quite like having a five-foot "O" painted on the back of your RV, but will still identify us as members of the flock, while making re-sale much easier.
Then we had lunch at one of our favorite spots that are all over Oregon, but have yet to venture down to California: Cafe Yumm! They somehow combine rice and beans, and all sorts of other things to make an Asian/Mexican-fusion bowl of yumminess. Their secret is their famous Yumm! Sauce. Every time I go to Cafe Yumm!, I order the Hot n' Jazzy with tofu. I have never been able to finish it, though I order the smallest version. Rice, beans, tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, cheese, avocado, olives, seasoned tofu cubes and Yumm! Sauce.
Though the Yumm! Sauce is vegan, this is not completely a vegan/vegetarian restaurant - they have all sorts of protein (and cheese), and many of their ingredients are organic. If you have read this blog for more than a few years, you have maybe seen several photos of this favorite-o-mine (and may see several more over the next few weeks we are in Oregon).
By 4p, we were at the track, in our usual seats in front of the finish line (and in the shade). It was only 75 degrees in Eugene today and when the sun went down, it was a little chilly for me (official So-Cal girl now?). The NCAA Championships is a four-day event, leap-frogging men/women over the meet... but the multi-events (decathlon/heptathlon) compete on two consecutive days. Pay attention - there will be a quiz later.
Men began today. Historic Hayward Field looked magnificent! New dorms have been completed on the north side of the track. Fancy.
Just a few photos below. The Ducks had few men who qualified to enter the national championship, and only one advanced, (in the 1500m). I must say, watching a big meet like this without a lot of Ducks to cheer for was a new experience for us.
but did not advance to the final.
Captain Smith, enjoying his favorite sport.
Some excitement in the long jump, and a train wreck in the last two laps of the 10000m, where one runner lost his shoe! There is a link to results below.
It's late. We came back to the RV. I made a really large appetizer plate - for each of us - and we watched the meet again via our DVR.
Until my next update, I remain, your "Day One is in the books" correspondent.
MEET INFO:
Meet schedule
Results
TV Broadcast Information
Campground Information: Premier RV Resorts - A bit confusing, as we have a frequent-flyer discount card, but we are paying about $78 per night. The park is full-service, with every amenity (though the pool is teeny) and is very dog-friendly - with a dog wash. Small shop with limited groceries, RV supplies, Duck stuff, ice cream and ice. It is right on I-5 so quite noisy. The most conveniently located campsite for a visit to Eugene, but is isn't really very convenient. We stay here all the time. Like, really, all the time.