2010 Vikings Training Camp Day Two

We woke up Saturday morning and had a quick breakfast at the hotel before heading back over to the fields to watch more Vikings practice. In case you missed Day One, check it out.

My Vikings breakfast

Because it's the 50 year anniversary of the Vikings, they had a case dedicated to each decade.

Best picture of the day

Both players and coaches

We had a big break in between the morning practice and night practice. We ate at Pizza Ranch, took a nap (hey, the scorching heat really gets to you), got ready and went back out to the night practice at Blakeslee Field. There were so many people there for the night practice.  I've never seen it that busy before. It was fan appreciation night so after the practice, they introduced each player and then they each threw two autographed footballs into the stands.  Both M and I got our hand on one but we weren't able to keep a hold of it. A very nice fireworks show proceeded the practice.  It definitely made up for 4th of July!

Eliza, here's what you've been waiting for- Your ode to Jared Allen

After the fireworks, we went out in downtown Mankato.  We started at Rounders, then Blue Bricks and finally Pub 500, where we ended the night.  We got to see Kayla, M's niece again since she works there. On Sunday morning, we met Kayla back at Pub 500 for breakfast before heading home around noon. 

Just a block from home, there was a bunch of traffic about a block from our house.  Here's what the culprit was...tons of big balloons.

Overall, we had a great time at camp as we always do, however a little bit of the appeal was lost for me this year.  A good amount of the players didn't stop and acknowledge the fans as they did in previous years.  Plus it was very busy and I prefer a more intimate setting.  Next year we are not going to go during opening weekend and will most likely be going down there during the week instead to avoid some of the crowds. With #4 still undecided as to whether he'll be back for another season, Percy Harvin and his migraines and a slew of injured players, the Vikings season is uncertain.  Repeating another year like last year seems impossible but if  #4 comes back and if are players get healthy, there's always that chance.  Here's to another great football season.  SKOL Vikings!