Columnist recounts annual sports expedition

I am getting older. Not that I’ve struggled with this all too natural aging process. It’s just that, from time to time, I’m reminded rather harshly of just how much things can change over the years. Take this past weekend for example.

About a year ago this time, regular visitors to this weekly column were first introduced to the annual male-bonding ritual that is the TD Sports Tour. The initial flourishing of what has now become a two-decade old,
virtually “inscribed in stone” November getaway, was essentially nothing more than a Montreal Expos double-header excursion, somewhat on a whim. Four co-workers who became friends in the Kingston market place, decided to venture east to La Belle Province for a “boys night out.”

By the time year two rolled around, the scope of the TD Sports Tour had expanded to involve an NFL game.

Heading into 2009, a dozen NFL stadiums had now been stroked off our bucket list. Early expeditions clearly captured the essence of late fall football — the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Green Bay; a gale force wind blowing off of Lake Erie and whipping into Municipal Stadium in Cleveland; nuzzling beneath several layers of clothing, with a Steelers toque topping off the outfit as snowflakes drifted across Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

This year, the toques were tossed aside in favour of visors as Tampa Bay (Florida) welcomed the quartet of sports travellers.

Despite the increasing longevity of the TD Sports Tour, part of the ongoing attraction is that there is always something new to experience, always new additions to be made to the stories that are told and retold ad nauseum.

For the first time ever, this trip included a golfing expedition. The fact is that we are very bad golfers, which only served to make the day that much more fun. As our drives ricocheted wildly off the roof of our golf cart, another nestling into the front garden of a lovely old lady’s home, (who made the mistake of owning a home across the street), and, from time to time, did not travel the feeble distance to the ladies tees some 20 yards ahead, more tales were added to those we spent the day reminiscing about.

Increased storytelling and seeking warm weather destinations in lieu of the quasi-Canadian elements of the northeast are clear signs of aging, and rapidly at that. As with every trip, there remains those memories that will be forever etched in our minds.

Saturday morning we were off to Gainsville, home of the number-one ranked University of Florida Gators, who battled the hapless Vanderbilt Commodores later that evening. Pre-game tailgating is a common denominator in our State-side visits and that means finding parking some five to six hours before game time.

We found a great lot — a private residence with a yard large enough to stuff in 30 or so cars at $35 a shot. That’s one way to cover the bulk of the mortgage payment. Meeting new friends from various parts of Florida and a handful from across the country, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of bratwurst, pizza (on a BBQ), burgers and steak.

What has now become a two-decade old November getaway, was essentially nothing more than a Montreal Expos double-header excursion, somewhat on a whim.

The weekend culminated with an incredible NFL outing on Sunday, more than a little shocking considering the lineup featured the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing host to the Green Bay Packers. The Bucs come from behind to pick up their first win of the year, as well as providing the NFL’s youngest head coach, Raheem Morris with the first victory of his coaching career.

All in all, another chapter to add to our legacy of memories to be shared — mostly among ourselves — in the years to come. But what the heck, that’s what growing older is all about.

Randy Pascal is the voice of Eastlink Sports and the founder of SudburySports.com.