Okinawa - hockey tournament wrap-up [Saturday]

Early 7:45-am semi-final game .. but before the men could get on the ice, they had to wait for
the boys and girls to finish hockey practice ..  this little girl (5-6) was quite the skater !

Here's Jon doing some stretching before the game :    (lot of games for .. 'old' men!)

The first semi-final game pitted Jon's team against the same Okinawa Military team that
blitzed them 10-1 the previous evening.    This game was much closer.
The Korea Geckos lost .. 3-2.   Jon had an assist and a goal.    He had a great tournament!

This early morning play brought back the feeling of being a 'hockey dad' again.   Jon had many
early morning practices from 10-yrs-old on.    5:30-am practice then rushing home to get him
ready for school and me for work.   Mom would have lunches and hugs ready for everyone!

We hung around after Jon's game to watch the next semi-final game ,, which went into OT.
We found out, after the game, that Jon was named to the all-star team!
Left the rink and succumbed to our desire for 'American' food and found a McDonald's.
Drove over to the Mihama American Village shopping area and entertainment complex and
walked around.   It also features a giant ferris wheel, similar to those found in other beach towns,
like .. Santa Monica, Seattle, Melbourne, Singapore, Brighton Beach, etc.

After a brief rest and showers at our room, we drove to the Nashville Restaurant and Rodeo
for the tournament celebration for all of the teams and their significant others.   It started at
4-pm and featured hamburgers and hot dogs and several types of salads and chips and,
of course, a couple of kegs of beer.    Jon's team was the largest team in attendance :

On the drive home, I noticed the ferris wheel was lit up :

What a fun trip!  I'm very appreciative of Jon & Salli's invite to join them at this tournament!
AND for hosting me in Seoul and in Okinawa.   They took care of my every need!
I hope all of you get to meet Salli's family in the future AND to watch Jon streeeeeak up and
down the ice.    He's a speed demon!

Next up:
Sunday,  Sept.16    is travel day from  .. Okinawa  -to-  Seoul
Monday, Sept.17   is travel day from  ..  Seoul   -to-   San Francisco   -to-   Portland

My projected next blog entry will be ..   Oct.3    'Captiva Island or bust'  road trip
Thanks for taking a peek at my blog!
sayonara