Two days? Can I make it two more days?

Fist a quick word about the URL for this blog. The phrase "mental and barmy" comes from one of the many songs that the Timbers Army sings, and it is one of my favorite. The term are somewhat synonymous, both meaning crazed or daft. In this case these terms are compliments, we are crazy about our team.

I have two more days of work before I leave on this wonderful trip to England. I'm so excited that I can't think about anything else.

I'm going to be driving to Seattle then flying to Manchester, England (via Newark). We'll then get in a van and drive to Seaham which is just south of Sunderland. Both towns are right on the North Sea. We'll have a few days there with a day trip back to Manchester to see the Black Cats of Sunderland take on Manchester United. This game will be on live TV on this side of the pond. The game will be on at 11:30 am Pacific time on FOX Sports World Canada. It will also be replayed on Fox Soccer Channel at 8pm Pacific time on the 14th of April.

After that I'll be heading down the coast to Hartlepool to see them take on Bristol City. Contact has been made with their fans and they has assured us that we will be welcome in their supporters section and more importantly pub.

Then the main reason for the trip. Sunderland take on their most hated rival Newcastle at the stadium of Light.

Then I'll be headed to Scotland to play a round of golf and a little course in Moffat.

Then it's back to the states (for one night) before driving up to Vancouver, BC to see the Timbers take on the Vancouver Whitecaps in the season opener for both clubs.