The Amazing Race 35: Blog Pool OPENS!

 

Come one, come all! The Amazing Race 35 Blog Pool is now OPEN! The season premiere is Wednesday at 9:30PM ET/PT, following the season premiere of Survivor 45.

Okay, here's how the blog pool works:

*Names are matched up randomly with the teams.

*You get to cheer on your chosen team until they're Philiminated or win it all.

*If your chosen team is creepy, fights, fusses or cries a lot, we won't hold that against you personally.

*Not much, anyway.

*Heehee

*There is no wagering of monies.

*The winner(s) of the blog pool retain bragging rights until the premiere of the next season while we all bow to them and lament on what could have been.

How do I get involved? 

Sign up right here on this post! If you're posting anonymously, you need a sign off name on your comments. We don't care if you're a boy named Sue, we have to know something other than anonymous. The cut-off for entering is Friday, September 29, 5PM EDT, or 8PM PDT. 

REMEMBER - YOU NEED TO SIGN UP ON THIS VERY POST YOU'RE READING! If you sign up on another post or Twitter or the Facebook page, your request might be missed. The Stupendous SueGee (affectionately known as SqueeGee at times) will be the lifeguard here this season. Please don't test her patience by running with scissors around the pool!

Just a reminder this season there are 13 teams, not the usual 11. For a refresher on the teams, please revisit my cast post.

The Amazing Race: TAR35 Teams Introduction

 Good afternoon! Nope, this is not about Big Brother. Does everything have to be about Big Brother? No, it does not! I'm here to talk about the upcoming season of The Amazing Race and brief you on the teams.

The season starts on September 27. From that Wednesday forward, BB25 will be on Tuesday nights and Wednesdays will be 90-minute episodes of Survivor followed by 90-minute episodes of The Amazing Race. For the first time the show will feature 13 teams. According to CBC, the race will be a "23,800-mile adventure around the world." We will see the return of commercial flights instead of the private Covid-era flights. Plus, there will be no non-elimination legs, there will be a twist on the U-Turn and the Express Pass will be back.

Here's a cast video from Parade.com --

Here are the teams:

Alexandra and Sheridan Lichtor, brother and sister team from Chicago. She's 34, he's 29. Both graduated from Northwestern University with a Chemical Engineering degree and both currently work for the same global management consulting firm. Alex also plays tennis and has won multiple half marathons.

Ashlie and Todd Martin are a married couple living in Chino, California. They are both 38 years old. Ashlie is a hospitality account manager while Todd is a special education teacher. 

I can't seem to find much more on them other than the fact they first met at age 15. So, they should surely know each other's quirks by now!

Elizabeth and Iliana Rivera are a mother - daughter team from Tampa, Florida. Elizabeth is 52 years old and Ilana is 27. Their professions are listed as retired lieutenant and entrepreneur. Hmm. Lieutenant where I haven't a clue, nor entrepreneur in what.

Nothing like a bit of vagueness.

Greg and John Franklin are brothers living in New York City and Mountain View, California. Greg is 25, John is 27. Greg is a software developer while John is a product manager. I dunno. Both sound techy to me!

I've read that they have done quite a bit of traveling to other countries together. That could be a very good thing!

Jocelyn Chao and Victor Limary are both 49 years old and yes, they are married despite different surnames. They live in Albuquerque, New Mexico where they are both grocery store managers.

Like many others, they say reading the clue is very important. Let's see if they can practice what they preach!

The Amazing Race 34: 'The Only Leg That Matters' Season Finale Blog Party - Dec. 7

 

The final three teams ...

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news. As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

Tonight is the season finale. With no non-Philimination legs, it seems like a short season even though there were two mega-legs. Also, with the Covid era private plane, all teams were always so close to each other. It all was a bit odd. No U-Turns, either. Although an online friend at the time, Jym Buss, created the U-Turn, I've grown weary of it over the years. I liked all the teams this season. Well, I only vaguely recall the first team out and I didn't care much for one person on a team, but really liked the others. When it got down to about the last eight teams, I was onboard for any of them for the win.

Due to my own bias, my favorite team is Derek/Claire.

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool listing. Here's where we stand:

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnS

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina

Tim & Rex

Rich & Dom

Linton & Sharik

Abby & Will (Covid)

Glenda & Lumumba

Quinton & Mattie

Marcus & Michael

Aubrey & David

Race fans ready? Let's GO! 

We start with a recap. Teams are heading to Nashville. They will start the leg in Lynchburg. They have to bottle whiskey 30 Jack Daniels bottles ready for shipment. Molly and Emily finish first! They are driving to the next clue. Derek and Claire done. Five minutes behind, Luis and Michelle finish.

All three teams are in a row heading to the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge in Nashville.

Derek/Claire make it to the clue box first.

Roadblock -- Climb and Rappel to get a clue guitar pick. Derek through first. Emily doing well, Michelle having problems with it.

Derek/Claire heading to Gibson Garage. Emily coming down next. Michelle finally makes it down.

Derek/Claire to the next clue first. Gibson Guitar Delivery. Deliver one electric, two acoustic guitars to honkytonks in town. Luis/Michelle there next because the twins are lost again.

All three teams are delivering guitars now. Derek/Claire get their clues to go to the Municipal Auditorium first. An orchestra is playing the theme song. Teams have to bring the theme to life on giant piano keys (like in the movie BIG) to get the next clue to the Pit Stop. Luis/Michelle arrive, then Molly/Emily.

The 11 second timer on the piano keys is getting all the teams.

DEREK AND CLAIRE DID THE PIANO FIRST! They are on their way to the Pit Stop.

The twins get it next!

DEREK AND CLAIRE WIN THE AMAZING RACE!

Emily and Molly get second place. They are both in happy tears.

Luis and Michelle third.

The Amazing Race 34: 'Don't Look Down' Episode Blog Party - Nov. 23

 

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

Teams are continuing the leg still in Spain.

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee had the week off as this is a "mega-leg" and no Philimination until tonight. Here's where we stand:

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina

Tim & Rex

Rich & Dom

Linton & Sharik

Abby & Will (Covid)

Glenda & Lumumba

Quinton & Mattie

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

We start off with a recap. Derek and Claire leave first, driving to Ronda in Spain, to Puenta Nuevo (an ancient bridge). The teams are leaving in order of their halfway status.

Oh, geez ... back to Emily/Molly and Marcus/Michael at the fish from last week. The twins finish first, then the guys.

Derek/Claire took a wrong turn giving Luis/Michelle a first to the Detour clue. Bend Over Backwards build an arch or Dress for Success -- studying dancers and accessorizing them. Aubrey/David team with Derek/Claire again. Now they are at the Detour clue. All three teams choose the dancers. Luis/Michelle keep getting the accessories wrong -- wrong shawl.

Luis figures it out. They are the first to finish and get their clue.

Emily/Molly have the Detour clue. Aubrey/David make it through first shot on the dancer, tell Derek/Claire what they did wrong.

Roadblock - High wire and get the first flag they saw on the race. Or leg. Hmm. Michelle does it. And, she did it! Got the right flag. They have to head between Ernest and Orsen where the Pit Stop is waiting.

The brothers are the only team choosing Bend Over Backwards at the Detour. Uh-oh ... Emily/Molly are lost! Derek/Claire finish the Detour. The twins get to the Detour and the brothers get to their Detour choice.

Teams are being misled by the Roadblock clue -- Who's Been Paying Attention because of the flag. But it's the highwire! Both Claire and Aubrey are doing it and both are really frightened by heights. Claire breaks down after she finishes.

The last two teams are heading to the Roadblock. The twins get there first. Ack. She may be picking the wrong flag. Nope, got it right! They are heading to the Pit Stop. Now the guys finished the Roadblock.

Pit Stop Order:

1. Luis/Michelle - won Expedia trip to Tokyo

2. Aubrey/David

3. Derek/Claire

4. Emily/Molly

5. Marcus/Michael -- Philiminated

The Amazing Race 34: 'Vamos a la Playa' Episode Blog Party - November 16

 

My apologies for the non-blog last week. I'm actually still in the same predicament. The television I ordered mysteriously got lost in transit and its replacement hasn't arrived. I was thinking I could stream tonight's TV shows on my old tablet, but no go. It's too old for streaming, I guess. So, I'm doing this split-screen on my desktop computer tonight. Please bear with me!

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool for us. Are you still in it to win it? Last week Derek and Claire came in first place!

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina

Tim & Rex

Rich & Dom

Linton & Sharik

Abby & Will (Covid)

Glenda & Lumumba

Quinton & Mattie

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

We start off with a recap and Quinton/Maddie getting Philiminated. All teams are headed to Spain. It's another mega-leg with two Roadblocks and two Detours.

Claire thinks they don't want to get lost or burn out. Aubrey and David are starting off with them.

Roadblock - Who will master the pieces? Recreate a Picasso masterpiece puzzle style. They are at the birthplace of Picasso. The second group is off and running. Emily is having a real problem with her sore knee. That's a shame -- they have been a great team! Uh-oh, she chooses to do the Roadblock not realizing how physical it is because the pieces are so heavy.

CLAIRE finishes first and Derek shouts that he loves her. They are off to a port to get the next clue. They get bikes to go. Derek talks about all the things he's crashed. Eep! Aubrey finishes next. Then Michelle.

Detour - Fish Fry -- speared fish over an open flame in a boat. Teams must do a certain amount.  Sailboat Supply - deliver a large ice filled cooler to a yacht via paddleboard. Derek/Claire go for fish fry. Emily finishes up the Picasso so it's only Marcus/Michael left.

Marcus/Michael finally out of Picasso. Emily/Molly got a bit lost. Derek/Claire help out Aubrey/David at the fish with Derek saving them from the fatal flaw of not salting it. Claire says they will help them until they can't anymore. Derek/Claire through first heading to the MegaLeg. Michelle/Luis finish up the paddleboard. Aubrey/David finish the fish.

The fish have just Emily/Molly and Marcus/Michael left competing.

The show ends at that point with a TO BE CONTINUED.

The Amazing Race 34: 'Step by Step' Episode Blog Party - October 26

 

The teams remain Jordan and I'm once again out of my own blog pool early! Now, since the start I've had a soft spot for Derek and Claire, so I will cheer them on!

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool for us. Are you still in it to win it?

Abby & Will -- Jasonuwp, Krysta Gibson, Marthalight

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Glenda & Lumumba -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane, Petals

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

Quinton & Mattie -- Donna in Alabama, monty924, Sharon C

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina

Tim & Rex

Rich & Dom

Linton & Sharik

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

We get a Previously On segment. I see my blog pool pick team get Philiminated once again.

Teams are in the capitol of Jordan and will face a second leg there. Abby and Will are gone. GAH! A positive Covid test and they have been Philiminated. They both look fine (on video) but ...

All teams leave together. No elimination this leg because someone is already gone. However, the order they arrive at the Pit Stop dictates the order they leave for the next leg with four groups, one team leaving 45 minutes after the first group.

They get their clues inside the Citadel. It directs them to go to a bookstore. But they have to find the bookstore! With Molly/Emily, the leg injury one had last leg might be an issue. All the teams seem to be on the lost side looking for the bookstore.

Detour is their clue. Step by Step, learn a dance dressed up in native clothes. Letter by Letter has them memorizing the Arabic alphabet and reciting it.

Michael and Marcus get through the alphabet first.

Roadblock - Who's feeling broken-carted? One team member has to build a cart and deliver. Michael/Marcus are having a problem finding the park. All the other teams are still at one or the other detour. Emily/Molly make it through the alphabet first and are now on their way to the Roadblock.

Derek can't roll his Rs. Claire helps him. Aubrey and David make it through the dancing. Then Luis/Michelle make it through dancing. Derek/Claire make it through the alphabet. Lumumba and Glenda are still trying make it through dancing. Now all the other teams have hit the Roadblock. FINALLY, they pass the dancing!

Luis/Michelle finish the building of the cart first. They have to wheel their cart to Phil at a ruins site. They already lost a wheel and the cart is falling apart. They have to stop and fix it. David/Aubrey pass them by with their cart.

Pit Stop order:

1. Luis/Michelle - Won reward points for a five night trip to Barcelona

2. Aubrey/David

3. Quinton/Mattie

4. Derek/Claire 

5. Michael/Marcus

6. Molly/Emily

7. Lumumba/Glenda - will leave last for the next leg.

The Amazing Race 34: 'The Amazing Race of Arabia' Episode Blog Party - Oct. 19

 

Last week finished up a two-episode double leg. This week they head to a new country. Woot!

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool for last week and it's still good this week! Cool! Who's your team?

Abby & Will -- Jasonuwp, Krysta Gibson, Marthalight

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Glenda & Lumumba -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane, Petals

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Linton & Sharik -- Cheryl in NC, Jackie, Willie J

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

Quinton & Mattie -- Donna in Alabama, monty924, Sharon C

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina

Tim & Rex

Rich & Dom

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

The teams are flying to the Kingdom of Jordan, a first for the show. They are taking a steam train in the desert. Uh-oh, men on both horseback and camelback coming at them with swords! They ride up to them, then one hands out clues to each team, wishing each team good luck before they take off once again.

They have to get in cars with a driver. They're wearing masks as are their drivers. I think Covid, but it should also help with dust. Ah, they take them off outside the cars. Covid.

Roadblock: Who wants to test their metal? Search for movie spaceship debris buried in the sand with a metal detector.

They will go to the City of Petra. Michael/Marcus are in the lead. Unfortunately, my personal favorites -- Derek/Claire -- and my blog pool pick -- Sharik/Linton -- are in the third and last group. The groups are fifteen minutes apart. Now Sharik/Linton are the last team searching for the Petra clue.

The teams are running through Petra to get the next clue. Detour - Camel Caravan -- Hungry camels need their hay and water. Palace Puzzle -- what the carved cliff art looked like five thousand years ago slide puzzle.

Luis/Michelle and Derek/Claire get the puzzle done first and second. Michael/Marcus rue their choice of the camels, realizing it's a difficult physical task in the heat. It's off to the Pit Stop next. Linton foolishly chooses the camels when they are the last team arriving at the Detour. Aubrey and David are having problems with the puzzle ... but it could be for editing effect. I think I will probably be out of the blog pool tonight! Sure enough, they show the two teams finishing their tasks and heading towards the Pit Stop around the same time.

Pit Stop

1. Luis/Michelle - Won $5,000

2. Derek/Claire

3. Marcus/Michael

4. Abby/Will

5. Emily/Molly

6. Quinton/Mattie

7. Lumumba/Glenda

8. Aubrey/David

9. Linton/Sharik -- Philiminated

My blog pool pick team is out. Long live Derek and Claire! 

The Amazing Race 34: 'Everyone's an Artist' Episode Blog Party

 

Last week was NOT a non-Philimination despite the fact that no one went home. This week is a continuation of that second leg. Apparently, that's how they are going to fill out the season without elimination legs thrown in. Um. Okay.

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee updated the blog pool for last week and it's still good this week! Cool! Who's your team?

Abby & Will -- Jasonuwp, Krysta Gibson, Marthalight

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Glenda & Lumumba -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane, Petals

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Linton & Sharik -- Cheryl in NC, Jackie, Willie J

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

Quinton & Mattie -- Donna in Alabama, monty924, Sharon C

Rich & Dom -- David, Kelsey NY, Nora M, Sue

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina - No one was assigned to this first gone team.

Tim & Rex

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

Two Detours, two Roadblocks, two cities. And we've only finished the first ones. Well, they. And, not all of they.

The second city in Florence, Italy. Marcus and Michael are in the lead heading to the second half of the mega-leg. 

Marcus/Michael have found the first clue and are followed immediately by sisters Emily/Molly. Roadblock - who wants a chiseled body? Use tools, chisel out a block to reveal a sculpture hidden inside, it will be inspected. Luis/Michelle arrive to the Roadblock next. Then Linton/Sharik - this is the first Roadblock she has done. Abby/Will next. Quinton/Mattie. Aubrey/David. Derek/Claire.

Rich and Dom are once again not doing well. I'm really getting a poor opinion of Dom -- she picked on Rich's driving, whined about her bag and is flipping out at the Roadblock. Lumumba/Glenda beat them to the Roadblock.

The sisters get the next clue first. Detour. Eye for Fashion, find three fashion shoots, see sketches, match. Or Window of Opportunity - pick up three things for diners from windows throughout the city.

Dom thinks she could take a four-hour penalty instead of doing the sculpture. She keeps saying it's not her and she can't do it. @@ D'oh! NOW she reads the clue and realizes it doesn't take art talent!

The sisters and brothers teams end up together at one fashion shoot. The girls seem much more comfortable with the Detour.

Sharik is ready to give up. Oh, NOES! They are my blog pool team! Linton hopefully will talk some sense into his daughter. Linton tells us that they are not quitters! She's acting like a spoiled brat.

Lumumba/Glenda finish the Roadblock leaving just Dom/Rich there. Oh, well. I don't think either team will win, but like Lumumba and Glenda's enthusiasm and drive more.

The brothers Michael and Marcus are on the way to the Pit Stop following the girls.

The Pit Stop order:

1. Emily/Molly - won Expedia trip to Australia.

2. Marcus/Michael

3. Abby/Will

4. Luis/Michelle

5. Quinton/Mattie

6. Aubrey/David

7. Derek/Claire

8. Glenda/Lumumba

9. Linton/Sharik - she whines she wants to go home. Phil gives them a choice. Linton wants to carry on, so she stays.

10. Rich/Dom - Philiminated.

The Amazing Race 34: 'It's All in the Details' Episode Blog Party - October 5

 

Hopefully I will be a bit better at the names of the teams tonight. Oh, but probably not for a few more weeks! I promise I will get the names down by the time the series comes to an end. How's that? Here is a cheat sheet with the photos of the teams.

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool. Who's your team?

Abby & Will -- Jasonuwp, Krysta Gibson, Marthalight

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Glenda & Lumumba -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane, Petals

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Linton & Sharik -- Cheryl in NC, Jackie, Willie J

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

Quinton & Mattie -- Donna in Alabama, monty924, Sharon C

Rich & Dom -- David, Kelsey NY, Nora M, Sue

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina - No one was assigned to this first gone team.

Tim & Rex

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

We get a Previously On segment and see T-Rex philiminated again.

All teams are boarding the charter plane and heading to Italy. Megaleg - two Detours, two Roadblocks ahead. The teams are leaving in three groups fifteen minutes apart based on the Pit Stop arrivals from the last leg. They're looking for a marked parking spot.

Detour - Head of the Class - identify 16 bones, etc. in a test. Or 88 cheese wheels in The Big Cheese, delivering a cheese wheel, half to one restaurant, the other half to another.

Luis does not know his stick shift. Michelle calls it "classic Amazing Race." Quinton and one of the twins keep stalling, as well. Rich, too!

They have a cart to deliver the cheese, so that might be the easier task of the two. The building where the "class" is is stunning architecture. Linton and Sharik are regretting their class choice. Lumumba just noticed their instructions say to drive to the detours. They have been on foot. Eep!

Marcus and Michael are in the lead, having finished the cheese detour first. Dom is rubbing me the wrong way with what she is telling Rich about manifesting trouble when he doesn't have to. Someone saying that to me would make me manifest issues!

The ones on the cheese task have it easy compared to those learning anatomy! Quinton and Mattie made it through the anatomy challenge -- she said she was confident of the task because she studied anatomy in college. Glenda and Lumumba might be totally lost.

One of the twins also studied anatomy in school. They get through, too!

Marcus and Michael hit the Roadblock. Ducati flagship -- assemble wheels and brakes, before adding the body.

Lumumba and Glenda make it to the anatomy lesson Detour. My blog pool team Linton and Sharik finally made it through it. Claire is doing the assembling the Ducati! Eight of the ten teams are at the Ducati -- missing are Dom/Rich and Glenda/Lumumba, both back at anatomy. Both just made it through at the same time.

Although it seemed to take forever, Michael and Marcus are out of the Roadblock first and heading for a clue to another Roadblock. Apparently, this mega-leg is going to run two episodes. The twins, Emily and Molly, are second. Yay! Claire finished her Ducat! (Other teams finished before them.) Rich/Dom made it through leaving only Lumumba working alone on a Ducati.

To be Continued ... (next week)

The Amazing Race 34: Patience, Is the New Me Episode Blog Party - Sept. 28

 

Hopefully I will be even better at the names of the teams tonight. Oh, but probably not for a few more weeks! I promise I will get the names down by the time the series comes to an end. How's that? 

I will be live blogging the major events as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! Of course, the real party is in the comments area -- I hope to see you there!

The Wonderful Lifeguard SueGee has filled the blog pool with those who dared get their toes wet. Who's your team?

Abby & Will -- Jasonuwp, Krysta Gibson, Marthalight

Aubrey & David -- Donna in FL, Dr Celine, Skyriverblue

Derek & Claire -- Beachbound Gmom, ChicMc, Donna NY

Emily & Molly -- Joanne Victoria, Judi Sweeney, Sharon N

Glenda & Lumumba -- Glenn Allen, Indiana Jane, Petals

Luis & Michelle -- Andi, Mikes Girl, RJMnSC

Linton & Sharik -- Cheryl in NC, Jackie, Willie J

Marcus & Michael -- Brenda, Chrob61, Nickelpeed

Quinton & Mattie -- Donna in Alabama, monty924, Sharon C

Tim & Rex -- Bizaro22, Cherry Pie, Margo & her Mom

Rich & Dom -- David, Kelsey NY, Nora M, Sue

PHILIMINATED

Aastha & Nina - No one was assigned to this first gone team. I'm glad I won't have to misspell the one's name all season!

Now, I should have posted this before -- but here is a cheat sheet with the photos of the teams.

Race fans ready? Let's GO!

We get a recap and watch Derek and Claire win the 1st leg again.

They will leave according to arrival times. They will depart in three groups. They will drive to Innsbruck, Austria. The teams enlist locals and tourists for directions. Of course, if they have to fly anywhere, it has to bunch them up as they are still using the private plane.

They have to go to Brund Nalder Huff (sp?) for the next clue. The second group is leaving - T-Rex and Marcus/Michael.  The twins and Jamaican father/daughter are on their way. Now the last group is on the way. 

Rex decides the new him is patient. 

Munich, Germany. Uh-oh -- Quinton and Mattie are there. They need to be in Austria! They were on the right street in the wrong city. In the wrong country!

Derek and Claire make it to the first Roadblock. Who wants to call in the cows? Yodeling to call in the cows. They are accompanied by locals and an accordion. Claire does it. Three different yodels and hand motions. I could never do this! They have to wear the wardrobe for the rest of the leg.

Several teams at the back of the pack are having directions and/or traffic woes. This Roadblock is not easy at all. No one has made it through it yet. They are all having problems with the first yodel.

Marcus and Michael are the first through the yodeling. Glenda sailed through it and now she and Lumumba are in second place. Linton and Sharik are next to finish calling in the cows. Claire is so bad at this! The twins are through next.

Detour - Michael and Marcus arrive. Bells Ringin' - seven notes on bells to play tune. Partners Swingin' - learn wedding dance.

Abby and Will move on from yodeling. Poor Claire. T-Rex is through. Poor Claire. Rich and Dom through. Poor Claire. Luis and Michelle through. Aubrey and David through. Poor Claire. FINALLY! Claire gets through the yodeling!

The teams dancing and ringing bells have their own difficulties. Finally, the brothers get through ringing the bells. They are the first team heading off to the Pit Stop. Lumumba and Glenda get through the dancing and are off to the Pit Stop, too.

Claire and Derek get through the bells on the first try.

Pit Stop order:

1. Marcus and Michael - win Expedia reward points five nights for two to Lima, Peru.

2. Glenda and Lumumba

3. Linton and Sharik

4. Derek and Claire

5. Luis and Michelle

6. Abby and Will

7. Emily and Molly

8. Rich and Dom -- missing hat, need it for check in!

8. Aubrey and David

9. Rich and Dom

10. Quinton and Mattie

11. Tim and Rex -- Philiminated.

The Amazing Race 34: Team Photos Cheat Sheet

 After all my confusion posting last week, I decided this was needed! It won't totally cure my confusion but at least there will be a handy reference of which team is whom.

Aastha and Nina

Abby and Will

Aubrey and David

Derek and Claire

Emily and Molly

Glenda and Lumumba

Linton and Sharik

Luis and Michelle

Marcus and Michael

Quinton and Mattie

Rich and Dom

Tim and Rex

Of the teams, I think the last one, Tim and Rex, have the coolest team name -- T-Rex!

BB23's Derek and Claire to be on The Amazing Race - Video

 Well, they are still together. Victims of the Cookout on BB23, Claire and Derek will be on the upcoming season of The Amazing Race. I would think they should be good on the show. The season starts Wednesday, September 21 at 10PM ET.

Derek and Claire's video package! #AmazingRace pic.twitter.com/RH1IDTJtcF

— Sharon Tharp (@sharontharp) August 24, 2022

TAR32: Season Finale Blog Pool and Party

 

Welp, here we are at the season finale. That went by quickly, didn't it? I a bit surprised that it's only an hour show tonight. But, if memory serves, they had more than the final three going into the longer finales. It's not like Survivor or Big Brother with a reunion show following the finale. There's no jury, no voting ... just whatever team makes it to the last welcome mat wins it all. 

I have not been keen on the alliance bit this season, not at all. To me, it ended up with the teams not in the alliance akin to the child chosen last in a schoolyard game pick. I understand teams occasionally helping out others or not. But, to me, the alliance dominated the game and knocked out other teams. I'm old school. I think every team needs to race on their own merits. Oh, well.

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool for the last time --

The Final Three  

Hung / Chee -- Bizaro22. Glenn Allen. chrob61 

Riley / Maddison -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Marthalight 

Will / James -- Petals, CherylNY, Nickelpeed 

 Philiminated: 

Nathan / Cody (everyone reassigned back into pool) 

Kellie / LaVonne -- David, ChicMc, Sharon N 

Jerry / Frank -- Donna NY, Monty924, Andi, Willie J 

Michelle / Victoria -- Mario L, Jackie, SueGee 

Alana / Leo -- Jennasmom, Sharon C, Donna in FL 

Kaylynn / Haley -- Jennifer, Indiana Jane, Ed in Ohio 

Aparna / Eswar -- Cheryl in NC, Kelsey NY, Skyriverblue 

Gary / DeAngelo -- JLaf, CherryPie, Judy Sweeney     

I will be updating this entry with the major happenings as they air here on the East Coast. Please refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party is in the comments area. Feel free to join in on the discussion! May the best team win!

We're getting a brief recap of the season. Yes, the alliance of three made it to the final leg together. We know that.

Teams are flying to New Orleans. Party on Bourbon Street, so they're heading to the French Quarter. They have more luxury on their flight than I've ever seen!

They're heading to Louis Armstrong Park. All teams flew there together. 

Route info cards gotten. They have to collect 50 red and 50 gold necklaces thrown on Bourbon Street to get their next clue. The necklaces have to match the ones the Grand Marshall is wearing. The Beard Bros are lost.

James and Will finish the beads first.

Who will be left holding the baby? Next up they have to find the baby in the cake for their next clue. That's a tradition in which a small (not real!) baby is baked in a large King Cake. This will be a needle in a haystack kind of Roadblock.

James/Will found the baby first and then had to sit and eat a ton (or six) of gooey pastry beignets.

They head to the New Orleans Convention Center next. Will/James remain in the lead. 

Roadblock. Climb under a bridge, then onto a beam, then jump out about 200 feet over the Mississippi River to grab a clue. Crescent City Convention Bridge.

Beard Brothers still in last.

Both team members must rappel back down from the bridge. Then they have to roll a ten foot ball back through town.

James/Will at the ball. Hung/Chee headed to the ball. Maddison/Riley just finished finding the baby.

Next they have to search a warehouse for puzzle pieces and make a globe out of their ball.

James/Will finish the globe and they're the first team heading to the finish line at the New Orleans Superdome.

JAMES/WILL WIN THE AMAZING RACE! And we have a down on one knee marriage proposal.

Hung and Chee come in second place.

We know who's on third.

And, there they are -- Riley and Maddison.

This season put the show over 1,000,000 miles raced.

TAR32: December 9 Episode Blog Party

 

Welcome, all! I hope you're well. My apologies for the health issue last week. I just couldn't blog the show while seeing double (and weird) from eye dilation!

And, tonight might be a bit weird. I saw a promo for it and it's not a normal leg with a Roadblock and a Detour. It's something about sprinting around a city. Hmm. I will do my best to update this entry with the happenings as they air here on the East Coast.

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool and the latest standings are at this here link.

The real party is in the comments area ... I hope to see you there!

Phil tells us tonight the final four will become the final three.

The teams have to fly to Manilla, the Philippines. I did not know that Manilla is the texting capital of the world. Hmm ... they have to take marked taxis to meet Phil. Weird, yep. They're all on the same flight.

Phil greets them in downtown Manilla. First time ever, a city sprint. Racing through Manilla (most densely populated city center). Phil advises them they shouldn't help out another team. They get their first clue from a Cartiki (sp?). 

They have a riddle to solve the clue. They have to find a personality-laden traffic control guy and grab the next clue from him. Off to the Mall of Asia next! Neither Will/James nor Hung/Chee were able to grab their clues from the traffic cop on the first try.

Heh. At the mall the teams have to run a footrace in high heels! Riley/Maddison were there first. Gary/DeAngelo next.

The next clue leads them to the Chinatown area of the city. Then they have to search for a clue in a costumed lion's mouth. Uh-oh ... Hung and Chee are lost.

Next they have to go to a post office, find a horse and carriage, find and mix ingredients to feed. Gary and DeAngelo have a slight lead over Will and James.

Will/James have taken the lead. They have to go to Mayhan (sp) Gardens for the next clue. It's listening to a band play a medley of songs they've heard on the race and identify four of them. They have to line up the maps of the country where they heard the song in chronological order as in the race.

Hung and Chee finally caught up and are now trying the task along with the other teams. The three teams work together shunning Gary and DeAngelo. So, they decide to take the penalty and give up.

The teams head to the Pit Stop where they started.

Pit Stop order --

1. Riley/Maddison

2. James/Will

3. Hung/Chee

Phil tells them they're going to New Orleans next.

DeAngelo and Gary were Philiminated. DeAngelo is bitter about it. Hmm.

Next week is the season finale.

TAR32: UPDATED Blog Pool Team Match-Ups!

To familiarize yourself with your team you can find photos and my brief takes on the teams on my Meet the Cast posts here, here and here.

Lifeguard SueGee (affectionately also known as SqueeGee) has kindly done the random pool match-ups. 

 

Gary / DeAngelo -- JLaf, CherryPie, Judy Sweeney 

Hung / Chee -- Bizaro22. Glenn Allen. chrob61 

Riley / Maddison -- Dr_Celine, PDX Granny, Marthalight 

Will / James -- Petals, CherylNY, Nickelpeed

Philiminated:

Nathan / Cody (everyone reassigned back into pool)

Kellie / LaVonne -- David, ChicMc, Sharon N

Jerry / Frank -- Donna NY, Monty924, Andi, Willie J

Michelle / Victoria -- Mario L, Jackie, SueGee

Alana / Leo -- Jennasmom, Sharon C, Donna in FL

Kaylynn / Haley -- Jennifer, Indiana Jane, Ed in Ohio

Aparna / Eswar -- Cheryl in NC, Kelsey NY, Skyriverblue    

TAR32: December 2 Blog Party

 

Unfortunately, I have to bail on y'all tonight. My eye appointment ran late and right now my good eye's vision is still all dilated and not right. Well, as right as it gets. After it clears some I'll try to get the Pit Stop order and Philimination (or not) posted here.

You're on your own in the comments area. If you could give updates, great! If not, that's okay, too. 

Pit Stop

1. Maddison/Riley - won trip to Norway

2. James/Will

3. Hung/Chee

4. DeAngelo/Gary

5. Eswar/Arpana - Philiminated 

Sorry about this.

TAR32: November 25 Double Episode Blog Party

 

My gosh. A double episode, or at least, two episodes in a row, on the eve of one of the biggest holidays of the year isn't best for neither the ratings, nor the blogging. The comments have only been drawing a small amount of folks each week although the visitor "hits" seem to be strong. I'm not anticipating large crowds for either tonight. If folks are at home, there could be too much food prep going on for two hours of television.

Lifeguard SueGee has updated the blog pool and you can find the latest pool standings at this here link.

I will do my best to persevere and get this entry updated with the major happenings as the show airs here on the East Coast. Refresh the page to get the latest news! As always, the real party -- probably small and social distancing -- is in the comments area. Please feel free to join in on the fun!

Six teams remain. It's a mega-leg ahead. Who will be eliminated next?

Teams are flying to the middle of India. I'm not even going to try to spell the name of the city, but it's known as the Cyber City. James and will are off first heading to the airport. While they are a good team, I'm not personally liking them much. Now they have decided that the NFL duo is no longer helpful to them. All the teams are on the same flight.

They scramble for taxis at the airport although there are plenty available. They have to get the next clue after doing three smog checks on vehicles called auto rickshaws. The hardest part is getting the rickshaw drivers off the street for the test. Otherwise it looks like standard emissions checks.

Detour -- Team up with a food delivery service and deliver three meals. Or, use motion sensor tech which has them catching light balls of one or zero to receive a code to decipher the next clue. Most of the teams are doing the Number Trap. The blonds go for the food delivery.

NFL gets the code first. Now they have to decipher it.

Oh, no. The blonds are lost AGAIN.

Hung and Chee are having problems with the Number Trap and are still at it while most are deciphering the clue. 

James and Will get the clue first. They have to head to a mausoleum where there is a Yield ahead. They decide to Yield the blonds as they know they don't have an hourglass, it gives them a huge buffer for a losing team and won't get "blood on their hands" with their alliance.

Roadblock -- Who's ready to flip their lid? They have to identify three people's turbans digitally and then in real life.

Hung/Chee decided to switch detours. The BFL are second to the Yield station. Hung and Chee found the food delivery right away and are off to a good start. The blonds just arrived there. The teams are in radio contact with a navigator person. It seems like the blonds are giving their navigator a headache. 

Meanwhile teams at the match the turban cyber and reality are finding it hard. I'm smiling that James is having problems at the turbans. I'm mean like that.

Maddison/Riley and then NFL get the clue to the next clue first.

The blonds get to their Yield and it's the one twenty minute one. If that doesn't get them gone this week, nothing will.

Ah, it was set up as two separate episodes even with the mega-leg. We're starting the second episode.

Eswar/Arpana just finish the turbans as the blonds finish their time-out.

Meanwhile the other teams are headed to the next clue.

Detour - This or That. No more explanation. This is finding a bangle bracelet set -- needle in a haystack kind of thing. Eswar/Arpana chose That so we'll find out what That is finally! The blonds actually do well with the turban Roadblock. 

Riley and Maddison are off first to the next clue. Yield ahead.

That is taking a mold of a patient's teeth and fitting them to the patient to make dentures.

Teams will dress in traditional outfits and ride a horse and carriage to a castle. Now Riley and Maddison Yield the blonds, mainly because they knew Hung/Chee were running behind.

Roadblock - Who wants to set things straight? Prepare 10 royal dinner settings according to art.

The blonds are doing the dentures That. They don't know of the Yield yet.

Either James or Will (off camera) said the five team alliance is now dead. It's three -- them, Riley/Maddison and Hung/Chee.

All the teams but the blonds are doing the settings now. Very fussy. I don't think I could eat there. I'd probably mess something up!

Riley/Maddison are the first team off the the Pit Stop. The blonds find out that they are Yielded once again.

Pit Stop Order

1. Riley/Maddison - won a 7 day Caribbean cruise

2. James/Will 

3. DeAngelo/Gary

4. Hung/Chee

5. Eswar/Arpana

6. Kaylynn and Haley -- phinally Philiminated

Thank you for reading and I hope all have a great Thanksgiving! Stay safe!