From the second charter, things went much like the first. The Bowling Moms followed Colin and Christie in their boats and they both went to the same incorrect island first. Colin and Christie went off to the next island, and so the Bowling Moms took a gamble to go the opposite direction, feeling the time they would save if they were right would save them. Throughout this whole time, Colin was complaining about not having a travel guide. He didn't blame Christie specifically, but god I thought he was going to explode. I am actually surprised they didn't see a flag from the Philippines any where in Manilla or any place else on the island, especially the resorts. It was satisfying to hear Colin say "Too bad I'm an ignorant American", because it gives all of us who are well-informed Americans another chance to laugh. The Moms were correct in their gamble, and they made it to the giant clams first. Now, call me cruel, but did anybody else think of the National Geographic channel and their special on manatees as the moms were swimming in the ocean? You know, graceful in that, how in the hell can they even move in the water sort of way?

The Moms needed all of their extra time, because the next challenge involved scaling a rope using only your arms and legs to pull yourself up a 150 foot distance to the top. As the people were reading the clue, it gave a warning that anybody with vertigo problems shouldn't attempt the next challenge. Nobody knew what vertigo was. Perhaps I am wrong, but vertigo is not that uncommon a word. It's not like diverticulitis or gout or something. You're telling me there is not a Hitchcock fan among these racers, that hadn't seen the movie? And none of them were able to think that vertical and vertigo may have some relation? Despite being scared of heights, Brandon finished in relative ease, as he mastered the up and down skill on the rope without a problem. Chip had huge problems and was going very slow. He was about halfway up when Brandon started his descent and he and Nicole made it onto their Kayak and into the first pit stop in first place.

Chip was still struggling to make it up the rope, and Karen started her way up while he was still on the rope. Still, everybody knew that the real race was to put enough time in between them and Colin and Christie. I think everybody watching had a feeling that as soon as Colin got on that rope, his adrenaline would get him up and down in about a minute. Anybody rooting for Chip and Kim or the moms was desperately hoping Colin and Christie would not catch up. Chip finished, but Karen was proceeding slowly. In a scene reminiscent of Master and Commander, Kim raised her hand above her brow, and pined "What is that upon the Horizon? I think it is Colin and Chrisie." Indeed, as Chip and Kim left, the last team made their way to the rope. Colin jumped off the boat onto the platform before the boat even stopped, strapped himself in, and was on his way up. As he made his way up, Karen struggled with fatigue. Colin took a moment to rest, but easily caught up with her and was on his way back down in no time. For a minute their we thought Karen had a chance, because the Amazing Race started playing the techno music, signifying either crazy determination or a fakeout. It was the latter and Moms were the last to make it to the pit stop, and were eliminated. They had a nice little sentimental moment about how they enjoyed each other's friendship and how they were so proud they knew what they could do as they entered the next phase of life, but it all pales in comparison for what we had in store for the last hour of the show. Phil did have a great line as they left "You bowled a lot of strikes during this race, but left one standing today." We love the Kiwi take American past times.

Posted by J-Unit on September 22, 2004 1:50 AM