The Baseball Trip 2026

Day 13 - Saturday, August 15

We decided to bypass Vegas. We have been traumatized by Southern California and did not want to deal with it. We head for nature.

Random Observation from Randy: I already have enough mountain pictures.

Maybe, but now we are going to spend the day winding through the Virgin River Canyon and Zion National Park.

Favorite Town Names: Pahrump, NV

                                        Needles, CA

Favorite Signs: Zzyzk Rd.

                          Ghost Town Rd.

Things we cannot hang around for: Penn & Teller at Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

I forgot: I didn't list Fire Hazard Signs or One Lane Highways the last two days. Probably because there were none. None today either.

Next: Climbing through the Rockies.

The Baseball Trip 2026

Day 12 -   Friday, August 14

These guys were checking me out this morning across the alley behind our motel in Azusa, California:

Breakfast at Georgianna's and then off to Del Mar.

More Pacific Coast Highway shots. (Editor's note: Many of the scenic photos in this blog were taken by Randy. Some from the window of the car, and they turned out amazing considering the logistics.)

Here are some shots from around the track at Del Mar. We only stayed for a few races. I lost $30.00.

Promenade around the entrance.

Paddock area.

Infield tote board,

Grandstand and picnic area in front.

Randy picked this guy to win the first race as they were walking the paddock area.

Guess what?

After Del Mar, we took off toward Barstow to grab a motel.

All my friends know the low rider. (Chevy Impala Super sport.)

Favorite Town Names:   Orange, CA

                                          Orangewood, CA

                                          Orangethorpe, CA

Favorite Signs:    Jimmy Durante BLVD.

                             Caution: Dust Clouds Possible

Things we cannot hang around for: Family Fun Day at Del Mar

Random Observation from Randy: We're on the third floor. Penthouse suite?

Next: Vegas and beyond.

The Baseball Trip 2026

Day 11 - Thursday, August 13

We are on our way to fantastic LA, but first, breakfast at the Cowgirl Cafe.

On the way, some shots from the Pacific Coast Highway:

Along the way, I took a wrong turn at one point along the way and entered straight into the ID checkpoint of the Vandenberg Space Force Station. This isn't me below because I was too embarrassed to ask for a photo. But this is exactly what happened to me:

Dumbass!

But we did make to Dodger Stadium without getting arrested. The Dodgers are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers. God knows I don't root for the hated Dodgers, but if they could just beat the Brewers this evening it would be okay. They were up 4-2 in the eighth inning, and then all hell broke loose in the ninth. They lost 5-4.

Concourse behind center field

From our seats in left field,

Left field.

Home plate and the first base line.

Dodger bullpen before the game.

Wide view from left field.

Center field video board.

Players taking the field.

Everybody loves Ohtani!

LA : Palm trees and traffic. It took 75 minutes to go twenty miles on the 101. Never again!

Random Observation from Randy: This Dodger Dog is good, but it will never top the Vienna all beef dog. Actually, the Vienna Polish is the best.

Favorite Town Name: Oxnard, CA

Favorite Signs: Suburban Avenue

                          Telephone RD.

                          Auto Center Drive

Things we cannot hang around for: Monterrey Car Week, Monterrey Peninsula

Next: Del Mar Racetrack

The Baseball Trip 2026

Day 10 - Wednesday, August 12

We are leaving Pollock Pines, California, and heading slightly west to Placerville for breakfast at Sweetie Pie's Restaurant and Bakery.This place is awesome. Even their home-made wheat bread toast was special!

Random Observation from Randy: You have to try my biscuits and gravy. You can tell they are home-made, made from scratch.You have to!

I have never been offered that gift before.

Onward to Sacramento and the (Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas?) Athletics. Anyways, The A's are hosting the Tampa Bay Rays...the only 2 teams currently playing home games at minor league ballparks. The A's didn't renew their lease at the Coliseum, and the Rays had their roof blown off by a hurricane.  Unfortunately for the A's, the Rays are one of the best teams in baseball.

The Rays destroyed the A's 8-4.

Here are a few pix from the ballpark, Sutter Health Park: The minor league team, the River Cats, still play here:

My first photo with a MLB mascot! Stomper! (Of course, it was at a minor league field.)

Onward to LA. We are going to see the Dodgers play the Brewers. God help me, I have to root for the Dodgers. Heading for San Luis Obispo for the night.

Along the way:

Vineyards.

Sacramento River.

Our trail.

Last hill.

Favorite Town Names: Shingle Springs, CA

Favorite Signs: Rough and Ready Island

                          T. W. Bonkers Toy and Candy Emporium

Things we cannot hang around for: El Dorado Stampede, Auburn, CA

                                                             Hollister Peace Vigil, Hollister, CA

Random Observation from Randy: If I ever suggest a road like this again, hit me in the head.

Fire Hazard Signs - 1

One-Lane Highways - 0

Next: LA!