Merced, California: A restful night in Bakersfield, though we had to use our thick Oregon Duck fleece blanket. Fall nights are COLD in the San Joaquin Valley.
Since today was Saturday and Oregon had a game (v Ohio State), I did prepare the traditional Saturday morning breakfast potato hash - with green and yellow bell peppers - before we left Bakersfield, hoping the gesture would bring luck to our Ducks.
The drive north on Highway 99 is always teeth-shaking bumpy, but the most annoying issue was searching for #2 diesel (Mercedes does not want us to use biodiesel fuel), then our most annoying issue became paying $8.60 per gallon for the liquid gold at the third filling station we tried. Ugh.
We listened to the game on the radio while driving to Merced, and dang if the sad-season Ducks didn’t beat Ohio State 41-28 with brilliant trick plays and a return of their famed speed. Interesting enough, Dave’s college roomies were also elsewhere committed and could not watch the game live, and are now wondering if this fact unjinxed the Ducks?
Arriving to Brother Bill & Ginger’s house to help set up for his 75th party, we found everything already under control, as their daughter, Meghan, had arrived early in the day with her husband and kids to help. Band members began arriving, getting their equipment situated, friends began arriving with potluck foods and folding chairs. At five o’clock the Bobtones took the stage garage and the party started.
Everyone in this band has a 7 in front of their age, and only one (Steve Johnson, bass, far left in blue baseball cap) is a professional musician, but they always give it their all and drew-in three other professional musicians, who sat-in for a few songs during the evening.
It was such a fun night and turned into a mini Merced High School Class of ‘73 Reunion. Dave and Steve Johnson were classmates, and five other people in the audience tonight were in the same class. The food selection was vast and gourmet. Pots of chicken mole with rice and beans, a vat of chili, tacos, fried chicken, so many salads and a platter of amazing corn fritters. Too many desserts!
Here is a 2-minute video of the Bobtones:
Though Billy is complaining about how sore and tired he is, he still has it going on for a 75 year old grandpa, and was smiling all night.
Until my next update, I remain, your Merded correspondent.
Campsite Information: After everyone folded their camping chairs and went home, we backed our RV onto Billy’s driveway and went to bed!