I left on Thursday Aug 20 with what I thought was plenty of time to make the 1st race at 2pm. But anything that could delay that, did. More than one traffic jam occurred plus I actually missed the DM turnoff and ended up on Del Mar Heights road. I got to the track at 1:50PM, pulled into the lot I always go to, on the west end of the grandstand, and, approaching the toll booth I see the sign that says: Preferred Parking $25. I asked the guy "What happened to General at $15?" and was told they changed this lot to Preferred last year, but I could drive around to the other side of the track and pay $15 if I wanted to. I thought “screw it” and paid the tab but still had to park more than 100 yards from the entrance. That wiped the first race off my experience. There were a lot of people there for a Thursday, probably since everyone with a Diamond Card gets in free that day. Racing forms are now $11 .

It was very nice being there in person. Seeing the train go by was a scenic remembrance. The card sucked but that was secondary in appeal. I bet the 2nd race and my horse was scratched at the gate. I won money on the next 2 races but as I was standing in line for each race what came to mind was, in the Junket years, I would be in line and someone I knew would always be around me. I started to feel somewhat alone. I bet 3 of the next 4 races and ended up losing a few dollars.

As I walked back to the car I decided there was no need to go back on Friday as I got the experience I was looking for. My plan switched to Mr. Tee’s for breakfast the next morning and then some time on the beach. I had a room at the Days Inn in Encinitas but without my usual roommates, Roger and Mason, I felt like the Lone Ranger………and somewhat sad.

The next morning at Tee's there were 5 tables in use . Never seen it that empty at 9am. It was ten minutes before a waitress gave me a menu. I ordered a breakfast burrito which was good. Biscuits and gravy was always one of the options that came with the meal, but no more. Now they are an expensive side dish. I spent a couple hours on the beach and headed home to bypass the Friday traffic.

I'm glad I went down but wondering if I will ever take the trouble to do this again? Could this be my last junket ever? I'll be betting DM online today. It's certainly a whole lot easier.