Road Trippin to Spring Training

Aloha ~

I have never had the opportunity --- or invitation --- to go to Dodgers Spring Training. So when a group from work started talking last fall about making a pilgrimage to Glendale, AZ, I said I was in. While I am a life-long Angels fan, I am always a baseball fan. I would rather go to a game than no game at all, doesn’t matter the team. So the six of us decided to make a mini-vacation of it and hit the road.

 

Leaving a very cloudy and overcast Orange County, CA we headed east to Arizona. Some people may not enjoy the desert but I have always thought that while it can be remote, it is absolutely amazing that life can continue to exist (and thrive) in that heat.

                  It's like two Table Moutains

So Amazing to think this was formed by nature

                                                                              I think I will call this Devil's Range

We stopped for lunch in beautiful Blythe, CA. Since pictures cannot do justice to this small desert town, I opted to let you just imagine my appreciation. (Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice?)

We did stop to gas up just over the Arizona border and I got my close-up photo of cactus. We played a little hoops in the parking lot but had to stop when we lost our ball. Still not sure what happened to it. Oh well, on with the drive.

I hate it when this happens?

Now settled into our hotel, it was time to find out where things happen in beautiful Glendale, AZ. We headed to Westgate Entertainment District. I was excited to see where the Phoenix Coyote’s play. (Again, I am an LA Kings fan but you have to appreciate all sports teams). Apparently everyone else decided this was the place to be tonight as well. Reminded me of home….an hour plus wait to be seated at the restaurants. The shortest wait was at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville so that is where we ate.

While sometimes you sacrifice quality of food at a theme restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised. Wish the same could be said for the service but I digress. Of course, we started with cocktails. I ordered a Ragtop Day. It included Effen Cucumber Vodka. ..sounds interesting, no?

Ragtop Day  (see below for ingredients)

 I also ordered the Fish & Chips which were very good. I would recommend them on your next visit.

I love good beer-batter fish and chips. None of that breaded stuff. The coleslaw was also very good. Almost a cross between a mayo based and vinegar based recipe. It was a good balance. And of course, gotta love the fries. It you like tartar sauce, try dipping your fries in it next time. It's very good.

Desert Sunset

As the sun set on our first day, we are all excited about spending the next 3 days cheering on the boys in Blue!

Until the next time...


Ragtop Day Ingredients

Effen Cucumber Vodka
Monin Watermelon Syrup
Pineapple Juice
Cranberry Juice
Splash of Soda Water