Friday, March 2/2012

Heading out

All the Nascar semis parked

Going into the grounds

RV show

Fans camping

All the merchandise trailers on the strip

Ray, Kay and Marie

This is the cams that are buried in the track

Beer coolers for sale

Trailers lined up ( east )

Trailers lined up ( west )

More fans camping

Cop town

Cop town

Heading out

The stadium

Cardinals Stadium

Visit to Cabala's

We were up early this morning, getting ready to head into Phoenix for a day of fun and shopping.  We all piled into the car and away we went.  Mitch had decided last night not to accompany us so the four of us headed out.
We arrived at the Phoenix International Raceway where Nascar is the attraction.  I have never really been that involved with Nascar and was quite surprised to see that it is obviously and multi million (maybe even billion) dollar enterprise.  There is a long walkway to the gates and along this walkway are huge semi trailers that are full of merchandise for sale.   Each trailer is its own little store, each dedicated to one particular driver.  It was indeed something to see.
The drivers were doing time trials today so there was lots of noise coming from the famous oval track.  Kay says it is quite noisy when you are a spectator and ear plugs are often required.  I have no doubt about that!!  I was amazed at the sheer vastness of the parking lots with all the areas designated for RVs.  Faithful followers camp out just to enjoy this sport.  Hell, there is even a Basha's grocery store here at the race track.   Now doesn't that just beat all!!!
I truly enjoyed this Nascar experience and must say thank you to Ray and Kay for asking us to join them on this adventure.
We stopped at the Cabela's store on the way out of town and bought a couple of hats because Lord only knows we don't have enough hats yet!!  Ray and Kay needed new runners and of course Ray had to buy a new gun.   Americans and their guns!!  Don't ask me what kind it is cause I just don't know - it is a handgun  and it is silver and black!!
We stopped at Trackside, a road side bar and grill for a meal and were entertained by a couple of drunks at a table next to us.  They provided comic relief  throughout our meal up until one of them actually fell off his chair, landing  solidly on the floor!!  OMG!!  They left shortly after this and we soon followed.
Back at home, we were all tired from our day's activities and the meal so decided to have a quiet evening.   Both John and I came back to the bus and spent the evening relaxing and watching TV.  It is nice to just sit and not have to do anything.   Tomorrow,  John will be cooking his wonderful Greek Ribs on the BBQ for supper.  Mmmm.....