The San Diego Padres played the Toronto Blue Jays a few days ago. It felt like fiesta time when I boarded the Coaster train out of Encinitas. It was almost three o'clock. I should have known better than board it when either the Padres or Chargers are in town. Only a few seats were available, so I just kicked back and enjoyed the scenery standing up.
Like always, the young kids had their six packs tucked away and took over the train. I viewed the startled face of a youngster when he saw his Dad drink one can of Bud after another. I felt sorry him since I have been in program for seventeen years.
Our next stop would be Solano Beach. It is close to Del Mar and a few miles from Encinitas. The San Diego Fair was approaching. Various trucks unloaded their cargo. Several amusements had already been set up...The chatter on the train turned to loud laughter. Each kid wore the Padre uniform of their favorite player...
The smart ones got off at Old Town and paid the price for a Green Trolley ticket. It would take them south Petco Park, home to the baseball Padres...A few Mexican workers tried to ignore the fun and frolic. They scrolled their cell phones in hope the trip would be uneventful...A young kid began to shake. He probably was withdrawing from a mixture of pills and booze...He held onto the upper part of his seat..
.A conductor told everyone, "There is no drinking on the train after nine at night. We will depart at eleven, and you will be thrown off the train if we find drink on you...You must have a ticket or there is a four hundred dollar fine" .At the end of the at the end of the ride, a line formed. Everyone seemed smashed. ...Most got off at the Sana Fe Station.
For me the Santa Fe Station was my stop. The view of the San Diego Harbor was free and my ecstasy drink for the day. The blue colored Southwest planes meshed with the blue sails of the Harbor crafts. There was a ten mile an hour westerly wind. The sun was going down and the green reflection of the ocean with the clear blue skies made my day.
Whatever stop you decide to get off, each city provides its own flavor of the day. Del Mar has the ponies, Encinitas the Moonlight Bay, and so forth.
Some tips to make your train ride go smoother without needing to hit a Starbucks. Buy a Coaster ticket before boarding. The one day Compass pass is for the buses and trolleys only. Again, don't board without a ticket.
You can eat and drink on board. I park my car at one of the several commuter stations and coast it to my destination. I pay only forty one dollars a month for everything. For those with a monthly Coaster pass, keep a receipt safely tucked away in case the pass is lost.
There is a restroom light on the top right corner of the door. It is available when the yellow light is off. There is fresh water next to the bathroom facilities and a place to throw trash.
Wear at hat when the sun sits out your window. Some patrons may be intoxicated with booze or drugs. Stay away and ignore when possible. I have even moved to another car when the stench and smell became unbearable.
Each conductor has his own peculiarities so show compassion. Some take their job seriously while others are more compassionate. Treat each the same way so don't make their 'ax-to-grind' become yours.
The Old Town Transit Station does have a bathroom when in operation. Use the one on the train. Inside the deli there is one when it is working. The City of San Diego is notorious for not having public restrooms. The City Fathers believe in over developing the city with convention centers and a more glamorous Harbor.
Since my passion is reading and writing, I try to locate away from noisy families anyone too loud on a cell phone or using a radio. Move to a quieter seat.
And most important, keep your feet off the "chairs", and your feet inside your shoes. Show compassion for others. It is a darling city ride.
I need to get off the trolley now. I desire to go on the Merry-go-round at sea port village and eat a spaghetti dinner with my buddies Sylvia Sparrow.
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