Edith and Harry spent many summer vacations there in the forties and fifties. My brother and I plopped into his Packard and drove the coast highway until we arrived at the stylish Del Mar Hotel. The four of us stayed in one of many bungalows close the the beach.
The horses galloped on the sandy beaches to ready themselves for a future race. We swam and sat behind celebrities like Jimmy Durante, and Betty Grable. I played tennis with a Penny Clark who died in a car accident a few days later. We did't wear seat belts in those days.
Today I am a San Diego boy. I try not to drive. I visited the track twice opening week and had a ball. In no way did I pay for the large parking fee there. Instead, I took the Coaster Train from the Santa Fe Station to get to Solana Beach, just to the north of the great racing place.
I used my Compass Card for the ride and then rode an elevator to street level...Sometimes I park my car in the free commuter lot, next to the train station. From there, a Double Decker British bus takes me the rest of the way. I try to get a seat on top of the bus since the bottom is cramped and muggy. In the fifties, the buses didn't need many windows since the weather in London is often cold and rainy. The people, of course, were smaller and thinner.
Today there was the Solana Beach Triathlon where bikers need to swim, run and bike. It is too late for me and besides, my asthmatic condition does not allow me the outdoors event.
At about twelve o'clock, I enter the track and use my diamond card to get me a three dollar admission including a program. I don't use the racing form since I am sold on jockey Gary Stevens. ,
My knapsack includes two tuna sandwiches and a thermos with cold water.
I use my diamond card to enter free on Wednesday's. Thursday's are free senior day, and there is no charge. Kurt barks out how it is important to buy a Union paper for the picks of the day. The gift shop to the right is busy selling hats-it means another muggy day.
I take the elevator to the fifth floor and sit in section number nine, with a clear view of the finish line. The westerly breeze off the ocean along with the beautiful hills give me goose bumps. I feel like buying a Dutch Master cigar and stoking one up in memory of Harry...I've always believed he enjoyed the horses more than beating the tennis pro at a neighboring park.
The Del Mar Race Track unclogs my mind from the trivialities of every day life. My limit today is ten dollars since my monthly teacher's retirement check is a few days away. My birthday is the sixteenth of August, so the digits l and 6 are the post positions I bet.
I treat myself to a hot dog plastered with mustard before the horses go to the post. A loud joyous recording of Bing Crosby blasts over the speakers over my head. "When the turf, meets the surf in old Del Mar..."
I salute the flag and wiped the mustard off of my shirt. I win four races out of six, and my wallet smiles with ten dollars more in its stomach. The Coaster Train returns me to the Santa Fe Station. k me back to the Santa Fe Station. My regret is not placing enough sun screen on my 74 year old head.
It is Wednesday the 14th of August. It is a no charge Wednesday when I use my my Diamond Card. I leave the Encinitas Senior Center and drive towards the Salano Beach turnoff on Lomas Santa Fe. The commuter parking lot is full today so I park a few blocks on a residential street. No problem.
There is the Cedros Cafe known for its waffles and fig jams. I ear the beacon and eggs special but the fig jam steals the show. The other day I went to the Naked Cafe when I wished to live dangerously. Today I will grab a long five dollar sub before mounting the double decker bus to the race track. It is a lot cheaper than the half priced hot dog specials.
After my free admission along with a program, I will take the elevator to the fifth floor and find a seat in aisle seven. I will read a library book and do some writing. It is a great change of pace for me. The roof overhang blocks out sun, and a jacket is needed. I enjoy watching the betters run to the windows to place their wagers or watch the race.
The westerly ocean breezes hit me just right. Every thirty minutes there is the sound of Amtrak or the Coaster trains hopping along to the west. The Coaster train can pick you up on the hour and back to San Diego or all points South. If my number come in, I can leave later and even buy a hamburger before going to the train station. Even if I miss the five thirty late Coaster, I can take Amtrak or even the 101 bus to get where I am going.
Since my birthday is the 16th of August, I will bet six and one all day today. Good Luck.
(c) George Garrett 2013
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