Do you feel the need, the need for speed?

Bakersfield is known for a few things but the two most frequently mentioned are Country music and racing. I hadn’t been to the Speedway in a long time but it was an enjoyable outing and there are not too many other places you can see cars go this fast on a dirt track anymore. Next time though I’ll probably bring better hearing protection as my ears were ringing for awhile afterwards.

There were a few dramatic crashes but everyone walked away so looked like no permanent harm was done. I’m sure they can bang that right out before the next race 🙂

 

Running with the bears

Racing Pigs

This summer my brother and his wife announced they’d be participating in “running with the bears” a half marathon and 10k run that would be taking place in Plumas county. This was a good excuse as any to head out for awhile so we went to watch the race.

finish line

It was a fun day watching the racing, with lots of things like face painting and paning for gold to keep the kids busy. Michael enjoyed the gold panning but mathew entertained himself by climbing underneath the tables.

beneath the tables

 

The US Air Force even put in an appearance with a fly over of several planes

USAF

The fair was going on that week as well so we stopped in to watch the racing pigs, and check out the Swann bros. circus act.

Zippy the clown spotted my camera and threw his juggling act in for a close up!

Zippy the clown

A fun weekend in Plumas county.

Condors

Condor

While I didn’t get a good view of any Condors at Pinnacles, shortly after my arrival in Bakersfield my Aunt invited me to get a great view of some.

She had great tickets to see Bakersfield’s hockey team the condors play. It was a fun match and of course there were a few scuffles but nothing unusual for a hockey game. The refs were actually pretty good at stopping things quickly during the first half but by the second they were getting tired which allowed this:

scuffle

It was a fun evening. Though a couple of weeks later it was topped by the tickets my parents had for a Merle Haggard concert.

Fox theater

He’s getting on in years but still really put on a show and the people of Bakersfield showed up in force to support him.

Merle Haggard

 

They played straight through for a couple of hours, he even brought out a fiddle for a couple of numbers at the end.

The crowd was enthusiastic and it was a great show.

Things are looking pretty good in Bakersfield, I’ve found a small mobile home I’m fixing up, and  have completed getting signed up for classes at Bakersfield College.