Stone, Round 3

Seemed like we had a pretty good trip visiting the Stone anniversary brewing reception in 2014, and then again in 2015 - so we went for round 3 on Friday, August 19.

Bros(?) + PJ @reception.

PJr drove to San Diego with PJ shotgun; CPG 'n me holding down backseat.  Nice and early start such that we made it for lunch by noon (despite too many stops enroute for some reason) at some BBQ joint ID'd by CPG.  POC (already in town with D'Backs), NOC and EPG (arrived Thursday via driving down from LA together) met us for lunch.  We heard that the three of them had an entertaining evening prior.

NOC hoping to be invited into photo.

Transportation up to U Cal San Marcos always requires a bit of planning; PJr and I score with Gaslight district Tahoe rental; PJ as always graciously DDs us back to San Diego after the event.

EPG's patented selfie technique.

The reception was, I think, the best yet for us.  Better organized as to food.  Better weather (the inland location sometimes can be a little hot).  EPG creates spot-on tasting-tracking sheet.  Beer is always good; I particularly like trying the casked versions.

Was it really "last call"  if a relief-pourer volunteers to fill the breach?  Love the "a lot more/big pour" compliments starting around 0:19 of this short (CPG-captured) clip (gratitude from patrons otherwise expecting their night was over):



Just a delightful evening.  In addition to our group:  Michael Cafiso for his third straight year of this, plus Chris Wagner - who puts up with, or promotes, our group's shenanigans and fits in seamlessly throughout.  POC finagles the night off from his D'backs duties to join, unexpectedly.  Nice.

NOC's Instagram compilation . . . 

After the reception - PJ and I get the Tahoe returned - then join the group at a Gaslight area bar - lots of D'backs folks, a nice finish to a fun day.

NOC had a fine idea for belated PJr b'day observance -
cupcakes from a fancy cupcake-vendor - but the evidence
suggests the cupcakes didn't quite survive Wednesday night.

Saturday: PJ and I (joined by EPG) go for coffee/breakfast.  Our entire group then gathers for lunch; we lose POC to work; lunch is followed by a Cafiso-sponsored afternoon of games/sipping/food at some Gaslamp place that worked quite nicely.  Back to hotel for game prep, where we do a little in-house tailgate (NC-style) courtesy of Chris W.  Petco Park - across the street - is quite lovely - we arrive in the 5th inning of a fast-moving game.  The stadium is its own beer-heaven.  D'backs win; we are able to make a bit of strategic racket at key late moments.  Fun.  Then we get a very late dinner - that's it for most of us, EPG/NOC/POC continue.

Sunday:  coffee/breakfast for PJ 'n me (joined by PJr).  Meet with the group and recap recent doings; then we go to lunch (a Greek place, really good); EPG napping in Audi as we hit the road for Phoenix.  NOC joins us rather than waiting for team plane, which we like!  Fun ride back, fun weekend . . .

We spent hours here on Saturday afternoon.  Pleasant hours.

Thanks for the tix, POC (per usual).  Lovely Saturday evening, fun game, D'backs win.