Just a few days after Mikey Erg was in town, Bad Religion got in for Punk In The Park. I'd ended up taking the entire back half of the week off. I needed a break and I wanted to get into full relaxation mode. I was staying closer to the venue, so I'd already packed for a few days away. All I needed to do was to get going.

I woke up Friday after sleeping in a bit. I had a few things that I wanted to get taken care of before heading out. I ran to Costco to find out that they could not refill my propane tank. I had to make the way back home and stop at a grocery store to grab a new one and a few more groceries. I got home and unloaded that stuff before tossing the weekend stuff in the car. I hopped on the road and headed south.

I wanted to make a number of stops along the way. First up was the junkyard. I got a new car in January and it does not come with a spare tire or accessories. I've been keeping an eye out for the last gen that has these included so I can work them in. I discovered my spare and hid it in another car until I could get back. I also found a set of floormats for cheap and grabbed them. They are expensive once they wear out so I was happy paying $4 each. I tossed that all in the car and then grabbed something to eat.

I was staying in a hotel for a few nights as it was close to the venue. I made my way there and was able to check in a little early. I got my things up to the room which was great. It was near a freeway but very quiet. I got all of that stuff put away and headed out to run the last few errands that I needed to. I hit the store for a few drinks and supplies, gassed up the car, and gave it a quick car wash. I headed back to the room and got settled. Greg called and asked about trying to hit a late dinner but I did not think it would work. I grabbed something close, watched a movie, and grabbed some sleep.

I got up and got all of my stuff ready. I was waiting around for a bit to hear what the plan of the day was. Brian hit me up and mentioned needing to grab a few things and wanting to grab lunch. He told me the hotel and I made my way there. I am a dumbass and did not clarity on which one was “the one by the airport” so I drove to the same one that everyone was in last time. I turned around and got moving. I found the hotel and got to say hi to Rick, Jay, and Jamie. Brian came out and we hopped in the car to get going.

We got the shopping knocked out and grabbed some Pita Jungle for lunch. I took him back to the hotel and got myself parked. I decided to walk around for a while. I ran into Tess and caught up with here for a bit. Then I ran into Dave and caught up with him as well. There was a comic book store that I wanted to check out. I headed that way and picked up a couple of things before heading back to the car. There was not much going on for the day so I headed back to the hotel for a bit to drop things off. By now, it was time to meet Greg for a late lunch. We ate over at Nello's Pizza. It was great to hang with him and catch up with the family. We parted ways and would see each other soon.

I hung out for a bit but did not hear anything. I headed over to the venue and got in just as I started being asked if I was there. I caught up a little more with the guys and then needed to go give Greg a ride. Things had changed a bit so I brought him over and caught Pennywise. They put on a killer set as always and I got to peek out for a bit on Bro Hymn. Things were wrapping up and BR was getting ready so I hung out and watched it all come together. The stage was set and I headed up to grab a spot to watch from. I ran into Rugly who I did not know was working for Pennywise. It was great to see him.

The time came and the band took the stage. It was a nice intro and dropped right into Recipe For Hate. It only got better from there. The weather was great and the crowd was really into it. I got to watch a bit with Rhino who was also out with Pennywise. I have not watched a show with him in a very long time and it was cool to do that again. The band tore through the set knocking out 23 songs. They played True North as part of those and it was very cool to hear that one again.

With the show over, things wrapped up quickly. I gave Greg a ride back to the hotel. I got back just in time to see Rick and the guys packing up to head out. I got to say goodbye to them all. I chose to hang around for a while and help out as I could so the crew could get a reprieve too. Things wrapped and I got to say goodbye to them all as well. I headed out and back to my hotel.

Sunday was a chill day. I woke up and got packed. I hit the junkyard on the way back and grabbed a spare donut that I wanted. I got home, got unpacked, and mentally started to prepare for a return to real life.

I am very grateful for the weekend. I am fortunate to have had the time and funds to be able to extend it. I am fortunate that so many friends have a job that brings a lot of them to hang out all at once. I am grateful for the quality time and conversations that I get to have with them. This one was down and I am looking forward to the next one.