While visiting friends who lived in nearby Port Charlotte, we decided to run down to the Punta Gorda harbor for sunset. Punta Gorda harbor had lots to see and do, lots of good places to eat, listen to live music, and just sit around for the evening as the sun set. It was a pleasant, relaxing evening. We even got to see some manta rays swimming close to shore!
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone! I hope everybody is having a wonder Christmas holiday with friends and loved ones.
It’s been 60 years in the making but the Beach Boys, one of my favorite groups of all time, finally made it to town. And they were performing their Christmas show to boot! I just had to drive the 1100 miles back to my home town of Ottumwa, Iowa to watch them! (To keep this somewhat RV related, I did drive my truck back home; it is actually more comfortable on the road than my little Prius even though it uses 250% more fuel!)
The Boys performed all of their classic hits interspersed with their fun Christmas tunes. Two and a half hours of their famous harmonious music with only a 15-minute break.
The Bridge View Center opened in town in 2007. This was my first visit to the facility though I’ve driven by it many times when visiting back home. I “performed” with my guitar instructor (and the rest of his students – whew!) a few shows in times long past in the original facility. I saw many shows, performances, karate demonstrations and tournaments, dog shows, etc. over the years.
Walking across the bridge to the center for the show:
The Beach Boys are here!
Mike Love of the Beach Boys. At nearly 81 years old, he’s doing and sounding great!
Do you recognize the drummer? That’s John Cowsill. Yes; John Cowsill from “that” group. You know, the group that performed the song “Hair”? And “The Rain The Park And Other Things”? He’s been performing with the Beach Boys since 2000.
Here’s some more photos from my two and a half hours with the Beach Boys:
It was a fun night. I hope I get to see them again soon.