Not everyone stayed for the post-sundown experience.

Two dozen San Diego Eagles and their families enjoyed a traditional Southern California beach bonfire on Bonita Cove, Mission Bay, Saturday afternoon and evening.

(For what it’s worth, I thought the palm trees in the scene above were evocative of the cover of the iconic 1976 Eagles album, Hotel California, at right.)

At least two of the attendees were incoming members of the Class of 2026, due to travel east soon for their orientation session on campus August 21-23. They had the opportunity to chat with a few members of the Class of 2022.

Here’s a selection of photos of those attending.

L-R: Justin Niles ’09, Megan Schofield, Brian Tsu ’00, Lissa Herrick Tsu ’00, Jenny Phelan Mustard ’07, and Will Mustard.

L-R: Megan Costello ’22, Erin McGill ’22, Ryan Rafferty ’22, Abby Kopec ’16, Brendan McGillicuddy ’22, and Alexa Carter ’19.

L-R: Brian Tsu ’00; Mary Berube ’80, P’13’17; Ray Berube ’78, P’13’17; Bill McDonald ’68; Joe Mahler ’74, P’11; Lori Mahler P’11; and Kevin McGillicuddy ’80, P’26.

Chapter Leader Lissa Herrick Tsu ’00 and husband Brian arrived in early afternoon to secure the bonfire pit. Red “X” marks the spot, upper left.

With the chapter tent in place later in the afternoon, the site was ready.

A few stayed for the light show — fireworks over the Bay, launched from Sea World.