This past Memorial Day weekend I headed out for the first time on a road trip that did NOT involve packing up the bikes, helmets, GU’s, tools, and such. Instead, I loaded up into a Toyota mini-van with 4 others and we headed to the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington for the Sasquatch Festival. We headed out with some car camping gear, coolers full of food and cold beverages, dancing legs, and overflowing excitement to see some of our favorite bands.

I was on a personal mission to see my favorite band live for the first time ever…this would be The Tragically Hip. Yes, I almost started crying from their set and there are plenty of pictures to document that. Assuming no other band could compare to The Hip I was pleasantly surprised at the overall success of Sasquatch. Having the chance to see bands ranging from the hard core Nine Inch Nails, to the loving reggae beats of Matisyahu all in one venue was amazing.

I saw bands for the first time that now I cannot stop listening to. I watched Neko Case get hammered along with all of us fans in an intense hailstorm that eventually ended her set. It was sad to see her go…she is amazing. Oh yeah yeah yeah…the Flaming Lips put on a show that I will never forget. Hard to believe I had no clue to most of the Flaming Lips music. If you are not checking out these bands online as I speak them then you are missing out. A few more worth mentioning: Get your hands on the Arctic Monkeys young gentlemen from the UK blew me away. I would place them more in the punk rocker genre BUT more listener friendly if you are not a punk fanatic. They put on an amazing show and well worth seeing if they pass your way.

The final night turned out to be a high-energy puppet show put on by the one and only BECK. I am sure he will use this format in his future shows; therefore, I will not spoil the surprise. If you are curious go out and buy some tickets to his next show. It is worth every over priced dollar.

Taking a break from the usual routine of working, exercising, eating healthy and such can sometime be refreshing. That is if it is being replaced with something else that fills your soul. I just spent a soul-lifting weekend with some great friends and some great musicians. Looking forward to next year.

Note: This weekend is not for the weak at heart. The camping was in great big grass fields overlooking the Gorge. You are camping along side some let’s say loud fans that like to take the party through the entire weekend without sleep. Do not head to Sasquatch to catch up on rest and relaxation. Aside from the sleepless evenings, once you are in the venue you cannot leave and re-enter. Therefore, we headed in at noon and did not return to camp until 1 or 2 am. You are on your feet most of the day. Sportlegs came in handy for this. You stay re-hydrated the best you can and try and pack in some healthier foods and this helps with endurance. Overall, think of it as another goal to train for…good times!