Truck loaded, windows painted and gassed up, we headed out early and got to the parking lot around 11:15am. PLENTY OF TIME!! Right?
Well, as it turned out, someone from the concert the night before (KISS/Aerosmith) left their car, and the GW parking staff decided to have it towed around 11am. And of course, it was in the *main* lot. The impact to us was that we (and about 50 other PHs) got "diverted" to the side lots while they made room for the tow truck.
Yup, all that planning and we got *stuck.* However, the people in the lot were very cool and apologized to us (and then let us take up plenty of extra space). It was actually funny... the diverted cars made up the first row of the lot (which then didn't really get people until 1pm)... and that row was _decked out_ with shades, bars, blenders, grills you-name-it.
Anyway, for us, it meant we needed to roam more to be where the *action* was (and that we didn't get much traffic to the new bar, and subsequently only handed out about 2 packs of juicy fruit gum and 20 VIRGIN scavenger hunts).
We walked around a bit and met up with a few BNers, but none of the people we had planned to meet up with (ah, the life of a tailgater). We noticed a few key things for the Thursday crowd this year:
1. The event staff was the nicest and most friendly we've seen in 3 years
2. The police seemed really really laid back this year
3. NO FIGHTS! this year (had one last year about 3 cars down that was really ugly)
4. Saw some old Phriends from parking lots past
5. The crowd generally seemed subdued. Not entirely sure why... our parking lot was _definitely_ quiet (sorta as expected), but the other lots seemed quiet too. It was like people roaming about didn't stop too often to socialize and the groups of people that were there seemed content to do their own thing.
** however, subdued doesn't mean quiet. I didn't think i was at a barry manilow concert (yes, i have been to see barry manilow -- long story, involves a girl... 'nuff said). it was more mellow than previous years at GW **
The WEATHER was AWESOME! PERFECT day for tailgating.
We made laps a few times and for the life of us, could not find the BN RV, the KLC Bar or any BNers that we expected to. I did run into some other BN faces at the end of the day and they told me where to look. Not sure how the heck we missed it, but we did
Finally nearing showtime. Getting into the venue was a breeze this year. Easier than all previous years. The lawn at GW is slowly shrinking, and this year we had seats in what used to be the lawn. Oh well, they were awesome anyway, and on a front rail in the section, so we got a good view of the show, but a better view of the PHANS!
I was reminded last night of just how cool the whole PH experience is. Now, I really liked the show last night. Second show of the season (in person) for me, and he really seemed "on" last night. The sound was perfect and the whole band was really into it. You could tell the energy was contagious up there!
The set list was cool, some changes. I'm like everyone else in that I had some favorites I would have _liked_ to have heard, but I have no complaints.
The crowd was awesome last night. As EXPECTED, I saw people dancing with strangers, exchanging high fives, handing out juicy fruit gum, sharing a smile during an awesome song and singing along. I saw all ages, all walks of life and the REAL santa *or d*mn did he look real*
The night had energy, the night had passion, the night had love.... very very cool.
And then we headed home (needed to see the 4 month old keet).
I had thought in the afternoon that they day had been a little bit of a let down. I think that was the result of 3 weeks of planning and a whole lot of stress coming out. But by the end of the show, I realized that the day had been awesome. Great weather, great people, great show.
I wore the nametag 7Lords made for me, and they really worked! It was great to meet others... I know there were parts of the lot that were different than mine, but in the end, ours was good too!
Now we're gearing up for tomorrow. Heading out for 10am, going to have breakfast in the lot and will have a generator and 2 blenders. If you're going to be there, do stop by and let's raise a glass together and celebrate a great summer!
tampico trauma love the song, but you HAVE to have a harp We felt he was off, i have a feeling he played golf all day and was tired he came on a little later and ended a little earlier School Boy Heart was listed as an encore song, he skipped it We are hoping he brings his A game on Sat weve seen somewhere around 40 shows and felt this was at the bottom, musically maybe its just us, although many around us had the same thoughts when the show ended that being said everyone can have an off night cant wait for saturday
I can't put my finger on it exactly----between the beautiful weather, the smell in the air, Jimmy's music, the friendly people--it was just an experience of a lifetime. We didn't run into ANYTHING "bad"---no fights, no sickness, no rude people....it was all good AND JIMMY, wow...what can I say? 
When he came on stage I literally cried....it was one of those smiling/laughing/crying type deals.....very moving for me. He sounded great and I loved all the songs. Saturday can't get here quick enough... I plan on seeing Jimmy in concert as much as possible. I am just sorry I missed so many years, but better late then never! I was on the lookout for BN people and was lucky to meet TRYIN TO REASON who was SUCH A SWEET, SWEET guy!!!!!! To have him sitting beside me was a treat----he is SUCH a fan and his energy vibe was very contagious---THANK YOU TRYIN TO REASON if you read this!!!! You were GREAT! 
Parrotheads are amazing....such fun, kind people----thanks for making Thursday's concert an event I will always remember. I will post pictures soon!!!!! 