While the Dead & Co. show was awesome, adversity reared its head on the first day of my Grand Adventure. Due to the fatal shootings of two women at The Gorge campground several weeks ago, the security lines to enter both the campground and the venue were brutally long. It was a scorching day in the mid-90’s with little shade. The Gorge covers a massive area, and the general campground is over a mile from the amphitheater making for long, dusty, sweltering walks. We managed to meet up and pre-game with my fraternity brother Jeff (who traveled all the way from Virginia for the shows) and his friend Carol. Unfortunately, had no success connecting with other friends in the premium campground, rebuffed by security.
Once inside the amphitheater, Deb and I grabbed a small patch on the packed lawn. As the music played and the ceding sun with a pleasant breeze offered cooling relief, I drank in the joy of this first evening of my Grand Adventure. The stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge made for an amazing scene and a sublime experience. A little weed and finding my buddy Charlie during intermission enhanced the evening. We danced on the steep slope. Sugaree was my personal favorite tune the band played that night.
It was a slow exodus with the masses back to the campground after the show. Stattie had retained heat like an oven and has no AC for the sleeping area. I had placed our pillows under the overhang of the cabinets along the driver’s side of the van. Bad idea, as within minutes Debbie and I had banged our heads several times. As I lay in bed uncomfortably warm and bothered on my first night in Stattie, an unexpected wave bowled me over. WTF have I done!!??
It was like a sudden surge of Buyer’s Remorse. The realization that life on the road in a cramped little space without stability, AC or other creature comforts was my new reality, landed like an anvil. Had I just made a huge, regrettable mistake?? I certainly didn’t expect this, especially just 12 hours after launch.
I shared my turmoil with Debbie who compassionately counseled that such thoughts are natural amid massive change. She said I’m experiencing a major culture shock and reassured me that I’ll acclimate just fine. With her support I soon saw the humor in what was happening which released the grip of the disturbing thoughts that I’d made a grievous error. This is all just part of the collateral damage when you blow up the life you’ve known and enjoyed. I laughed out loud, the wave passed and soon I was out like a light.
