As we've both had the experience of staying at the Gorge "campgrounds" in previous years (think camping in a huge open yard, with rows of cars/RVs/tents and over-flowing Port-a-potties) we decided that in our old age and wisdom we would forego the party-all-night scene and instead stay in Vantage, a little "town" across the Columbia River from the concert site, about 10 miles away.
We stayed in the Riverside "Resort", which proved to be quite an interesting camping experience. It was much quieter than the Gorge, but still afforded some of the interesting people watching experiences... visiting the facilities full of high school girls getting ready for a day on the river complete with full faces of makeup and using curling and flat irons to perfect their hairdos.. Seeing some of America's finest families stock up at the General Store on all the essentials (Pork Rinds, all other manner of processed foods known to Man) while decked out in their American flag tee shirts.. mingling with those fine Americans not at all concerned with rising gas prices or the Environment- cruising around in their big gas-guzzlers -- Hummers, jacked-up F150s -- hauling their kick ass speed boats and Sea Dos.. YEE HAW!! (see license plate below)
We spent Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday enjoying the beauty of the Gorge and some great bands. Their were 3 stages with bands playing most of the day. The main stage is in the most stunning setting, overlooking the river.
We hung out with friends Jean and her friend MJ visiting from Jersey, Glenn & Stacia and Amanda & Paul. People just literally hung out all day on the huge lawns in front of all the stages, eating all manner of Country-fair type food and drinking $12 beers!! 
Some fantastic people watching ensued- people of all ages and styles, and on all manner of mind-altering substances. Sunsets were beautiful and the company was great. I saw a bunch of bands I had not seen before and then got to see some that I've always wanted to see. Sunday night ended with The Cure, a band I've loved since high school. Robert Smith, though a bit bloated, still has an amazing voice- it was quite an experience. Some other highlights of the weekend were Canadian sister act Tegan and Sara, The Seattle Hip Hop group Blue Scholars, and the politically charged Michael Franti & Spearhead. Thanks, Laura, for making the trip up to the NW, and thanks for being part of a very memorable weekend.
