And bigger it was...

I enlisted the help of a phriend who is more artistically gifted than me to make it easily readable. It took several rounds, two Whiskey-and-cokes each, and two hours to complete, but the finished product was just what I wanted. Big, darkly-lettered, and thick enough to withstand the winds that the spaceship can create, it read simply, "Phree Hugs." To expand on the idea from Big Cypress, I carried a marker with me that every willing phan who got a hug would use to sign the sign, preferably leaving an email address.

Logistical problems with our babysitter, (she bailed at the last minute) landed us in the mudhole section of the parking lot at about 7:30pm on Thursday. First night lot was not meant to be. The show, on the other hand, was phenomenal. Terrific energy, great lights, killer setlist. 'Nuff said.

Leaving the show Thursday, we started to notice problems with the car. Luckily, we made it back to my parents house in Williamsburg without a problem. On Friday, my dad and younger brother agreed to come to the lot with us so that our son, (Chuckles) could experience the lot for the phirst time. We got into our spot at around 4:00, and prepared for the chilly stroll we were about to take. We started our journey surrounded by people who were just arriving, all in their own worlds of preparation. They loaded coolers, drank beers, grabbed supplies for the night, and started to make their respective entrances to the magical world of the Hampton Shakedown.

We had been in the thick of it for about 30 seconds when the first person approached me. He gave me his name and explained that he wanted to tell me his story before the hug. He began to tell me of all the very unfortunate things that had happened to him prior to and during his journey to Hampton. It all was summarized by the fact that he was now on the lot, about to be substantially altered mentally, and wanted some good vibes to start the experience off right.

Needless to say, this was just the kind of person I wanted to have take my up on my offer. We embraced each other with excitement for all the unknowns that stood before us, and then he signed the first of many email addresses that would decorate the sign before the night was through.

And so it went through the crowd. I would walk for a few seconds, and then there would be a small group of people waiting to take me up on my offer. (People told me they could see the sign coming from across the lot.) I got hugs that ran the full gammut, from the heartfelt embrace to a hug from a guy who "just wanted to make sure you weren't just trying to score chicks." Then there were people who wanted to hug my son, since the sign didn't specify who the hugs would come from. Great thing was, all of them were just as meaningful as the rest.

Chuckles is still too young (15 mos.) for us to feel comfortable taking him into an indoor show, but he had the time of his life on the lot. He was pushing his own stroller around, in awe of the sights and sounds that we love. He marveled at the glasswork, beads and dresses. He smiled at the vendors selling food and water. He casually flirted with all the cuties on the lot. He hugged people who couldn't resist. He even joined in on the drum circle that happened on Shakedown at around 5:00, until some thoughtless "head" pushed him out of the way to make room for his drum. (But that's another story.)

He had such a good time that even when it got bitter cold, and darkness started to take over the sky, he did not want to get back in the car to leave. Just before we said goodbye for the evening, he tried to make one last dart into the crowd to avoid having to go home. (Luckily he was pushing his stroller at the time, so it was easy to keep track of him.) Finally, we bid him goodnight and my dad and brother loaded up the car and headed back to W'burg, and we made our way inside for another stellar show.

Why am I sharing all of this? There seems to be a good bit of people lately who have been condemning the Phish community as having gotten too commercial, or being too aggro, or there are too many young kids, too many old people, etc... My whole point of sharing my experience is to point out that most of the people who go to these shows are there for the same reasons that have always been. They want to have a good time. They want to hear some unbelievable music. And most importantly, they want to share in one of the most magical experiences our generation will ever know.

Feel phree to write me if you disagree, agree, or just saw me on the lot and want to say hi. Until then, take it light, and I'll see you all this Summer!!!

Peace and Kyndness,

- Chuck