Jones Beach Part Dos

Life camping in the rain was a little hard. What kept me going was the thought of a fresh hotel room in RI after the Mansfield show, and of course the fact that we are seeing PHISH every night. I feel so much has happened in the last few days and will do my best to recap what I can.

Day 2 of Jones Beach NY was great! It was my “night off” for driving to/from then venue, so it was a party night. The weather cleared for the show and McGrupp’s General store was in full effect. With the help of our new buddy Matt, who chose us to hang with for his first show, we sold out of all the kettle corn faster than we could pop it! The blow pops also went fast once we discovered to take advantage of the lines of people entering the show... hehehe

The show itself was an amazing dance party and we had primo spots to enjoy the sights and sounds. They played some of my favorites like The Divided Sky, Punch You in the Eye, Antelope, MEATSTICK (w/ Japanese lyrics), and an amazing YEM. I feel repetitive saying that the boys are back and in full force! The music has been top notch and the venue of Jones Beach makes for a great show with no bad seats in the house for a light show or good sound.

We went to bed just as the rain started coming down, and it didn’t stop for an entire day! Camping in the rain sucks, no matter what you are doing.

Day 3 Jones Beach

It amazes me how hard-core Phish fans are. We endure weather, traffic, expensive tickets, and drive hundreds of miles forsaking jobs and security to share in the groove.  Friday night at Jones Beach was a testament to that spirit. Jay and I decided that sitting in the rain at the camp site was the same as sitting in the rain in the lot, so we might as well head to the lots early and try to make some cash.

With a quick stop at the dollar store to stock up on ponchos, a trip to a mall to lift our spirits with coffee, and a quick whiff of the “real” world; we headed for the venue. We met up with some more amazing pholks and fashioned a tarp between our cars to form a makeshift shelter. We shared Phishstories, parenting philosophies, and what we were looking forward to hearing to pass the time. Ponchos, plastic cups, and blow pops were the big sellers again.

The show itself was amazing and it POURED all night long, with no dry seats in the house. Jay and I decided that dancing was the best way to stay warm if we couldn’t stay dry and boogied to our favs of the night: Wilson, Buried Alive, My Friend, Ya Mar, Boogie on Reggae Woman, Twist (with a Santana like “Oye Como Ba” jam), Free, and a great 2001! 2001 was the most amazing because during the climax of the song they turned the lights on and we all saw how much rain was coming down. I raised my face and hands to the sky and let it all envelope me with water, light, and music.

It was amazing, despite some of the physical challenges that came with the weather. The morning after Jay and I busted ass at 6:30 AM and packed up our wet camping gear. Thankfully the rain had stopped in the night and it wasn’t too bad. With dreams of laundry, hot showers you don’t need shoes in, and bad TV; we headed North to RI/MA to the Oasis known as the Comfort in Pawtucket.