Columbia Meadows

"Must I always be waiting waiting on you?
Must I always be playing playing your fool?
No I can't always be waiting waiting on you.
I can't always be playing playing your fool, foool."

Wednesday night concert, Jack Johnson, 35 miles outside of Portland, 7:00 start time.  Depart about an hour before the start, right?  Maybe less since we were not real concerned about seeing the opening act.  A quick stop on our way to pick up a couple of friends to share the commute; all of us loving the fact that having four in the car qualified us for VIP "GREEN" parking.  Sweet deal.  Smiles, happiness, excitement amongst good friends permeated the car as we began our quick jaunt down to the concert venue, anxiously looking forward to the upcoming performance.

As we began the trek down Interstate 30, we noticed the red glow of brake lights for as far as the eye could see.  Yet there was no accident to cause this delay, we were past rush hour, but instead found ourselves locked into concert rush hour...25 miles from the venue!  This seemingly 45 minute car ride that earlier was filled was happiness and joy, was growing in length, causing frustration and anxiousness to build as the clock kept moving farther and farther past the 7 start time.  

Arriving some 2  1/2 hours after our departure, we were sure that we would have missed some of the show, yet luckily that was not the case.  The music Gods were smiling down upon us, as 15 minutes after our arrival, the main act went on.  At least we were able to hear the music from the beer line...which we waited and waited in.

Columbia Meadows is a huge field, with plenty of room for large gatherings and concerts.  Tons of food tent options awaited, but as with everything there, patience is a virtue as you will have to wait in pretty large lines.  Add to that the 45 minutes waiting in the parking lot at the end of the evening, just to get back on the road, and you may second guess the decision to attend a concert there.

Luckily the music made up for the trip.