Well, campers, I am now a resident of the People's Republic of Woodford, typing my initial report to you on the world's slowest frigging computer in a pretty disorganised internet cafe. So cut me some slack, because I keep pressing the wrong buttons on this awful, awful keyboard and I know any minute I will lose everything I've typed, and I've paid for half an hour, but at the speed of the computer you will only get 15 minutes of value.
OK. The theme at this year's festival is RAIN. The subtext is MUD. The dominant fashion look is raincoat or umbrella and Crocs. I've resisted buying a pair of Crocs for ages now, dunno why (probably because I'm never interested in anything until they're waaaayyyy out of fashion) but I succumbed today because they are perfect for trudging through slimy mud and over water-logged gravel. After the first few hours of rain you stop worrying about keeping anything dry, and just move through the rain as if it's perfectly normal to be soaked to the skin. The rain stops occasionally and everyone murmurs about the news saying that it'll be over by lunchtime, but just like both world wars, I think we're in for the long haul.
You can tell the locals from the tourists. People like me and my family find this situation utterly exotic and wish we could bottle the weather and send it home to the folks. The locals just roll their eyes and get on with it, wearing Crocs that are beaten-up and old.
We've dug a trench around the tent, so it's relatively dry inside, but everything, including the pillows, are damp. I never thought I'd crave the Queensland heat, but I do. I'm cold, and didn't pack a jumper. I have one pair of jeans, and they're pretty muddy, and it's only the first full day of the festival (yesterday I set my mobile phone alarm to wake us at 5.30 to get to the festival ahead of the hordes, and I forgot to allow for no daylight savings. We were halfway there before we realised that we'd risen at 4.30! So we've been here a long time already...)
As far as entertainment goes, I've glimpsed the Audreys from afar, over a sea of people and mud; I helped 50 kids make an accordian book (I had to cancel my classes because of my dratted ladybits, but I'm assisting my replacement, much to her initial discomfort, until she realised that I didn't give a toss how she did the bookmaking...); I've wandered around endlessly admiring the setting and variety of people, and I'm due to see a shitload of good circus and cabaret tonight.
My favoritest moment today was reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy whilst waiting for King Curly. It was such a great combination, because KC sing about such weird dystopian scenarios, and when I left the session the hairs on my head were standing on end.
OK, time's up, but I will be back sometime, and hopefully I'll be a lot drier. I hoe you're all having a good time too!
10 comments:
I hope that you have a fabulous time and that you get some dry and warm weather for at least some of the week.
I look forward to reading your updates with envy.
Sounds good, with the possible exception of the rain. If only I could convince MrsB that a music festival is a good idea...
I succumbed to the crocs with some brown mary janes from my brothers - LUV THEM. It is somewhat comforting to know I am not the only one severley behind the times...
Sounds like a lovely time up there (excluding the rain) - enjoy!
ahhh, Ducky, in my trawls I discovered that Jim Conway and his Big Wheel is appearing up there. I hope you see them! Jim rocks (or rather he blues, I guess).
The croc thing - but are they comfortable? Have horrible horrible childhood memories of a pair of white clogs.....arrhh the 70s.
Ahhh memories. It's not Woofo if it's not raining. I last went 10 years ago. I saw The Whitlams, and Paul Kelly too I think. Back then the standard dress was gumboots, and not much else. Diversion trenches were the way to go, but a pain if other people diverted their runoff into your tent.
I too am resisting the Crocs and my line is that they wouldn't be comfortable to wear at work. Well, they'd be great for the first day until they deflated under my 70 kilos and then would be annoying. My 10 hour shifts require good footwear, and I'm cynical that Crocs can stand up to it. Birks aren't soft enough, though comfy for other applications. I need padding!
Have a great fez, it's so lovely up there, and enjoy the rain for me, though I think we're due to get some too!
I hate to say this, but they're REALLY comfortable. And they hold up well to wet, muddy weather. They seem to be doing ok in heat, too. And I'm only wearing the cheap ripped-off version (with no logo on them, which is the way I like things anyway).
And I'll try to get to Jim, Speedy! I don't seem to be able to plan very well at the moment :)
Good to hear you enjoyed King Curly. I h'aint read The Road yet, largely because "No Country For Old Men" was such a disappointment from the man who wrote Blood Meridian.
Are they those plasticky-looking shoes that are everywhere at the moment? I couldn't fathom wearing plastic shoes in the heat of summer...can anyone say sweaty? Maybe I've misjudged them. I do remember thinking they'd be good for beach shoes and walking in rock pools and the like.
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