On Thursday, Missy picked me up at 11am, and we drove out to Pioneertown, stopping at her mom’s for a bit on the way. We settled into our room at the Pioneertown Lodge, then hung out with some friends on the porch for a bit.
For dinner, we joined Denny, Ellie, Robin & Eric at Pappy & Harriett’s. The bands began immediately after dinner. It was a great night. Johnny & David did an acoustic set that was pretty damn impressive. They played my favorite Cracker song, Big Dipper. John arrived at the end of their set. He had to work that day, so didn’t leave LA til late.
On Friday, John & I got up for breakfast at 9am. Lots of people were awake for breakfast actually! We then went back to sleep for a few hours before driving around Yucca Valley. We ended up at the Yucca History Museum for a bit, before climbing some rocks in Pioneertown. Upon getting back, John relaxed in the room and I played cards with Lee and Robin for a bit. I taught them Gin.
We had dinner with friends at Pappy & Harriett’s again, then went outside to enjoy the music. Missy got a great seat on the side of the stage, and John & I was in the front row not too far from the center. I got some great pix of Camper. They were incredible! They played an amazingly fun set! Built to Spill closed out the outdoor stage, and they were really good too! I then watched the Dangers inside before heading out to the beer garden to relax.
Even later in the night, Johnny & Chris came out to play guitar behind the Pioneertown Lodge. A few other musician fans joined them, and we had a great sing-along which lasted for hours. I went to sleep at 3:45am, but I heard they played til around 4:30am.
On Saturday, I woke up at 9am for breakfast, then came back to bed and passed out til about noon. John, Missy & I then went down to 7-11 real quick. Once back, I hung out behind the Lodge with some friends. Denny signed some coasters while I gathered people for the 3:30pm group photo. It came out great!
At 4pm, I got some free ice cream (thanks Ice Cream Man) and hung out with Missy, Teresa & Hans in the beer garden. Camper & Cracker did their signing at 4:30pm, and I got my camp-out shirt signed. I changed real quick, then met everyone for dinner. Bands started before we even finished, but dinner took a while. Phil & I ended up hanging out and talking for a bit before heading out to the stage, where we met up with Melanie, April, Hans, Teresa & Molly. We got a good spot up front, and watched some great bands open up for Cracker. John joined us for Cracker. Their set was phenomenal! I had so much fun dancing and singing that I barely took any photos. Haha. After the set, I hung out with people for a bit outside.
I then watched Victor’s set from a seat in the dining room. Sal joined me for that set. I enjoyed chatting with him about photography and our favorite Hollywood restaurants. After the set, I went back to the hotel room and changed into PJ’s. Then, Missy, Ellie, Denny & I went looking for the after party. We eventually found out that it wasn’t happening, so the fans that stayed up made their own… Phil played his guitar and Kevin, Lee, Missy & I relaxed under the stars, listening. I stayed up til just after 3am or so.
Sunday morning – sad good-bye’s… I got up for breakfast, hung out with friends for a bit, then got ready and packed the car. There was a raffle put on by the Lodge, and John won 1st prize – 1 two-night free stay! So exciting! After that, I said final Camp-Out 2008 good-bye’s and we left Pi-Town.
We stopped at my dad’s for lunch on the way back to LA. I can’t believe this weekend is over. It went by so quickly! I will miss the music and my camp-out friends deeply! Can’t wait til next year!!!