Sandy, I sure did get lucky at Clearwater, but not in the form of singing with Pete. There was a moment when I might have been able to, but I was far too busy enjoying singing sea shanties with the great Jan Christiensen to consider running off.

One reason I guess I didn't meet any 'Catters was because I spent most of Clearwater persuing my other great pastime: dancing. This was the first year they put a canopy over the dance stage (a la Falcon Ridge, another favorite event of mine), so I could dance for hours on end without frying in the sun. My wife and I had a good laugh during some of the contra dancing when some woman very flagrantly threw herself at me in an innocent but wildly obvious flirtation that lasted over an hour. What an ego trip!

The only big concert I actualy sat still for was Arlo Gutherie's, and boy was that great! As always, he was a masterful storyteller and had us all in the palms of his hands. He mentioned the time he went to meet with the Postmaster General for the ceremony of the inauguration of the Woodie Gutherie stamp. He reflected, "Now mind you, I wasn't surprised to be seein' my father's picture in a post office; I just didn't expect to be seein' it like that -- and worth 32 cents to boot!"

But the greatest difference for this year's clearwater was the location. It was perfect!! Right by the water on our beloved Hudson, and sprawling with space, lots of shade, and a layout that made it easy to find everything. I pray that every future Clearwater festival forever will be right there.

Now, tell me more about Altamont...