So we went to the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues for the 21st year.  We had an entourage again. Jeff and Anne came to our place on Tuesday, and we served them a home-grown ham and pea dinner.  Then Wednesday morning we went over the North Cascades Pass, stopping at Diablo for Anne to swim briefly in cold water.  We all just dipped our toes in.

We camped at the Early Winters campground Wednesday night.

We checked out the creek, which was also cold.

Then Thursday morning we headed out early and got in line at the Blues Ranch.  I was actually able to participate in a fiber zoom while waiting which was nice.

We secured our campsite with some shade that afternoon while waiting for everyone else to arrive.  This was delayed as a fire had closed the North Cascades Pass overnight due to a new fire so these arrivers had to take highway 2.

Friday afternoon we headed, as is tradition, to Three Fingered Jack’s for beverages and snacks.  We didn’t hit up other businesses nearby as it was too hot.

We set out seats up in the stage area, and dad was able to locate them.

The camp site was filling up.

I had the drawing on the van that the grandkids had included in the get well card for Tom in February.

Finally Friday evening the music started, and Anne danced.  And we enjoyed the company.

Saturday morning, the music started again.  Kevin Self filled in as quite a few artists could not arrive due to the computer disruptions of flights.

 

Duffy Bishop was great.

 

The grandkids were enjoying themselves.

We had musical instruments for them, but they weren’t interested this year.  They had their own toys.

We had fun at the camp.

Saturday evening, the dancing stated again.  This time Anne was dancing with John and Andrea.

Nikki Hill was great.

That evening the spooky full moon was evident.

We were able to hang out late at camp which was fun.

On Sunday afternoon Too Slim and the Taildraggers played.  Tom was able to capture images of them.  I was sick Sunday with the heat. A lot of our party had to leave before 4:00 due to the pass closing again due to the Easy Fire.

This morning the thunderstorms woke us up early, and we packed fairly quickly.  The pass was still closed so we had to take the long route over highway 2.  It was all smokey.

This may be our last year at Winthrop. The heat, fires and smoke were issues as well as the travel disruptions.  But they were also sniffing our water bottles this year which was disheartening.  It has been good run though.  But we may find blues festivals that are closer and more fan friendly for next year.