Back in Portland. We stayed an extra day and got back around midnight on Tues. The extra day was crucial. It was fun watching the switch-over between the Holidaze > Panic crowd. As the WSP fans rolled in you saw a lot more parents with strollers, the accents were 90% southern and the flat-brims were few and far between. It was cool to see the looks on all the WSP fans faces whom were just arriving all giddy and excited. That was us just 5 days prior and I knew just how they were feeling. They were loving all the advice and info we had for them about the best food, lay of the land, etc. Catie & I ended up befriending a couple from Alabama and drank whiskey/tequila with them till late. We also got to catch Panic's soundcheck (Bowlegged Woman) which was fun because there were at least a couple hundred people getting down to it.

All the bands at Holidaze were on top of their game. UM was a given for me so there were no surprises there. They always play consistently these days. For UM I would rank their shows: 1) 26th 2) 29th 3) 27th. The Bayliss poolside gazebo set was definitely a highlight as well. Loved the Freedom of 76 and MIA Paper Planes closer.

The Biscuits blew me away on their late night (the 27th)...my favorite show of the week. I cannot wait to hear that shit again! This show began with major momentum that never slowed down. The end of their last show was sweet too when it started dumping rain and it made everyone get down just that much harder. Living in then NW I never get to catch these guys, so I was happy they brought their A game.

All the STS9 that I saw was excellent...as well as all the sit-ins that Dom from Big Gigantic did.

Rey and Jenny's wedding was a major highlight as well. I wish all weddings were like this one. I will never forget it.

The icing on the cake was at the Cancun airport where we stopped at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville for "a couple of tacos" because I was hungry. These "couple of tacos" turned into an instant shit-show of about ten of us (mostly CO people) all drinking these cartoonish huge margaritas. Our neighboring table were from Ft. Collins and the girl was celebrating her 29th birthday. I believe her name was Juliette and his was Steve. More of their friends trickled over and we were all drinking these things & getting saucy. When someone's plane was about to board they would get down on one knee, raise one arm in the air and suck down what was left in their Margarita (which was usually around 20 oz or so). Lots of people were watching this in amazement and snapping pictures. It was pretty comical. We decided to put our leftovers in a paper cup and brought it on the plane. Catie ended up having her first plane-puke on that flight...at least she made it to the bathroom.

I had the time of my life last week. Great seeing everybody as always! Can't wait to see you all again.

Awesome Rob, glad you guys had a great last day. Such a fun weekend and so great to hang with you and Catie again!