I'm here (06.16.2006 - 9:20 AM)

I'm here. I took 10 hours in a car (four of which were spent in line) and three near death experiences on the Tennessee highways (where apparently drivers licenses are issued with moonshine stills), but I'm here. Manchester, Tenn. Bonnaroo. At camp 69 snuggly nestled right between the Church and someone selling dildos out of the back of their truck. That is sort of the feel here at Bonnaroo. It is a country side usually over run by the politically conservative, but for one weekend the Freaks are running things. Still, since last year's festival brought in $14 million the locals are happy to see the freak flags flying.\nAfter setting up my tent with out any directions (I guess I could have used them, but where is the fun in that), I headed out to check out the lot, see what wares the festival goers were slinging this year. Within five minutes I found myself on Shakedown Street (the center of all illegal commerce for the festival) up to my ankles in garlic grilled cheese, gooballs, and glass pieces (for tobacco use only of course). I refrained from buying anything (although I must say that the alligator meat wrap did pique my attention), and continued my preliminary tour through the dauntingly large campsite.\nI made my way past artists, a bus powered by vegetable oil and an incredibly large teepee and finally made it to the venue where despite the 95 degree heat; they weren't allowing anyone to bring water into the event. I am personally expecting to see at least 20 hippies drop from dehydration by the end of the weekend.\nThe music starts today at 7:00, but top priority for me is not the C and D list bands they have kicking the weekend off. I am headed to the Comedy Tent to see Patton Oswalt. Check in tomorrow after noon for the next up date from camp 69.