Heading up to Mendocino County is always a "freeing" experience. Vistas open up, traffic thins out, and the sky seems to turn a brilliant blue over the rolling brown hills. Stephanie and I drove together, and we were excited once we got to Camp Winnarainbow's driveway, just up the road from Black Oak Ranch where the Kate Wolf Festival happens. After setting up camp, we strolled over to the rainbow stage area to set up for our show that evening. Everywhere you go in Camp Winnarainbow, you're greeted with happy smiles and folks in crazy outfits. It's a circus camp, where everyone's silly, playful spirit is nourished. The stage and sound crew was fantastic, so set-up was a breeze. Thugz strolled over to the nearby costume tent to find goofy gear for the show. Probably the winning headgear was Chris's metallic green Medusa snake hat! Stephanie wore her own elegant pirate outfit - it was a winner too. Wavy Gravy had his special seat on stage for the show, and he shared all sorts of memories with us when we chatted during break. It's a tradition to do Wavy's song "Basic Human Needs" - we rocked it, and Wavy was a happy fellow! The campers danced and danced under the full moon then headed back to their teepees to get some rest before the next day's frolicking. We play for the adult camp group each year, the night before their last night together when they put on a big show for each other. Too bad we had to leave after our evening there - I'm sure the camper's show was a laugh riot! Early in the chilly morning air after our show, we packed up and hit the road. Stephanie and I got back to Guerneville just in time to get caught up in the Stumptown Parade coming down Main Street. We were amped up from the night before, and it was very tempting to grab our gear and just start playing music again on the street corner. After a Camp Winnarainbow experience, I tend to look at life with a much more cheerful attitude. Grown-ups are kids too - thank goodness. Take care. Love, Sylvia