Everyone has a life bucket list.
For some, it may be walking the Great Wall of China. For others, it may be riding a Gondola in Italy and getting serenaded by a Venetian man with a straw hat. Or maybe it's something like running a marathon or going scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
For me, one of my life bucket list items was to see Dave Matthews Band live at The Gorge.
When I found out back in February that I had scored tickets to the show, I decided to base a Seattle vacation out of it as well. I'd never been to the state of Washington, and the idea of spending time in the Pacific Northwest during a hot Florida summer sounded better than a post-race ice cold IPA. (Well, actually, maybe those two things are about even.)
For the cherry on top of the trip, I was accepted onto the Oiselle Volée running team, and oh hey guess what?! Their headquarters are in Seattle. Two birds with one stone.
Hmmmm maybe that reference doesn't really work here. Sorry Oiselle. You know I love birds.
We rolled Eastward through the mountains of Washington on our way to the Gorge and I was fascinated by how different Eastern Washington was from the Western part. It was brown and dry - very desert canyon-ish. But absolutely beautiful nonetheless.
I have seen some amazing DMB shows in my time as a fan (God bless the moment when I first popped in that Remember Two Things cassette tape in 1993). I tried to count how many times since my first show in 1996 that I've seen him live, and it's gotta somewhere around 20.
Sure, I don't remember every single song from every single show, but I can say without a doubt that this show as a whole was the best I've ever seen him live. And probably overall the best live performance of any band I've ever been to.
Ever.
Hooray for iPhone panorama!
After cleansing my soul in Eastern Washington, we headed back to Seattle for some rest and relaxation.
Which you know, of course, included me running a half marathon at the last minute.
Seattle also just so happened to be hosting a music festival the weekend we were there.
Y'all know I was all over that like flies in a freshly manured farm field.
Bumbershoot is their music and arts festival they've held every year for the last 42 years. Great vibes, good bands, and a fantastic way to spend a beautiful Labor Day in Seattle City Center.
We also went to the Pike Place Market and got a coffee at the original Starbucks, took a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island, went to the top of the Space Needle, and (shocker) drank some local brews.
A major highlight of the trip was, of course, my visit to "The Nest" - AKA Oiselle Headquarters.
I was immediately welcomed with open arms (wings?) and felt right at home with these ladies.Their office is open and lively and has such a vibrant positive aura. I am very blessed to fly with this flock!
Real runners on a runway...what a fantastic concept!
Between Oregon in June and Seattle in September, I think it's safe to say I have a love affair with the Pacific Northwest.
