It's been far too long to have gone without updating everyone on the massive electronic music festival outside of Dufur Oregon on Wolf Run Ranch known as WTF?! (What The Festival). But now the photos are ready.
Most of the pictures in this post will speak for themselves. The big take away here is that this event kicks ass. In only its second year, it is an absolutely well run festival. Take a look at these photographs and see what I mean. Stick around and catch some of my follow-up comments below. Then mark your calendar for next year. Alright, let's get to it.
In my preview piece about WTF?! I noted that it was an event focused more on the total experience rather than solely music. Having not even attended WTF?! yet, I had no idea how right I was.
Here are a few highlights-
Entry: Prepare to be searched. AND I MEAN SEARCHED. My entire vehicle and every piece of luggage/camping gear I brought was molested. Jockey box, under the seats, my cooler, they even climbed all the way in the bed of my truck under the canopy looking for any forbidden items.
Camping: It's walk-in camping, but even the late arrivers need not worry about a hefty hike. The entire festival grounds, including the campground are all relatively close to the parking lot.
Alcohol: You purchase $30 drink-punch-cards and have to use them at bars in roped off areas. Not much of a problem during the day by the splash pool. A little lame in the evening where there isn't one right next to the stages. But hey, for a guy used to getting crappy weak drinks at Sasquatch! Music Festival, these are damn strong. On top of that, no $9 16-ounce beers here. $4 gets you an ale at WTF?!. Winning.
The People: Wow. I thought it was easy to make friends at Sasquatch! and the like. But at WTF?! it's even easier. As intense as the music can be at times, this is one laid back festival. Which brings me to the Casbah Zone.
Amenities: I've never done Yoga in my life. Until this festival that is. Maybe it was the gin and tonics, but it just looked so inviting and I wasn't intimidated at all! We ended up doing group yoga and something called "the waterbed." Three of us went down on all fours will the fourth in our group laid across our backs and we rose up and down. I gotta say, my turn was heavenly. It felt great! The instructor did more than just tell us which position to be in, she talked us into a state of mind for each exercise.
The forest was full of little hangout spots. I ended up finding a posh velvety gypsy bed in a quite wooded spot and took a sweet nap. But exploring the other relaxing areas was fun as well.
I didn't partake in a group shower, but the massage certainly was tempting. If I had an extra $70 I would have loved to add that to my experience.
The artisan booths didn't really have much for dudes. But I think chicks were able to find a lot of cool jewelry and clothing there.
Food: Wow. The food was really good. And a major departure from typical festival cuisine. Skyline Grill out of The Dalles had the tastiest treats. A burger that was crazy fresh and delicious as well as an awesome $5 breakfast burrito I made use of in the morning. Second in line for best food was the Bunk Truck from the famous Bunk Bar in Portland. Juice smoothies, tasty coffee and pesto pizza also made the cut for great treats.
Overall: What The Festival is very well run. The crowds are easily manageable and at no time is access to music limited. There is a friendly and exciting vibe that permeates every corner of the ranch. With views of Mt. Hood and bright shiny dragonflies all over the place it's safe to say, I will spend the next year looking forward to the next one.
