Turning Toward Home

It can be a little difficult getting back into the Tour Groove following a Maintenance Day; Tuesday morning, after all the text messages rolled in, it seemed I was walking alone.

The path along the lake shore was filled with students jogging, walking to class, or biking. I scuffed along, kicking up leaves, stopping here and there to take photos. I could almost envy the students living in the dorms along the lakeside – winter must be a different story, though.

All good things must come to an end, though, and soon we were back on the highway, heading north to colder temperatures. The sky was overcast and rain threatened; by the time we arrived in Eau Claire, jackets and fleeces were making an appearance. It was a night for soup in the room.

The second leg of Tour started with the C program, just like the beginning of Tour. The venue was an Arena; Michelle and I looked at each other, reading each other’s mind. The last note on The Perfect Fool would be what it would be – there’s only so much you can do in an Arena.

The audience more than made up for the venue – once again the level of enthusiasm gave the Band a burst of needed energy. I imagine the Colonel welcomed it – he spent his Maintenance Day back in Washington handling all the details involved in a State Dinner before stepping back into Tour.

Morning brought cloudy skies and wet pavement. By the time I headed to the lobby to see if anyone was up for our regular 0800 walk, the rain had stopped. We were fortunate in more ways than one; Eau Claire boasted a beautiful trail following the river.

Today we traveled in an easterly direction – we’ve made the Turn Around! The general direction of Tour now takes us a little closer to home each day.

The concert in Weston was a repeat sponsor and venue from our 2003 Tour. DC Everest Area School District is our Super Sponsor; the concert was “Sold Out”. Arriving at the concert site, the line to enter went from one end of the building to the other – the police officers on patrol had to clear a path so the Band could make their way to the stage door.

The 7:30 concert start time was delayed at least ten minutes; the line was now around the building. Every available seat filled, the applause was thunderous as we came out on stage. Fortunately for the crew, the high school band members were on hand to assist with security at the stage’s perimeter.

Intermission was extended to twenty minutes to accommodate the feast provided by the sponsor. We had received a similar treat five years ago; it is an amazing gesture on the part of our sponsors, and greatly appreciated.

Thursday’s concert marks the half-way point (intermission, to be exact!) of Tour. Normally, we would just be approaching Stand-Down, ready for a rest and anxious for a change of music. We’re moving into different territory now – the old “normal” no longer applies. It will be interesting to see what the next week brings.