Rally on the river



So this was one of those crazy things we couldn't have planned.
At the Farmers Market Saturday, we saw that Obama was having a rally the next day at the Waterfront Park and decided that it might be fun to check it out. Not that we expected to actually get in or anything; but we could take a picnic and it would still be fun. Originally, we did plan on getting there an hour or so before the event would start. We ended up parking about 5 minutes before.



To our amazement, a volunteer on the street told us to get in 'that line' and that there was still room in the event (which was a large, sectioned-off part of the park). We thought it was too good to be true but looked for the end of the line. And looked. And walked. Block after block, that line wound--and there was no end in sight. So we asked a policeman how it could be that such a long line of people could still make it in for the event. And he said 'honestly, I don't know because it starts in 2 minutes and the line goes all the way back to PSU.'



So we quickly abandoned that idea and headed back to the waterfront with other masses of people streaming toward the park...and were directed, and directed, to stay left....then right...and then cruelty of all cruelties, us--part of the the meandering, aimless wanderers, were directed to join up with the dutiful people waiting in line. And there were thousands I tell you. And this was not our intention at all. We felt soooo bad, but were just going where we were told and then ended up actually getting into the event. Literally, Obama came onto the stage just as we reached the grass. It felt like that story where Jesus says that the laborers who worked all day for the wage that the laborers who worked only part of the day shouldn't complain, because it was His prerogative. (But I am ashamed to admit that had I waited in line all day, I would have been SO mad at the injustice of coincidental masses like us got in without any effort whatsoever.



Anyways, it was an inspiring speech and very fun to be a part of. Audrey was stealing all of the attention around us because she would sincerely and enthusiastically clap and cheer every time the crowd did. It cracked people up--her parents too.


Believe it or not, these people are at the rally too. Right on the Willamette.



Here he is. We zoomed in as much as far as it could go.






We don't know these people. Audrey made friends with them and offered the woman chicken--which she bravely ate.


So graceful and poised in her swimsuit.