That Summer of '69 myself and some buddies headed out from Southern California for the East Coast and a plan to go to the Woodstock concert with actual tickets in hand.

One noteworthy stop on the way was the Grand Canyon where we actually hiked down to the bottom of the canyon and back up in one day.

The rest of the cross country trip was a blur and upon reaching Dutchess County I was dropped off to visit family and my friends headed further east.

That opening Friday, the approach to the concert venue was backed up and I remember abandoning my cousin who wouldn't leave his vehicle and treked the rest of the way. I never did find out what happened to him and this 50th I'm inquiring.

Opening of the concert is as clear as day with Richie Havens and the rest of the concert has become clearer in reviewing this excellent site. For most of the concert I lost all contact with family members but did befriend a young lady who actually stayed in contact with me many years later and I fully expect to hear from her some time soon. A soulmate if you can have more than one.

Greatest experience even with the rain and all. Lost everything including my shirt and my brothers Army issue sleeping bag which he has never forgotten.

I made it to Sunday night somehow hoped a bus and made it back to Poughkeepsie

Back to the West Coast and wouldn't you know it, the Yin and the Yang, I was at Altamont which I guess we are not noting.