Joan Baez came to Idaho Falls on August 11, 2009. Mom and I were so excited, and we got tickets as soon as possible. We brought Dad and Forrest along too. For kicks and giggles i thought it would be cool if i got one of Mom's old records to have her to sign. We didn't find any. I think Mike, my brother, took them all the records. So I bought a new vinyl of Diamonds and Rust. The day of the concert, I had my doubts...If i ever was going to get a chance for her to sign it. Before the concert, we all went to Jaker's to eat for the special occasion and we had finished dinner a hour early before the show. So we decided to go down town and hang out a while before the show. As we were trying to find our way to the theater, driving up and down in circles down the streets, we had finally found our way. As we approached the street corner, we saw a crowd and who it had appeared to be Joan Baez. We couldn't believe it. It was the darnedest thing. There were 4 old Vietnam war veterans protesting the show, with signs and everything. But instead of arguing with her protesters, she was having a friendly conversation with them. As we approached the crowd, i had interrupted their conversation and she was gracious enough to sign my copy of Diamonds and Rust. I was so bashful. She had looked at dad, shook his hand, then Mom, Forrest, and after she had signed her autograph, she shook my hand. Let me just say what a beautiful, gracious and classy lady. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet her. As she was walking away, she was holding hands with a young man. Dad had made a smart A comment...looks like she is robbing the cradle. But a member of the band had informed us that it was her son. It was a tender moment to have had witness.
The show was amazing. It was so personal and powerful. I especially loved her gospel songs. I wish i could find the playlist. But everyone enjoyed the show and she even came back for two encores.
At the top. It was pretty rough. Although, the climb down was much harder than the climb up. When we started to climb down, it had started to rain and there was thunder and lightening everywhere. So the whole way down it had seemed like we were sprinting. My legs were so weak. 
At the top there is an old artillery box full of junk and some tablets of logs. Wade found a log when he last climbed Diamond Peak with a boy scout group. 
