Bringing the old folks along! - Need Advice Please

[wcunniff]

Hello - This will be only my second trip to the TBF - the first was so wonderful - I was lucky enough to be with a couple who go frequently and they totally took care of us - going to the grounds early and setting up a tarp, etc. 
Well - this year I suggested to my father-in-law that he needs to go to TBF - and low and behold he is flying out with his friend (another 70 plus year old man) and we are going!  How can I make this trip easy and wonderful for them?  We are staying at a condo outside of town - the owner has a parking pass for us - but not sure what that will mean - will we still need to walk a long way - should I plan on driving in early in the morning and get us set up - is there a line in the morning? What time should I plan to arrive at the grounds?  Is there seating if we get there in the afternoon?
I just want to make it as wonderful for them as someone did for me -- I cannot wait to be there!  Thank you for any advice! 
PS - They are both in great shape - just wear out easily.

[Auntie Hope]

WATER! NOW! GET THEM STARTED DRINKING MORE WATER!

You've already started making the best trip possible by getting the condo. As far as the walk is concerned, be willing to take it slow with them. The entire town of Telluride is only 8/10th's of a mile long, but you will be at 8, 750 feet ABOVE sea level. Make sure everyone has a good supply of their medications and take the rest as it comes!

Oh, bananas.. because being at altitude depletes ones potassium levels also. At least half a banana a day, a whole banana helps more. 

I'll let someone else handle the line/tarp issues.

You get points in my book for being a great son-in-law, by the way!!!

Auntie Hope 

[bouzouki]

Buses are available, relax and take time, sit where you find room and don't try to push it too much.  water, a hat, and sunscreen, and buy food at the festival.  Get short chairs and try not to have too much to carry.

 Listening to: nfamous

[landshark]

Buses are available, relax and take time, sit where you find room and don't try to push it too much.  water, a hat, and sunscreen, and buy food at the festival.  Get short chairs and try not to have too much to carry.

Shade, comfy chairs (might want to consider a higher chair but you will have to sit near the mid to end sections), water and a mister. Fresh fruit and cheese. The sun can be fairly intense, so lots of shade. Remember you can make two or three trips to set up tarp. Get comfy were gonna be a while

[completejohn]

Just before you enter the fest, there's a nice shaded hill along a VERY little stream with lots of people in various stages of passing out.  It's a great place to get out of the sun and still be able to hear the music.  Show your parents that little oasis as you're walking in the first day.  They'll appreciate it!

[Hippie]

  How cool you want to make this happen... 

So far everyone is right on... Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. Fruit is a good thing too, as long as you don't overdue it. Be sure to moderate alchohol consumption as well, the vagaries of altitude and dry air will quickly take their toll. Hope is right on about bananas, even if she really is 

Shuttle busses are frequent and easy to catch, take your time and enjoy the view. your older friends will really dig the exuberance of youth and the incredible scenery.

I might suggest that you invest in a portable shade structure and take the time to secure a primo spot inside the venue for said shelter. The sound is amazing pretty much anywhere within a quarter mile of the stage. Your seniors will thank you for the shade and extra pampering. If you can't bring shade, why not make friends with someone who has it? You will find that most festivarians are happy to make new friends and really respect our elders. Look to the mayor as he is a pretty old fart himself 

Mostly encourage your folks to come with an open mind and energetic spirit. There might be much weirdness. If you can find your way up to the campground before fest starts, Camp Run a Muck will welcome you with open arms.

[wcunniff]

Wow - This is really great - I can't believe I wasn't even thinking about water and shade!  I guess I forget what the altitude will do - one guy will be flying in from Ireland the other from Boston.  His sons and daughters think they will be slightly freaked out by the scene - but they are going to love it!
I am adding all your advice to my "things to get before I go" list.
I am so glad I joined the forum - it has pushed my excitement into over-drive!  I had the most wonderful time at my previous TBF - and I can't wait.  I am looking forward to showing these guys the hula-hooping - especially Michael from Ireland - I think he will be smiling from ear to ear!

So if I bring high back chairs with this built in shade contraption - there will be spots to put them it sounds like.
I can't thank you enough for the advice - I am kind of nervous about it not going well - but how could that happen??

 Listening to: mumford and sons

[Hooch]

You can use the high-backed shade chairs if you sit in the back of the festival field (basically where they allow the sunshades), so no problem there.  Also, don't forget free (delicious cold) water is available in the festival so no need to carry gallons with you.  Just bring water bottles and refill as needed. 

[wcunniff]

Very good to know about the water - I did picture bringing a couple of gallons!  I see your quote about bacon - not sure where you live, but have you been to Edward's Meats in Wheat Ridge?  The BEST bacon in the world.

 Listening to: my boss...

[landshark]

I see your quote about bacon - not sure where you live, but have you been to Edward's Meats in Wheat Ridge?  The BEST bacon in the world.

Bring it, just bring it.....

[libraryvolgirl]

that's awesome!

i have to disagree about the bacon. best bacon in the world is BENTON's!!! mmmmm.

[Hippie]

  so bring some then 

[landshark]

that's awesome!

i have to disagree about the bacon. best bacon in the world is BENTON's!!! mmmmm.

Bring it, just bring it

[Debbiefromtucson]

NO- It is BEELER"S.....

[swander99]

I'm bringing bacon even if it's second best, so Hooch will show me the secret Foot Slave Hunting hot spots!   (Can I leave yet?)

 Listening to: Mumford & Sons