Charlie's 30th Anniversary in Govey

"Are you a lumberjack?" Those were the first words that entered my ears upon passing through the doors and into the realm that was the 30th anniversary of Charlie's Mountain View Bar here in Government Camp. Well, not the first I suppose. Initially my passage was declined due to over capacity, so I had to wait for the old in/out routine. Where one person comes in as another comes out- understand? Anyways, back to the beginning of my story, the gentleman who first introduced himself to me was a fellow by the name of Ed. Now, in actuality Ed was a lumberjack- this I learned from further conversation with him. He was an interesting individual; bearded, perhaps in his later fifties, trucker hat, flannel, and a silver bullet in hand. As friendly a person as one could imagine. So there's that. Immediately after our conversation, I was warmly greeted by Austen Granger (AKA baby-scoop)- who, according to 'common' snowboard diction dresses gangster, or 'thug.' He had a drink in hand, a sh*t eating grin, probably triple XL next, next years, "Ian, fu** yeah dude- what up?" So there's that. Amongst these two individuals that I have just described there were an array of others all on behalf of the 30 year-anniversary of Charlie’s Mountain Bar up in Government Camp.

A funny thing, until this summer I was actually under the impression that this 'Charlie' fellow was nothing more than a name, a fictitious entity created to sell many a fine ale to the local gnar-seeking or speed-racing individual. Simply the name of a bar. Last night I learned that this was not the case, and I even saw him in the flesh sitting at his bar. But you know, I decided not to approach him and let him have some time to himself because I like the idea of Charlie.

The reason the masses were in attendance, aside from their support of a local friend and business, and also from the love that any night-goer has for drinking and socializing, was to listen to a band known as the LIQUID BLUES. Now, these gentlemen were on point. They were the group that played during Charlie's inaugural opening of his bar, and this marked the second time that these guys had played together in 17 years. They weren't old, but a bit older than the majority of the crowd, four fifty-somethings playing the guitar, bass, drums, and some vocals/harmonica- it was definitely a good time. Two of the four members of the band had the single stud in the left ear, that subtle choice of jewelry that young men wore in the 70s and 80s- you know the look. It was cool to see some old friends playing together and also bringing others together. That, and it was also pretty funny to watch a group of dancing, late 40s women flinging themselves in the way of these guys. It's very possible that these ladies did this once before some 30 years ago. One younger woman was telling them continuously to "...take their fu**ing clothes off..." and was offering up her friend who was sitting on the side of the bar. There were some dirty things said during that exchange- it was good to hear. It was a casual night for me though, comprised of a little music and a beer with some friends. But, I checked out a bit early because I had the shred in mind, as the following morning would be Day 2 of High Cascade's Dirksen/Crawford/Meyen Signature Session.

Band Members:
Guitar- Jonny Byes
Vocals/Harmonica- Dave Mathis
Drums- Stan Sherer
Bass/Vocals- Kelly Stites

Keep checking back at www.snowboardermag.com for updates, coverage, and stories all summer long from Mt. Hood.