Over two thousand people made their way to Camp Casey yesterday for a huge hoe down deep in the heart of Texas. Full buses of supporters from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin unload and loaded throughout the day. The day included a massive volunteer mobilization to serve up a full "Texas-style BBQ," and to support all of the camp visitors in the 100+ heat. After Cindy Sheehan welcomed many of the buses, the main tent stage featured a day of music by artists from across Texas.

Despite the quadrupling of the Crawford population yesterday, only a few heated exchanges between anti-war folks and "stay the course" folks were seen. At Camp Casey II, to greet a steady stream of pro-war folks driving by, dozens of people stood in the blazing sun and lined the edge of the road with two 40 foot banners that read, "What noble cause?" and "Support Our Troops Bring Them Home Alive."

The evening program was cut short when a thunderstorm threatened to roll over the camp. Although lighting danced on the horizon, it by passed us. Folks clustered and shared stories about Camp Casey and what they are going to do to make sure we stop this war when they get home - or get on the bus tour next week.

Photo by Jeff Paterson. Copywrite 2005. More photos from Saturday.

The final weekend of activity is well under way here at Camp Casey. Buses have begun to arrive from across the region - the first full buses have just pulled in from Austin and Dallas. The population of the camp seems to be doubling every few hours. Well over a thousand supporters are expected to join Cindy's historic vigil at the driveway of President Bush's vacation ranch by days end.

It's going to be another hot one here in Central Texas, but 1,200 bottles of water have been staged to create a "great wall" of sorts across the back of our massive tent. And there is more water and ice on it's way. If your on your way, please bring water and sports drinks, and leave your pets at home if at all possible.

Meanwhile, the "Cindy Doesn't Speak for Me" folks will be gathering in a bit at the Crawford high football stadium - home of the Crawford Pirates. Of course Cindy has never claimed to speak for them, but tens of millions have simply been moved by her determined stand. "America Stands with Cindy" is truly something much more than another political slogan now. All Camp Casey supporters are strongly encouraged to not engage with pro-war protesters in any way.

Elliott Adams, for Veterans for Peace, addressing yesterday's morning press conference. Background: Cody Camacho , Tina Garnanez, and Jeff Key, for Iraq Veterans Against the War. Cindy Sheehan and Steve DeFord, for Gold Star Families for Peace. Steve's son David was killed in Iraq last September.

Photo by Jeff Paterson, copywrite 2005

Hi folks. Emily Sharpe, Camp Casey blogger extraordinaire, had to leave this morning to get back to life on the outside. Apparently, she appreciated my daily photos and reports from the camp and has turned over blog control to me in her leave. Of course, I will probably never be able to fill her shoes, but I'll give it my best.

In short, my story is that of a Marine during the first Gulf War, who, based on the evidence at hand (even back then) had to openly speak out against the war. I was the first serviceperson to refuse to fight that war, a hundred followed, yet the war continues today. I'm currently an active member of Veterans for Peace, and my daily photos, reports, and video from Crawford, Texas can be viewed at Not in Our Name. Sincerely, Jeff Paterson. USMC 86-90