This is topic Midwest Fall Camping Trip Oct 22-24 Indiana Location still under discussion in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.
Is October too late to go camping? (realizing this is dependent on the "where")
Bloomington, IN has been suggested. I'd prefer mountains or bluffs, but don't know if there are actually any within reasonable driving distance.
Talk amongst yourselves...
[ August 20, 2004, 10:12 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
you mean THIS YEAR?
FG
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Curse all you midwesterners!! *shakes fist*
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I have camped in October in Indiana. It was lovely.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*explains*
KamaCon wasn't NEARLY long enough.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
yup, why not?
and it would be a good dry run as far as logistics go for anything bigger.
AJ
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Well, I have two full weeks off work (concurrent) in October (mandatory) -- one of which I will be in that training in Chicago. So if it is around that time...
Farmgirl
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
which weeks are they?
Posted by Insanity Plea (Member # 2053) on :
Hehehe, Nate gave two weeks before the next gettogether was planned, I gave three weeks, we were both wrong! I thin the problem with doing longer trips like this in the winter/fall/spring, are many of us are in school, have kids that are in school, or are teaching school, we'd have to find a long weekend to do anything.
:: keeps eye on thread :: Satyagraha
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
October is not too late as long as it is in the southern part of the Midwest. If mountains are preferable we could always go to eastern Kentucky.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I might have to miss this one. Long weekends camping with a newborn baby = bad idea.
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
Tom people would help with the baby. I would do my shift. Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
My wife went camping with Thomas when he was ~3 months old, and they did great. It was in a trailer though, not tent camping, so they could do a bit of climate control.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
I went on my first camping trip when I was nine months old.
I peed in my dad's sleeping bag.
I didn't get to go camping again for years.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
OH this is not happening. I thought you meant 2005.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Aj -- well my Chicago week is October 11-15th, and I haven't yet decided whether to take the week before or the week after as my second week.
Farmgirl
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
PSI, that can happen too. AJ apparently didn't get enough of us. Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
Well, Bernard and I have fall break starting the 16, and I would be up for this if it works out.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Interesting. I sent my wife a link to the thread that spawned this to see what her thoughts were. No response. Then I started getting ebay bid notices for tents in my e-mail. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
PSI - This is the practice run for a larger event in 2005. Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Oh, ok. *plans for '05*
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
ack yeah actually I don't have a tent. We had tons of family camping gear but now I'm grown up (well sort of) and on my own.
hmmm. Wonder if I can sell Steve on this idea. He was a boy scout...
AJ
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Curses upon everyone who decided weekend camping during football season was a good idea!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
ooh yeah, it can't be the weekend of the OU-TX game. or Purdue playing Notre Dame if we have to drive through Indiana.
*checks schedules*
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
OU-TX is 10/9
Purdue's schedule for october 10/2 at No Dame 10/9 at Penn St 10/16 Wisconsin 10/23 Michigan 10/30 at Nwestern
What about Halloween?
AJ
Posted by dabbler (Member # 6443) on :
I'd be interested in flying out perhaps. I have a somewhat flexible vacation schedule, though all is up in the air.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Come'on AJ -- you can bring a portable TV or radio for the game -- it is only a few hours. Don't let it limit the choices....
Farmgirl
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Woooo! Eastern Kentucky. Wooooo!
You know, or Bloomington, either way.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Yes! *pumps fist in air* Count me in!!!
space opera
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
If it's more than a five hour drive I'm probably out for this year. Maybe in 2005, though.
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
I was gonna say, too, I'm out if it's further from here than Chicago. Devil's Lake WI would be great, or if we could find somewhere along the eastern Iowa border I could drive down and meet Dana and we could go from there...
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I really would vote anywhere in indiana or kentucky because of the land, I wasn't too impressed when I went camping in Illinois but that was november, (cabins but still), I can't remember where, up north, west of chicago I think. Tom, I am serious, if we have it in the bloomington area, we will steal sophie and take her to my house (or allegra's, or somewhere). We have a screen house, not quite a tent, but it can be used as such, fairly easy to put up, I am pretty sure others in the bloomington clump would have tents they would volunteer. Sorry I am getting so excited so fast, but maybe it would be best to wait till next spring or summer instead.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I could survive if I had to Farmgirl. In fact it would probably be good for me to spend one game Saturday away from the TV. It will make me savor the rest of the games more.
Hey Happy, given your screen name, have you been camping anywhere in that general southern Indiana Kentucky vicinity?
AJ
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Purdue is on break the weekend of the 9th, but we could go on a short trip any other weekend, too.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Are people not from the Midwest allowed to go?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Sigh, its always a juggling act figuring out whether we should go east or west from chicago and I don't know which way to go. I hate leaving people out. Since we have a huge southern indiana clump the numbers probably swing that way (I think about 15% of Kama con people came from Indiana)
And there was a significant Ohio contingent I believe too.
AJ
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Actually no. Believe it or not, my screen name has absolutely nothing to do with camping, or being happy for that matter. I've been to a few campgrounds in WVa and Indiana, but I didn't stay overnight in any of them. And I can't remember what any of the Indiana ones were called. Though I think one of them was mentioned in the other thread, I went canoeing there when I was in school at Illinois. The last camping I did was in Missouri.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
of course you could come Mack! you have camping equipment too don't you?
I just don't want the monstrous bit of airport negotiating that had to go on at Kama Con.
AJ
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Only people from New Hampshire don't get to go. Besides, it's too flat here in the Midwest, remember?
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I think I would be free whenever, I have a class on friday mornings, and one on tuesday afternoon, but inbetween I am open. mack as far as I know, you would be invited if you are in our area or can be.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
what led me to that incorrect assumption, Happy, was that you said you had a sleeping bag and were going to camp on the side of the road had you not crashed with everyone at the motel 6 at the OSC signing.
I don't think I'm the only one that assumed you were just like a hardcore backpacker or something.
AJ
[ August 17, 2004, 05:45 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Of course I have camping gear.
And FLAT camping will be interesting. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
flat Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Ah, so apparently AJ missed my assessment of all the non-coastal states . . . y'know, the flat ones in the middle.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I suspect that that assessment would upset the coloradoans...
AJ
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
FLAT.
But you have lots of lakes.
And big huge ass lakes.
So that nearly makes up for it. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Colorado is flat. It's just elevated. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Please, please change it to "big, huge-ass lakes"
The first time I read it as "big, huge ass-lakes"
and it was just wrong.
AJ
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Of course after you've made that comment, I most certainly will NOT change it. Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
It could be snowy and cold - in fact, it will be snowy and cold - in October. But only for short periods, usually. Lovely fall weather . . . beautiful golden aspen trees, rushing rivers, babbling brooks, great fishing, lots of wildlife, . . .
AND it is on the EASTERN side of the Rockies . . .
[ August 17, 2004, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: Shan ]
Posted by Vána (Member # 6593) on :
Oh, heavens. A ton of Hatrackers just might be enough to convince me to *shudder* camp.
Maybe.
Ack! This is not good! It's practically a moral dilemma!
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Even better: You could all come camp in MY WOODS!!! The one with the Dragonhead tree. There's not much to do, but we could hang around the campfire and stuff. We have 2 acres of field and 8 acres of woods.
What a party we could have!!!
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
And, since it's in the middle of Podunk Nowhere, we can do lots of things you can't do in a regular campground. Set off big fireworks, make lots of noise late at night, imbibe alcoholic beverages, etc.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
All that water more than makes up for it...just not in October...and the Midwest doesn't have rotaries, so they win the intelligent driving award too....
quote:
posted August 17, 2004 04:52 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting. I sent my wife a link to the thread that spawned this to see what her thoughts were. No response. Then I started getting ebay bid notices for tents in my e-mail.
[ August 17, 2004, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
hmmm jenny, where exactly are you located?
AJ
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Oooh! Jenny's place sounds awesome. We could make a lot of noise and not get yelled at. We could also have fun scaring the sh*t out of anyone who's silly enough to try and go to bed early.
space opera
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
JT Stryker and I are volunteering to plan something in Bloomington in October. We can get camping gear, a boat, and a great location (that's his area), I will arrange plane pickups, food, and other logistics. Let me know if this sounds like an option to anyone. email sar_bear37 at hotmail.com with questions. Dates can be discussed here.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
If anyone is interested in Camping in the Bloomington area, I know of several convenient locations that are easily accessible by boat from lake Monroe (decent sized body of water), but far enough out that annoying drunks don't go that far, so the camping area is clean. If we decide to go with the Bloomington route, I'm a boy scout, so I have a lot of knowledge about the area, Emergency evacuations from the site in question (if your allergic to peanuts, don't eat Reeses Peanut Butter Cups), and access to lots of camping gear. Let me know if Bloomington sounds good or not (and we do have decent sized hills)
Strker
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
I'd love to go but distance + school = NO.
But of course, there's always BobDanaWeddingCon in April... (hopeful)
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
*wonders how far it is from Kansas to Bloomington Indiana*
*goes to Rand McNally to find out*
FG
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I guess the question is how many modern convienences people want or need. Part of me would love to be out in the middle of nowhere. I like that. But, if it means eliminating a half dozen people who won't come unless there are shower facilities available it isn't worth it.
AJ
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
You wouldn't lose me for lack of a shower. I might actually have to use the cologne that I got for Christmas though...
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
::rues the day football became important in her life::
Bloomington is pretty far for a weekend trip in November for me, at least. Especially with football, movies, class, work, and probably midterms.
We could chill somewhere in southern-ish Wisconsin. Or northern-ish Illinois.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
There is a lake, which I myself have bathed in on multiple occasions, but if showers are a must, their are several "camp grounds" in the Bloomington area. These camp grounds vary on their camping-like aura, but unfortunately, no matter where we go camping, there will be no internet, maybe we should call this little venture "Hatrack Unplugged". Lol
Stryker
edit; I misspelled unplugged
[ August 18, 2004, 12:33 PM: Message edited by: J T Stryker ]
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
How about early october, say the 8th through 10th?
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
we could find a location that actually has showers, parking, and fairly easy access.
The early october dates work well for me.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
How are you planning the food? Is it going to be "bring your own" or do you have the $2-300 it is going to cost to float the supplies?
I'm not entirely comfortable with the date, but Purdue is off that weekend.
AJ
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Any weekend but the 8/9/10 would be a possibility for me, as I'd be looking to ask off of work for a few days. Don't plan around me though. I thought the Halloween date worked well, so I don't have to hand candy out to rude children.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Let's decide the definate date soon. I really want to attend, especially since it will be so close, but Mr. Opera and I will need to set up childcare. And we don't care about showers. Wait...perhaps I shouldn't have phrased it that way. I like to be clean, but if I have to shower at a campsite I'd rather not shower at all if it's just a weekend. Campsite showers are gross.
space opera
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I'd prefer the weekend after that too tick.
like I said the 9th is OU-TX.
AJ
[ August 18, 2004, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
The 15th and 16 don't work for Breyerchic or me, either one. The only problem with doing it over Halloween is the unpredictable Indiana weather, it could be 70 and sunny, or 35 and rainy. So, either the 8th through 10th, 22nd through 24th, or the 29th through 31st, any of these work for us. I think I'm leaning towards no showers for the weekend, so unless anyone who is planning on coming has a major objection, there won't be showers. As far as food goes, Breyerchic and I can arrange all of that, but I'm not cooking, someone else can volunteer for that.
Stryker
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Any of those dates should work for me, except Halloween. Doing it on Halloween would probably mean that not very many people with families could attend. My kiddos like to go trick-or-treating!!!
space opera
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
I think.... MICHIGAN! There are TONS of places to camp here! Posted by Jeni (Member # 1454) on :
I really like the idea of Jenny's woods. They're sort of north of central Indiana, correct?
Of course, whether or not I'll actual be able to go is still up in the air.
[ August 18, 2004, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: Jeni ]
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
Diane and I will almost certainly miss this one. I'll be on the road during the last week of October and coming back November 2 (gotta remember to do the paperwork for the absentee ballot). Probably other travel in that month as well.
For this and future camping-type stuff, our plan would probably be to grab a motel room or cabin nearby. Going without electricity for more than a day is not an option for a motorized chair user. But I don't think that will be a problem - it sounds like if we did want to come to this, we'd just stay someplace in the Bloomington area and drive back and forth.
Probably figure on the same plan for future events.
However, we can both promise to refrain from showering to show our solidarity with everyone else.
[ August 18, 2004, 05:10 PM: Message edited by: sndrake ]
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Is this actually going to happen? Because, if it is, I think we probably need to decide on a date within the next week or so, since this is pretty soon and I think a lot of people (myself included) need to start making plans soon.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
My vote for the date would be October 22-24 despite the fact that that is the weekend of the Purdue-Michicgan football game.
AJ
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
as far as I can tell that weekend would work for me.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Are there any major objections to the 22nd through 24th? That weekend works for me.
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
The 22nd-24th is fine for me unless it is fall break. I am going to be in Georgia college hunting over fall break. I looked on the mccsc website and it hadn't updated its calendar so I probably won't know for sure until next Wednesday.
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
Looks like that weekend is fall break. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
sigh, someone's probably going to be left out no matter what weekend we plan it for...
AJ
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Actually, I really can blame football for not being able to attend the weekend of the 24th - I'm taking a friend to a Packers game.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Wow, at Lambeau? That's pretty cool.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
If we had it at Jenny's could we convince the illusive CT to make an appearance?
AJ
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Dagnabbit, joke not working. Something about CT being illustrated. There's some funny around here somewhere, I just know it.
[ August 19, 2004, 02:23 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
I'll send superglue and duct tape.
Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
I don't have a life. I'll be there wherever and whenever it is.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Yeah, at Lambeau. We're probably taking off after the Badger game here in Madison and heading up to spend the night at my parents' house, then going with them to see the Cowboys lose. Hopefully.
Reading all this has reminded me that I've only met three Hatrackers. I need to work on this.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
That's cool...I'd love to go see a game at Soldier Field, being a Bears fan. But living in Buffalo, I'll probably get to the Ralph first.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
So is the 22-24th a definate? I can't wait to meet some of you for the first time and some of you again!
space opera
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
The new Soldier Field looks awful, just so you know. I might be spoiled with the excellent job they did on Lambeau, but even the Chicagoland natives believe Soldier Field to be a monstrosity.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Ok, 22nd-24th sounds like a definite to me. Is everybody set on Bloomington, or are some of you still holding out for Jenny's? If Bloomington is ok, I'll go out and take pictures of the possible locations and post them, we can vote from there.
Stryker
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I think the date is set and I'll change the thread title to reflect that. As for the location, we need a list of pros and cons for Jenny Gardner's woods vs a "real" camping spot. Right now I'm torn.
Also, much as I like you both Stryker and breyerchic and I know you are reliable, I really don't think you have any idea what you are getting yourselves into by volunteering to plan this. It is the time commitment aspect that concerns me. How busy are your school schedules going to be at that point in time? (You are both seniors in high school right?) Do you realize how many loose ends and phone calls and e-mails you will be fielding the weeks before the event?
(Remember my escalating snarkiness before Kama Con... Once you tell the umpteenth someone privately something you've already posted publically a half dozen times you begin to wonder where people keep their brains and how you will keep your sanity and this was actually easier than a lot of other events I've done since Hatrackers are smarter than your average bear even though smart people question everything and drive you crazy.)
Also even reserving campsites costs money.
One of the biggest advantages I can see to Jenny's place is the word "Free!"
AJ
[ August 20, 2004, 10:25 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
Listen to AJ. She is wise.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I'm both strongly in favor of a Bloomington location, and willing to help organize (and I'm a darn good organizer for big events, I ran a fairly major student government committee for a year).
Also, being really near bloomington is not to be underestimated -- Bloomington has dozens of musical performances/other artistic events every single week during the school year, most free, and many of world class level (a doctoral music student at IU is a player of incredible skill, for instance).
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
You know the other interesting thing that occured to me is that this will be our own little version of Hatrack Survivor.
Can we all survive without our hatrack? Who cracks first? How long can the die hard techies survive without a computer?? (though from knowing fugu I suspect he might have something up his sleeve...)
On the other hand maybe we'd actually talk to each other more. Even though I was hoarse afterwards, I have a thousand questions I want to ask everyone. Basically meeting them in person only made me more curious about them rather than less.
AJ
[ August 20, 2004, 01:21 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Will hatrack be all but dead for a weekend? *gasp* We may have to make a trip to the public library for our daily dose of hatcrack.
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Sorry AJ, you missed your chance to get any more info out of me. I used up my talking quota for the year at Kamacon.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Considering the fact we had nearly 50 jatraqueros in the same place last weekend, hatrack was pretty dead...
AJ
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Yes Tick but if your wife comes camping...
AJ
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
What? She can do the talking? Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
actually I think you should be more worried about celia and less about me if your wife and kid do show up... ritual human sacrifice to appease her evilness and all...
AJ
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
quote:ritual human sacrifice to appease her evilness and all...
It's my understanding she's not too picky about the "ritual" part, as long as there's a sacrifice. Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Yeah she's willing work with soul sacrifices that leave the body intact too.
In fact she had a burgeoning soul resale business for a while as I recall...
AJ
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I don't think we can make it, but I'd love for my wife to go as long as young women can resist flirting with me.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
quote:In fact she had a burgeoning soul resale business for a while as I recall...
Didn't know that.
But would you buy a used soul from Celia?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
what? kidding aside, I thought you said that was the weekend you would be able to make it?
AJ (read back, guess it was always more of a "might", but it isn't the 8-10th either)
[ August 20, 2004, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
I know, but some things have come up that require my time off elsewhere. It's too long a drive for just a weekend.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
sndrake, I'd by a used soul from celia if she had it whipped into shape and well trained...
Posted by Khal Drogo (Member # 6786) on :
Bloomington is a good place, theirs a decent group of hatrackers there, and it really is quite stunning in the fall.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
quote:sndrake, I'd by a used soul from celia if she had it whipped into shape and well trained...
[ August 20, 2004, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: sndrake ]
Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
It's okay, I'm not a big fan of camping. I'm already going camping way too much for my tastes this year, but a Hatrack camping trip would've been a bit more appealing. Oh well.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
well only certain souls...I think she knows which souls I'm in the market for... but they'd still have to be whipped into shape. AJ
Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :
camping camping camping... is fun!
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
does that mean you'd consider coming Telperion? I don't think bloomington would be quite as far of a drive for you would it?
AJ
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I'll be willing to help with the planning in any way that I can. I suppose I can't do a whole lot from another state, but just know that I'd be happy to help make phone calls or anything else that's needed.
Location is a tough decision. Jenny's is free, and I'm sure we'd have a blast. I suppose it depend on if we want to go out during the day and do anything that Bloomington offers or not.
space opera
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
While I refuse to camp (I'm just...not a camping kind of person), I'm in Bloomington, and will gladly participate as long as I don't have to sleep outside (I can just go home to sleep...sorry, I'm a wuss). I'd also be willing to help whoever is doing the planning with...the planning.
Edit: I'm also a doctoral student at the music school, and I can attest to the quality of the performances here. It's really amazing. The weekend in question is one of the opera weekends, and they're doing Eugene Onegin that weekend.
[ August 20, 2004, 05:56 PM: Message edited by: Megan ]
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
You guys can go to the opera, I'll sing songs by the fire, thats more my kind of music.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I think we could pull it off, but if Jenny wants to do it, and stryker (and other bloomington people) don't get too upset, I would also love to go up there. So I really don't care either way.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Its not so much a matter of upset as a selfish reason -- I'd very much prefer to minimize my time off work/school (particularly school), as I have an extended weekend trip and a wedding in california to attend in late september.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Exactly where is Jenny's? I think We'll have a blast no matter where we go, but depending on where Jenny lives, we may have more options as far as what to do around Bloomington. The Charles Deam wilderness has a lot of really good things to do, and oh wait, camping there is free. We also can do a day trip into Nashville, which is a tourist trap full of cool little shops (and the most beautiful trees in the fall). I'll be there, no matter where we go though.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
bump to have people decide where they would rather have the campout so that the people planning can start organizing.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I'd give a little more time to hear from everyone. (Wonder where Jenny Gardner has gone) But after a certain point you guys will just have to take control and start making decisions. The rest of us will whine and moan, but be happy you are doing the work in the long run. (You'll be much better at herding cats by the time this is over...)
AJ
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I have learned from the greatest, I have a sheltie, so I am already good at herding cats, but that's not what I was thinking in organizational tallent, that one comes from watching all those teachers and parents organize so many concerts, fundraisers, and trips.
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
*cackles maniacally*
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
fugu has met the teachers, most of the parents, and the sheltie, so he is allowed to cackle, but must admit I am right.
[ August 22, 2004, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: breyerchic04 ]
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I saw fugu cackle at KamaCon; it's an image that will live with me forever.
space opera
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
btw who has tents and stoves and stuff? I was thinking I could buy one of those giant "family size" tents at costco or sam's on the cheap to help house everyone.
I don't actually have a propane stove though.
AJ
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
that's strykers area, we have a screen house thingy, and I think some other needed stuff.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Mr. Opera and I have a tent that will probably only sleep us. Supposedly it sleeps 4, but you must want to get really up close and comfortable. Has there been any checking done to see if there is a state park or something that has a "group" camp site?
space opera
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
Trust us, location is not a problem. There are lit. dozens of options for camping in the bloomington area, most of which would work.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Goody. My vote is definately for a place where we can all camp in one huge site as opposed to the hassle of reserving several sites which might or might be right next to one another.
AJ brought up a good point about there being a Purdue game the weekend we're planning this - hence tons of traffic for people coming from the north or west. So, I guess my question is - have we decided to go with the Bloomington area? I'm just excited about getting to see all of you again so soon!
space opera
edit: We can probably give a ride to Marek or anyone else in the area who might need one. It looks like the kiddos will be with their daddy that weekend.
[ August 22, 2004, 11:04 PM: Message edited by: Space Opera ]
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I have everything needed for camping (including the propane stove) however, it doesn't look like this will work for me/us. A weekend or two before would work - because I could do it the weekend before or after I am in Chicago (by going up earlier or staying later) -- but this is scheduled for a whole week later, which would require me returning home from Chicago and then going back.
So sorry I can't come this time -- but look forward to next summer if we do the Catskills!
Farmgirl
[ August 23, 2004, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
As far as location goes, we can either go with an established (pay) camp ground, or we could ruff it on our own. I think I'm leaning towards the established one, it would make a lot less headaches for me. I have only one question for hatrackers, if it is in Bloomington, do we want to be near a body of water, or not?
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
You have GOT to be kidding me... you're getting together IN BLOOMINGTON while I'm 5000 freaking miles away?!?!?!
I swear, it's a conspiracy.
*cries quietly in corner*
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*hugs Raia*
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
*cuddles in Kat's arms* Th-th-thank you... y-y-you're s-so s-s-sweet! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I vote established near but not too near water, like it's a quick walk but if the lake is high (I haven't been reading that part of the paper) we don't feel in danger. I don't like headache's either and I would probably get stuck with one if it were an unestablished camping area.
((((((raia)))))) you weren't supposed to figure the conspiracy out!, no seriously it wasn't planned just sorta came up that it would work here.
Posted by the master (Member # 6788) on :
i'm too lazy to read the three pages of thread here, so i'll risk repeating something already mentioned.
there is an excellent winery in bloomington so if you go and you aren't dry, find time to go for a tasting. the grounds at Oliver are also lovely, but you may have had enough of the outdoors by then.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*smooths Raia's hair* I know, sweetie. It's hardly fair, isn't it? Your friends are so nice, though. That's gotta be pretty cool. Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :
Wine lovers should visit Western NY during the summer (yes we do have one!) as there are a ton of wineries in the region. My wife loves going, although with her surgery just the tasting amounts is enough to get her pretty buzzed. Good thing I don't drink, I'm always the designated driver.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
hmm wine tasting sounds great. I'll offer my mini-van for transportation but someone else better be the designated driver.
AJ
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
I'll drive, Of course you'll want to bring a little back for after I drive everyone home.
[ August 23, 2004, 03:30 PM: Message edited by: J T Stryker ]
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
*sniff*
*choke*
*starts crying again* I WANNA COME!!!!
And that's actually where I LIVE! Except for this year!!! Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
So the plan seems to be the weekend of October 22-24, and the location is somewhere in Bloomington, correct? Is this the definate plan?
space opera
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Sounds like a plan to me, i'll have the exact location in bloomington figured out by the end of the week.
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
CHECK AVAILABILITY!!! Southern Indiana is very beautiful in the fall, and often campsites are booked nearly a year in advance. That's the biggest issue you will probably run into. I think that camping in Bloomington would actually be a much better option than my place because of the "stuff to do", facilities you don't have to dig yourself, and inexperienced campers. My place I offer as an alternative, with maybe a collection to rent a pit toilet or something.
I have camping gear, backpacks, etc. I'm assuming I could bring my family? I have a 6-year-old and a husband who will want to come. Anybody else with kids and non-Hatrack spouses? Abby has room in her tent for 1 other little tyke..
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Fugu has a very convincing argument, too. I love college towns...
And I could lead lots of fun woodland games and stuff. I volunteer to help whoever sets up the camping trip with Events. Unless someone else wants to do that.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
You and Beyerchic have events Jenny.
I'm hoping to get out to my preferred camp site this weekend to check prices and availability (October is their slow season around the lake, so we shouldn't have too many problems)
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
that sounds good to me
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
who is planning on attending. i will start looking at activities and possibilities soon. what would you all want to do?
Posted by Rita Spankmistress (Member # 3484) on :
Well I'm sure I could think of some interesting activities.
Anyone interested?
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
I have a good mind to just leave Hatrack, and ignore all of you forever. Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
breyerchic, I'll come to events. I just won't sleep outside. I'll also help plan, if you'd like some help. Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
OK, try this idea on for size... *unable to sit still about this*
How about you wait with this particular get-together until I come visit, probably in November, though possibly in December, depending on how things work out?
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
I wouldn't mind, but I think the people planning on sleeping outside might find it a tad chilly...
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Oh... right. Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Sorry you won't be here for the October thing, Raia...Will you be back in town for good at some point? If so, maybe we can set something up then.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Well, I'll be back next summer... but only until I go off to college, and I don't know where that will be yet!
But up until a month ago, I lived there, I DID!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
raia, we'll do something when you come to visit in november too, just not a campout, and with less outside people .
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
New Thread Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
breyerchic, E-mail me and I'll send you my phone# so we can talk about events!!
Posted by Rhaegar The Fool (Member # 5811) on :
Bump for b-town the best worst town that I live in.
Posted by J T Stryker (Member # 6300) on :
Rhaegar, you fool you bumped the wrong thread..... O-well, time for a nap
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Since we have a huge southern indiana clump the numbers probably swing that way (I think about 15% of Kama con people came from Indiana)![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
Besides, it's too flat here in the Midwest, remember?
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what led me to that incorrect assumption, Happy, was that you said you had a sleeping bag and were going to camp on the side of the road had you not crashed with everyone at the motel 6 at the OSC signing.![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
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