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Of course, the main expense is ferry boat fees.
We haven’t heard from everyone, but I haven’t heard a burning desire from anyone to move it into July or August. Would anyone actually PREFER a July/August timeframe, or is everybody pretty happy with a June date, work schedules permitting?
It would be nice to have a group site reserved, as it would make for a center of activities and planning. The group sites are also equipped with several picnic tables and grills, which would facilitate group cookouts and tastings. The group sites are nearest the dock and firewood sales, and are protected from windy conditions.
Reviewing the registration lists from previous WGA campouts, it appears that some people prefer to camp with the group while others prefer to get their own site. I’m in the latter category, mainly because I tend to be the last one awake on Rock Island and don’t want to disturb the sleep of others with a cracking fire and the sounds of pop-tops.
The problem with taking out a group site is the initial cost, as obviously we would need to make reservations well in advance. For an organization like the WGA, this isn’t much of a problem as they can pay for it out of their treasury. In our case, having no formal organization, some of us would have to put up the money in advance and hope that attendance would be sufficient to recover the cost. It would probably be best to make a decision on this before or soon after the cache page is published so that potential attendees can assess their options.
That said, even though my sub-group consisting of myself, wife, Patriot1, and the Geopoo, would likely not be spending the nights at the group site, we would most likely be utilizing the site for cookouts and meetings. Therefore, I do not think that it would be unfair to ask people staying at other sites to chip in a bit for the event costs. I’m thinking that, say, five dollars per adult would be a fair contribution, with camping fees (group or individual) assessed additionally. Excess monies collected could also be spent to buy firewood, charcoal, and such for the group site.
Finally, I would be willing to put up some extra funds in advance to help get this project off the ground.
Just some thoughts…
TS
Edit: I needed to add a “don’t” in the appropriate spot…
[This message has been edited by TS (edited 12-30-2005).]
TS, you are wise, and you bring good beer — I like you!
If we do go with the group site, that does open us up to other weekends. My only concern with that is all those extra tourist type people (my antisocial side rearing its crabby head.) Is that an issue on Rock Island?
If a group site is decided upon (and I can come) I will stay at the group site.
I am a late nighter too (and have developed a quieter means for opening pop tops!)
Bec
I’m impressed at how many of us got into this forum so quickly. I’m guessing those participating in this discussion were amongst the six accounts that still had the cache page on their watchlist. There may a few cachers from the past event who attended or expressed interest but have since removed it from their watchlist. It might be a good idea to e-mail those individuals inviting them to join in on this discussion. DCexplorer, do you care to do this, or should I?
BTW I noticed that the apprehensions that some cachers had about “primitive camping” on Rock Island have been supplanted by enthusiasm.
TS
quote:
Originally posted by greyhounder:
If we do go with the group site, that does open us up to other weekends. My only concern with that is all those extra tourist type people (my antisocial side rearing its crabby head.) Is that an issue on Rock Island?
I am a late nighter too (and have developed a quieter means for opening pop tops!)
Bec
Rock Island is decidedly more crowded during the peak season, but the people that go there (particularly the campers) are special. They tend to be adventurers seeking the peaceful times to be had on the island, not the tourist types to be found on the mainland of Door County.
I too have developed a quiet technique to open cans. Perhaps a silent can opening competition could be held one evening…
I seem to recall the group sites are pretty spread out, so those seeking a bit of isolation can be somewhat removed from the picnic tables and fire rings. I don’t think anybody will mind some late-night conversation and adult beverages.
I did email everybody (I believe) that went with us last year. I’ll give everybody a week or so after the holidays to check in, and then I’ll email again.
Here’s a list of characters, sorted somewhat by loose affiliation and/or camping partners:
DCexplorer (myself)
Really, I’m Not Lost
Can’t Sit Still (daughter of Really, I’m Not Lost)TS
Patriot1
Geopoo (dog)Cathunter (kayak guy)
Matter23
Phloodpants (seems to have withdrawn from caching)AstroD-Team
Astronomer’s Lighthouse HuntersGreyhounder (Bec)
Geo-Raider (newbie with bald/shaved head)
I and family are looking at coming but still have not found specific pets regulations for that park.
Only found this “Portions of the Rock Island State Park campground”
Anyhow if we can bring our dog this will more than likely be of an interest to us as well.
edit part insert
We would also like the group site unless this is off limits to pets.
[This message has been edited by pcfrog (edited 12-30-2005).]
We would certainly pitch in to reserve a group camp site if it’s a weekend we can make it. (I’d like to see it kept in June).
Having a young one with us who goes to bed so much earlier, we could leave him sleep in the tent and join the group conversations if it was in a group site this year. Last year, our camp site was far removed from the others and we couldn’t leave our little one in the tent alone and go walking 1/4 mile to socialize. That’s what we enjoy with the events. Thank goodness we had Greyhounder right across from us to bug all weekend!! She was a trooper to put up with us.
As far as rustic camping, last year was the first time we did it and had our 6 year old in tow. It was great! (I just wish someone would have told us to bring a cart!) The pit toilets were clean (especially after we sprayed ‘off’ in them), and well, the lake is right there if one absolutely needs to shower.
I look forward to seeing more definitive plans on this event. The seclusion of the place is well worth the trip – sharing that seclusion with other geocachers is even better!
Dogs are allowed at the group sites, and campsites 20-35. I believe Geopoo had a good time. http://www.geocaching.com/profile/?guid=1ecdc46a-cce3-41a2-aabf-1d4021ebeb55
[This message has been edited by DCexplorer (edited 12-31-2005).]
[This message has been edited by DCexplorer (edited 12-31-2005).]
quote:
Originally posted by pcfrog:
I and family are looking at coming but still have not found specific pets regulations for that park.Only found this “Portions of the Rock Island State Park campground”
You are correct, it is difficult to find the specific pet rules for Rock Island. You almost have to go through the reservation process to get to them. Here’s the quote from ReserveAmerica: “NO pets allowed on campsites #1 – 19, or on remote sites “A – E”
Conversely, pets are allowed on campsites #20-35 and on the group sites.
I would love to go out there again. My vote is for the same weekend as last year and I would like to reserve my own site again. If you are going, stop at my site and ask for a Leinie. Hopefully I will have enough!
Since the two group sites are different sizes (one holds 60 and one holds 80) yet are the same price, I would probably vote for reserving the larger site to give us more room. It also is the one closest to the dock.
I believe last year, that is where the Boy Scouts were staying who were doing reconstruction to the lighthouse.
After having spoke with my wife, it seems that Father’s Day weekend would be easier for her to take off work as she already has scheduled to be off around the Fourth of July, but we’ll try to attend whatever weekend is decided upon.
TS
Given this we would be happy to join everyone at a group site.
For general planning purposes:
That would be 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 dog, in 1 large tent.
quote:
Originally posted by TS:
You are correct, it is difficult to find the specific pet rules for Rock Island. You almost have to go through the reservation process to get to them. Here’s the quote from ReserveAmerica: “NO pets allowed on campsites #1 – 19, or on remote sites “A – E”Conversely, pets are allowed on campsites #20-35 and on the group sites.
Here’s what I have from last year’s attendees:
Greyhounder: likes June 23, 24, 25 (can’t do Father’s Day Weekend)
Cathunter: likes June 23, 24, 25 (can’t do Father’s Day Weekend)
AstroD-Team: likes June 16, 17, & 18 (only one that works?)
Geoffnsara: Any weekend (new people)
TS: any weekend
Matter23: likes 16,17,18, but didn’t dismiss other dates
DC Explorer: Either weekend
Really, I’m not lost: NOT Father’s Day Weekend, no other preference known
PCfrog: no preference givenSo, it looks like June 23, 24, 25 is the frontrunner date. Any songs of praises or lamentations before we make this the official date?
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