Hatrack River Forum: Possible summer trip... next summer

This is topic Possible summer trip... next summer in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

For those who were looking at the summer camping thread, I had mentioned the possibility of hosting at my family's cabin in the catskill mountains. I was just there, poking my nose around... some details.

Yes, a hatrack gathering there would be feasible. The cabin can sleep three couples (the fold out couch is in a public area...) and there are 4 single beds, two of which are also in a public area. There is room for 2-3 tents on the property.

If water is working properly (and if we were to have this at teh cabin, I would head up both weekends prior to make sure things are in good shape), then 2-3 people could shower in the cabin, but we'd definetely have water for cleaning, cooking if we eat there, and minor stuff like that.

THere is a pool. I doubt we will open it next year, but that won't be determined til feburary. It has not been opened since 1999.

The cabin is within 1 hour drive of river tubing, mountain day hikes, great trout fishing, a game farm (with feeding of the baby animals. great for children aged 6-90, i've been there about 7 times, and loved feeding the baby goats every time), a water park, and a couple other attractions.

There are hotels in the vicinity, where those less rugged could rent rooms, and we could hold a room for those who need daily showers. There is also a camp ground a 3 minute drive from the base of the driveway to the cabin. They rent out a couple cabins, and tent spaces. Right on the Esopus river.

So... its feasible. I do not yet know if its practical for my family to host this. Please post if this would interest you. The cabin is 130 miles from NYC and 70 miles from Albany.

Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :

It is also near that good pizza place you mentioned, right? I'm in!

Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :

BABY ANIMALS!!!

I mean... That sounds very nice [Smile]

Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :

[Big Grin]

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Sounds good to me. [Smile]

Who wants to share a hotel room? kat?

Posted by sarahdipity (Member # 3254) on :

mmmMMMMmmm hiking and camping

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Baby goats? Hmmmmm.

I am certainly interested. What would it take to make this practical for your family? For instance, will there be considerable expense involved in getting the cabin ready? At KamaCon we all pitched in $10 towards the hospitality room and first night's pizza... if we're staying somewhere for a week, I think it would be perfectly reasonable for us all to send you 20 bucks via paypal in advance to help with expenses. So if the practicalities are ones that can be helped by throwing money at them, would that do it?

[ August 22, 2004, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: ElJay ]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

quote:
great trout fishing,

OH! This makes me so there! Is this really a possibility for next year? Would also give me an excuse to trek over to NYC to visit my cousin.....

Farmgirl

Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :

Please please please please PLEASE late-ish in the summer, so I can actually come this time!

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Latish in the summer would be necessary for me, too, as I will be taking time off work for Dana & Bob's wedding and would like some space between vacations. [Smile]

Plus, it would be nice to spread the hatrack gatherings out a bit.

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Yes, this is really possible.

The big concerns for my family aren't the expenses... we open the cabin up in late may or early june every year. If we were to do this, I would spend extra time getting the place in shape... dusting and cleaning and such, as well as making sure that the water system is in solid shape and the gas tank is full, etc.

Right now, the cabin is not being used very much... my brother and I are in line to inherit, but too financially insecure as of yet to take care of the cabin on a regular basis. My grandfather no longer can really take care of it, and since my grandmother died, my aunt and uncle don't enjoy being up there. So, basically, instead of being used 4 days out of every week during the summer, it is used 10 nights during the summer. It just means the place needs help...

So, in one sense, it would be great to do this. It would mean that the place is alive and kicking, and having people around would brighten it up.

In another sense, it will be very difficult for my family, possibly, because it HASN'T been used much since 1999.

The practicalities are that, I would probably need to open the pool, which means that me and my brother would need to be up there every weekend for at least 6 weeks. This is not an expense I could ask Hatrack to help defray, since opening the pool is liable to cost a lot of money. I need to discuss with my brother whether we will really do this, but he won't know until probably december, since this is his first year fully employed (Teaching 8th grade english). If we ARE going to host hatrack, and if he feels he can spend 6 weekends up there next summer, we will open the pool... depending on how much that costs, 20 dollars from everyone would be great, but not significant.

The other major hurdle is the water. We use a stream-fed resevoir to supply water to the house (when my grandfather dies, my brother and I are putting in a well... but he won't do that right now). If the resevoir system breaks down again during the winter, as it did last winter, when the nipple in the resevoir broke, it CAN take a while to fix. as I said, I would be up ther eboth weekends before the gathering in order to make sure the water is working.

Anyrate, I appreciate the concern, ELjay.

Right now, I want to see how much interest there is. If 20-30 hatrackers like this idea, I'll definetely keep on top of the situation, and try to work out with my brother if we can really do this. If we CAN really do it, then I'll make it definite around christmas break time, and we can start booking any camping/hotel space that is needed, as well as finding maps to nearby places and generally getting ready to have a ball.

This would probably happen between july 4th weekend, and mid august. I want to make sure we have a weekend AFTER the event to clean up, before school starts.

Elizabeth- This is 7 minutes from the pizza place [Smile]

[ August 22, 2004, 08:28 AM: Message edited by: Paul Goldner ]

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Topping to scan for interest.

Posted by msquared (Member # 4484) on :

You had better not pick June 11. That is OrneryCon.

Or are you planning on skipping out again next year for another aging rock band? [Smile]

msquared

Posted by Turgan (Member # 6697) on :

"Sheep go to heaven. Goats go to hell."

You feed the baby goats!?!?!?!?
AWWWWWWW....
THAT'S FRIGGIN AWESOME!!! I LOVE GOATS!
However seeing as how I'm a lowley college student and have no money and live in Texas... I can't gooooo.... as great as it sounds
(Then again... i'm not sure if i was invited, anyway... i just REALLY like that song that was at the beginning of this post and this seemed like a PERFECT opportunity to post it.)

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

[Wave]

very interested! (and wonders if maybe I could borrow my sister's RV for this road trip)

Farmgirl

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Everyone is invited.

I won't pick the ornery con day, msquared [Smile]

My brother is teaching this year, so thats still during the school year for him. This event will be sometime between july 4th and the end of august.

If I get 15 hatrackers interested, other then myself, then I'll seriously discuss ability to do this, and post a "go" or "no go" before the middle of january, so that everyone has at least 6 months to plan.

Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :

What city is this near? Just so I can see how far away I am...

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

130 miles from NYC, 70 miles from Albany, (approximately).

Posted by dabbler (Member # 6443) on :

I'd love to come, but I don't think my schedule will allow it. [Frown]

Posted by Mike (Member # 55) on :

I would love to go as well. I approve of gatherings that are within half a tank of gas. But my schedule is up in the air.

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

I'd be somewhat interested, but with my wedding in early August, I don't know how feasible it will be.

-Bok

Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :

I'd like to come, but I go back to school mid-August (which is why I didn't go to Kamacon). I also have a family reunion at some point. Once you get the date nailed down, then I can give you a more concrete answer.

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

I'm up for it.

Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :

^ What she said.

Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :

I'm up for it

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

If it is anythink like KamaCon, there will be a lot of last-minute people showing up too, once they see all the "cool" people will be there [Big Grin]

Did anyone ever get a complete headcount of how many actually showed up at KamaCon?

Farmgirl

Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :

code:

mike           The Tick
mike           Papa Moose
mike           Happy Camper
mike           Melting Snowman
mike           saxon75
 
juliette       Juliette
Carl           Mooselet
Connie         Squirrel
Timothy        Superstation
Kara           blackwolve
 
Allegra        Allegra
Annie          Annie
Hobbes         Hobbes
katie          katharina
AJ             BannaOJ
 
<edited 
out of fear>   celia
Kama           Kama
Tom            TomDavidson
Christy        Christy
Stephen        sndrake
 
Diane          (I'm not sure.)
Rivka          rivka
Robert         Marek
Josh           Zevlag
Andrea         JennyGardener
 
Maribeth       Mayday
Bernard        Insanity Plea
Sophie         (Has not yet registered)
Eddie          Frisco
Nathan         T_Smith
 
Jamie          Mackillian
Sara           Rappin Ronnie Reagen
Kara           fiazko
LJ             ElJay
Dana           dkw
 
Bob            Bob_Scopatz
Noah           CalvinMaker
Richard Berg   Richard Berg (I can't even separate the first name from the last name. 
               It's like Jordan Catalano.)
Tracy          Farmgirl
Amanda         IvyGirl
 
Becky           kwsni
Ken             Psychotriad
Kara            Ryuko
Russel          fugu
Julie           Theca
 
Dan             lime
Julie           vana
Um...           JonnyNotSoBravo
Karen           xnera
Karl            telperion
 
Darren          punwit
Cheri           punwit's wife
Anna            punwit daughter
Nicole          Space Opera

Please tell me I got everyone.

--

In case anyone can't tell, punwit and family left fifteen minutes after we got back from the museum. *pout* I know the list isn't perfect - pleae let me know what needs to be changed.

[ August 25, 2004, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

I *think* it was 45 adults and 3 children.

And Paul, I really wouldn't worry about opening the pool if it is that much work. Sounds like there are plenty of other water-type activities around.

I wouldn't know whether I could come or not til probably next spring.

AJ
(wow that count is 53, guess I was low)

[ August 25, 2004, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Were Melting Snowman and Papa Moose -- are they in the Mike list? (I don't know their real names)

Farmgirl

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

Yeah, they are both Mikes though I think moose may go by Michael IRL.

List of the Mikes clarified.

Mike-Melting Snowman
Mike-The Tick
Mike-saxon75
Mike-Happy Camper
Mike/Michael-Papa Moose

AJ

Posted by TheTick (Member # 2883) on :

They are both Mikes. Obviously. I mean, it's the name all the cool guys have. Except Frisco. Eddie is a close second.

edit because I forgot some words. and then put some extra ones in.

[ August 25, 2004, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: TheTick ]

Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :

Tick, I didn't know you'd joined his line. [Razz]

---

Hmm...I wonder if I can put real names to that list.

[ August 25, 2004, 11:57 AM: Message edited by: katharina ]

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Some real names for you:

Farmgirl & Ivygirl, Tracy & Amanda. Theca is Julie.

And to stay on topic, I'm still interested, Paul! [Wave]

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

I *think* punwit was Deryk.

And I thought his daughters name was Anna.

AJ

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

punwit is Darren.

FG
(you have his daughter's name right, though, and his wife is Cheri)

[ August 25, 2004, 12:24 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Marek is Robert, and....

..I don't know JNSB's real name

Farmgirl

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

I was close... I was debating between Deryk, Derrell and Darren...

And I was pretty sure about the Anna since it is my name too.

AJ

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

Heh, all those Mikes, and they don't even include the New England contingent Mikes...

-Bok

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Ok, there is enough interest for me to seriously look into this.

People coming up is an excuse to put the time and effort into openign the pool and keeping the place useable for the whole summer [Smile]

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Kat -- when I said "you have punwit's daughter's name right" I was talking to A.J., not you. You still have it wrong on the list [Wink]

Paul -- wish I lived closer so I could help you with the work....

Farmgirl

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Hey, no problem [Smile]

My brother and I will hopefully be able to handle it.

Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :

I'm not on the list. [Razz]

space opera

Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! You're right! I'm so sorry!

What's your real name?

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

54

(I hate to say it but I know kat did a better job with all those names than I would have!)

AJ

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Her name is Nicole

edit: and I can't believe that I didn't catch that earlier that she was missing -- since she roomed with us!

[ August 25, 2004, 03:58 PM: Message edited by: Farmgirl ]

Posted by Marek (Member # 5404) on :

[Eek!]

quote:
Marek is Robert, and....

..I don't know JNSB's real name

I knew i should have changed the name on my email to Marek sooner. Oh well, JNSB's real first name is Jon, i had to write him a check for my share of the room, so I know his breal name.

Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :

""In another sense, it will be very difficult for my family, possibly, because it HASN'T been used much since 1999. "

OK, how about this. We have people take turns (if they choose to) doing something to help the cabin. We scrape. We paint. We wash. We could take work details. I would love to do that. I will volunteer to help make the grounds look nice, poison ivy pulled up, etc.

As people said, don't worry about the pool, and don't do it if it will be a hardship, please!

M2 quipped: "Or are you planning on skipping out again next year for another aging rock band?"

Careful of making fun of people seeing aging rock bands. I happen to be an aging woman who follows around an aging rock band. Ha ha.

"(I can't even separate the first name from the last name. It's like Jordan Catalano.)"

So funny. Like Tony Soprano. James Bond. Marlon Brando.

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

Elizabeth-
If people are willing to do that, we'd be extroadinarily grateful. Will discuss with others, and such. Pulling weeds, helping with dusting, planting new plants in the flower bed, clearing clutter, I could probably come up with a dozen minor tasks that hatrackers are capable of, and don't require great skill. That is a wonderful, kind, generous offer.

Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :

Well, it is easy to offer up other people's help! Ha ha.

You know, I bet you have quite a few skilled people in the group. It would be sort of like a Habitat for Goldnermanity. Or something.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

if blacwolve comes, i probably will (of course, if it's ok with her [Wink]

)