Mother's Day Weekend at the Gorge V 2008

“It's way, way early, but I thought I would go ahead and post the trip since there were so many people who have already said they are coming in 2008. More details to follow.”

“IN! =)”

“Me too.”

“I'm totally in for next time, come hell, high water, or a hubby who isn't getting out of work for it.”

“forget the hubby; they aren't that important. ;) This is the first year out of three that mine came along. All of us adults gang up on the kids so they don't usually get away.”

“or a hubby who isn't getting out of work for it.

exchange isn't for can't”

“"I can, I can, I can!"



LOL @humanpackmule”

“bumpity-bump, bump!
This is getting closer, and I'm starting to think about it more. Are we doing a repeat of last year, or something different?
I vote for car camping or very close to that for simplicity, and with a large group it's a bit friendlier environmentally speaking too.
It would be nice to see more of the arches this time. What say you, group?”

“I think the days of having a group small enough to camp off the trail are done.
I loved that camp ground. I'd vote for a return to stay there. But, maybe Ruby has some other plans for us this year, if she can still make it.

I just got back from the REI winter sale. Got Abby some real hiking boots this year!”

“very cool. Kinda a right of passage.

Ya, the campground worked beautifully.

But what to do? I think we should make time for swimming one day. I'd like to actually make it to the swimming hole this time.”

“Definately! maybe after a nice hike to get us all warmed up. Hope it'll be warm enough again!”

“I concur! The campground was great for our large group.

I sure as heck hope I can make it this year with Jon along. Thanks for bringing this thread up, Meanie!”

“You bet! Glad to see you posting stranger.”

“Its unlikely I will be able to make this, after all, I have to be there for mean's thang”

“Don't talk about my "thang" on this thread, SC. This is a kids trip for goodness sake!

LOL!

BTW I posted about my thang too. You may want to go throw your 2 cents in.”

“I was just talking with Nigal about this today, I cant wait!

And I agree about the swimming hole, that was a high point for sure.

Ruby, Jon will be up and ready by then.”

“Maybe next year for us. We will have a 1 month old at this time...kinda difficult”

“WK, you can stuff the little one in a stuff sack and bungee him/her to your pack. No muss no fuss.”

“or beter yet, just stuff the kid back in.”

“ouch!”

“hey wait a minute, If you will have a one month old then, then you will be having a baby in April. That is around the date for another trip too. Will you not be going to the knob?”

“Due date is March 22. When is the weekend of the knob? I have not seen any news from you on this.”

“WHAT?! Trip's posted bro. Hang on...”

“Already so many people showing as a "Yes." And I know most, if not all, of yous guys will show. Wahoo!! We may have to reserve all of Miquel's tables.”

“drat, i regretted taking a pass at this last year but this year i'll have to likewise take a pass. i am taking the family to the grand canyon for an extended weekend and this conflicts with those plans. oh well!”

“I'd go to GC over hanging out with this rabble in RRG any time. But since I can't swing a trip to the big ditch this year, I'll be damn proud to go to the gorge with such a bunch of fine folks as yourselves! LOL!”

“bump!
Hey y'all don't want to miss this. We had a wonderfull time last year. Children are not requiered for your attendance. Come to think of it... nothing is.”

“Nothing but a pizza box to cover your naughty parts...

Thanks for the bump.”

“Well, ya gotta stay decent. It is considered a public place. ;)
You are gonna be able to make this, right Brich?”

“I signed up as a yes. I am busy the wknd prior and unless my plans are changed for me I will be there.”

“gottcha.
I know you wont always be in control of the schedule.
My oldest, Dakota, was asking me just last night if we would be going back this summer. I was very happy to be able to say yes.”

“The kids trips are some of my favorites, nothing better then watching explore. I hope the weather will permit swimming.”

“Me too!”

“My niece is already asking if we are going. She wants to make sure she gets to go.”

“So guys, tell me...are there any other campgrounds that would handle all of us? I liked where we stayed last year except for the limited parking and the necessity of having someone there so early to reserve the whole place. I seem to remember there is another place within RRG, (maybe privately run?) maybe down by the river? I don't remember. Does anyone else have any info or opinion on the matter?”

“Well there are those little cabins over by martins fork, but I dont know if that place is even open. Last time we drove by there a couple months ago it looked abandoned. There is the other camp site at the southern terminus of the sheltowee in Natural Bridge. Those are the only places that I know of, but I'm just running off of memory. There could be something I've forgotten. I think it would be fine to try to get the same site as last year, but maybe try to get all the ones that are further back, and leave the ones closer to the parking lot unfilled. Just a though, it may make it easier for anyone who isn't in our party to come and go and maybe we wouldn't bother other campers.
We could always try staying on top of Ravens Rock getting coolers and 20lb tents up there would be fun. ;)

Hey Ruby, I just got your e-mail today. That was a helluva drive. The offer stands for future trips that you might make too. I really hope all is well soon.”

“I liked the place last year too, the parking did suck but we are planning on an early arrival if that helps. I dont know the area well enough to offer anything more.”

“I suggest checking out primitive camping area #2 just past Grays Arch. Has a privy, nice parking lot and a large area for camping. Plenty of trees for tarp rigging, etc.

Except for a squatters camp a couple of years ago I very seldom see it used.

I use it just about every time I go there now.”

“Sticks, is that the one we used on a winter trip a couple years ago? I do believe I have pictures of you grinning and dancing around the fire there.”

“I would really love to see more arches this time around so something near Grays would make a great starting point as long as we are legal, and there is room for 30 or so people.”

“hmmm...thinking of it....but don't know!”

“You should come spirit! Last year was a blast!”

““I suggest checking out primitive camping area #2 just past Grays Arch. Has a privy, nice parking lot and a large area for camping. Plenty of trees for tarp rigging, etc.
Is that where the parking #4 area is? If so, it's a great site with lots of room.”

“If it's the site I think it is, it is super roomy. I don't think there is any water there, is there? I think we would have to bring all our water in with us.”

“You are correct Ruby, there is no water there, but there is a pit toliet.”

“That would be a bit of a PITA but I'll give it a shot. What ever you guys think. I don't know that site.”

“there is a new campground well a couple of years old. On 715, just past the 77 junction, if you are commin from the nada tunnel. its along the river. I will be down there in mar and will check it out. For some reason I think its call the pumkin patch. Not sure where that come from. Yo bears!”

“Yo bear! I've eyed that camp. It looks kinda cool. It's right on the banks of the river isn't it? Nice, open grassy field w/ porta johns?


Ruby, we'll go where ever and we'll like it. If you want to try someplace new that sounds great. The only thing I don't want to do is try and cram us all into a back country site.

This will be the first year I don't have to beg for the weekend off work. =)”

“Yes, Jerbear! That's the one I was thinking of. Let us know how it is. I think I want to go to the same campground as last year or else this Pumpkin Patch one.”

“mmmm I really want want want to go!!!!! But I don't know if I can with the new job! I'm sure my weekends will be off, but I'm leary of askign for an extra day off. I will see how it goes!”