Okay, to get the ball rolling early on this (seeing as how it will be a weekender)
I figured we'd better get a new thread to work out which weekend, who's offering to help with what, who needs help with what and what mods we'd like to accomplish.

I have high end cordless tools and batteries aplenty for those things that need to be cut and drilled/screwed :D

Anybody know how far outside of Duluth Gooseberry Falls/Split Rock Lighthouse is?

The map says 40.1 miles... Damned if that don't look like beautiful camping site... Twi, you sure know how to pick em.

http://maps.google.com/maps?daddr=Gooseberry+Falls&geocode=&dirflg=&saddr=duluth+MN&f=d&sll=47.139351,-91.45586&sspn=0.038533,0.059738&ie=UTF8&ll=47.138899,-91.471546&spn=0.009633,0.014935&t=h&z=16

If nobody says otherwise, I nominate the aforementioned location for camp. Gives us a chance to see Duluth (never been there myself) on the way up and down. We'll also be near Lake Superior, for a great Eastern view.

Sounds fun. Time to put this e to some outdoor use! Any weekend should be fine for me, as long as I know sometime soon here so I can take it off.

Lovin' the Split Rock idea!

Oh and I don't really know how I can contribute... lemme know if you think of something.

Oh and I don't really know how I can contribute... lemme know if you think of something.

You can contribute another E and hum along with the crazy dialogue that seems to always accompany meets like this :D

You can contribute another E and hum along with the crazy dialogue that seems to always accompany meets like this :D

Well of course! I figured that was a given. I am a great contributor to conversation!
I was thinking more along the lines of bringing crazy campin'/moddin' snacks or something...:twisted:

Well of course! I figured that was a given. I am a great contributor to conversation!
I was thinking more along the lines of bringing crazy campin'/moddin' snacks or something...:twisted:

I dunno...use your imagination! Or bring random ingredients and challenge us to cook them into something tasty over a fire :D

I dunno...use your imagination! Or bring random ingredients and challenge us to cook them into something tasty over a fire :D

Haha ok sounds good. I mean, if you're up to the challenge...

I'm always up for a good challenge :D Maybe I'll try to make camp bread or even REAL bread over the fire, that's always slightly tricky :D

Well, if you're interested in bringing something to contribute. I recommend a relatively lite mod idea for you E. Good conversation, oh and a great sense of humor. Those are about the only things I can see being necessary for this to be a fun outing for us all.
BTW for those interested, I should have a cutting template for the privacy shades done by next week :grin: All anyone will need is a roll or two of the insulation material. (I also plan to bring it with me on the camping trip).

If you do bread (camp or otherwise) I'll make HamDogs...

I'd love to do campfire bread, like I said I always love a good challenge :D

And someone bring a spare hatchet. Please. I've been stuck camping without one. It's not very pleasant :twisted:

I've got a brush hook and a hatchet as part of the camping kit. We should be covered there.
If you get stuck with yard maintenance, you'll love the brush hook.

Why stop there? My parents have 2 full-size scythes :D

Perfect response to someone verbally cutting on our Es. Pull out the scythe and say my turn, singing the Barney theme song the whole time:lol:

Nah, the reason I have the brush hook is because it's about the perfect crossover of a hatchet and machette, need tinder? Easy! wood shavings to start a fire? No problem! It's the best camp tool I've gotten in a long time.
Gerber knife co. makes em, and they make them tough... They just take a while getting through the thick logs, hence the hatchet.:grin:

Anyone got any dates in mind yet? I've never been up to Duluth (or any other parts North), so I'm not sure when It'll get pleasant enough to camp up there...

No idea, I've just found out the other day my May and June are completely f*cked for scheduling since I'm on-call for jury duty :sad: I gave them the list of dates I alreayd have commitments I can't move which is about 2 or 3 days at least every week :D

So July??? That's always a good month for camping.

No can do at least for me, I'm committed to playing pit for a theater show ever Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun for the entire month :sad:

Well, I recall Bryon saying that his wife would be expecting in Sept. So Aug would probably be unpleasant for her.

What do people think of last week in April. I think it might be a touch chilly at night, but that's what a good fire and warm sleeping bags are for. Beyond that I don't know how it might be up there.

I think maybe we should just shoot for a day trip to Duluth when the weather is nice. We could try for a Saturday in June, July, August sometime. We frequently go to Duluth on Saturdays for dry goods and provisions anyhoo. I just think it would be nice to get some pics with the lake in the background and get a good burger and a beer with friEnds.:)



Dry goods and provisions = Sam's Club and Best Buy.:roll:

I'd say august, my wife and I would probably stay the weekend for camping (mini Vacation). But I definitely like the idea of having a burger and beer beforehand.

I'm so excited! I just got my 4th brand new replacement windshield today! Let's see if this one makes it more than six months. Thank the stars for glass coverage cause' Honda leaves you hanging in the wind after the one and only replacement they feel the legal obligation to cover.:mad: End rant.:oops:

Whatever weekend you guys decide on we will try to make it. Janet is scheduled every other weekend and I don't know if I'm working the weekend untill around 2:00PM Fridays. I can turn down the ot and the wife can swap shifts though.:-) Can't turn down too much ot though, stupid bills.:mad:

August would work better for me, even for a day trip (though we'd likely stay overnight also).

Mmmmmmmm pie...:rolleyes:

Well, we can plan as we go, it's not like we don't have a little time to make things work out right:grin:
Besides, gives me something to look forward to to keep me sane through the summer.
Anyway, we know there will be some people camping, some coming up for a day trip, some beer, some burgers and pie... mmm pie.
Ah crap, now Twi's got me doin' it:lol:

Well, we can plan as we go, it's not like we don't have a little time to make things work out right:grin:
Besides, gives me something to look forward to to keep me sane through the summer.
Anyway, we know there will be some people camping, some coming up for a day trip, some beer, some burgers and pie... mmm pie.
Ah crap, now Twi's got me doin' it:lol:

Mmmmm pie....:rolleyes:

(blame Bryon!)

Mmmmm beer!

Nah, been saying that for years. Especially since I'd found something with more "personality" than the bland megabrews that proliferate in the U.S.
With this much time to plan ahead, I'll be able to complete my camping equipment shopping list. I'll even try to bring along some REAL root beer, brewed at the Town Hall. Heck, I may try bringing a growler of it for the next meet, see what everyone thinks.

Let's try to nail down an August weekend down here in the next few weeks, a friend of mine who does a lot of camping in the Split rock area said putting down reservations is highly advisable.
I suggest the 2nd weekend in August, that gives the national meet travelers time to relax and puts it almost 3 weeks before Bryon has to keep and eye on where the nearest hospital is (all my friends got VERY paranoid like that in the last few weeks). If everyone's down for it I'd say meet there on Friday. Make a day of it (longer if'n your camping)
We can also arrange a convoy to meet at specific locations along the way, really turn some heads :D

Please bring that root beer to next meet! I'm sure everyone would like to try it.
As for Duluth meet, August sounds great. Depending on what weekend it is, I may just do a day trip. August will be a busy month for me seeing as I'm moving to St. Paul and starting at a new school (College of St. Catherine).

Convoy! That is a resplendent idea my friend. When we get a date set I will contact Krenzen Honda to see if they are up for some shenanigans and what not at the dealership. They might be willing to part with some free shwag for some zany Honda enthusiasts.
Janet won't mind being in Duluth when she is that far along, they have much better hospitals there. We have what you would refer to as "back woods medicine" here and I don't want my stork wings. We might be able to overnight Friday into Saturday if the wife is doing well enough. We have tons of camping gear but it is geared more for the back country than the camp ground. I'll have to dig out the cabin tent and air bed we took to Winstock last year, somewhere in the garage of remodeling disaster storage.

Mmmmm homemade root beer!:grin:

I'll plan on trying to pick up a growler (or two) for the next meet. As for the convoy idea, we can plan meet points and easily find them with the GPS (best investment ever). We'll definitely need cameras for the looks we'll get at the dealership. Still gotta see if'n we can get some Canadians to venture down and make this a nice little international meet.
Have to see about getting some farmers market goodies (sweet corn and such) for grilling at the camp too.
Damned, will it be nice to have a little vacation.

OMG! Janet just reminded me that I'm the best man in my brother's wedding August 16th! And one of our close friends is getting married the next weekend. I guess we can only go to Duluth on the first or second weekend in August or any weekend in July.

Weird, it just started thunder snowing and the wind hit mach 4.:confused:

OMG! Janet just reminded me that I'm the best man in my brother's wedding August 16th! And one of our close friends is getting married the next weekend. I guess we can only go to Duluth on the first or second weekend in August or any weekend in July.

Weird, it just started thunder snowing and the wind hit mach 4.:confused:

WOOHOO!! Thundersnow is my favorite type of weather ever :D We didn't get it today but we did get the mach 4 wind. I hit the on ramp for the highway, shifted, and heard the engine go into fits as I came out from under an overpass and the wind hit with all its fury.

So first or second weekend in August. Any objections?

Wind was HORRIBLE today. I had to have a death grip on the steering wheel, I was all over the place. Hectic night at work... soo glad to be home. ALL I want to do is some eocing but I have a midterm quiz due at midnight. :mad:

At least we're getting somewhere with the dates on the Duluth meet...

Same here, the driving was WILD yesterday! The E is bad definitely but I saw some guys in an empty panel truck almost go off the road a few times! :shock:

Let's shoot for the first weekend in August then, the 2nd and 3rd. We'll set up meet points as we get closer to the actual date, finalize those about a week out from travel time.
As for gear (per Valerie's earlier post) if anyone needs any gear, we may have some spares on hand.
If everyone likes the idea, I'd suggest we do group meals. It cuts down on the gear needed by each individual (and we get to show off our cooking skills:D).

I'll go with that. Double check dates tonight. And group meals a definite - that way people who have eating skillz and people that have cooking skillz can have a beneficial co-existence :D

Looks like I can now easily justify buying that Dutch Oven and Iron Skillet:grin:

I already have a 18x30 steel griddle for over the fire :D

It's stuff I need anyway.
Besides, I might be able to convince my wife to make chili or somesuch and we really need a good skillet.

How about meeting in the Walmart parking lot, since it's easy for everyone to find, on Friday afternoon around 4:00-5:00PM for those about to camp, and Grandma's in Canal Park on Saturday at noon for those who can only come up for the day?

If we are certain on these dates, August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd I will go ahead and contact Krenzen Honda to see if they are willing to play host to us on Saturday.

I'm set for those dates at this point, when the request sheet is posted I'll fill in those dates. All those who can commit, please say so, that way I can reserve that required number of spots.

Now, the important question... How muchh and what flavor pies does this "Grandma's" have... I need to start getting the appropriate budget setup:wink:

I'm set for those dates at this point, when the request sheet is posted I'll fill in those dates. All those who can commit, please say so, that way I can reserve that required number of spots.

Now, the important question... How muchh and what flavor pies does this "Grandma's" have... I need to start getting the appropriate budget setup:wink:

You mean Betty's. And Betty's has what you want. She's a dealer and has something to fit any addiction :D

As long as there's a good campfire and pie, I'm in 100%.


Mmmm pie.... :D

My-o-my you folks have been busy (or NOT!!).

Pencil me in for a North Shore meet. I'm burning a bunch of vacation this summer (I have 495 hours and cannot accrue any more... yeah, I know it's tough).

In May and June I'll be running white-water along the North Shore. As the rivers dry out into June and in July and August I'll probably be sea kayaking in the Apostles or running rivers on the South Shore (Brule, Iron River, Ashland or Bayfield) away from the annoying Twin Cities crowds.

If Split Rock/Gooseberry doesn't work out, there is is great (though somewhat rustic) campground in Brule WI, which has always had vacant sites when we've visited. The park at Bois Brule's mouth on Lk Superior is one of my favorite spots.

50874

More on my favorite river here:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=303815&postcount=1

Okay, been checking the reservations site for the campground that Twi found us.
http://www.stayatmnparks.com/SearchCriteria.aspx
It looks like the earliest we'll be able to make reservations will be Sat. May 3rd... Ironic:razz: you can only make reservations up to 90 days in advance.
The reservations cost $8.50 per spot (it doesn't say anything about per day or the duration, if anyone knows, please add in).
If we want our campsites next to or at least nearby, I'd say the best spots would be: 50,52,58,59,60,65,66,67 & 68. If we work our way outward, that gives us a good central point and puts us reasonably close to water, showers and restrooms (without being so close we notice them:-o).
I'll make sure I remind everyone at the meet. Looking forward to seeing y'all soon.

Got the new camping meet thread resolved. It has the latest info and links (thus far).

Time is of the essence for those interested in going. Sites are going fast.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=602446#post602446

Sadly, as those of you were there found out, I can no longer go to the camping. That's the closing weekend of our summer civic theater show and I'm playing in the pit for it. Been committed for it since December so it wouldn't be right for me to try to back out of it. :sad:

But I'm sure you'll all raise plenty of hell without me :razz:

Sorry to here you cannot make it Twi. More pie for me then eh!

I am still waiting for a response from the dealership for Saturday.:-(

There are several activities unique to Duluth that we can do on Saturday though.
The weekend of August 3rd is when the tall ships come to Duluth.
There are tours of the William A. Irven ore ship and the Coast Guard Cutter.
There are Vista Cruises on Lake Superior.
The Lakewalk from Canal Park below the aerial lift bridge has some great views of the harbor and the lake.
There is a train tour up the North Shore.
Glensheen Mansion has an awsome tour.
Canal Park has great food options.

We are not planning on camping up the North Shore so we will spend the whole day Saturday in Duluth. Janet will be 36 weeks and we don't want to deliver the baby in the E. So lets start making some plans for the day trippers and early bird campers to meet up Saturday morning around 8:00AM and go from there.

Okay, Let's see what everyone thinks of the second weekend of August. I know you've been courting the dealership Bryon, but this is (so far) just an opinion question. Since you and your wife will only be out there for the day, I want to see if we can regain Mike's presence:D.
Besides, second weekend in August does put the reservations for site out to this upcoming weekend. We could get better spots.:D
So, tell me what everyone's preferences are and if we settle on Aug 9-10. Then We'll have a direction to work toward.
My personal feelings are that any weekend that will pull in the most people is the best. This is all about your wants.

Don't you dare touch mah pie, dammit! :mad: :mad:

Whatever works for everyone, right now I can't schedule anything because I'm due to report for federal jury duty Monday morning in Minneapolis which is throwing a MAJOR wrench in every freaking thing in my life. No clue as to what's going to happen with it, but I'm hoping to god I get out right away and have the afternoon to go shop at Ax Man and that book store down there... But my past luck says I'll be stuck on a 3 month trial :sad:

Wish me luck...

Bring a good book (just don't read it during an actual trial:shock:)
Remember to rock back and forth mumbling to yourself about the Nazi Orcs and how they want to steal your pie. I'm sure that'll make em cycle you through extra fast:razz:.
I had Taco Bell and Special Ex Light the night before they wanted me to show for jury duty... Ahhhh, the special memory of making a lawyer turn green:evil:

Bring a good book (just don't read it during an actual trial:shock:)
Remember to rock back and forth mumbling to yourself about the Nazi Orcs and how they want to steal your pie. I'm sure that'll make em cycle you through extra fast:razz:.
I had Taco Bell and Special Ex Light the night before they wanted me to show for jury duty... Ahhhh, the special memory of making a lawyer turn green:evil:

I better the hell not get picked for the actual trial. I can't afford it time-wise, I can't afford it money-wise (my soul-sucking employer isn't paying me a cent while I'm gone), and I'm already under enough stress lately...:mad:

As I recall, they have to reimburse you, both travel and work loss. You may want to ask about that. If they say your work has to do so, get further information. I collected a nearly full paycheck for the 3 weeks I was on jury duty. I just can't recall if I had to turn in paperwork to be paid by work or not...
Either way. both travel expenses and lost wages should be paid out to you. Travel costs for me were about $.27 per mile at the time. Save ALL your receipts for EVERYTHING while you are on jury duty. I think there's a way to get reimbursed for all of that too.
To paraphrase another poster "You're stuck on this horse, now all you've gotta do is decide how you're gonna ride it."

As I recall, they have to reimburse you, both travel and work loss. You may want to ask about that. If they say your work has to do so, get further information. I collected a nearly full paycheck for the 3 weeks I was on jury duty. I just can't recall if I had to turn in paperwork to be paid by work or not...
Either way. both travel expenses and lost wages should be paid out to you. Travel costs for me were about $.27 per mile at the time. Save ALL your receipts for EVERYTHING while you are on jury duty. I think there's a way to get reimbursed for all of that too.
To paraphrase another poster "You're stuck on this horse, now all you've gotta do is decide how you're gonna ride it."

Nope, nope, and nope.

It's the employer's decision to pay you or not. If they don't, you get paid $40/day by the gov't. For lodging/food, you get a per diem stipend while you're on duty. And mileage is now $.505/mile.

The really screwed over part is that if I were salary at work, they'd pay me full wage for the whole time. But because I don't need health insurance and went hourly, I get zero, zip, zilch...

In that case, I think you can argue that you've a hardship necessity to get out of Jury Duty. And excellent motivation to take an axe to your company execs. for that bass-ackwards decision... Care to borrow an Axe?:evil:

In that case, I think you can argue that you've a hardship necessity to get out of Jury Duty. And excellent motivation to take an axe to your company execs. for that bass-ackwards decision... Care to borrow an Axe?:evil:

I've already got one I've been stropping for over a year in preparation for their time...:rolleyes:

Oh and this is AFTER my manager and another account rep both told me I'd be paid full wage.

On second thought, the axe is too kind...:mad:

Oh NO!!! Not Death by Firehose Enema:???::shock::razz:

Whichever way it goes, I wish you luck... Especially on framing someone else.

Oh NO!!! Not Death by Firehose Enema:???::shock::razz:

Whichever way it goes, I wish you luck... Especially on framing someone else.

The plans have been in the works almost as long as I've been stropping that axe...:rolleyes:

Oh NO!!! Not Death by Firehose Enema:???::shock::razz:

Whichever way it goes, I wish you luck... Especially on framing someone else.

Wanna borrow a fire engine?:twisted:

Wanna borrow a fire engine?:twisted:

The thought has merit. Got a multi-spigot by any chance? :rolleyes:

Oh goody. I found out at the end of my day yesterday, that one of my coworkers is quiting. When I started, we had 5 people for a 5 worker job. Reasonable pay for security work (better than any contract I've seen), then we go into a hiring freeze and one of our people disappear. Yup, that's right, He freaking disappeared for almost a week before we knew anything. Never answered his cell, we even called the cops to check on him. They only saw his wife. Finally he drops off his stuff, turns in his card and says he quits. Not that I'm complaining, he was a lazy bastard who bad mouthed everyone there, so his loss was like a relief.
Now my supervisor tells me that were losing the competent coworker. She's been there for ever, knows the job inside out and is a riot to talk to. She's leaving in a couple of weeks. The upside is now I'll be getting at least 12 hours of overtime a week, downside is I'll only get 1 day off a week... We talked and my sup. asked how long I'd be able to stay sane at that number of hours, with that little time off (Needs to be able tell management a time frame to start hiring within) I said they'd be peeling me off the ceiling in about 3 months. He said good, because he'd only last about 6-8 weeks. He said he'd present his estimated time to burnout to management. Oh yeah, our department is still in a hiring freeze... Our management will have to convince the higher ups that we DESPERATELY need two people hired on NOW!!!
Don't get me wrong, I like a little OT. It gives me some money I can blow on toys, tools, and mods:grin: But I think this may be a little much. (At least now I may be able to start looking into an AVIC-D3:grin:)

Primary discovery this week... I hate the game "Well, I've got some good news and bad news."

Sux to be you, but as you said more money for more toys :D

When they have to peel you from the ceiling, be sure they call me. I have some heavy duty spatulas and a demolition hammer with a big flat chisel that'll work great! :lol:

w00t trial got cancelled :D

Anybody wanna party tonight?

See? I told you that the Taco Bell Special Ex diet worked... Now they'll have to scour the floor, burn the furniture and clothes, strip and refinish the walls. That's the way to stop em':D

Love to party, but I'm wiped out... 5th 12 hour day in a row. Thank heaven, my next two are only 8s.

So now that you know you won't be in a trial, you should watch the movie find me guilty. And you should see if the second weekend in August would work for you to go camping...I'm just saying:cool:

See? I told you that the Taco Bell Special Ex diet worked... Now they'll have to scour the floor, burn the furniture and clothes, strip and refinish the walls. That's the way to stop em':D

Love to party, but I'm wiped out... 5th 12 hour day in a row. Thank heaven, my next two are only 8s.

So now that you know you won't be in a trial, you should watch the movie find me guilty. And you should see if the second weekend in August would work for you to go camping...I'm just saying:cool:

I'll see. And you ARE guilty, I have proof. :rolleyes:

You'd like the movie, "Find me guilty" is about a federal trial of a mob man. He's played by Vin Diesel (who does an excellent job of playing Jackie DiNorsio) It's a true story about the longest running federal trial in the US. I found out about it only a couple of days ago and thought it would be in bad taste to recommend it to a potential juror of a federal case:-P

And Yup, I am guilty. I just plant evidence better than my opponents:evil:

So Twi, you haven't said if you're up for a second weekend in August camping trip...

So Twi, you haven't said if you're up for a second weekend in August camping trip...

No idea, maybe...? I'll see what I can figure out, schedule's pretty damn f*cked up right now...

Hey there - My hubby and I are new to this forum and live in Woodbury (east of St. Paul). What's going on with the Duluth meet? Never done one before and would love to see what they're all about (should I be scared???). :) Also, for some reason we got a wild hair up our hineys and bought a tent 2 days ago thinking this summer we're going to learn to camp along with our 4 year old son. We've never camped before in our lives, but maybe by August we'll have a few campouts under our belts and wouldn't be too embarrassing.

Would love more info about meeting in Duluth. Thanks much!!!

Last I knew, the Duluth meet is still going on. First weekend in August. You'll definitely want at least one test camp under your belt before you attempt something like this. That way you know what does and doesn't work. My wife and I are planning a test camp for our new gear in June at the Lake Elmo Park reserve. Thats only a fa couple of miles away from home if anything goes catastrophically wrong. The area is nice and the space is plentiful.
As to whether you should be scared? Well so far I haven't noticed that anyone bites, and we all seem to be up on our shots:D. But seriously, I think you'll fit in very well here. As experienced parents, you can throw some shortcuts to Bryon and his wife (They're expecting) Get some pointers from Steve (Element Art, couple of older kids of his own), get a load of help from us all and a laugh from Mike's (Twilightzero) antics. If you'd like some help with supplies (choosing the right stuff or tips and tricks) don't hesitate to ask. I may end up at the sportsman's warehouse this upcoming weekend and I'd love to use my experiences to help you have a great new adventure:cool:

Hey minnEsota,

I really wouldn't worry too much about "learning" how to car camp. Think of it as an opportunity to simplify. Spending some time away from the work, tvs, computers, video games, etc can really be a stress-reliever. Camping is a great an opportunity to sit down with family/friends, contemplate nature, look at the stars, entertain yourself/others with creative pursuits, etc...

Material needs are really pretty minimal, a tent, some sort of padding, sleeping bags, some sticks to hold food over a fire with (or foil to put it in the coals). Maybe something to heat up coffee or a can of beans. A frisbee or ball to toss around, perhaps bikes for recreation (walks are good too_great ones at Gooseberry). A deck of cards of some dice if you do that sort of thing (a banjo, fiddle, guitar etc.. is nice too). A tarp or rain fly can make a rainy weekend bearable. Some folding chairs if you plan on sitting around the campfire or just around camp.

Smores.

The real challenge with car camping is not bringing TOO MUCH stuff, if you spend all your time making extravagant meals, messing with equipment, figuring out your gps system etc, camping becomes as stressful as the rest of your like, not the point for me.

Gooseberry Falls is maybe 15 minutes from Two Harbors where you can get anything you need but neglect to bring with. If half-a-dozen mnE members are in the campground, there will be WAY more camping equipment than necessary.

Hope to see you then or before.

-hs

Hey fellow midwesters. I'll hopefully be buying an E here relatively soon and would love to make a road trip up to MN. Never been there! Also I'm and Eagle Scout and have not been camping in a long time. It's definitely something I miss! Unfortunately I'm a nurse and our schedules come out in month and a half chunks at a time. They just put up the calender for requesting time off for August and part of September , although it will be up for a bit. Someone PM me once an official date is set :D.

Thanks!!
Prkchp

PM sent:D

Okay. The plan thus far stands at:
Saturday August 3rd. Meet at Grandma's in Canal park. We're going to shoot for 10:30-11AM. (Thought about staying overnight Friday, but Thursday we have too many commitments).
We'll either go to Krenzen (If they are willing to play host) or See the sights (We'll be relying on Bryon to tell us what's cool:D)
Finish the Afternoon off with a lunch and pick up some pie at Betty's.
Check in at the campsite begins at 4:00PM. I think we'd be safe showing up between 4 and 5. That'll give us a nice bit of leeway for setup.

Sounds fun. I'll be able to come to the meet for sure but may not be able to camp... that weekend has so much going on (and I'm scheduled to work). Either way, it will be a great time! :D

Thanks for the wealth of information haulingstuff. You're so right that if we worry too much about bringing every possible thing we might need, I'm going to be way more stressed than normal.

Couple questions: Are these get-togethers kid friendly? Not that I think it's going to be too wild and crazy (I miss those days), but I was wondering about bringing our 4 year old, or is it more of an adult thing. I think he'd get a kick out of seeing a bunch of Elements in one place. There aren't too many around Woodbury, but when we do see one, he makes sure to let us know. (he also yells out EVERY Honda we see when out and about - he learned the "H" symbol quickly)

Anyone into geocaching? My hubby and son really are. Otto calls it "treasure hunting." Anyhow, they now allow it in state parks, so that could be fun to do also.

Again, I'm a newbie, so I'm learning. Sorry for dumb questions.

Thus far all we've really done is get together at restaurants and chat over food and drinks. This will be the first overnight get together for us, and yes, I think it will be kid friendly. The worst I see happening is colorful language when someone stubs their toe:shock:.

As for geocaching, I have gone on a few outings and found a few treasures. If you've gone to a site and found a small package of polymer sculpting clay, that was me:D

Don't worry man, I won't be there for this one so you get a 1-meet reprieve from my insanity :razz: :lol:

You guys better have fun and take lots of pics or else!

Hey guys!
I was thinkin' we should have a little meet soon for those we didn't get to see in Ohio and for those who won't be able to join us in Duluth.
I miss my e folk already. :-(

Any interest?? Ideas??

Hey guys!
I was thinkin' we should have a little meet soon for those we didn't get to see in Ohio and for those who won't be able to join us in Duluth.
I miss my e folk already. :-(

Any interest?? Ideas??

I'm interested but tough to make scheduling work with show rehearsals running. I'd say schedule a Sat/Sun before July 18 and I'll see what I can do to make it :D

I'm interested but tough to make scheduling work with show rehearsals running. I'd say schedule a Sat/Sun before July 18 and I'll see what I can do to make it :D

Hmm that is coming up awfully fast... we'll see if there is more interest, otherwise we will just have to miss you terribly in Duluth. :rolleyes:

What play are you in?

What say Saturday July 5th, Vali-Hi Drive In for Grilling and a movie? I can bring the grill. (Course, so can Twi, and his IS cooler.) It's relatively close and they've got some fun movies this weekend: Get Smart, Indy 4 and Jumper. $8 or so per person.

I'm playing pit for Return To The Forbidden Planet - imagine Shakespeare crossed with 1950's sci fi turned into a rock musical. Quite the hilarious show :lol:

I'll check on the 5th, no guarantees if I can make it. If that's the date I can probably move things around enough.

Sounds awesome! I am actually scheduled to work that day but there are many people who owe me favors.
I will get back to ya'll asap.

Well after talking to Mike (stocazzo) he will be in Eagle River, WI that weekend so maybe we could bump it to the following weekend?
I know that would work better for me as well...
Lemme know!

We'll have to see what that weekend's schedule throws our way. Probably required to show up at the lake to sail on Friday the 4th (as if I hate it - LOL), but odds are we might be free for that on Saturday evening the 5th. Haven't been to a drive-in for ages - that could be a gas! :twisted:

We, too, are having withdrawl symptoms, Valerie. Having been going on these cross-country expeditions to meet with fellow EOCers since 2004, it doesn't get any easier, and the get-togethers seem to fly by all too quickly! :sad:

We won't be camping on the Duluth weekend, but will be in town that weekend RVing with friends, taking in the tall ships show, so we'll be sure to meet up with you folks, assuming it's still the first weekend in August...

The 12th would probably work a bit better for me, someone wanna start a new thread and we'll see what we can work out?

Just popped in for a moment. I'm a no go on the 12th... Mandatory working weekend:-(
The primary reason I was thinking the 5th was many families on vacation, less crowding. Plus, I got that weekend off.

It's starting to get close to August 2nd, I just wanted to find out who is planning on heading up to the Duluth camp and meet. We can also arrange caravans and rendezvous points along the way. My wife and I are planning on heading up fairly early on Saturday morning to meet ElementBryon at between 10:30 and 11:00 AM (Looking forward to seeing you again Bryon:smile:)

According to Google maps it's about a 2 1/2 hour drive so leaving at 8-8:30 would be best. Beyond that, we're open to suggestions.:cool:

Still won't be going, but I expect to live vicariously through you by pictures! That'll be ending weekend at the theater, and I'm looking forward to it. The cast & band are already physically dead tired, it's a very demanding show especially with rehearsals every night. I can't wait for it to be over!!

I would love to go, but it turns out the NIN show is that day.
Sorry guys, as much as I love Duluth and my element crew, Trent is my man and I can't miss him (plus i already paid mucho dollaros).

Sorry to here that...:sad:
Oh well, more pie for me:D You'll be missing out on the breakfast 'tatos and other goodies we'll be making:cool:

Sorry to here that...:sad:
Oh well, more pie for me:D You'll be missing out on the breakfast 'tatos and other goodies we'll be making:cool:

mmm pie.... :rolleyes:


hope you guys enjoy yourself.

Mmmmmmm pie...57109

Hey now, I'm willing to wager I can make a breakfast that could compete with pie on tastiness... Imagine an omlette wrapped in an english muffin with bacon and a side of spiced potatos... Dang it, I shouldn'ta skipped breakfast this morning.:grin:

OK, so I'm too lazy to go through all 90-something posts on this thread to figure out when people are getting together in Duluth. Is it the weekend of August 1-3? 'Cuz we'll be camping near Duluth that weekend and taking in the tall ships thing. I don't know if we'll have time to get together with all of you or not, but we'll see. Can someone summarize for me what's going on when and where?

Hey all, The Duluth trip is a cool idea. I am kinda new here and have never been on an EOC outing, it sounds awesome though. I'm not sure I can make it the first weekend in August, I work that weekend. *sigh* There is a small chance I may be able to get Saturday the second off, I will try. If we could make it, we would just go for the day. My wife and daughter would be going too. I do have the second weekend in August off if plans happen to change or if someone wants to set up another meet. I think going to Taylors Falls sometime would be a cool place for a meet if anyone is interested. The state park is kinda neat, river, rocks, etc. There is at least 1 cool coffee shop and a drive-up burger stand too, and many other places to eat. Just an idea for a day trip. Anyway, I will let ya know if I get Sat. Aug. 2nd off, later. :)

Well, thus far, it only looks like myself and the wife (seems to have lost some momentum since originally planned, over 2 months ago) but anybody who's interested in showing, is welcome to join in:D

Check post #87 for relevant details.
This is where we'll be once we get there: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=&daddr=46.780222,-92.094204&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=46.780204,-92.094183&sspn=0.002329,0.005622&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=18

Having never been to Duluth, I think we'll probably hit the sights while we're there.

Well Protagonis and others, we will be in Duluth on the weekend of the 1-3, so if you want to get together with us, PM me. Someone awhile back in the thread asked if the event will be kid friendly - we bring our kids pretty much everywhere we go and they're 4 1/2 and 2. Some of the other EOC members met them at the Ax-man meet in May.

This weekend will be the inaugural trip with a pop-up camper in tow. We have made a deal with some friends who just sold their large SUV to cut down on their gas bill - they borrow our E to tow their pop-up and we get to borrow the pop-up.

There are still tickets available for the tall ships event. Go to http://www.visitduluth.com/maritimefestival/ it's pretty cheap, and you can actually go on board the ships.

Definitely interested in meeting up. If the timing is right, join us for lunch:)

Yup, planning on all the events being family friendly. Hopefully you'll be able to swing in for lunch and to visit. (I checked the menu, I'm not gonna eat 2 days prior to leaving to make extra room, they have a load of great sounding food:D)

We may end up doing some of the tours, haven't decided yet. The only thing we absolutely must see, is a cargo ship entering the harbor (parents have said it's awe inspiring) Also the maritime museum. There's some others, but I can't seem to recall them right now...:-?

Definitely interested in meeting up. If the timing is right, join us for lunch:)

Yup, planning on all the events being family friendly. Hopefully you'll be able to swing in for lunch and to visit. (I checked the menu, I'm not gonna eat 2 days prior to leaving to make extra room, they have a load of great sounding food:D)

We may end up doing some of the tours, haven't decided yet. The only thing we absolutely must see, is a cargo ship entering the harbor (parents have said it's awe inspiring) Also the maritime museum. There's some others, but I can't seem to recall them right now...:-?

Go to the Edmund Fitzgerald museum, it's shock and awe inspiring :D

Oh Heck Yeah! Couldn't miss that!
I had a boss get me hooked on the Fitzgerald mystery, THAT was what I was blanking on:oops:... It's been a very long week:twisted:
I'll remember things over the course of the next 6 or so days...

It's been a very long week:twisted:

Tell me about it, just restarted performances last night. It's amazing how fast one can get out of shape, 3 days off and I was damn tired by the end of the show!!

7th 12 hour day in a row:-o... I NEED a vacation. and a beer.
Okay, I need a vacation and a beer. and a nap.
Okay, I need a vacation, a beer and a nap. and more money.
Okay, I need a vacation, a beer, a nap and more money. and a steak.

Heck with it, I'm starting on the beer and see what else I can get done today:razz:

7th 12 hour day in a row:-o... I NEED a vacation. and a beer.
Okay, I need a vacation and a beer. and a nap.
Okay, I need a vacation, a beer and a nap. and more money.
Okay, I need a vacation, a beer, a nap and more money. and a steak.

Heck with it, I'm starting on the beer and see what else I can get done today:razz:

Don'tcha love downsizing? :razz:

No downsizing in my department. Hiring freeze. hopefully that'll end before too long.

No downsizing in my department. Hiring freeze. hopefully that'll end before too long.

Hiring freeze is downsizing in slow motion. :sad:

Hopefully they'll lift it now that the courting period is over and the merger is done. They started changing badges. They've even started lifting hiring freeze on some departments. Ours is rumored to lift next month... Oddly, I've recently discovered I have a wife at a place called HOME??? I'm not so sure, it could be sleep deprivation induced hallucinations. But I'm pretty sure I woke up in bed with someone I almost never get to see.:lol:

Hopefully they'll lift it now that the courting period is over and the merger is done. They started changing badges. They've even started lifting hiring freeze on some departments. Ours is rumored to lift next month... Oddly, I've recently discovered I have a wife at a place called HOME??? I'm not so sure, it could be sleep deprivation induced hallucinations. But I'm pretty sure I woke up in bed with someone I almost never get to see.:lol:

I know the feeling, but mine comes from working opposite shifts.


















...then again it's probably the only reason we're still married and/or haven't killed each other yet :lol: :lol:

So, is it cheating if I don't remember her being my wife?:razz::lol::razz:

So, is it cheating if I don't remember her being my wife?:razz::lol::razz:

Nope, and it isn't cheating if you don't remember putting the cards up your sleeve either :razz:

Remind me not to play for cash when we get together next:-P

Remind me not to play for cash when we get together next:-P

I rarely play poker any more. I prefer Egyptian Ratscrew or cribbage :D

How about Connect Four or Don't Break the Ice? My sponsor says I have to stay away from underground Ants in my Pants tournaments though or my PTSD will relapse.:confused:

Don't forget your bucket.
Ask Protaganis what the bucket is for.

How'd it go guys?

Turns out NIN was cancelled due to illness. Trent had Dr.'s orders to refrain from performing. :sad: He has rescheduled for November.

MN Element, his family, and I plan to meet up sometime in Aug. We would love to have as many e's we can, as usual. I know it's hard to make all of our schedules work, but how great would it be to end the summer with a bang! :cool:
Anyone have any new restaurant ideas? (Steve??)
Protaganis, any chance the drive-in is available for us? ;-)

The 20th-31st is completely open for moi. I would love to fill a day with some e fun. :)

It was just Bryon and his wife that met up with us in Duluth.
Turns out it was the tall ships weekend. MANY people there. After that we swung up into Gooseberry Falls / Splitrock Lighthouse area. VERY pretty area, Made some discoveries about the E as a camping vehicle (Left tent at home just to try the E as an overnighter).
1. Build a freaking platform if you're planning on sleeping in it, especially with all your gear. Got kinda cramped, especially as I'm a bit taller than average.
2. Padding is essential, when I make the platform I"m gonna pad the heck out of it.
3. 2 skillets, one iron and one non-stick, Eggs stick to cast iron insanely well.
4. One night isn't nearly enough.
5. 2 Betty's Pies aren't nearly enough...

The camping sites are really nice up there, I'm looking forward to going again next year.

We also got caught in a hellish rainstorm on the way back down, traffic was only going about 15 mph for nearly 45 minutes.

First three photos of the Indiana Harbor coming into port. The pics REALLY don't do justice to how large this ship is... 1000 ft., though I didn't catch the displacement. As it passed under the raised bridge, I kept expecting to hear a loud CLONG!!!

Next Two are of two of the cool tunnels on the passage from Duluth to Two Harbors area... Wish the ones in the Twin Cities looked as nice...

These pics are of the campground itself. They had shower areas and decent restrooms, Just enough amenities to make you remember you're civilized (Twi'd still take some extra work, but pie could bring him around easily enough:-P)
MMMmmm... Had a slice of 5 layer Chocolate pie there and bought a Bumbleberry Crunch (Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries and Raspberries) and a Spicy Apple Crunch pie... Heavenly...
Also picked up a menu, you can order them to be shipped to you online:D
I have found my new treat...

BTW - Spicy Apple Crunch and GOOD coffee make the best breakfast in the known world:cool:

These last are of the beach, only a 10 minute walk from our campsite...
With any luck, We'll get a BETTER campsite next year:D

Looks awesome, wish I could've made it! Another time, I need to get back to that area. You would've LOVED the campsite we had when we stayed at Split Rock when I was a kid. The site actually had its own little private beach, right down a hill from the campsite. I wish to this day I could get that one again, was a blast :D

Great pics! Duluth is always so much fun. Wish I could have made it. Thanks for the insight into camping with the e.




Hope we can meet in larger numbers again soon...

Hey Valerie, there still time for me to pick up a ticket to the November show? :evil:

Oh I'm sure. Many people will want their refunds. Better check it out soon. It will be on Tues Nov 25th.

That was the most people I've ever seen in Duluth for any event. And yet only two EOCers show up.:sad:
We saw at least two dozen E's we could have tagged, if I had remembered to print more cards.:-x
We had fun waiting in line for Subway and dodging barf on the sidewalk.:confused:
To be able to see the majestic tall ships on a beautiful summer day was worth it.:smile:

Protaganis, didn't your mom teach you that you always cook a pound of bacon before the eggs in a cast iron skillet? Yes my mother was insane and my father died of heart disease and my cholesterol is still elevated.

Here are some pictures of stuff.

Protaganis, didn't your mom teach you that you always cook a pound of bacon before the eggs in a cast iron skillet? Yes my mother was insane and my father died of heart disease and my cholesterol is still elevated.

That's what I do on my steel griddle, works like a charm! And whatever you do, don't wash the cast iron with soap & water! Just wipe it out & put it in a burlap sack. :D

That's what I do on my steel griddle, works like a charm! And whatever you do, don't wash the cast iron with soap & water! Just wipe it out & put it in a burlap sack. :D

Don't you mean "lick" it out and put it back in the burlap sack? I'de hate to think of all that wasted bacon drippings. Mmmm...bacon. I did try an all bacon and beer diet once about fifteen years ago. I'm still suffering the effects.

Don't you mean "lick" it out and put it back in the burlap sack? I'de hate to think of all that wasted bacon drippings. Mmmm...bacon. I did try an all bacon and beer diet once about fifteen years ago. I'm still suffering the effects.

Scrape it with a steel spatula and lick that. Your saliva will cause rust :D

Anyone interested in doing a mini-meet at the MN Renaissance Festival?
My wife and I will be there on an undetermined (as of yet) weekend and wouldn't mind a little company.

Could be, I'll be up there also on an unspecified weekend. Also we're going to be heading to the state fair one of the days on the last week in August, we might make it an overnighter so we can get in a day of Ax Man & book stores also :D

Anyone interested in doing a mini-meet at the MN Renaissance Festival?
My wife and I will be there on an undetermined (as of yet) weekend and wouldn't mind a little company.

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lemme know what's up.

*** forgot to add... you know the puke and snot show they have there? ya well snot just died... :sad:

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lemme know what's up.

*** forgot to add... you know the puke and snot show they have there? ya well snot just died... :sad:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

What happened?? They're some of my idols!! Now I'll have to go and pay tribute to the fallen...:sad:

Got to meet him here, my first year working at fest. Out of character, he was a kind and personable man, sat with us and before long had us rolling with laughter... In character, a joyous half of a great comedy duo.

http://www.magaga.com/Home.html

http://www.magaga.com/PukeBlog/Entries/2008/8/11_long_live_thomas_snot.html

I'll definitely have to go now, homage must be given to Sir Thomas the Snotly...

Well my wife and I (and possibly a few other:wink:) will be there at the end of the month. We always try to arrive before cannon. I recommend, for those going your first time, bring a cooler, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. You aren't allowed to bring alcohol on site (they sell beer and wine though)
Bring cash (I think they have an ATM, but don't quote me on that).
If you do plan on attending, post it so we can figure where and when to meet:grin:

Well my wife and I (and possibly a few other:wink:) will be there at the end of the month. We always try to arrive before cannon. I recommend, for those going your first time, bring a cooler, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. You aren't allowed to bring alcohol on site (they sell beer and wine though)
Bring cash (I think they have an ATM, but don't quote me on that).
If you do plan on attending, post it so we can figure where and when to meet:grin:

Are you kidding? Don't bring a cooler or lunch, but bring plenty of cash. The food there is excellent and the homemade mead is AWESOME (but rather strong...) End of the month is when we're heading to the state fair so no go for me...

Trust me, pack a lunch. Then you can buy more toys (swords, chainmaille, costuming) Best gloves I own are from there. Besides, that leaves more money for the treats (honey cakes and apples tarts...Mmmm)

Sounds like the perfect time for me. I just need to check with my r-fest buddy and see if it works for her.
I hope more e-ple will show an interest!

(Colin?!?!?!?!?!)

Personally I go there partially for the food :razz:

I need a new pair of boots and maybe a hauberk, definitely want to check out the cost of a new badger blade too... Need more money:sad:

Dates are up for the big bonfire party!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49368