*COMPLETED* MNmazda Camping Trip 2008 ->Aug 8-10<-

[dmention7]

Date? Check! (August 8-10)
Campground? Check! (http://www.camppla-mor.com/)

This one in on the Mississippi River near Winona. There would be room for at least six tents. There is water and limited power available at the shelter. The cost is $25 per tent and covers 2 adults. Additional people over 10 years old are $3 each. This one also has many activities.

**Reservations have been made. We have the grassy group tent camping area near the shelter. He said there are showers on the other side of the campground for those of you that want them.

**Pontoon is rented for Saturday from 10-2!!!


Please sign up as soon as you know so we can work out the price. As far as I see it, $25 per night per two people per tent. It is only $3 per night to add an adult in your tent. So, if someone wants to bunk up together, work it out between you, I suppose. The sooner you can RSVP, the sooner Jess (aka Captain Campin) can get our reservations nailed down.


List of attendees
1. Jess (hot ice) and Crista (friend)
2. Jay (dmention7) and Nanami ("special" friend)
3. Josh (mazdamn02) and Shelly (almost wife)
4. Matt (MrMatt)
5. Nate (Speed6 Guy) and Allie (almost wife)
6. Jeff (aviateur)
7. Chris_6
8. Jurgen (Spek1098)

[Big Nate]

I am good for any of them.

[mazdamn02]

made my vote for any weekend

[JustROLLIN]

I would prefer the 9th - 11th weekend if that works for other people.

[dmention7]

of July? That would be the 8th-10th ;)

[JustROLLIN]

Wait, it says the 11th - 13th... thats the one. :D

[dmention7]

doh... I meant august in my post... lol! So, we've got a vote for July 11th-13th.

[JustROLLIN]

OK. Just to be clear... my best weekend is JULY 11th - 13th.. The others I didnt vote for will work, but I would need to know ASAP so I can get them off work. That is all...

[dmention7]

Yeah, I'd like to have a date set in stone within a week.

[mazdamn02]

July 11th - 13th werks fer me.

[JustROLLIN]

Sorry to be so picky, but work is hell during the summer and I end up working a lot of Saturdays.

[Hot Ice]

I am open to any at this point.

[mazdamn02]

I'm open to everyone except the one I said I was, LOL. Can't do July 19-20th.

[spek1098]

jul 11th-13th doesn't work for me, anyone have issue with aug 8th-10th? Looks like that would work for everyones who has voted.

[JustROLLIN]

As of right now that would be cool as I can still get out of work for that weekend.

[dmention7]

Let's keep the voting open for a bit longer since I suspect there may be a few more people who are interested but haven't voted yet.

Anyone care to voice a concern about the 8th-10th, or are we all pretty solid with that weekend?

[YSOSLO]

I should be good for just about any weekend, but it's highly unlikely I'll be able to leave on a Friday. With the seniority in my workgroup, pretty much every single Friday all Summer long is booked. With my snoring you'll all be glad I'm only there for one night though anyway...lol

[dmention7]

How late do you work? I mean, ideally we'd meet up earlier in the day to try and beat the afternoon rush out of the cities, but you could always head up later on friday and meet us there. I'd imagine there might be a few people who would prefer to head up later.

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah, last year I didnt leave the cities until like 6-6:30pm. I just laid the pedal down and made some decent time up 35w. Until I came across Black Bear Casino....

[mazdamn02]

So August 8 through 10?

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah, do we think its been long enough? I would love to put my request in at work...

[AJ]

Yeah, lets get one and roll with it so we can take the time off and get ONE thread going.

[dmention7]

August 8th-10th going once...... twice..... done!

[ij1889]

august 8-10 sounds fine with me

[mazdamn02]

Do it!

[JustROLLIN]

Well I got fucked by waiting and now I am stuck working that weekend. Sucks to be me... Oh well.

[AJ]

I need Drunk Joe there!!!!!!

[JustROLLIN]

Yeah man, I wanted to go but it just wasnt in the cards.

[mazdamn02]

Wouldn't it be funny if you called in sick after having requested it off?

[JustROLLIN]

:) Yeah, that would be funny. But, I dont know if work would share in the comedy with me.

[Hot Ice]

Joe, you should request each weekend off and then just tell us when you can go.

[AJ]

I agree. For entertainment value, not having Joe is like sticking a pine cone in my ass with no lube. Just no replay value.

[YSOSLO]

http://www.tshirthell.com/shirts/products/a1042/a1042_bm.gif

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I agree. For entertainment value, not having Joe is like sticking a pine cone in my ass with no lube. Just no replay value.

I don't think lube would help much...

[dmention7]

Thread necromancy!!!

Stickied it now that the cruise has passed. We've got a date pretty well picked out, but we need to finalize a location and activities, etc. Who wants to pitch in on the planning??

[StealthSpeed3]

i could be up for this since it is the weekend after my birthday, i'll just take these days off instead of the 2nd and 4th.

What locations are being considered at the moment?

[niterydr]

So its august 8th thru 10th? I will have to try to get that saturday off.

[AJ]

Jay, check the thread in the mod section. Follow links from there to view other spots as well.

[Hot Ice]

I can try to do like last year if no one else wants to. I also would need to know if we want Duluth again or Brainerd area. I will be a lot less busy very soon when school is out. ;)

[mazdamn02]

I think someone needs to bang pots and pans together in here to get this to happen! Where are we headed too? :)

[mndsm]

MOTHERFUCKING PAUL BUNYAN LAND.

[Picklz]

I'm glad someone posted in here, it reminded me to say WTF IS GOING ON?! Who is in charge of this event? Because at this point it's epic fail. Someone needs to take charge and get this shit going because I want to GO CAMPING!! WOOOOO lol. So yeah anyone? I don't really want to organize another trip, its a lot of work lol.

[mndsm]

I sure as hell don't want to organize... to many little whiners here lol.

[Picklz]

Thats why we need someone, because otherwise people throw out 9,345,839 ideas and nothing ever gets done. Someone just has to pick a weekend and a place and we roll with it!

[Hot Ice]

Ok, back on line and have time to do this. So, I will make the plans and organize. Looks like it will be the weekend of August 8-10 and it will be in the Brainerd area. More details to come...

[Picklz]

finally some progress! lol. I'll have started my new job at that point so hopefully I'm free to go.

[Jenny]

well I would like to go but we are supposed to be looking for a house then and dan can't live with out air conditioning direct quote from him.

[StealthSpeed3]

well I would like to go but we are supposed to be looking for a house then and dan can't live with out air conditioning direct quote from him.

poor baby dawg...if there's a breeze any of the days we're up there, that'll be his A/C :D

[Hot Ice]

Ok, so here is the problem, which I thought wouldn't be...
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals - Brainerd International Raceway is going on that weekend, the whole weekend. It is one of the biggest races. I emailed a few of the campgrounds for group camping info. One already emailed me back tonight and said they don't do group camping and good luck finding a spot that weekend with the race in town. So, as much as we would like to go to a new area and explore...we might not be able to be that close to Brainerd, maybe Garrison...which is about 20 miles from there. Give me some thoughts.
There are a few other things going on in the Brainerd area that weekend as well. A classic car show on Sat. for the Crosslake Days, Drive in Theater with Telladega Nights on Friday and Cars on Sat. And also a big to do thing at Paul Bunyan Land. So...I need some input, please...
:)

[mndsm]

Ok, so here is the problem, which I thought wouldn't be...
Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals - Brainerd International Raceway is going on that weekend, the whole weekend. It is one of the biggest races. I emailed a few of the campgrounds for group camping info. One already emailed me back tonight and said they don't do group camping and good luck finding a spot that weekend with the race in town. So, as much as we would like to go to a new area and explore...we might not be able to be that close to Brainerd, maybe Garrison...which is about 20 miles from there. Give me some thoughts.
There are a few other things going on in the Brainerd area that weekend as well. A classic car show on Sat. for the Crosslake Days, Drive in Theater with Telladega Nights on Friday and Cars on Sat. And also a big to do thing at Paul Bunyan Land. So...I need some input, please...
:)

I can see myself enjoying this. Plus the races are in town, and i'd be likely to want to go to the track, even if it is a drive.

[Picklz]

Problem like Jess said is going to be finding something with a large site or enough sites near each other to make it work with all those events going on.

Why don't we look at going somewhere other than Brainerd? Or another weekend?

[dmention7]

Also, if we can't camp near brainerd we run into the problem of "wtf do we do with ourselves for a weekend?"

I think we should investigate alternative destinations.... I would not at all be averse to hitting up D-town again. Someplace along the mississippi or st croix might be nice also.

[Hot Ice]

And Tom, I am not sure if you have checked into the races at all, but I went to their website and it isn't very cheap to go to the races.

But...with the other comments, I will check out camping in Nisswa, Garrison (on 169/Mille Lacs Lake) and D-town this week and see what we can come up with. I think the weekend took enough time to pick so we will keep that. Thanks guys! We will get this figured out one way or another.

[mndsm]

We should find some little hick town that only buys Fords and invade that. It's always good for a laugh in my book.

[mazdamn02]

I'm going with the flow, if Jess is organizing its sure to be a success!

[Hot Ice]

Yes and I checked and in Duluth that weekend is the Bayfront Blues festival...so I doubt we would get camping there either...we may venture south...I will keep looking and contacting people.

**Thanks Josh** :)

[Picklz]

Keep state parks and state forests in mind, they are generally cheap or in some cases free, can often be reserved, etc. Waterfront either lake or river would be really cool. I agree now that Jess is in charge I'm not worried about it, I'm game for whatever.

[dmention7]

Wasn't the BF blues festival or something going on last year? Or did it force us to pick a different weekend?

[Hot Ice]

We picked a different weekend so that we were able to get a campsite or three.

State parks are always an option but so many are first come first serve, so that is always tough. I know of a nice one off of Pine City but there isn't a ton of stuff to do there. I may have to start another poll to see where all would like to go, but then again, I may just pick. LOL. :) I will be out the rest of the day but looking into it again tomorrow. It will be fun regardless!

[mndsm]

Find someplace with gokarts.

[dmention7]

Jess, if you find a place that you deem solid, I give you full authority to declare it the official location! lol

[mazdamn02]

Wasn't the BF blues festival or something going on last year? Or did it force us to pick a different weekend?

If I remember correctly it was, if it wasn't I've been there during said festival and it was NBD. Just don't pick grandma's marathon weekend...

[Picklz]

Its NBD IF you can find enough camp sites, thatd be the kicker. SE MN could be a fun direction to go, along the river valley.

[dmention7]

What do you all think of this spot?

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/great_river_bluffs/index.html

Located just south of winona on the river and inside a state park. Looks like they have hiking and stuff in the area, and there are group camp sites that accomodate up to 20 people. Price is $50/night for the group site (at least one is available as of tonight). The one potential dealbreaker is that it's in a state park so drinking is not allowed.

I bet there are other sites in the area if the location sounds good to people.

[Picklz]

What do you all think of this spot?

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/great_river_bluffs/index.html

Located just south of winona on the river and inside a state park. Looks like they have hiking and stuff in the area, and there are group camp sites that accomodate up to 20 people. Price is $50/night for the group site (at least one is available as of tonight). The one potential dealbreaker is that it's in a state park so drinking is not allowed.

I bet there are other sites in the area if the location sounds good to people.

Location sounds alright to me, as for the no alcohol in a state park...well...you saw the pics and heard the storys from the cruise earlier this month, and that was in a state park :)

[dmention7]

Yeah, but I'm thinking it would be a lot harder to pull that off when we're all out in the open.

Anywho, I'll keep looking in the southeast because it seems like that would be a nice scenic drive along the river, and there should be lots of spots down there.

[Hot Ice]

I received a bunch of emails back from the people in Brainerd area on campsites. Many said they could accomodate us if we pick another weekend. There isn't any open as of yet due to the race. I really don't think we should pick another weekend so I will start looking south. I don't think we should go somewhere that we can't drink. Too many of us enjoy that part of the trip. We could try to sneak, but why when we wouldn't have to if we go somewhere else. I am on it today...;)

[AJ]

Lets all camp in B.A.G.

[Hot Ice]

Ok, so far here are a few choices: Opinions, comments...

http://www.valhallacampground.com/
This one is $33.00 per night/4 people per site per night. Sites all have water and electric, picnic tables and firepots. There is a swim beach. This is in Slayton, MN.

http://www.shadyoakscampground.org/
This one I have to call for prices and it is in Garden City, MN. The sites would be on the river though.

http://www.dunrominpark.com/
This one is in Caledonia, MN. There is a creek that runs through. It is 261.99 for the two nights for up to 20 people. This is a group area where we just put our tents and enjoy. She did mention they strickly enforce the quiet time after 11 pm.

http://www.camppla-mor.com/
This one in on the Mississippi River near Winona. We have a large grassy area near the shelter of our river side campground that works well for larger groups. There would be room for at least six tents. There is water and limited power available at the shelter. The cost is $25 per tent and covers 2 adults. Additional people over 10 years old are $3 each.**This might be the one you are looking for more. This one also has pontoon rental and many activities.

That is who has responded so far. Tell me what you think or I will pick one. :) I am getting pumped already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmention7]

So far the last one is looking like total win to me. Large group camping area, reasonable price, should be a fun drive.

Dunroamin also looks pretty good IMO. They are having a sweet corn feed that weekend!!! nice

[mazdamn02]

Looks good to me!

[dmention7]

Poll added, see first post!

[Hot Ice]

Jay, do you know why are there five names listed on choice 4 but only 3 listed as voted?

[Picklz]

Ill look them over and vote when I get home, I don't have time to do it at work today.

[Hot Ice]

Ok, well I am making the decision tomorrow (Monday) and reserving a spot, so take the chance to vote if you really want to. :)

**Also, please start posting if you are going and how many in your group so we know.

1. Jess (hot ice) and Crista (friend)

[dmention7]

1. Jess (hot ice) and Crista (friend)
2. Jay (dmention7) and Nanami ("special" friend)

[AJ]

Did Joe really vote for number 3? Where they enforce "quiet time" after 11pm? Where you drunk when you voted? :roll:

[mazdamn02]

1. Jess (hot ice) and Crista (friend)
2. Jay (dmention7) and Nanami ("special" friend)
3. Josh (mazdamn02) and Shelly (almost wife)

[WhiteSpy9]

really hope I can make this one....

They all require you to bring your own tent?

[dmention7]

Andy, if you look around, you can probably find some ridiculous deals on tents around now. (we just picked up a pair of sleeping bags at sports authority for 40% off) Also, for example Jeff had a huge tent last time with plenty of room for a few people to sleep comfortably.... I bet someone would be able to accomodate ya if you didn't have a tent.

[AJ]

I'm pretty sure we have a tent someone could borrow as well. I'm almost positive I saw it downstairs a few weeks back.

[Hot Ice]

Joe, are you going now? You voted, but I thought you had to work??

As far as bringing tents, I know that many of us have big enough tents or one person per tent so there is room to share. But, not many have commented so I am a bit scared to reserve the spot but I assume many are coming and too busy to post at this time.

Jay, maybe you could put me in a first post so I can keep it updated with current info? Not sure how that works or if you can, but I would keep it updated if we know.

I will reserve no. 4 option. It seems the most liked and I like the fact that they have boat rentals as well. :)

Yippee Skippy!

[MazdaMINI]

I will not be attending... I has to work!

[Hot Ice]

I will not be attending... I has to work!

OMG........that sucks. Is Tom still going? Mazdamom will be quite missed...................................at least you will be making money.

[dmention7]

First post updated! I'll add details as they roll in...

[mndsm]

I dinno. We'll have to see how it shakes out. I could entertain the idea.

[Hot Ice]

First post updated! I'll add details as they roll in...

Thank Jay. You should post in there the six that have already committed as well. :)

That way people will start to sign up.

[dmention7]

done ;)

[Picklz]

I'll have started a new Job so we'll see how things are going, I hope to make it this time around!

[Hot Ice]

I'm glad someone posted in here, it reminded me to say WTF IS GOING ON?! Who is in charge of this event? Because at this point it's epic fail. Someone needs to take charge and get this shit going because I want to GO CAMPING!! WOOOOO lol. So yeah anyone? I don't really want to organize another trip, its a lot of work lol.

I can't believe after a post like this.................you have a new job and might not come................LAME! You tell new job that you have plans already and need the time off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Picklz]

Date? Check! (August 8-10)
Campground? Check! (http://www.camppla-mor.com/)

Now we just need to start getting a good solid list of attendees. The sooner you can RSVP, the sooner Jess (aka Captain Campin) can get our reservations nailed down.

The campground is near Winona, MN and it should be a nice 2-2.5 hour drive along the mississippi to get there. I'll keep this post updated as details roll in.

List of attendees
1. Jess (hot ice) and Crista (friend)
2. Jay (dmention7) and Nanami ("special" friend)
3. Josh (mazdamn02) and Shelly (almost wife)


Do we know what kind of cost we will be looking at for the campsite? or is it going to be dependant on how many people go? Is there an option to stay 1 night instead of 2?

[dmention7]

Yeah, all you need is that friday afternoon off! And that's just if you want to join the caravan. You could head down anytime.

[Hot Ice]

It is $25 per night per tent for 2 people. $3 extra per person above that. So, if you get bunk mates or become one, work it out with them...or we will do a total cost and split it up equally once we know. It shouldn't be more than $25 or so for the weekend for the camping portion, and that is on the high end. As soon as all have signed up and committed, we can get the exact price. :)

[Schmitty]

I'm going to by out of town that weekend. I love it when works springs stuff on me.

[aviateur]

I'll be there assuming my new job doesn't require me to be out of town or on call that weekend.

[Hot Ice]

Request it off Jeff. We all want you there!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmention7]

werd!

[Picklz]

Well $50 for the weekend if I'm paying for my own tent / not bringing someone along + gas + food + some new camping toys :) cost wise it shouldn't be a problem though. I'm not worried about getting friday afternoon off but oncall concerns me, I don't suspect I could be put oncall that fast but I don't want to commit to anything till I know for sure.

[Hot Ice]

Ok, reservations have been made. We have the grassy group tent camping area near the shelter. He said there are showers on the other side of the campground for those of you that want them.

**Pontoon boat rental:
2 hours (min) $50 plus gas
1/2 day, 4 hours $80 plus gas
1 full day, 8 hours $150 plus gas
***Tell me if you want to rent a pontoon! I told them I would call by Friday with our decision!!!

Please sign up as soon as you know so we can work out the price. As far as I see it, $25 per night per two people per tent. It is only $3 per night to add an adult in your tent. So, if someone wants to bunk up together, work it out between you, I suppose. There is room in my tent for a single mattress and one person if someone is interested in bunking with two (most likely drunk) girls. ;)

http://www.camppla-mor.com/
This one in on the Mississippi River near Winona. There would be room for at least six tents. There is water and limited power available at the shelter. The cost is $25 per tent and covers 2 adults. Additional people over 10 years old are $3 each. This one also has many activities.

**Jay, could you include this on the first page please? Somehow... :)

[aviateur]

Jess, thanks for all the work that you've put in!

I'd definately be in for the pontoon for like half a day. How many people can that thing fit? 10?

[Hot Ice]

I would imagine at least ten. If we can get enough people who want to or will pitch it, I will get it for sure. I would love to hang on a pontoon for a while.

[Picklz]

Jess, if you have room in your tent still count me in, then I don't have to go buy one right this second and can just go find a single matress instead. I'm in so long as I dont get put oncall with my new job. I start the 14th of July so I should be able to find out then or shortly after.

As for the pontoon I'd be in for splitting a half day, if we get at least 4 people thats only $20 each + gas, and I'd guess we would get more than 4.

Do they have regular fishin boats too or just pontoons? Any idea where we might meet up to caravan down and what time we would be leaving?

[Hot Ice]

Ok Matt, you can bunk with us. Just keep me posted on if you can't go so I can pimp my tent out to someone else. :)

They do have a regular small fishing boat. She said it is $12.50 per hour and that includes gas. It probably only fits 3 or 4.

The issue with caravaning down for me is...I will be back at work that week. Last year I was there early to set stuff up and take care of business but my summer is ending shorter this year. And since it will be the first week back...I don't know what I can do about getting time off. I will work on it. But...I don't think it is that big of a deal for those of you who could go early, to do it. But...let me know if any of you are going to be there early enough that you want a boat on Friday afternoon. And if there is a group that could caravan down with me in the early evening...that would be kick ass.

[Picklz]

I'm going to try and take a half day off, but if I can't I might be in that evening caravan group, just have to see as we get closer.

I don't think I'd want a boat on Friday, I could see trying to rent a fishin boat Sat evening if its nice out, if I don't have to reserve it ahead of time. I'll just play that by ear.

[Hot Ice]

Matt, do you think we should get the pontoon for morning or afternoon?

[Picklz]

do they have like set time blocks we have to reserve it for? or just any 4 hours?

If we could get it from like 10-2 I think that'd be pretty cool but I would be open to going whenever (provided we have at least 4-5 people that want to go).

[Hot Ice]

Well I am quite surprised at the lack of sign up/enthusiasm from people. I would think that by the time it gets closer there will be more signing up and getting pumped up for it. We need to get Jay to sign you up on the first post as well. Last year we had 13 go and we had a blast. I am hoping for even more this year! The drive will be sweet and being on the river will be very nice. I will call them and reserve it for whichever time is going to work best.

[Picklz]

I added myself to the first post :)

[mazdamn02]

Jeez, people should hurry up and sign up yo. This is going to be a blast...

[ij1889]

idk i might, but i have no camping equipment to use so idk, ill think about it, but is mnmazda gonna have another cabin weekend in the fall? if so ill just go to that

[AJ]

Getting a big ground for a cabin will be hard, most locations for bigger groups like we had are pretty booked up or the cost goes up a large amount. I'm looking at options though.

[ij1889]

well just let me know id be uo for even paying 100 for the weekend so yeah

[dmention7]

I just got back from spending a few days camping in the black hills and it just made me even more amped for this trip! I KNOW more of you want to come, so speak up and add your name to the list!

[Picklz]

I'm realllly looking forward to this. I start my new Job next week so I'll be talking to my boss right away to make sure nothing will get in the way of this weekend.

And Ivan, you can pickup a tent for $30-40, I don't think You'll need all that much stuff as we are just going to be at a campground not like we are doing a 3-4 day backpacking trip or anything. I hope more people sign up because this is gonna be Awesum!

[Hot Ice]

Got the pontoon reserved for that Sat. from 10-2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring fishing poles, swimsuits, coolers, etc...who cares, just be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dmention7]

First post updated!!!! I know more of you want to sign up :p

[Big Nate]

Jess can I bring a camper to the site you got us set up with?? It is one of those pop-up ones.

[aviateur]

Jay, I will also be attending, you can put my name on the first post.

[Hot Ice]

Nate, I am not sure but I will call at some point this weekend and find out. I hope so, cause it would be real nice if you could go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YEAH! Jeff is going, knew you would!!

[Hot Ice]

Nate, you CAN bring a pop up. She said you just have to pick which spot to put it in so you get electric and stuff. It will be the same price as the tent as well.

Jeff, how much room do you have in your tent? Can you accept roommates? I think a few people are interested but don't have a tent.

Thanks guys! This will be a blast!!!

[dmention7]

:rockon:

[Chris_6]

Question: Is this open to anyone?

[dmention7]

sure!

[mazdamn02]

So are we going to meet up in the afternoon and cruise down to the site in a pack? Need to know if I should take a half day, etc...

[dmention7]

I'm taking the whole day off, but yeah, the way I see this working is to meet up early afternoon and head down there in a caravan. There will probably be a second caravan for those who can't get out of work early, I'd imagine.

[mazdamn02]

if i pull a 8am - noon I'm hoping I'd be able to make the first caravan...

[Big Nate]

I work until 4 so the second caravan can leave aroung 5-5:30.And traffic sucks no matter what.

[Chris_6]

Great, in that case I'm in for sure.

[dmention7]

excellent.

So, how many people would be able to make an early caravan out of the cities (~2pm?) and how many people would have to make a later caravan (~6pm?)

[Big Nate]

Chris i live in Blaine off 109th so you can meet at my plase if you want. I am bringing a camper so i will be driving the truck not the 6 but no matter.

[Hot Ice]

I am almost certain I can't get out of work early on Friday since it will be my first week back. I will also have to come back to Elk River to pick up Crista...so I am hoping that the second caravan can leave the metro area around 6. Otherwise I will just have to get there when I do.

[Picklz]

I'm not sure if I can get a half day off or not. I should know in the next couple of days. If not I'm already down in Eagan so I could probably meet the late crowd just south of the cities somewhere. Would be nice to know who's planning late and who's going down early though.

[Big Nate]

lets just have the second group leave the north side of the cities at 6. We could all meet at my place and roll from there.

[spek1098]

Still got a place for me? I've figured out how to start fires with my exhaust, so that could make the weekend more interesting.

[dmention7]

Plenty 'o room, Jurgen. However, if we do a freeway pull on the way down there, I don't think I'll beat you this time.... lol

[Hot Ice]

Well low and behold...school calendar got changed and I have another three weeks off...so that means I can head down in the morning or early afternoon with the first group. I think if we left around 12 or 1, we should get there around check in time. Who is with me??? and where shall we meet???

[dmention7]

woot!!!

[Picklz]

I'm still undecided on what time I'm going to be able to leave work.

[dmention7]

Is the Camping Trip forum viewable to all members right now?

http://www.mnmazda.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=46

[spek1098]

I can't see that link, says I dont have permission

[dmention7]

hmm, I'll have to get AJ a list of people to open it up to....

[AJ]

Ill have it updated when i get home unless Joe or Nate beat me to it.

[Chris_6]

Alright so I can head out with the early group. Is that at 2pm?

[dmention7]

Haven't decided for sure yet, but you should be able to access a subforum just for the camping trip. There's a thread about organizing the caravan in there. (pm AJ if you can't see the subforum)

[Hot Ice]

OK, Just wanted to get this thread highlighted again in case there are any late comers that would like to join the camping trip!!! Recap-Approximately $25 for the weekend, $5 for pontoon, and whatever for food and drinks. There is still probably space for another tent or two and some peeps. If you sign up...let an admin know so they can put you on the private camping thread. And then let them know when you post so they can approve it...btw...I have one posted in there ;)
This will be fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JustROLLIN]

So if anyone is still thinking about a last minute venture with us, you are still welcome to come. We have a few open spots and everyone is more than welcome. Just shoot myself a PM and we will get you added.

*Cough* AJ & Jana *Cough*

[Picklz]

One last bump for this thread, we still have a little room if anyone wants to join in on a fund weekend of camping, boating, and drinking too much! PM Joe or Me or post in the thread and we'll getcha signed up!

It's been a busy couple of months since our cruise at the beginning of the summer and I'm looking forward to just kickin it on the river for a couple days!

[JustROLLIN]

One last bump for this thread, we still have a little room if anyone wants to join in on a fund weekend of camping, boating, and drinking too much! PM Joe or Me or post in the thread and we'll getcha signed up!

It's been a busy couple of months since our cruise at the beginning of the summer and I'm looking forward to just kickin it on the river for a couple days!

Agreed. If anyone has plans that fall through or whatever, feel free to join us the whole weekend or even just on Saturday. All are welcome!

[Matt D.]

If by chance I get caught up on work today and am able to bail on work tomorrow I will be attending. I have an extra tent for anyone that needs one.

[JustROLLIN]

If by chance I get caught up on work today and am able to bail on work tomorrow I will be attending. I have an extra tent for anyone that needs one.

Yeah! Matt D in the house!

[Matt D.]

Since I have no access to the special camping thread I'll just post here. I'll pack my car tonight and hope to leave with the early Friday afternoon group. Someone from that group should give me their phone number.

Also, I have a Coleman camping grill that uses those small propane canisters that I will bring along. Feel free to bring any food you'd like, I expect to use it for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. I have no problem cooking breakfast over a fire, I never would have thought what I learned in cub scouts 20 years ago would be useful today. :)

[dmention7]

Matt, here is the relevant info: Be HERE (http://tinyurl.com/6ksh9m) at 1pm tomorrow. It's a perkins in Cottage Grove off hwy 61.

[mazdamn02]

Can we meet you guys along the route? Near Hastings or something?

[Picklz]

We could meet at the Holiday Gas Station in Hastings, right on 61 and 15th St. or did you want to meet somewhere further south along 61?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1500+Vermillion+St,+Hastings,+MN&sll=44.731377,-92.849901&sspn=0.005823,0.01369&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Will probably take us 10-15 minutes to get down there from our meeting spot in Cottage Grove. So meet in CG at 1, roll out by 1:15ish, be in Hastings by 1:30?

[dmention7]

Yeah, lets have a second meet-up in Hastings.

That Holiday looks like as good of a spot as any... can pick up some last minute snacks/beverages for the drive.

[mazdamn02]

Thanks for the accomadation, this helps me out quite a bit. See you guys at Hastings Holiday!

[Hot Ice]

Anything for Josh...it is along the way, isn't it!!? :)

YEAH! GOING CAMPING TODAY!!!

[mazdamn02]

I am so ready. ~1.25 to 1.5 hours left at werk...

[Picklz]

2hrs to go for me!

[Big Nate]

If anyone needs me to bring anything give me a call and i can stop and pick it up. PM me if you want my phone#

[dmention7]

Nate, do you have any cookware suitable for camping? That's about the only thing I can think of that we may be short on.

[Big Nate]

Done. I have some stuff.

[JustROLLIN]

Well, most of the group is heading down to Winona as we speak. But, I am not heading out until later. I should be leaving the cities at 7:30pm. If any last minute stragglers wanna catch a ride or follow me down or whatever....let me know. I will gladly hang around for a little while if needed.

[dmention7]

What a fucking awesome weekend.....

[Picklz]

What a fucking awesome weekend.....

QFT!

Jay coming back saying they didn't have any 8 gal kegs, so he got a 16 instead, the kegstand by James, Joe yelling and waiving at another pontoon to come over and 'flotilla', while in his boxers, and having the boat come over wondering if we need help, The Cigars, etc etc. Just a very very kickass weekend.

[dmention7]

Did anyone else take any pics? I'll try to get mine up later today.

[DrWebster]

Jay coming back saying they didn't have any 8 gal kegs, so he got a 16 instead, the kegstand by James, Joe yelling and waiving at another pontoon to come over and 'flotilla', while in his boxers, and having the boat come over wondering if we need help, The Cigars, etc etc. Just a very very kickass weekend.

Sounds like you went through way more than 16 gallons of beer...

[JustROLLIN]

Sounds like you went through way more than 16 gallons of beer...

LOL. Yes we did....

Great weekend! Thanks to everyone for all the help and support to get this together.

[mazdamn02]

Very very good times indeed! Beautiful drive up highway 35 in wi as well!

[Picklz]

Oh yeah, BIG thanks to Jess for coming through and setting all this up! The campground was great (save for those freakin trains!)

[dmention7]

oh, lord, THE TRAINS! :roll:

[Matt D.]

Thanks to Jess for setting this all up and Josh for the sausages, an awesome two days hanging out with people and good camaraderie.

Fuck trains... Seriously. I hope it's a long time before I hear another one.

The first part of the drive back did suck, but it shaped up well the further north we got on 35. Just like I said, a lot of bikes. Once you get off the beaten path onto the smaller county roads there isn't so much traffic.

[Hot Ice]

Well, I think the weekend was absolutely fabulous. The weather was great and as long as you were sleeping soundly, you couldn't hear the trains. I say next year we do shoot for the Brainerd area and either book now if it is Race weekend or pick a different weekend. I am still amazed we went through all 16 gallons on top of some bottles and a couple cases. We are awesome! Thanks everyone for all the help in keeping the weekend together and fun! And yes, the drive up 35 between hwy 63 and 61 was the best! I knew you guys would like those curves!

[Big Nate]

My wife and I had a great time. I love being outside and drinking beer whenevr you want. Jess great work on the organizing of this trip.

[Hot Ice]

So what is the trick to get pics downloaded, I have tried a few things and it isn't working? Thanks.

[Hot Ice]

I can't believe no one is helping me....how do I download pics on this now that the gallery is no longer? I have some good camping pics. :)

[Jana]

I can't believe no one is helping me....how do I download pics on this now that the gallery is no longer? I have some good camping pics. :)

You would need to find a place to upload (host) your pictures. Or just attach a couple (after sizing them down) to a post in this thread.

[dmention7]

You have to click the "Go Advanced" button under the post window, and then you'll see a little paperclip icon... that allows you to attach pics directly from your computer to the post. Either that or use a hosting site like imageshack or photobucket to upload your pics, and then post links.

[Picklz]

otherwise email them to mklukas@gmail.com and I'll get them posted. Or you can upload them to a site like photobucket.com and then post them here.

[Hot Ice]

I am thinking they are too big, and I am not sure how to downsize, so I will send them all to the above gmail email account and let Matt post them. I don't use a host. Thanks guys for the info.

[Picklz]

Wow yeah those are some big pictures lol. I'll get them resized and posted up tonight after work.

[Picklz]

Pictures!!! Thanks for sending these over Jess, if anyone else took pictures please share!!

http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping1.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping2.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping3.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping4.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping5.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping6.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping7.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping8.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping9.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping10.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping11.jpg
http://www.subnet-zero.com/mnmazda/08/camping12.jpg

[dmention7]

I've got a handful on my camera, but it's still in my car... I'll get them up soon!

[dmention7]

Here is a link to my photo album from the camping trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/dmention7/CampingAugust2008

[Big Nate]

Jay I think we have found uncle Morty.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m297/speed6guy/Mazda%20Meets/DSCN0361.jpg
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m297/speed6guy/Uncle%20Morty/unclemorty.jpg

[dmention7]

OSHIT! That's coooold! lol

[mazdamn02]

I bet uncle morty was on the horn of a few of those trains...

[dmention7]

A montage of Joe explaining why MP3 players don't need to have AM/FM tuners....

http://picasaweb.google.com/dmention7/CampingAugust2008/photo#5235642696745234946

[Picklz]

:roll: oh man, that had me on the floor! Epic!

[Big Nate]

Jeff Just to let you know if I don't make fun of you I don't like you lol.

Joe had an epic weekend not just the mp3 thing but the gadage can lid and hot coal thing was great.

[JustROLLIN]

A montage of Joe explaining why MP3 players don't need to have AM/FM tuners....

http://picasaweb.google.com/dmention7/CampingAugust2008/photo#5235642696745234946

LMAO! I dont even recall you taking all those pics. But, I was very into converting Matt and Matt from the darkside. Thats some excellent footage.

[mazdamn02]

So has anyone else been sick since returning from the camping trip? I've been sick since last Monday night, making for a total of 9 days sick. The doctors even ran west nile test on me, no idea what's making me sick...

[dmention7]

No, I've been good. Sorry to hear you're not feeling well!

[Picklz]

I've also been fine. I hope you feel better soon!

[ZoomZoom Diva]

I've been fine too... not sick at all. Sorry to hear that.

[mazdamn02]

I figured I'm the only one... Hopefully the pills they gave me yesterday (3rd doctor visit) will help.

[dmention7]

Any chance it was food poisoning or something? There was enough uncooked meat floating around that it wouldn't surprise me if someone got a little salmonella....

[mazdamn02]

Doubtfull, it began as a sore throat, and now a cough too, plus the typical feeling of misery, etc...

[mndsm]

HIV-Tec yo!

[Hot Ice]

Damn it Josh!! You were supposed to use the anti-bacterial wipes so you wouldn't get sick! So it isn't ecoli or that sorts, huh? Well we are both fine. That sucks you are so sick. Get better soon! I hope! Damn doctors...

[mazdamn02]

I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with a foodbourne illness, as my appetite is as strong as ever...
Good to hear everyone else is good. I would love to know how I caught this bug though...

[Matt D.]

So has anyone else been sick since returning from the camping trip? I've been sick since last Monday night, making for a total of 9 days sick. The doctors even ran west nile test on me, no idea what's making me sick...
I woke up that very next Monday morning with a headache, sore throat and some aches, stayed home and took it easy just in case but it was gone by the afternoon.

[mazdamn02]

Interesting as that is exactly what I have, except more severe and its lasted to now. I still have the soar throat and aches, but am good enough to be at work...