Updates: None - the camper list above still holds. Kathy mentioned another couple from the Old Forge area with a Sunline, and yet another couple from there without one. I am not sure how to count folks at this point as I don't know if these two couples want to be in on any group activitives/meals that we might do. Kathy, can you let us know about that?
Mike (mbart5fan) emailed me yesterday and let me know that C Loop is now full for Friday and Saturday nights according to Reserve America.
Sites 40 and 48 are walk-up sites so if there are any last minute attendees, you stand a good chance to get one of these sites if you show up just before noon on Thursday. Any later than that or on Friday, and it's just a roll of the dice. There's no way of knowing outside of calling the campground (315-369-3314) on your planned travel day. That's the best I can offer based on our past camping experiences at Nick's Lake on Columbus Day weekend.
Frankly, I am surprised and please that the loop is full. I looked over Reserve America this morning, and the park is going to be quite full for the weekend. The only events listed on the Old Forge website for this weekend are a foot race up in Big Moose, and the annual craft sale in the village. Gotta be the "leaf peepers"....
Coordination and Communications. Gail and I have a set of the FRS (Motorola Talk About) radios. We have found them to be very handy for siting the trailer and keeping track of grandchildren. Gail makes me carry one when I bike to the store in case she needs something that didn't make to the list. Anyway, if any of you folks have these radios, we use Channel 6 Code 1. If there is a conflict with channels or codes, we can pick another setting. Also, our radios are older models , and do not have the "call" feature.
If you folks prefer, I've got an old CB radio that still works, too.
Our site is right by the entrance into the loop and is visible on entering and exiting the loop. I think I'll bring along an easel and some large paper, and we can post notes and announcements there. That may be helpful, too.
Group meals: Since the loop is full, I guess trying to use an empty site is a non-issue. I see the only possibilities are:
1) Using one of the pavilions in the day use area. I don't know if the is a fee or reservation needed. Pro's are they are big enough for however big the group is. Con's are mostly logistical as they are quite a ways away. We'd have to bring cookers, food, serving stuff, and if anything is forgotten, it's a long drive back to your trailer.
OR:
2) Doing it on someone's site. If the group doesn't grow beyond 18 people, it would only take 3 picnic tables to seat everyone. I know that maybe too much of an imposition for some, and fully understand that. But there is a convenience factor, and nobody is driving anywhere.
If anyone wants to volunteer here, please speak up, and thank you in advance.
We have one of those 10'x10' shelters. If there are one or two more available in the group, we may want to pool resources and create some shelter for the picnic tables for the group meals.
I also have a two propane powered stoves and plenty of multiple hookups for propane tanks.
Group activity: Our first choice is the train trip. There are trains at 10:00, 12:30, and 2:45.
Campfire: Kathy, how much wood do you think we'd need? Anybody want to host it at their site?
One other thought: we probably need to touch base with the park staff and let them know that we're there and will be doing some very low key group activities on our campsites. We'll want to reassure them that we're totally willing to follow all the rules, and not be an annoyance to anyone.
Anybody else got any ideas or concerns?
