I'm in, who? how much? and where?
On Tuesday August 30 2005 12:31 pm, Jason Bleazard wrote:
> Okay, if you have any interest in being at the DML National Meet in July
> 2006, pay attention. Here are how the reservations are going to work. I
> know there's a lot of information here, but please read the entire message
> and feel free to ask if there's anything I haven't explained sufficiently.
>
> Here's the quick summary. If you want to be at this meet, you will either
> need to try to get in to the group area (which is limited) by telling me,
> or you will need to call the campground directly to make your own
> reservation.
>
> Now the full story...
>
> I have just called and reserved the group camping area for us under
> "Dakota Mailing List" (not "DML"). This will be officially designated DML
> HQ for the duration of the meet. This area is a cul-de-sac of 10 tent
> sites. They have a rule of no more than one vehicle per tent site, so
> this means there will only be 10 vehicles allowed in the group HQ. They
> suggest no more than 20-30 people in the area. I think since we're a
> truck club, the more important number for us is the 10 vehicle limit.
> Additional vehicles can be parked in a separate parking lot. If you're
> traveling alone and want to share your site with someone else, that's up
> to you. I think many of us will not be traveling alone, so if we limit
> ourselves to 10 vehicles and figure 2-3 people per vehicle, then we'll be
> fine.
>
> If you want to be camped in this area, then you will need to deal with me.
> You won't need to call the campground, I've already reserved the entire
> area. I will set aside three spots there for Tom Stack, Jon Steiger and
> Jim Ward. These guys are on the organizing committee and have put a lot
> of their own time and effort in to making this meet happen. I think it's
> fair that they get to be in the group area. That means there are seven
> spots open. (Guys, if for any reason you thought you wanted to take a
> separate spot and give up your space in the group area for someone else,
> let me know.)
>
> In order to maximize the number of people who get to camp in DML HQ, I am
> going to make a rule of one site in the group area per DML member. Sorry
> Walt but that's my decision. Outside the group area, you can take as many
> as the campground will let you have.
>
> Now, if you do NOT want to be camped in the DML HQ, or if we're unable to
> fit you in, you should call Lone Duck directly and make a reservation for
> yourself. Their toll-free number is 1-800-776-5925. Identify yourself as
> a member of the Dakota Mailing List. IMPORTANT: tell them that you are
> *not* reserving a spot in the cul-de-sac, but you want a separate site
> nearby. I have already reserved the entire cul-de-sac, and if you try to
> call them to reserve it, they will not be too happy with us. If you
> reserve a site (or sites) outside of the group area, could you let me know
> so I know how who has already reserved?
>
> As for the timeframe, Steve said that we should have plenty of time to
> make reservations. Obviously he can't be specific on what "plenty of
> time" means, but he said they usually have several spots even in to
> January. Even so, I wouldn't suggest waiting that long. If you want a
> separate spot, or even think you *might* want a separate spot, I'd suggest
> calling them ASAP to reserve it. You can always call back and cancel if
> you change your mind, or better, transfer your reservation to another DML
> member. By all means, if you want to try to get in to the group area, but
> also call and reserve your own site just in case, feel free to do so. If
> you get in to the group area, you can transfer your reservation to someone
> who didn't.
>
> I have reserved 8 nights for the group, checking in on July 15 and
> departing by noon on July 23. Feel free to show up early or stay later
> than that. Personally, I plan on showing up on the 13th. However, if you
> want to be there outside of the official 15-23 dates, you will need to
> call them directly and reserve a site for yourself for the extra dates.
> The group area is not reserved outside of the 15-23 dates, so keep in mind
> we might have some muggles in the mix for those of us showing up early.
>
> If you can't make the entire duration, let me know and we'll work
> something out. For example, I know Jon can't be there for the entire
> time. His spot in the group area will be available for the first night if
> anyone wanted to spend one night in the group area, then move to a
> separate spot. Depending on how people's schedules work out, we might be
> able to do some "time sharing".
>
> If you want more than one site to give yourself room to spread out, call
> them directly and reserve those sites for yourself outside the group area.
> The "one vehicle per spot" rule applies to the entire campground, this is
> their rule, not mine. RV trailers don't count as vehicles, but trucks on
> flatbeds do. If you're bringing another truck on a flatbed, either count
> on parking one of them in the parking lot on the other side of the
> campground, or reserving yourself two adjacent spots.
>
> If you want an RV site or anything more than a basic tent site, call them
> directly and reserve a site for yourself. As far as I know, there are no
> electric, water or sewer RV hookups available in the group camping area.
> I assume there is drinking water available nearby, but that would be for
> filling up water jugs and not for hooking up to a trailer. I have no idea
> about electricity, but if you just want to recharge batteries we'll offer
> an outlet in our trailer.
>
> If you want a little privacy, peace and quiet away from the DML group, you
> might want to consider calling and reserving a separate site for yourself.
> The campground has rules about quiet hours, but during the loud hours
> we'll probably be pretty busy. If you've never been to a DML BBQ, we're
> not completely crazy (most of the time), but we do act like a large
> family, which means we do stuff like sit in each other's chairs, drink
> each other's beer, and hide surprises in each other's trucks. And play
> Lawn Jenga. Hopefully this doesn't bother anyone.
>
> Now, if you definitely DO want to be in the group cul-de-sac, let me know.
> You have fourteen days from today (until Tuesday September 13). Assuming
> I get more than seven people interested, then I will put names in a bowl
> and draw them at random on that date. Anyone who doesn't get a spot in
> the group cul-de-sac will need to call the campground directly and reserve
> their own spot. I wish we could get everyone in, but this is the way it's
> going to be.
>
> As for deposits, they actually seem to be pretty easy going. Steve told
> me that he won't even put a charge on my credit card until we show up, he
> just wanted the number on file to hold the site. I'm guessing if we pull
> a no-show that I'll get charged at least one night.
>
> What does this mean to you? I'm not sure how I want to handle this. I
> want to have a firm commitment from the people who are going to be in the
> group area, but I don't feel right asking for money up front since I
> haven't had to pay anything either. The best thing to do would be if you
> could send me a check, made out to Lone Duck Campground, for at least $19
> to cover the first night. Better would be $152 for the 8 nights, that'll
> guarantee you the spot for the duration. If you decide you can't make it,
> I'll send the check back to you and offer your spot to someone else.
> Otherwise, I'll hang on to the checks and when we show up next July I'll
> use them to pay for the first night. We can figure out other arrangements
> beyond the first night, that shouldn't be too difficult. If you don't
> feel comfortable sending a check to me for whatever reason, you can send
> it to Jon, Tom or Jim. I'm open to other suggestions on how to guarantee
> these spots in the group area.
>
> If you are reserving your own site, then you don't need to deal with me.
> I would ask that you let me know that you have a reservation, but you'd
> just call them directly and give them a credit card number or make other
> arrangements for sending them a deposit.
>
> OK, I think that just about covers it. Questions, comments, any better
> ideas?
--Bill Day
"A rich man isn't always wealthy, he just has all the love he can give and ever wanted.." http://counter.li.org #384146 284016
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