New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)

Subject: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 13 Aug 99 - 11:40 PM

So how many of us are contemplating that FSGW gathering in October? Any interest in carpooling (says she who cannot drive?) I'd be interested in sharing gas money and possibly providing the picnic for the ride down. Any interest? It's easier, cheaper, quicker, and probably more fun than public transit, or traveling solo, I might add. Susan A-R

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: j0_77
Date: 13 Aug 99 - 11:48 PM

What is FSGW??

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 14 Aug 99 - 12:25 AM

Susan A-R is referring to the "Getaway," a yearly event put on by the Folksong Society of Greater Washington. You will surely get a complete response from Charlie Baum, with all the details, or from Bill D. and Ferrara, or from any one of a number of Mudcatters who are also FSGWers. I'll just assure you that it's a great occasion for swapping songs, sharing a good chorus with some terrific singers, and pigging out on great food.

To answer your question, Susan, Caroline and I are going, but (ah, woe) our Blazer will be crammed with our gear and the Folk-Legacy "rolling store." Check with Jeri. I sure hope she plans to go and she's quite near to you (she's in New Hampshire).

This is going to be a remarkable gathering of Mudcatters: Joe Offer is coming. Big Mick will pick up Catspaw on his way down from Michigan. We'll all expect to see SongBob and Jennifer, La Marca and George, Roger from (near) Baltimore, Charlie Baum and Lisa (hopefully), and a slew of other familiar names to this forum. Don't miss it!

Sandy

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: j0_77
Date: 14 Aug 99 - 12:35 AM

If it's a stand up an holler one - I wanna experience it. Love singin. PS Also like Hog Out - but absolutely no booze - I do not drink at all ever.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 14 Aug 99 - 08:50 AM

I've never been, but it sounds like a mix of scheduled and impromptu workshops on everything from sea shanties to gospel, to blues, etc. etc. It's over Columbus Day weekend, and it happens at a state/national?? park south of DC, so no alcohol or drugs. Apparrently the food is also great. I'll go back and bring up the old FSGW thread so you can look through it.

Susan A-R

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Bill D...22 consecutive Getaways..(no record!)
Date: 14 Aug 99 - 12:02 PM

There will probably be more threads on this as the time approaches, but all should take note..while we have always had out-of-town guests and friends, and LOVE this new influx of Mudacatters, we are at a camp this year with a bit smaller kitchen and tighter parking, etc..we simply do not know right this minute what registration will be like..i.e., local FSGW members, Mudcat newbies, old friends who ALWAYS come..etc...

It may well be like a family reunion at Aunt Maudies..*grin*...snug quarters and compromises on sleeping and cooking routines--space is not infinite...I'm sure Charlie Baum, Ferrara, and others will have things to say in the next few weeks as details shape up....

while the Getaway is now 35 years old, we simply have never confronted THIS combination of circumstances before..but it oughta be a blast!

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Aug 99 - 12:10 PM

jo 77..oh, by the way..this is a state park, and if any park personel were to see any evidence of booze, we would not be allowed back...so, if there ever HAS been any, it must have been well-disguised...we EXPECT that there will be no problems in the future and that everyone will understand that we have a long history of good relations with the park to uphold.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 15 Aug 99 - 12:33 AM

Actually, it's a national park, under the auspices of te U/S/ Department of the Interior National Park Service, although physically it's sort of like a state park. It doesn't have great wonders, like the Grand Canyon, or Yosemite. Prince William Forest Park used to be worn-out farmland that the U.S. government took over some 70 years ago and restored as a demonstration that reclamation was possible.

More information about the Getaway can be had at the FSGW Getaway site or in this Mudcat thread.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 23 Aug 99 - 10:47 PM

Refresh. Say anyone from New Hamster or VT going? (or even any Mainiacs??)

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Aug 99 - 11:17 PM

we will 'probably' have some regulars from Maine...though they don't do Mudcat...also one from VT, I think...doubt that it will help in car-pools or caravans, though

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 23 Aug 99 - 11:24 PM

Ya know, not driving can be a real pain in the ass. (Now and then I just have to say it. sorry)

Susan

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Aug 99 - 11:26 PM

Plan A: I'm going, but I'm either going down early or coming back late - possibly both. I used to live around there and would like to visit a little bit.

Plan B: Grab a ride with other folks so I don't have to drive the full 10-11 hours. I'd give up bringing the hammered dulcimer and the visiting for that.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 12:56 AM

As of yet I'm still not sure on how I'll be going but I am going, I'll post back when I know for sure. Barry

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 08:15 AM

Barry, someone named David, a real gem of a guy, will be calling you.

Not psychic, just talked to David at the session on Fri., who said he intended to call you. I was trying to arrange HOV-friendly carpooling and suggested maybe renting a van.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 08:24 AM

What in the hell is HOV???

Homicidal Oddball Vagrants? Hairy Old Vertabrates? Hermitlike Odiferous Vermonters?

Spaw

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 09:29 AM

HOV is the Highway Overcrowding of Virginia. Actually, it stands for High-Occupancy Vehicle, and it means that on the crowded highways of northern Virginia, you need to have a minimum number of people in your car, van, truck or bus in order to use certain reserved lanes on the highway, which are presumably therefore less crowded and bypass the people who sit alone in their cars stuck in very heavy traffic on the other lanes. HOV comes in 2 varieties in northern Virginia: HOV-2 and HOV-3, the numeral being the number of people you need in your vehicle before taking advantage of the HOV lanes. The HOV lanes of I-395/I-95, which are fence-separated from the rest of the traffic and reversible to run in the direction of traffic flow and run for almost 40 miles south of Washington DC, even past Prince William, are, I believe, HOV-3. Just a way that people living in overcrowded regions try to cope with an superabundance of traffic.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Roger the zimmer
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 09:34 AM

Seems like you need a HOVercraft to go over the rest of the traffic!

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 09:44 AM

Well dang....I knew there was a reason I lived here. Since we're bringin' the kids we'll have 4 in the Flivver, but she'll still do a right smart 27 mph....Now that ain't too fast for them HOV special lanes now is it?

Spaw the Shitkicker

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 10:30 AM

heck, 'spaw, on I-95, even the POSSUMS are bred to do over 27mph!..(you might call ahead for a team of them to TOW you thru the speedier zones!!!)

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Susan A-R
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 11:11 PM

S'paw, How'd you KNOW!?

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 11:34 PM

Know what? Why I no longer live in cities.......or about "Hermitlike Odiferous Vermonters?" [:o}}}}}

Spaw

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Midchuck
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 06:57 AM

Refresh....

Kris and I have never been, and are toying with it. Seems like she'd have to take Monday and Friday as personal days to make it feasible. Who's driven down from up here and how bad was it?

Peter.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:10 AM

If the doctor doesn't take my voice box, Jacqui and I will be there, and Sinsull may also ride along with us.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Dani
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:44 AM

Boy, did I ever get confused reading this from the top without checking the dates.

For a minute there I thought there might not be room for everyone!

Dani

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 08:44 AM

Midchuck - best bets to talk to are probably jeri;Kendall; Sinsull; Barry Finn

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 10:03 AM

The drive isn't bad, except...
If you go through NYC, plan to be in a stinky traffic jam that lasts at least an hour. I'm going to try to do that this year. EVERY year, I say 'NEVER AGAIN', and every year, I go down 95 and wind up on the Cross-Bronx Automobile Flypaperway.

If I can find the place in the dark, with no one riding shotgun, you should have no problem.

More bitching and/or advice provided, free of charge, by PM or in this thread.

YES! You will LOVE this event!

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 12:59 PM

Dani, that date business got me, too. Wow! I thought, we're gonna have Sandy and Caroline AND Catspaw.... But that was then, this is now. Maybe those folks will be able to come this year...?? Wouldn't that be great? But even if they don't, it sounds like we'll have a fine crowd -- we usually do!

Waiting eagerly for October,
Nancy

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: Bill D
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 01:13 PM

when I went to Mystic last year, I went thru Pennsylvania...but this was from Wash DC, and we used back roads the last 2 hours coming home. Since the Getaway site is now right off I-95, it LOOKS obvious to just drive south & turn right.....and I suppose if you are willing to plan your drive to start at 3 AM Friday and miss the heavier traffic, it might work...but look at the maps. There are ways to drive a longer distance, but not add much time, by heading into PA and circling around that NJ-NY-DEL mess. You may decide that stress reduction is worth an extra few miles of driving.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW?
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 01:13 PM

Three in the front seat of a motor home? I don't think so Captain. Susan, I expect to drive down and can give you a ride but I will probably make it a long weekend - start down on Thursday and come back Monday. If it works for you, let me know via PM.
Mary

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 01:19 PM

did Catspaw ever make it to a Getaway? Is it time to start pressuring him for this year?

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 03:17 PM

I don't think he ever did, MMario, and yes, let's see what we can do about that. Ummm, how? Maybe Big Mick can lean on him a bit.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Susan of DT
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:15 PM

You do not need to go thru NYC. Cross at the Tappan Zee or further North (I84, etc) depending on where you are coming from. If you are on 95 in Westchester, switch over to 287 and the Tappan Zee. You miss the Washington traffic anyway because it is way North of DC and if you plan it right, you miss Philadelphia as well.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:57 PM

Thanks Susan. I seem to recall you telling me about it once before...or was it twice before? This time, it's early enough to plan instead of just winging it. It's the NJ Turnpike I usually travel, so I miss Pennsylvania altogether. I'll look at a map and figure something different out that doesn't involve NYC and That Friggin' Bridge.

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Jul 04 - 07:58 PM

If I can take Friday and Monday off from work, count me in on the car pool!

Allison

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 10 Jul 04 - 04:35 PM

Jeri: Like your name for the Cross-Bronx. I've always called it the "Crash-Bang Expressway" myself...

-- Gary

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 12:02 PM

If my memory serves me correctly, it would be a mistake to have Jeri navigate for you. She got lost at least twice on her way home last year - her fourth time at Ramblewood. She got lost on top of a tree stump before she even left the camp....

It's a little tricky to find your way after you get off the Interstate. It's not impossible to find your way in the dark, but it might be an idea to arrive during daylight hours. There are some lovely things to see in the area.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 01:49 PM

Joe, bite me. I wasn't lost when I was on the stump. People who are lost do not have people standing around singing songs, taking pictures, and offering helpful advice. I knew exactly where I was.

But...you've reminded me I need to put a tune to that wee song I wrote about the NJ Turnpike experience. Listen folks, if everything always went according to plan, life would be pretty dull. In a perfect world, there would be no songs. Nobody would get murdered or knocked up unexpectedly, fall in love with the wrong person or not fall in love, there would be no wars to sing about, no shipwrecks, trainwrecks, fires or other disasters, there would be no need for unions because bosses would be kind and they (and everybody else) would always do the right thing. The answers would be readily available to everyone, and not 'blowin' in the wind'. We'd all have a damned hammer.

I wonder if "write a song about a perfect world" might be a good idea for a separate thread?

Barry Finn, wherever you are, if you're not required to be elsewhere, I REALLY hope you'll be at the Getaway!

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Col K
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 06:37 PM

We found our way in the dark on our first visit to the States never mind our first visit to the Getaway and we drove from JFK leaving the airport after 3pm on friday afternoon.The traffic was not that bad especially when I compare it with our M25 and M6 around Birmingham( both these roads are famous British Car Parks).
Still planning a bank robbery to allow me to get there again this year.
All the Best
Colin

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 08:01 PM

I bet there is a date for this fabled event and even a location. But I'm not gonna assume it has anything to do with what's mentioned in a 1999 thread. Of course I can probably channel the coordinates and the time.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, who's been to OZ but never to FSGW whatever

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Nancy King
Date: 11 Jul 04 - 09:23 PM

LOL, Jeri! You're absolutely right! And I'm looking forward to the song about your NJ experience. My own travel nightmare, lived out by you!

Charley, the dates are October 15-17, with the option to stay over till Monday morning the 18th if you can. Lots more stuff in this thread, including tantalizing hints about all the swell people who plan on making the scene this year. Hope you can join us!

Nancy

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 05:58 PM

Thanks, Nancy.

Maybe we'll get there, wherever it is. Rumor has it that it's somewhere in the greater DC area.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: beardedbruce
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 06:02 PM

North of Baltimore, on the Susquehanna River

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: kendall
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 07:44 PM

I thought it was south of DC?

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 07:58 PM

Kendall, you must be mighty distracted! Turn your map right side up, please. Camp Ramblewood is in Darlington, MD, just a few miles off I95 on the Susquehanna River, near the Conowingo Dam. See you there!

Nancy

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 08:22 PM

Kendall, I really hope you haven't been going all around the Beltway to get there these past few years! Maybe YOU oughtta write a song!

(You get over the border into Maryland and hang a right...preferably at an exit.)

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Susan A-R
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 08:27 PM

I think I'm flying to this one. That way I can come rested and ready to stay up all night. Pretty reasonable flights from Manchester NH to BWI, and from Burlington to Dullas (I may slide in a visit to my brother and his family as well and earn a few family points)

Looking forward to it, and headed off to Nancy's web address to see what's up.

Susan

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 08:57 PM

So I turn right at the stump?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 11:14 PM

if the stump has the right sign on it..*grin*

there are lotsa stumps along the way. Follow the cars with weird license plates with folkie themes..

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 02:55 AM

Yup, Jeri, once you landed on that stump, there was no doubt that you knew exactly where you were - for at least an hour. But you did seem a bit lost before you landed on the stump. It certainly provided an entertaining morning, didn't it? It's one Getaway experience I won't forget.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: New Englanders to FSGW? (2004 now included)
From: kendall
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 06:31 AM

Sorry, I was living in the past.It wasn't always in Darlington you know.