2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO

Subject: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Peg
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 09:54 AM

The other thread was getting very long...

so here is my last post reprinted here...

Nova Scotia sounds great.

I agree with those who say that it is necessary to have the location be near a major airport, to keep flying prices down and make ground travel less problematic. There is a ferry which travels from Portland, Maine to Nova Scotia which, by 2006, will be accessible via commuter train from Boston! So there's a thought. Nova Scotia is rather a long drive and I hear the ferry is great! (you can bring your car on it, too, if you want).

I assume most people will want to do this in summer or fall; I think the Northeast US/Nova Scotia would be the best bet weather-wise.

Autumn is more likely off-season for Nova Scotia. I think we simply need to reserve a hotel to get group rates, and maybe try to find a beach or public park nearby where we could have outdoor barbecues and picnics and sing-arounds...also the hotel should have function rooms that we could have indoor music events in, as well as a room for merchants to sell their CDs, t-shirts, etc. and smaller rooms if anyone wants to hold workshops or specific music events during the week. (I'd guess most people will merely want to socialize and have small song circles so the "organized" events should be kept to a minimum).

those are my

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 10:04 AM

Something to keep in mind, in the US, is that rooms in dormitories at colleges and universities can sometimes be let for a very small fee during the summer when they are mostly empty of students. At least it used to be that way.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 11:43 AM

Part one can be found by clicking here

I forgot all about this thread....would be wonderful to see it really happen....

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 11:52 AM

I'd agree with Peg on this as I did in the last thread. Nova Scotia would be a great compromise and a convenient venue for this. Kat's point is a good one, there are universities in Halifax and elsewhere in NS that might have both rooms and performing spaces at a cheap rate out of season.

And it's a great chance for yet another trip up to Cape Breton!

Best regards,

mooman

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 01:48 PM

Sounds brilliant, but when? I'm stuck to school hols-not that that makes any difference to most of you, half term May or October-if we still have the normal pattern of hols as we do at the moment.

Cheers

Eric

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 Jun 02 - 05:20 PM

We woz talking last night, Bill, Sam, Any and me about the cost of chartering a Jumbo jet, anyone have any ideas?

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 03:30 PM

Sat up late last night, got a daft idea. e-mailed British airways and Virgin Atlantic. Brit air replied, saying for groups over 10 contact one of their departments. Still waiting for Virgin to get back to me.Will rign Brit air, and try to get an idea for a group 100-150 ish.

will kep you posted.

I'm just exploring ideas

Cheers

Eric

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 03:45 PM

Mmm sounds interesting Eric- You Bill & Sam -who's the pilot who's the navigator and who's the trolley dolly???

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Gloredhel
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 04:18 PM

For those of us limited to school holidays, remember that holidays in the U.S. and holidays elsewhere may not coincide! Please take this into consideration when scheduling.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Noreen
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 05:46 PM

Skipjack can be the trolley dolly- with his rear of the year...

:0)

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 06:02 PM

I'll have a wee word with a friend high up in BA and see if they can help get us a good deal...!

Skip will be the steward wearing the frillies!

Best regards to all,

mooman

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:43 PM

I would love to put in a bid for summer before late August, or late fall. From the second to the last weekend in August through to around October 20th time frame, I am booked, booked booked, but *this* I would love to travel up for!!

I realize that it canna revolve around my schedule, but if it were possible, that would be WONDERFUL!

Wow...a 'Cat gathering *and* Nova Scotia! 2 things I have always wanted to do.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 11:27 PM

Nova Scotia is truly lovely...but perhaps people want to check out prices as compared to say Boston area...from several locations, such as California, various parts of Canada (probably cheaper) and England, Germany etc. I don't know the difference but it might be considerable, except for Canadians..and of course that is good....also there is another border crossing...(sorry, except also for Canadians) also the ferry isn't free and takes another night..just factors...I would love to come to NS though.

mg

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 11:55 PM

If somebody hires a plane, i will volonteer to fly it.I have never flied a plane before, but there can't be much to it, I reckon most of the dials in a plane are just there for deceration anyway!

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 05:24 AM

The only skill you need, John, is that tone in the voice that hints that you are confident to get an overloaded old crate off the runway, and an up to date road atlas to add some semblance of navigation.

I resent all the sexist remarks demeaning me as a frilly plaything, as my rear has collapsed either side of a sharp saddle, me lycra's lumpy, and I lack the ascerbic wit to insult stupid passengers at 46,000 feet.

Better that I fly the plane, as I got 'O' Level Geography, and I have actually sailed into Halifax, which is very similar to flying, give or take a third dimension.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: bill\sables
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 05:33 AM

But Skipjack you sailed into Halifax West Yorkshire up the canal.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 07:39 AM

Skipjack-you can fly it then, you can borrow my map if you like.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 10:35 AM

Dear Skip,

Or we can paint it red and get Noreen to fly it at high speed...?

Sorry about the sexist remarks. I will not mention your frilly knickers again!

moo

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 02:49 PM

He like the frilly knickers thing, as for flying the plane-don't ask me, as for swimming or going in a little boat to Halifax, I'd have stopped at Toddmorden!

I myself am stuck to school holidays, and with the proposed changes to school terms looming ever closer I don't know when they might be in 2006.So even if I can't get there (mind you Mrs V will have something to say yet I'm sure!!)I'm certain you'll have a great time. We could borrow her new broomstick-you can get at least 5 on it

I haven't heard from Virgin yet, but I'l re-try later.

John, you can fly the thing and Skip has a compass.

There will be no time that fits everybodies schedule, only a line of best fit I reckon.

I'll keep you posted if I hear any more

Cheers

Eric

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 08:22 PM

Eric-just tell the teacher you want some time off school.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 02:43 PM

Listen John, I must be thick-cos Ive been at school for years!

OK-everyone here is the news. Virgin do not charter planes (they heard about John and Skip's flying skill level)However they were most helpful and put me in touch with a real proper charter firm called.WWW.airpartner.com

Any one any news on it?

Anyway I've e-amiled them with an outline and await their reply, which I'll post as soon as it arrives.

I know that this is another 4 years away, however forward planning and organisiation is a good idea-except in teaching because it leaves you with no life to live.

Who's up for the trip?

Not definates, just possibles? given that the actual dates etc are not even yet envisaged.

Cheers. Eric

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 03:28 PM

Yes Eric...definitely possible (x2 or even x3 Clan Moo members)

Best regards,

Richard

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 03:36 PM

Eric, why the need to charter a plane?

On the www.airpartner.com front page it says that scheduled flights are cheaper.

Bill

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 05:25 PM

I don't know about over there, but here in the States, United Parcel Service, UPS, will charter seats on its planes. My son's employer charters enough seats for all of his employees to go on a one week holiday each year, usually to Mexico or the Bahamas. I wonder if FedEx does the same thing? Might be worth checking on.

I haven't a clue what we will be doing or where we will be four years from now, but come hell or highwater, we will try to be there. I've got a lot of family history and/or distant relatives, I've always wanted to research in NS and to see Mudcatters, too, would just be heaven.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 06:20 PM

Bill, I'm only responding to a suggestion made by others. if a group booking works out at so much less than that's the obvious way to go. But on some rough calculations last week. 200 travellers @ £200 each works out at £40.000 for return flights in total. Someone sugested that our own charter might work out cheaper than that. If ordinary seats work out at less than that-fine, if someone quoted more than that, and a charter was cheaper then that's fine as well.If they turned round and said £30.000 for the trip-then we'd all be flying cheaper, if they turn round and say £50.000 then obviously that's more. But if the available fare for ordinary peasants if £350 -£400 return-then we might be laughing all the way to the spending money bank I am only making tentative enquiries. yer doesn't know 'til yer asks!

It was also suggested that by hiring the plane we might have a little more degree of control over baggage, instruments etc.

Oh well, there's the justification for my fantasy and it makes a change from bloody school planning!

I'm not doing it for any other but to find out, you can do it if you want to!-sorry I'm tired-no-one else has come up with suggestions, and I'm not sharing a rocking bunk with skipjack-I'd get tossed off if the seas got rough

g'night

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Peter T.
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 07:02 PM

If the group plumps for Cape Breton, I have lots of contacts for billeting, etc. yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 06:17 AM

St. Anne's will reel! Yes, count me in as a definite definite, if I am still extant. Eric, you hormonal nordic, we appreciate your efforts, so keep them up, please, mate. Start saving now, and a quid a week will probably buy the seat, and I like your idea of controlling the gorillas in baggage handling.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 10:01 AM

My Rog has offered a suggestion of having it in Ontario, instead...maybe somewhere near Toronto.

Eric, I think it's grand, what you're doing!

kat

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Llanfair
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 10:14 AM

Seconded!!!, or thirded Eric!!!!

I'm glad you are looking into it now, and I for one will start saving as soon as I know what the costs are. I think you are right about having some control with instrument carriage, I wouldn't like to have my guitar carried in the hold.

Put me down as a definite.

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: GUEST,Patrish
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 10:31 AM

Count me as a possible definite.
Have you got your guitar back from my Dad yet Eric?

Patrish x

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 01:44 PM

Hi-thanks, I'm not sure even if I'm going.But would love to. Still I enjoy making travelling arrangements. I should have been a traveller, but kept my feet wisely/sadly on the ground. I'll keep gathering info, so if it all happens, it can be put together.

Pat, lovely to hear from you, and yes I did get me guitar back. It's almost perfect, and plays better as Terry did some majic on the neck and bridge.

I wouldn't mind Canada either-would love to get there to see it.

I'm a bit worried about going to America, all the cowboy films I've seen, the cattlemen got rid of farmers and their sheep, is this true? Maybe Canada would be better, they have Mooses there ("my sister got bitten by a moose")I might move up in the world!

No news from the charter firm yet.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 01:58 PM

LOL, Eric...my dad will be glad to hear that his granddad and dad were successful in running out the "vermin!" Yee-haw!

If we meet in "Tarawna" we can all bunk at the Fieldings' house, right?*bg*

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 02:34 PM

Can I take my hamster if i go? I have emailed the passport office to see about getting a passport for him but they didn't reply.I will put him in my pocket so i don't have to pay for an extra seat.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 06:35 AM

John, Did you have your hamster at the George and Dragon? If so, I didn't see him!

Sorry Eric, not too many sheep in the USA! The mention of mooses (or moose plural? ...somebody enlighten me please!) and of Cape Breton reminds me have I told you Lady McMoo's true moose story? I believe it has now become a classic humourous legend amongst the Mic Mac people of Cape Breton. If not remind me to do so next time I see you as it doesn't translate too well to the written word. It is better also that she is present so you can witness the red face in person!

Best regards,

mooman

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: GUEST,Skarpi at work
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 10:07 AM

Halló all I would like to come, I have some time now to save some money for the trip. All the best skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 01:51 PM

Like Eric I am tied to school holidays but hopefully Geoff and I are definite possibles - the twins will be 7 by then and a lot easier to farm out!! How about we paint a few buffalo white for you, Eric will that do?

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 10:23 PM

Toronto or Nova Scotia will do fine. I would prefer it in Canada, but if the States works out better for cost, you might consider Portsmouth, New Hampshire.   Friendly town, great folk community, solid pubs, close to Providence, Boston, and any number of other airports.   I just throw it out for discussion.

Mick

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 03:10 PM

Yah Mick....and we'll BOTH have grey hair by then! But hopefully, still full heads of it.

Rick

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 04:15 PM

Okay, I talked to Heather last night and she said she can fit TEN people in Rick's Shed That Dremel Built, plus a few more, here and there!!**BG** Just another good reason to make it in Taw-rawn-aw!

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Amergin
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 06:41 PM

I was thinking it should be JE's place....

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 12:53 AM

I got dibs on the spare bed. Rick's basement in 2006 - sounds like a plan to me!

Pubs are nice and houses are nice, but a camp would be even better because we'd be in our own little world. Pubs close and people kick you out of their houses for singing non-stop for several days. I think sleeping/eating/singing all in one general location would make sense. Camp Ramblewood springs to mind, but I DO think we need to find some place that is accessable to people whose primary means of traveling doesn't involve just legs and feet.

If somebody had a lot of land, folks who needed to stay in the house could, the rest of us could sleep in tents, campers and hammocks. Rent port-a-poopers. Somebody once mentioned a cruise, and I'd love that. Some folks would probably spend their time hanging over the rail though.

A hotel/convention center would be ideal, but folks may not be able to afford staying there. If I started saving pennies now, I'm pretty sure I could have enough in 4 years.

Cape Breton sounds lovely.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: mooman
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 05:49 AM

Dear Eric,

Just a thought Eric...

The last couple of times we went to Cape Breton we flew Canada 3000 into Halifax, Nova Scotia. Their fares used to be really low. It might be worth checking up with them on price as well (if they're still in business!)

Best regards,

Richard

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 01:29 PM

Count me in as a definite possible

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 16 Jun 02 - 03:45 PM

Thankee Richard-I'll bear that in mind as things progress. Not too much time this next week or so, and still waiting for ther charter site to get back to me.

Eric

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 12:51 PM

Is there anyone who could look at the possibility of hiring student halls of residence as was suggested earlier in the thread? I seem to remember mooman mentioning halifax as a possibility for that.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 Jul 02 - 03:33 PM

Nothing yet regarding flights. Anyone got real preferences for dates and venues? If you have I'll try and get time to collate them to see if there if an overwhelming concencus

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 07 Jul 02 - 04:38 PM

Anytime, my friend.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jul 02 - 07:20 PM

If Skarpi's going to be there, so am I! And if you charter a plane, I will fly it - I took lessons on a single engine Cessna back in the 70s. The hardest part is landing, but we can manage. Pack those instruments carefully.
Anyone arriving through Portland will have a spot of floor to sleep on and transportation to and from the airport...assuming I am still alive.

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 08 Jul 02 - 02:34 PM

Is that after the landing Sinsull? You and John from Hull could share the flapping!

Subject: RE: 2006 Mudcat World Gathering, TWO
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 08 Jul 02 - 02:44 PM

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