Getaway 2003 Memories

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:20 PM

Don't worry Menolly, his face and head are strangely covered in red and green.... It keeps to the Santa motif


Tinker

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Bassic
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:30 PM

Max`s photos are up on the events page (click) now!

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Col K
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:43 PM

Yes folks I enjoyed it as well.It was so wonderful to put faces to so many names, as Alaska Mike said ,the only problem will be later when photos are seen and someone says "who's that?" Then the fun will start.
On a personal note can I say thankyou to Tinker and her family for the way they all welcomed me upon my arrival and also to Momnopp for puting me up for two nights here in Washington.
The welcome from everyone at the Getaway was tremendous, will you have us back please?
Been a tourist today, off to Judy and Dennis Cook's tonite then back on the road in the morning,driving on the wrong side of the road is fun !!!!
Give my best to Arthur and Brian.
See you all sometime.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 06:58 PM

Fabulous photos Max, thanks.What happy memories they brought back and it's so great to see everyone looking so fit and well. I can see there is less of Big Mick ( should he be medium-sized Mick now?) and the Cap'n looks hale and hearty as befits the owner of a sea-faring
(with a bit of work) craft.

Lots of envy but was a lot less envious at night when I curled up in my nice warm bed *G*.I'm glad you all had such a good time.

BTW please return the Shellbacks as you found them.....I think there may be a deposit on the empties.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:11 PM

Yea, who is who? We ingnoramuses need captions!! (pleeeze?)

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:15 PM

OK, I'm really stupid. How do I get to the "events page"? I'd love to see those pix!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Micca
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:19 PM

Nancy, Try here

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:19 PM

Edmund, I believe your remaining beer is travelling with (or in) the Shellbacks, since...
the cleanup crew saw beer and thought 'Shellbacks'. We'd really like to keep them.

I'll post more, but I only got 4 hours of sleep last night and I'm still all muddled. Off to look at photos (thanks Bassic) and try to stay awake for another hour or so.

Subject: ADD: Cicada Serenade
From: GUEST, Claymore
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:33 PM

To add to Roger from B-more's account, here are the rap lyrics that Ron Davies did with his wife. He emailed them to me to use with my kids at the Job Corps center where I work.

CICADA SERENADE

They got big orange eyes they can barely focus
Some people call'em 17- year locust
But that's the wrong data
The name is cicada
and they're here now but they won't be here later

They got 4 wings but they ain't supposed to fly
They just come out the ground, have sex and die
But I can dig their rig--I like their style
Cause they may go quick but they go with a smile
Check it out
Cicada serenade (sounds being made in rap rythmn like cicadas whirring)
Check it out
Cicada serenade (same same)

Cicadas on the sidewalk, cicadas on the ground
Place looked like a little tiny Jonestown
Now I hate to see anything go to waste
And I was wondering how a cicada might taste
Cicada, potata---it sounds the same
To let'em go to waste would be a crying shame
So I got a couple hundred of 'em, took 'em inside
Put some ketchup on 'em and I ate'em French-fried
I ate 'em all up without hesitatin'
The next thing you know I was hallucinatin'
Freakin' out
Cicada serenade (same same)
Freakin' out
Cicada Serenade (same same)

I was out of my mind
My head was in a fog
The next thing you know I was sick as a dog

My friends came over, said "Let's get high"
I said "No way", so they said "Bye bye"
I don't need no lovely, no reefer, no cocaine
Cause I still got them cicadas buzzin' round in my brain
So eat your cicadas with every snack
Cause they can also help you say NO TO DRUGS
BUGS, NOT DRUGS


PS Rita: How did the tape of our late night jam on Sunday with fiddle, viola, harp and classical guitar and a few of the Shellbacks with their squeeze boxes come out? I know that the singers had plenty of jams, but the private ones we had with the other musicians, I really enjoyed. And could you tell me the name of the Shellback lady who stayed up with us till 4 AM on Sunday? The whole time from 9 PM to 4 AM was a wealth of love songs, laments, and partings, and she provided many of them. That was a special jam, with only a few people, and I believe it was the best musical event of the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:37 PM

Thanks Micca!

Great pix, Max!

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:41 PM

I forgot to add that the funniest comment during the "Jeri-rigged stump-removal project" was when the buzzards came out of the tree, and Big Mick hollared, "Look out, those things can shit a chipmunk!" and everybody scattered...

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 07:45 PM

Sigh. Remind me never to ask Jeri to navigate . . . ;-) (But I'm brave enough to ride with her occasionally -- and now that I've made this smart-assed remark, it may never happen again. Sigh.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 08:35 PM

Best damn set of notes I have read from any of the previous Getaways!!! I think you are giving Allan his "vicarious thrills.".....I know you are me anyway. Thanks to all for the reports.....Keep it up!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Alaska Mike
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 10:06 PM

Wow, the Getaway was fantastic. I am suffering still from sleep depravation. Last night instead of sleeping we went out drinking and singing with my friend Seamus Kennedy. We will be flying back to Anchorage on October 31st and will post more then along with some of the many photos we took. Bye for now.

Best wishes all,
Mike

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: alanww
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 10:26 PM

Here I am, still in Washington DC and still having a great time - lots of singing, some playing (my concertina) and a bit of sightseeing! Wonderful hospitality and great to see so many of the US Mudcatters. More reaction when I get back to reality in Stratford-upon-Avon, at which point I know it won't seem real. Meanwhile I will contribute and enjoy. Thanks to the FSGW and looking forward to New York South Street, Mystic Seaport and the NY Pinewood Getaway!
"I had a dream the other night, the strangest dream of all ...!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Susan A-R
Date: 21 Oct 03 - 11:56 PM

I got back in last night at 10, wrote my menu, got some sleep (I'm never sure if I snore or not) and did food today, so I am only just now getting to this thread. I am still on cloud nine. I have so much music going through my head I'm not entirely sure what to do with it. It's a little embarrassing to be singing at the top of your lungs while you wash dishes, then realize that there's been a customer at the counter for a few minutes.

What a weekend, from singing and playing with Charmion, playing waltzes with Ron's amzing viola and David's harp, singing harmony with those fabulous Shellbacks, laughing myself silly at some of the Songs from a Hat, singing The Death of Queen Jane with Big Mick, hearing song after wonderful song from Alaska Mike, Laughing myself silly at "My Bob" Hearing Bob Zentz, Hearing Elizabeth LaPrelle, Eating smoked salmon brought down by Alaska Mike and Tawmy, Playing fiddle with David on harp out in that glorious sun, hearing the beautifully synchopated snoring in my cabin, Riding down and back with Barry, talking and listening to fabulous music all the way, indulging myself at the Camsco booth, That fabulous Sunday night jam session in the kitchen, That 3:30 a.m. political discussion with Big Mick, laughing a lot, crying some, singing a lot and playing a lot. Ahhhhhh!

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Nancy King
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:16 AM

Well, let's see if I can identify the folks in Max's pictures. I'm embarrassed to say I can't come up with the names of a couple of the Shellback guys, but I loved 'em all! Maybe someone else can help out with those.

Part 1 - Ruth Harrison, Col K, Momnopp;
         (very likeable Shellbacker whose name I can't recall...);
         Big Mick;
         Workshop scene with Marge Himler (in hat), Gorgeous Gary    (with guitar) and his fiance Sheryl, Roger ("in Baltimore") Himler.

Part 2 - Alaska Mike, Barry Finn, Dottie Hurley, Janice Cole;
         Big Mick, MMario, Kendall;
         Kendall, Tinker, Col K (I think...);
         Dani.

Part 3 - Kendall;
         Jeri;
         Alaska Mike and wife Tawmmie;
         Big Mick.

Part 4 - Tinker;
         Kathy Westra and Jennifer Woods;
         Kendall;

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:28 AM

Glad everyone made it home ok. Sorry I missed the death defying stump jump. As I come to the Getaway each year, it becomes more like a famliy reunion filled with both public and private memories. It was different this year, not as new, but better in many ways. The late night cabin jamming moved to the main hall, but we still didn't get to sleep any earlier. Old friends that didn't make it and new friends that did.

I want to thank everyone that brought supplies for the instrument building workshop, and especially Tinker and MMario for staying the whole time and helping out. We had a small but appreciative crowd and made a kazoo and spike fiddle. Tinker even provided a blood sacrifice to give the spike fiddle life. Dani, thanks also for the pickle pail. I didn't realize just how much you contributed until I started smelling a strange smell on the way back and stopped the car thinking something was amiss. Luckily it was only the combination of garlic, pickle juice, and the hot sun. If you suffered through the smell all the way up, then you and Janie deserve a special award.

Some public memories that haven't been mentioned:

Amazing harmonies from Will, Bill, and Becky wherever they went. Will is my hero for life. What A bass voice! Linda Goodman's voice coming from behind a wall of tall Shellbacks as she shared a kid's song that she wrote Sunday Night. The Cinderella Skit performed by the Shellbacks with Alaska Mike as the Handsome Prince. The Shellbacks infectous good humor, charm, and amazing friendliness. The Music Hall Workshop hosted by Gail Snyder and the Savages. The performance by the Williams Sisters (Annie and Janie) Saturday Night of a song on going back to West Virginia. Sheila Thorpe's song of undying love (had to leave). Jeri's incredable singing and songwriting.
"allright"

Some private moments to be shared:

Giggling women in pajamas.
Rare monster venomous crickets lieing in wait for poor innocent damsels in distress.
This led to a discussion of all you would ever want to know on parasites, but were afraid to ask.
Bonding and catching up with special friends. Where does the time go.
Hugs!!! (hug deprived at home)
Getting through songs without forgetting the words or chords.

See everyone next year

JAB

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Nancy King
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:48 AM

Well, shoot, how did that happen? OK, to resume:

Part 4 - Tinker;
         Kathy Westra, Jennifer Woods;
         Kendall;
         Sinsull.

Part 5 - Another Shellbacker I regret I can't identify;
         Col K with Momnopp;
         Dani, Laura Sailer;
         Jim Bunch ("JAB").

Part 6 - Jim Bunch;
         Big Mick;
         MMario;
         Joe Offer.

Part 7 - Joe Offer;
         Big Mick;
         Cabins and cars;
         View of pavilion (not much used this year -- too chilly!) and lake, beyond power pole and strange box-like structure.

Part 8 - A workshop outside the theatre barn;
         Dick Greenhaus with part of his stock;
         View of Camsco booth and silent auction area, with Alaska Mike;
         Not completely sure, but think this is Momnopp's son, Dylan.

Part 9 - Peggy Jones, longtime FSGW member and Getaway-goer;
         Marge and Roger ("in Baltimore") Himler;
         Marge and Roger again.

Hope that helps, Sorcha. I wouldn't be surprised if Bill D puts up some pictures before too long -- at least I hope he will!

Some of my favorite moments this year were the hilarious "Cinderella" skit at the Sunday concert; the wonderful dining-hall singing Saturday night; the fact that a bunch of people came to my "Women's Lives in the Bad Old Days" workshop and made it really good; making the winning bid on an absolutely gorgeous vest donated to the Silent Auction by Marge Himler; a great gospel workshop followed by an amazing mini-concert by Sandy and Elizabeth LaPrelle; and much more.

By the way, those who are worried that there are no young people in folk music these days would have been pleased to see the number of young singers at the Getaway. Darriel Day, Allan Rathbone and Dan Schatz (all 2nd generation FSGW types) all led workshops, Bob Zentz's daughter Skye performed admirably on the Saturday concert, and 15-year-old Elizabeth LaPrelle knocked everybody's socks off. She is fantastic, folks, and she'll only get better as she gets older. She has a perfect "mountain" voice and presents a song beautifully. Look for more of her.

Well, I'm about done for now. Still recovering, y'know. Can't wait till next year.

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:15 AM

Sorry I couldn't be there, folks. It looks like a blast. I'm glad you all got to meet Alaska Mike and his sweetie wife. Tawmmie.
Two of the finest people you'll meet anywhere anytime.
Am I alone in thinking that he could be the fourth Beef Brother with Big Mick, Rick Fielding and Jed Marum?

Seamus

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 02:01 AM

who's the bloke committing the vile sacrilege of drinking Guinness from a can???

looks like you all had a grand time.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: LindaG
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:36 AM

What a wonderful weekend! I'm back in the everyday world, but only physically. My head just keeps playing music. From the minute I stepped out of the car at registration and smelled the deep piney fragrance, till the time I got back on the highway home I felt wrapped in a warm cocoon. It was fun to meet and talk to people I'd seen before or read Mudcat postings from before, but never met, as well as people who -amazingly!-remembered me from a previous year. And the Shellback Chorus! Wow!

And it was great to have a project - the decafinated stick fiddle - to work on all weekend. The first workshop I went to was Jim Bunch's Make a Musical Instrument workshop, where he and Tinker "helped" me make this two-string fiddle with a coffee can body and clothespin tuning pegs. (they did 99% of the work with Tinker even cutting her finger, but I did learn how to hammer in a nail properly!) Then MMario contributed twine for the bow hairs and Ramblewood's pinecones supplied the rosin. My son Benny doesn't (can't) come to the Getaway any more, but has really enjoyed playing that fiddle ever since I came home.

So I already can't wait until "next year". I was alerted to the real need for more people to come to the Getaway to keep it viable in future years. I hope I can come up with an idea to help.

Linda Goodman

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 07:52 AM

I see now that as the FSGW drew in and welcomed Mudcatters, so the Mudcat is drawing in new friends from the FSGW. I'm delighted to see you here, Linda, and Pauline as well.

We make a fine marriage, all!


Dani

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: kendall
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 08:41 AM

I did not see the Amazing Stump Jumper, so, I will quote an old seagoing law...WHEN YOUR DRAFT EXCEEDS THE DEPTH OF THE WATER YOU ARE MOST ASSUREDLY AGROUND.

As usual, I enjoyed the Getaway, and even after 11 hours sleep, I'm still too rocky to write a report.
For those who are interested, I will put the report I got from Johns-Hopkins in another thread.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 09:23 AM

Dani,

Once I recover consciousness I hope to send an e-mail to Getaway attendees who aren't Mudcatters, inviting them to share their memories on this thread. You're right: The Getaway is bringing people from each community into the other. You might be surprised at the number of out-of-town Mudcatters who have now joined FSGW, too. It's a very satisfying partnership.

Bill is driving Noreen, Barb'ry and Andy (Barb'ry's husband) to the rendezvous so the Shellbacks can move on to their next gig. BOO HOO. If we can't keep the Getaway going for two weeks, my second choice would be to keep the Shellbacks here for two weeks.

It came as a shock to my American ears to learn that Noreen is pronounced NOR-een and not Nor-EEN as I have always said it. (Same with EI-leen.) Still having a little trouble wrapping my tongue around it. Could listen to her sing all day, though.

This should make lots of folks happy: Almost every Shellback I've talked to since Sunday night has been quite determined to get back to another Getaway, next year if possible but if not, then someday.

Thank you, Shellbacks and Derek Seed, for the hard work you put in to make this trip happen, for the extra hours you spent practicing to put on a superb concert, and for the good taste to start your trip at our Getaway.

Oh, and for being exactly the kind of people and the kind of musicians we like :-)

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 09:35 AM

Claymore, I haven't listened to any of the recordings yet but will start with the one of that late-night session, you betcha.

Bill (Kimmons) is the Soup Kitchen Gospel Person with the huge bass voice. (Another beef brother, too....) Will (Fanning) has the mustache, and the curly white hair tied back in a ponytail.

In addition to the Soup Kitchen's mini concert, Will Fanning did half an hour of his country/folk revival/oldtime songs. From what I hear it was small but very nice.

Will's an easygoing person even for a folkie. (When I asked him how he'd describe what he does, he said, "I guess I just do Feel-Good music.") Everyone felt free to join in, making the concert a jam. I know Bill joined in with his autoharp. Who else was there?

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Noreen
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 10:14 AM

Claymore, it was MEEEEE who stayed up with you all til almost 4am- that was such a wonderful time, I couldn't leave. I have never taken part in such a session before, great musicians of assorted types, lovely people and such a relaxed, welcoming feeling of sharing of our music.... I'm filing up again just thinking about it all.

I'm posting this from Dennis & Judy Cook's wonderful house where Shellbacks are gathering (a bit like the buzzards- or were they vultures??!) before the next leg of our trip, on to New York.

*sigh*

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 10:18 AM

Noreen, please have Colin check for a PM before you head out... A bit of a driving tip....

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Vixen
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 10:30 AM

WAHHHHHHHHHH!

*NEXT* YEAR WE'RE GOING BACK TO THE GETAWAY!!!!

(the ren faire was fun, and the money was nice, but the getaway is the BEST!)

V

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Mantid
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 11:17 AM

We just wanted to send out a very special THANK YOU to all the musicians who treated us to such magic waltz music. We felt like we were dancing on a cloud and just floating along on a beautiful breeze. I know several people who very much enjoyed a waltz lesson and hope they keep trying with that most royal of dances. We're going to another getaway toward the end of the year where the musicians play the entire 20 minute Blue Danube Waltz. AHHH!! maybe next year we could do that. Memories of this weekend will keep me warm all winter.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:02 PM

Ahh Noreen, forgive me for not knowing your name. As I wrote above, I personally thought that that Sunday evening was the best of all. The perfect moment, when singers and musicians became as one, though each knew their part and extended their talents to create the whole. Not loud or rowdy, but a few moments of quiet consultation on the song, the key, and the musical bridges, and then as fellow travelers, we went to another country in the mind.

And Mantid, I do believe the work that Ron and I put into the waltz classes was not wasted, as I plan to ask if we can conduct a waltz class with the music being provided with singers and musicians together; that is to say that each waltz is sung as well as played, as Ron demonstrated. As I may have mentioned to you, the song that the really petite woman (with the really big husband) sang about hospice and death "the birds may take your body but I will keep your love" should have had a couple waltzing just to the side of the stage, just to evoke the dance that loving couples do in life as well as the final goodbyes. It is not for nothing, that contra dances traditionally end with a waltz, as it is really the only proper way to say goodbye.

And Noreen, thank you for providing the muse of what I believe all of us who participated that evening will regard as the raison d'etre of the entire Getaway.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:43 PM

ARGHHHHHH! Green green green with jealousy!

So Mick has lost weight eh? I'll be seeing him tonight to confirm it. Me too........but I don't recomend the method I've used, ha ha!

Sounds like a wonderful time, keep the stories comin'.

(No longer fat enough to be a beef brother) Rick

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:54 PM

HMMMMMM? No mention of it, so I will be the one.
Classic Getaway Moment # 368:
Kendall "innocently" walking in on Dani dressing and claiming that he didn't know it was the Single Woman's Room. He's finally off llamas, I guess.

Did anyone find a jacket in shades of purple with giraffes on the pocket and back? I left it behind by mistake.

Didn't someone hang a car up last year on a rock? Must be a new tradition.

Baby Lily put in an appearance. Her feet never touched the floor as she was passed from aunt to uncle to aunt all day. She snuggled closely and quietly in my lap for a while. A treasure!

SINS

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:10 PM

I'm going through tape and I don't remember filming, but Mick's entire Sr. Primative story is there..... It's about a 12 foot nun dressed like Darth Vader with rosary nunchucks who whooped him when he was a boy...I'll be adding prayers for you and your Uncle Seamus tonite Mick. When I stop laughing...

I think I've figured out basic editing, now I just have to get down to it and stop rewatching the Getaway. It's hard to come back to real time when you only have to touch a button....


Tinker

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:29 PM

Shellbacks in photos unnamed were Ruth in part 1 and mudcat's own Alanww in the part 5

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:32 PM

oops sorry unnamed was Jim Harrison husband of Ruth (both very likeable!)

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Amos
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:38 PM

That about does it!! I am not ignoring any more of these damn get-aways!! They are too precious not to go to!!

A

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:39 PM

Ruth played Cinderella to Mike's Prince Charming with Colin as the Ugly Sister and Theresa as the Fairy Godmother. Ruth also contributed to the "infestation" conversation re: headlice and social diseases (OOOPS!, I mean urinery infections). Awwright...

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Micca
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 01:44 PM

Like Rick, I am so green with envy the Green man tattoo on my arm has vanished into the background. It is So nice to get news of all the friends i made 2 years ago!!! Micca the UK Getaway Pioneer
If it was the version of Cinderella that Ruth and Jim Harrison, which has a very strong Yorshire overtone to it are involved in, I think I have an Audio recording of it from Towersey.."Awriiiiight"

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 02:17 PM

I find myself somewhere between heartbreak and utter joy as I read the posts here. I would have loved to have attended this wonderful musical reunion - especially now that I have come to know so many of the participants from both sides of the pond. What a fabulous mix that must have been! I can hardly wait for the Shellbacks' return so that I can hear their accounts and impressions first hand.

Thanks, Max, for getting the photos posted so quickly!

Mick, your weight loss is simply amazing! MMario, I should say the same about you!

Here's a toast (raises a glass holding three fingers of an amber liquid) to all who attended and another to those of us who couldn't be there...and another...uh...just for the hell of it!

Allan

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: GUEST,Big Mick in Toronto
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 02:31 PM

This was the best yet!!! And that is saying something, as everyone of the Getaways I have attended have been amazing experiences. I would like to encourage all who read this to begin saving now for next year. You will never forget the experience.

Has there ever been such an experience as when one is singing to a group like this, and they join on the chorus? To have a room full of folks that understand how to harmonize, and feel the caress and passion of their voices coming back at you is as near to heaven as one can experience on this leg of the journey.

I must share an experience I had yesterday before I left Washington DC. I went to the United States Library of Congress Folklife Center to see it and also to say goodby to my dear friend KarenK. Jennifer (somtimes 'Catter, FSGW member) was so gracious. She asked me if I would like to play Burl Ives guitar. So there I was, sitting in the Library of Congress playing and singing for the folks there on Burl's guitar. Pretty damn cool.

There is not much to say about the weekend other than what has been said already. The richness of this weekend will never be forgotten.

Whilst I was working on getting the car off the stump, ably assisted by these marvelous Shellbacks, there were two Turkey Vultures in the tree looking at us. Two thoughts occurred to me. 1) What do they know that I didn't? 2) Watch out when they fly, cause they can shit a chipmunk!!!!

I will write more when I get home and decompressed. But I want to urge you once more....save your money and come. You will know when it is done why it is a remarkable experience.

All the very best,

Mick

PS...thanks for all your very nice comments. I appreciate the thought. Doing what is right is not heroic. Seeing injustice and not acting on it would seem to me to be a sin for which there is no forgiveness.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: KathWestra
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 02:31 PM

Rick, thanks for checking in. We missed you hugely, but Mick should be there by now with all the news and gossip and carjacking stories (and a tiny funny present for you from me). He didn't leave DC for Toronto until late yesterday afternoon (our Tuesday breakfast conversation and music-listening session lasted until 1:30 p.m., and THEN he went down to the Library of Congress for a couple of hours--got to play Burl Ives' guitar, among other treats. He called me at about 4:30 as he was leaving town, so I don't imagine he showed up in your neck of the woods much before midnight). Anyway, as I mentioned in another thread, if you had a dollar for every "wish Rick were here" mention over the weekend, you'd have quite a haul of cash. We're holding hope of seeing you guys next year--and Tinker promises to send you video documentation of the "Best Of," so that you can experience the vicarious thrill of being there (not that it's the same as getting to hug your friends, and have them hug you, but.....)
Many hugs to you and Heather.
Lotsa love,
Kathy

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Deckman
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 02:38 PM

Hi ... Bob(deckman)Nelson here, in the NorthWestern tip of the U.S.A. Even though I was probably 2,000 miles away from this obviously great "getaway", I feel compelled to contribute. We had Marion Parsons here last weekend. She's on her great busking tour. So here she came, a total stranger from the Eastern area of Canada. And we hosted her as we all do, and we had a grand hoot for her on that Sunday.

As I read all your comments about the good times you all had back there, I have to say that it sounds just like the good times we had here!

My point is this: I don't know of a better common demonitator amongst strangers than the wonderful world of music. Even if we speak foreign tongues, or our ages differ greatly, or our statuses vary greatly, or our skin color varies, MUSIC is what it's all about.

Marion and I spent several hours, over a couple of evenings, just sitting, talking, and trading songs. And I was struck by just how many people I have met over the years through music. What a thrill, to see a stranger pick up an instrument, sing or play something, and FEEL that connection.

CHEERS to all, Bob

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:03 PM

The Getaway was a real "shot in the arm" for me. It has been a very stressful 6 months, but I was coming to the Getaway come hell or high water. But I hadn't realized how depressed I was getting from the stress.   Marge kept asking me why I wasn't practicing the whole week before.

And because of the depression, it took me a while to swing into the groove. I skipped the "Who's here this year" workshop. The next workshop, I passed when it was my turn to play. Anyone who knows me knows that is way out of character.

Every workshop brought me closer to "normal". Because I didn't practice I suffered severe cases of CRS, but everyone put up with it. I left Sunday night feeling very good and still feel pretty "normal" today.

Tinker did me a great favor. I didn't know the Saturday night concert was being taped for Rick Fielding. I had practiced one song for that event. Unfortunately, it was "Death Don't Have No Mercy" (I told you I was depressed!).

I decided to go ahead with it for my number, but felt like it certainly wasn't the message I wanted to send to Rick.

Tinker thought several songs Saturday night were maudlin. So she came to my "Blues" workshop and took many pictures. She told me that was what she was going to send Rick. What a relief!!! Thanks, again, Tinker.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 03:21 PM

Roger I would have been at the blues session anyway... and you guys were great. I was not the most unobtrusive (sp?) videotographer at that point. But I did know that if I was sending footage to Rick I had better keep the camera on the lead and show the guitar and fingerwork. With Joel on piano and his wife on mouth harp, JAB on the Bass and three+ guitarist to keep track of it's not always smooth, but I'm getting much better. I don't think I'll try to support four kids on it though...


Love Ya

Tinker

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Carly
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 04:03 PM

Yesterday, while our Shellback Chorus houseguests Ruth and Jim Harrison and Anne and Tom Perry were off sightseeing, I read throu
gh this thread and then spent 45 minutes composing a heartfelt message about this year's Getaway. It was just what I wanted to say, it was literate, it was beautiful...and when I pushed "submit" it vanished into cyberspace forever. ARGGGH!!!!! I should have followed my husband's example and taken a nap instead. We said Godspeed to them this morning; now , for me, this Getaway is over. I'm going to have to take another day or two to sort out my experiences of the weekend, and many folks have already described some of them, but I did want to say what a joy it was to meet the people behind so many mudcat names, as well as other people new to me. Of course, seeing my old friends was a delight as well. Our absent friends were missed, and remembered with song and laughter. Rick and Heather, I hope that you felt the love and concern that wafted northward all weekend.

All of you who were not there; I hope to see you next year.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Janie
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 05:50 PM

One personal magic moment that would not have occurred if we hadn't come to the Getaway....Saturday morning Annie & I skipped the 1st workshop and went down to take a quick look at the historic village of Port Deposit. The bright red doors of the Methodist church were open and they were clearly having a parish workday, so we decided to see if they minded if we took a peek inside the church. OHMYGAWD!!!

The church is large and old, and when the village was prosperous it apparently was also. Now they have only 99 members, about 1/3 of whom are active. From the looks of things it is very difficult for them to keep the beautiful old building in any kind of reasonable repair. I won't wax poetic about the windows, the wood, the incredible organ that was powered by the creek before electricity came along, though I am tempted.

The sanctuary is on the second floor. The young pastor had caught up with us as we climbed the stairs and was giving us some of the history of the place. As he opened the door, talking, and we walked into the room, I knew immediately that the accoustics were absolutely magnificent. It was a pretty large sanctuary, and needed no PA. Now, I don't usually burst into song in front of perfect strangers (the Getaway being the exception of course), but I absolutely could not help myself. I started singing a hymn. Folks---it gave me chills. Literally. Many of you who sing professionally have probably had the experience, but to me it was entirely new and novel--and probably a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.

The nice young pastor invited us to come and sing a couple of songs for their Sunday service (we eventually declined, not wanting to miss the Gospel Sing at Ramblewood) and we invited him (he plays guitar) to come up to the Getaway (he didn't.) But it was absolutely thrilling to sing in that lovely room with the perfect accoustics.

(Maybe they would let us use it next year for a workshop? *BG*

Janie

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 06:45 PM

What happened AFTER the Getaway.
You've heard the tale of that fateful trip across the white house lawn. We only started with one buzzard, then there were two. At one point, I looked up and there were 5 or more circling overhead. I'm not making this up.

Drove off to have a bit of lunch, then left for home. After travelling for several hours, I paid the toll on the NJ Turnpike, headed for the George Washington Bridge, then saw a sign for "last services" on Turnpike. I thought I'd better get gas. Now the way some NJ Tpk service stops work is that there's one for both north and southbound traffic. When you leave, you just follow signs that take you in the right direction. This is the point at which things started to go bad for me.

I think part of me wanted to go back to Camp Ramblewood, as I deliberately (although wrongly) followed the signs south. I thought it was rather odd that I passed a few more service stops, as the previous one had claimed to be the LAST one. I thought it was odd when I came to a booth to get a toll ticket, nevertheless, I wasn't that concerned about those minor details and kept going. I finally decided I needed to stop and got off at yet another service stop. I got talking to a gentleman. Me: "How ya doin'?" Him: "Pretty good - I'm almost home." Me: "I've got a way to go." Him: "Where ya headed?" Me: "New Hampshire." Him: "Uh...it's the other way." At that point, everything came into focus and the extra ticket booth and service stops made sense. I suppose, if the moon had been brighter, I might have seen buzzards circling up there in the night sky.

I turned around, and finally got home after 11 hours of driving.

(I'm thinking there's a potential song: "There's a Turnpike in the Twilight Zone")

As to music, other folks have already given a pretty good accounting. I'll see if I can't come up with some more details after they've settled in my brain. It was just great to meet with old friends and new friends for music, conversation and hugs.

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: Nancy King
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 06:54 PM

Aw Jeez, Jeri, you really had a day, didn't you? You even lived out my travel nightmare. At least you finally made it home in one piece. May things go smoother for you now!

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: Getaway 2003 Memories
From: CET
Date: 22 Oct 03 - 06:56 PM

Well, I'm glad to hear that my beer found a good home. There's more where that came from for any Mudcatters, Shellbacks, etc that show up in Ottawa.

Janie: your idea about a workshop in the church isn't just a *BG*. If the logistics could be arranged, I think it would be great to have a singing workshop there.

I'm looking forward to more pictures.

Edmund