Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Mudjack
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 08:49 PM

Sheridan OR is where or near Barbara's digs. She does in fact have an annual gathering weekend pulling attendance from Portland Folklore Society and San Francisco folks. She hasn't posted in some time but might consider hosting for mudcatters and these other folkies. That is a week end that offers a lot of space and a good creek for bathing. A lot of music...music...songs.and more music.
Ah shucks, I'd have to drive 2 1/2 hours. To get to their place you have to travel on Harmony Rd.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Artful Codger
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:10 AM

There are thousands of miles keeping the two coasts apart. The REAL West covers over half of that. If it's to be ignored because the coastalites are spoiled, don't even pretend you're arranging a "Western USA" gathering.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 05:07 AM

Bertdarlin', sorry I didn't answer you earlier. It's the traffic thing...hate it, vowed not to drive in it, unless extreme duress.:-)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 12:05 PM

Artful Codger, most of the western Mudcatters congregate in high population areas like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego...

If a spot in Wyoming, for instance, were chosen just about everyone attending would have to make intricate travel arrangements.

And that isn't a small thing. As Joe Offer noted, flying to a hub and then having to catch one or more smaller planes fairly close to the destination adds a lot of money to the equation.

I, for instance, live in Alaska. I can fly to Seattle (dependent on the lead time, costing anywhere from $400 to $900- and Seattle is my closest southern destinatio!). From Seattle, if I were to change planes and fly to Elko, Nevada that would be another $200 or more. The same would be true of Pocatello, Idaho, although the cost might be slightly less.

If, however, the destination would be drivable from the hub the cost would be much less.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 12:36 PM

Not that I've looked into this, but what about somewhere we could get to by train or bus? I'm just sayin'... airplane travel ain't all that great if you have instruments to pack, anyway. There are trains in many of the parts of the world we've mentioned, and a whole lotta Greyhounds must go through Elko (for example).

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Amos
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 12:44 PM

Some of the people all of the time, all of the people none of the time, I guess. Are there any good gathering holes within, say, 100 miles of Portland or Seattle? Hey, Jen!! You started this, now!! You gonna back off and say "Whatever...."? Troublemaker!! LOL!


A

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Stewart
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 01:41 PM

I guess I'd favor Washington, Oregon, or California (in that order). We drive down to the Bay Area from Seattle several times a year to see our daughter, so that's all familiar territory. I wouldn't fly any place for a gathering - too much of a hassle with instruments, etc. and too expensive. And driving to the Rockies or any place "out east" (sorry, I grew up on the west coast and always considered those places as "out east") is just too far to drive. And I would guess that the majority of Western USA 'catters live on the west coast. There are some great places in Oregon, and Washington's not bad either, or northern California would be fine. So that's my vote.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: JenEllen
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:04 PM

I have to WORK for a living, Amos...LOL Does that count as a 'whatever...'?

I agree, WA/OR/CA are probably easier. Like I said, place doesn't really matter to me because I'm fairly mobile. I though inclusion would be great if there were some magical mystery destination that everyone could get to easily. If that's not the case, whatever... *bg* We'll do what we can. I have a feeling if we find a suitable place the folkies will come.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:12 PM

Just find a brewery to camp in, that will motivate them.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Sorcha
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:15 PM

And I don't see that we need an extant festival. Might be easier in some ways if we didn't.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:19 PM

Fly to Salt Lake City, drive to Elko. SLC is a major hub. Fly to SLC, drive (or take the shuttle) to Pocatello. Vernal is 3 driving hours from SLC. These places are not as isolated as people seem to think.

Goodness, you all are starting to sound like New Yorkers ("But...west of the Hudson civilization simply ends, you know!").

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST,amergin
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:22 PM

Yeah but with New Yorkers if they drive for three hours, they drove through 5 states, (or if manhattan five blocks)...

With us Westerners you drive for 3 hours you may be in the same county.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Mudjack
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:37 PM

The west starts at the Mississippi River, Sounds like we have a serious difference on where this should take place. Bottom line is the person taking the lead should have the say.
Jen, I have learned some wisdom in this thread. If I ever decide to host a gathering for folks, I think I will just make some plans and invite everyone and anyone that can make it will be there. Those that think it is to far or the wrong time can plan and do a more regional gathering.
Western Gathering? maybe Hawaii or a cruise ship. Or maybe West Virginia.
I trust your judgement and will do all I can to see it happen and attend wherever you decide.
Total support from here.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:56 PM

Amtrak comes right through Grand Junction, CO and also through several places in Utah, but that also means people have to have more time off to spend on the train. I love that kind of travel, but time off might not be possible for some.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Sorcha
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 04:05 PM

I can't even get to Amtrak. Just tell me when/where and I'll tell you if I can.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 04:43 PM

Me too. I'm just pointing things out.

(Jackson Hole! Have a REAL rendezvous, like the mountain men did -- wenching, drinking, shooting cups of whiskey off your friends head, fighting...I just want to see the billionaires run away in horror.)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 06:54 PM

I would look for a place served by Greyhound, Amtrak and plane, the cheaper the better. And don't make people take multiple modes of trans. to get there. It is too expensive and time-consuming. mg

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:14 PM

"Goodness, you all are starting to sound like New Yorkers ("But...west of the Hudson civilization simply ends, you know!"). Rappy Smarty Pants

Ha, I say. Haven't seen you at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:24 PM

If you haven't been to the Getaway you're a no one? Persona non grata on Mudcat maybe...

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:47 PM

Sorry, Guest. Guess I was too cryptic. I was poking fun at Rapaire's thought that we were sounding like Americans who are reluctant to see beyond our own territories. And pointing out that perhaps he himself doesn't range too far afield.

(Only funnin', Rap.)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Bert
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:49 PM

If we count the Mississippi as the start of the West then look at the Amtrak map it seems that Denver or Grand Junction are somehwere near the middle.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Deckman
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 07:54 PM

What Stew said! Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 08:20 PM

Sorry, Guest Ebbie. I misunderstood. Probably based somewhat on some of the Getaway threads. It seemed out of character for you to even consider something like that. My apologies.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:20 PM

'salrrright

:)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Rapparee
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:52 PM

Been to the Eastern Shore many times, Ebbie. I just can't get away for Getaway. Something about working...living indoors...stuff like that. In fact, I may even be in Annapolis for First Night for the second time. I plan on being Seattle (with my wife) January 19 - 24, 2007, too (library conference).

Heck, I've even been to Juneau! And more than once!

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 11:29 AM

What's 'First Night'?

(Hey, I knew I was digging a dry hole.)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Amos
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 11:31 AM

That's the night Rapaire lost his virginity, at the tender age of 26. He enjoyed it so much he used the line again, with equal success, a year later (hence, First Night for the second time).


A

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 12:37 PM

oh




:)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 02:28 PM

Tsk, Amos!*bg*

Here ya go, Ebbiedarlin': First Night

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 04:57 PM

A short drive from Reno is Lake Tahoe (north side) and Truckee so Reno isn't a bad choice. Cheap flights from los Angeles and other western cities. vegas works for me too. Also, Oakland or San Diego.

Me, I'm in Los Angeles

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 06:10 PM

(we in the East are fortunate to have had the FSGW Getaway as a central, already established format. It helped that many of the organizers/early members of Mudcat were also long term Getaway goers, and that FSGW was such a large group.


I applaud the attempt to organize something out West, but I see it will be tricker to do without somehow merging it with some already established event..(Sunny Camp, the Portland group, the California gathering...etc.)(There is even a group in Denver of some sort) No matter what you do for this first attempt, I'd suggest that any of you who ARE members of a West Coast folk organization explore the possibilities of inviting some of these people...and promoting Mudcat as a way to ...umm...'expand their horizons'.

   I will watch carefully to see how it goes, as I know people 'out West' and would love to have an excuse to visit out there occasionally!

(I know a couple of people in the Portland area who often come back here for the Getaway...maybe they would have some ideas!)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 06:13 PM

Aintcha gonna do it at Thermopolis so you can all be in the biggest jello pit EVER? Or Deadwood for the shootout re-enactments?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 07:54 PM

Well, sunnycamp is way too out of the way. Rainycamp is probably accessable by plane, train, local bus to pretty close to the camp. It is 30 or so miles out of Seattle. It is where contented cows used to be centered. I think it gets near to capacity though. Singtime from Portland is way out of town and I don't know how close you could get with public transportation.

mg

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Genie
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:07 PM

Rapaire said, "Jackson Hole! Have a REAL rendezvous, like the mountain men did -- wenching, drinking, shooting cups of whiskey off your friends head, fighting...I just want to see the billionaires run away in horror."

Hey, I'd love to see the billionaires run away in horror (unless they want to spot us for the lodging for the gathering). But I gave up wenching back in --- Hmmm

Come to think of it, I never was much for wenching. ;-D

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Genie
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:23 PM

RainyCamp wouldn't be that hard to get to, but the site isn't very amenable to small jams.   Unlike the cabins at Camp Adams, where Singtime Frolics (Oregon) is held, most cabins at the RainyCamp site either have no living-room or lounge area or have prohibitions against having food or drink in those areas.    And being in February, it's often - well - rainy. If not snowy.

I think it would be better not to piggyback our gathering on top of any large-size extant gathering.   (SunnyCamp would be great if Long Beach weren't so inaccessible.)

I'm sympathetic with those who are east of the Rockies, and distance-wise I'd have no problem with the gathering being in Denver or Elko or Wyoming or even the Dakotas.   But I think it makes sense to choose a location that's likely to have decent weather for the gathering.   IMO that makes western California, Oregon, or Washington preferable in most months of there, and it makes the Sacramento valley less than ideal in mid-summer. At the very least, let's try for a spot that is not likely to involve driving on snowy or icy roads to get there.   ((f you live where the roads are snowy or icy, you can't avoid that, but at least you can get away from the snow and ice as you get nearer to the gathering locale.)

I also agree that air travel can be a hassle for carrying instruments. But if I ever make it to "The" Mudcat Getaway, that's something I will have to confront anyway.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:27 PM

I think we had kinda thought it would be in the summer so folks have more time off and also for weather reasons. I can't think of too many who would want to risk winter weather travel to WY, some parts of Colorado or, even parts of Nevada.:-)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Amos
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:37 PM

Definitely a SUmmer Thing in my mind.

Candidate spots?


A

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:01 AM

Bill D. You already HAVE an excuse to come out west...two of 'em, in fact...Me & Eb!

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:01 AM

One lone voice here: I live in cool, moist country where summertime temperatures range from 55 to 75. I gave up going 'south' in the summer some years ago; the only lovely time of day in most of those places is in late evenings and early mornings. And that is OUTdoors- INdoors, in many places, it stays close to 70 degrees overnight. It is to die for- and I don't mean that happily

So, anyway, when it is 85 degrees by 10:30 in the morning and the temperature goes UP from there I'm done for.

There are a number of places mentioned already in this thread that for me would be very doable. If the place you choose is in one of the areas I can't face I'll take a pass.

But that IS OK. Any place that can handle a group like ours, is affordable and is reachable by normal means I would hope the group would go for. Choose a place- and if I can do it I'll be there.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 07:41 PM

Well, for lack of anything definitive(?) I will check into some places here, up in the cooler regions for summertime, but close enough to fly into Grand Junction, and post the info. I have a friend coming to visit, so it might not be until nearer the end of next week.

Summer of 2007 (I hear you, Ebbie. I detest the heat, so will find something with A/C or up in the mountains) which month is best for all and think of weekends or weekdays and please say so.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Genie
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 09:17 PM

Well, the Seattle, Portland, and SF Bay areas are usually not too hot in the summer.   No guarantees, of course, but the temp can also soar in the daytime in Denver, Idaho, Wyoming, etc. -- not to mention Reno, Las Vegas, or Arizona & New Mexico.   

Anywhere near the coast (including Portland) usually cools off quite a bit at night even in the summer, too.    If and when it does stay around 70, that's not uncomfortable.   

I guess we need some specific sites to contemplate and evaluate (accessibility, cost, usability for jams, etc.).

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Slag
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 03:42 AM

Here's my virtual 2 cents ( clunk, clunk!). It looks like we'd all like to have the event in our own backyards for 1) convenience sake 2) financial reasons 3) braggin' rights 4) etc. and I'm not above that. Proximity looks like it could be the deciding factor for many of us. The West is huge. I remember the first time I flew back (EAST, that is) to Texas some 1500 mile and I was welcomed by the locals to be "Out West"! I kinda side with Open Mike for those same selfish reasons. And I'd be there with Joe but navigating SF is a real pain that I avoid every chance I get. I want to see this concept take shape. There are many really great and scenic beaches and cities on CA's Northern coastline and the end of the first week in Aug. '07 is mid-Summer. Pacifica, Muir Beach, Stinson, Mendocino, Ft. Bragg or even Richardson's Grove (Redwoods) would be great. Nonetheless, let's work for a concensus to accomodate the greatest number. You might also want to remember the movable feast, hit 2,3 or even 4 locations around the West. I think visiting a couple of places consecutively would be a nice vacation and a chance to meet more Mudcatters.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Alice
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 10:28 AM

In the early days of Mudcat, a Montana member in Columbus, MT, "A. Strange" (Aaron Strange, I think) invited everyone to a blue grass/folk existing gathering, Musicians' Rendezvous, in a campground at Columbus along the interstate highway and Yellowstone river. Descriptions of the place are in these threads.
Old threads
MUDSTOCK 99 Click here
and
Sign up for Mudstock 99 Click here

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 10:43 AM

I would like to see this get off the ground. Depending upon location and dates I may or may not be able to go, but I'd like to see it get off the ground.

There is also nothing that says it has to be held in the same place every time. Some people are ALWAYS going to be inconvenienced -- I doubt that Wolfgang or Skarpi will come, for instance, or even some of the Canadians who live in The West.

I suggested Elko because it would be pretty inconvenient for everybody while still have certain amenities (indoor plumbing and beer, for example). I suggest Pocatello (yes, it would be DAMNED convenient for me!) primarily because it's a small city that could handle the gathering and because it's at the intersection of two major Interstates.

Frankly, I don't care WHERE it is (see note, above). Let's just get on with it.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: pdq
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 08:59 PM

Here is another possible choice. It is at the intersection of two major hiways:

                                     Wells, NV

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 09:02 PM

Fine with me.

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 09:44 PM

pdq, wow! Wells, looks like a great place! A bit of a drive for us, but it sure looks and sounds pretty and reasonably priced. I was hoping the train still runs through it, but didn't see it on the list of stations at the Amtrak site. I sure like the looks of it, anyway.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 10:03 PM

What's wrong with San Francisco? It's about mid way on the West Coast (like the Getaway) so it would draw equally from both the North(including Canada) & the South. SF & the surrounding areas is home to a large amount of catters (like the Getaway). It would draw those inland, at least those west of the Rockies, I think. It's easy & cheaper for flights, trains, buses & road travel. There's existing folk camps if that's a way to go or there are other festivals that are held all about the area if that's a choice too. I see east of the Rockies to the Great Lake to the Gulf to the Appalachians as more suited for a seperate Get-To-Gether in maybe the Kansas City-St. Louis area or even Memphis or Chicago area.

Of course none of this is near me but from this coast it's more of a likelyhood that east coast catter's that would go would find SF the easiest destination to get to. Because of the number of catters living in & around SF it would ease the difficulties of finding a stop over or a lending hand from an airport or bus/train station or even just hooking up with a ride or car pooling. The locals in the DC area are noted for their help althought not much is ever mentioned about this aspec of the Getaway. The mudcat folks in the Baltimore/DC areas help out with these small bumps in the road & it has made many from overseas that come over for the Getaway & alot of us other continental long distance travelers alot more comfortable & you can't imagine how much smoother the road gets when there are more than just a couple of hands willing to make an offer by being in a mudcat rich enviorment.

So that's my 2 cents for nothing, where ever it is though I wish that I could be there.

Barry

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 10:05 PM

*traffic* and cost...it's still a long ways from west of the Rockies:-)

Subject: RE: Western USA 'Catter Gather--Time/Place?
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Oct 06 - 10:07 PM

Traffic, people and money.