# Florida Dopefest? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 17, 2003, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226 "2003-04-17T02:17:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![velvetjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/5f9b8f/32.png) [@velvetjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velvetjones)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/61 "2003-05-29T20:03:46Z")
I’ve been to Turkey Lake Park. It’s awesome. We had two family Thanksgivings there and I’ve camped there more than once. Here’s my question for you all: What’s your take on someone who’s mostly a lurker (like me) attending this type of gathering? Is it vaguely creepy like it seems to me? I mean if I show up everyone would say “who?” because though I lurk/read daily I almost never post. I feel like I know most of you because I lurk so much but I’m a total stranger so just wanted to know your feelings on that… Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/62 "2003-05-29T20:24:41Z")
I don’t think it’s creepy - unless you’re some kind of weirdo! :eek: I may be able to make Turkey Lake Park myself - it’s not like I have a life or anything these days… So then, we’re bringing BBQ stuff or just packing a sammich or what? Is there an admission charge? Anybody gonna go swimming? Dare I? ---
**Author:** ![g8rguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@g8rguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/g8rguy)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/63 "2003-05-29T20:55:33Z")
Eh, I’ll bring a suit, and BBQ stuff, and myself. _And_ a sammich, just in case. **velvetjones** , for what it’s worth (bear in mind that this’ll be my first DopeFest), I don’t think it’s creepy at all. Of course, I also have this vague expectation that most people there will wonder who the heck I am, so what do I know. And **FCM** , you _must_ come. Sorry, but that’s all there is to it. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MONTY2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/53a042/32.png) [@MONTY2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MONTY2)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/64 "2003-05-29T22:10:31Z")
Wow, the last time I had a chance to read the SDMB **Floridope** was just beginning the planning stages and now look, the dates and location have been picked. Looks like I came back just in time. I’d love to attend as long as, like **Velvetjones** said, nobody thinks it’s weird for a lurker to attend. Hope to see you there, Monica ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/65 "2003-05-29T22:28:16Z")
Well, **g8rguy** , if you insist… 😃 Looks like the park has BBQ grills, so I guess all we’d need is charcoal and bring our own grillable foodstuff. I think I have a bag of charcoal - kinda useless since we have a gas grill at home. Sounds like a fun time - and all you lurkers better not be shy about showing up! And someone bring a camera - I’m a crappy photographer, so I won’t bring one. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2003, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/66 "2003-05-29T23:29:19Z")
Right… I may be able to attend, if I get the ride. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/67 "2003-05-30T00:09:53Z")
**KG** , I’d be willing to give you a ride if you want. From the looks of the map, it’s about as far to Orlando via Gainesville as it is to go to St. Aug and down I-95. So email me if you’re interested. ---
**Author:** ![velvetjones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/5f9b8f/32.png) [@velvetjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velvetjones)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/68 "2003-05-30T12:52:55Z")
Wow, you guys are really nice. No, I’m not a wierdo (at least I don’t think so) just overly shy so thanks for making me feel welcome. I’m putting in on my calendar. Sounds like it’s going to be fun. Are we bringing a covered dish to share? I make this crab dip that’s awesome and an oriental salad that always get raves. Putting on a bathing suit is a scary proposition though. I’ll have to thing about that one. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/69 "2003-05-30T20:39:24Z")
As hot as it’s been, I’m thinking a bathing suit is a necessity for these picnics. In my case it’ll be scary mainly because I’ve got varying shades from white to sorta-tanned. But I’m too old to be vain about something like that. You have been warned! May I also suggest that we not make a big production about food? It’s difficult to coordinate and if someone has to miss at the last minute, it could throw the menu off. So I propose we just bring what we want, and extras to share if we’d like, and no one is allowed to feel guilty if they can’t contribute a dish. It’s a party, no one is keeping score, and in my usual manner, I’ll probably pack too much stuff, so no one will go hungry. Whaddya say? ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/70 "2003-05-30T20:53:04Z")
So if someone from Dallas, Georgia wanted to attend this little shindig, would that be okay? 😉 Guess I would be driving down rather than flying, but I could use some advice on nearby motels, so if someone would e-mail me the particulars?.. Thanks Q ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/71 "2003-05-30T21:23:49Z")
Oh, me too for Orlandope! Turkey Lake Park at what time? ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/72 "2003-05-30T22:13:27Z")
I’m going to try to get there around 10 AM to get some tables and put out a couple signs. Short list of recommended items: Coolers with tops and ice, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, suits, towels, change of clothes, portable liquid nitrogen driven cooling machines (I wish), hat, extra charcoal, stuff to cook and snack on, napkins, tinfoil, you know. Optional, whatever you need to do this stuff: Wildlife/Nature Trails Accessible Walks Jogging Trails Fishing Pier 18 hole Disk Golf Course - Home of Central Florida Disc Golf Club\* Camping Pool 2 mile Bike Trail Home of South Orlando Rowing Association Boon High School Crew Ideal Site for Outdoor Weddings (had to leave that one in there) Boat Rental Bar-B-Que Grills Horseshoe Pits Volleyball Courts Softball Field **Quasimodem** : Turkey Lake Park is near Universal Studios Orlando. Anything on Kirkman Road near Universal (Just off I-4) is only a few miles from Turkey Lake Park. **Directions from Universal Studios** : Kirkman to Conroy-Windermere (a left if coming from Universal / right if coming from SR 50) to Hiawassee (right). Go over a turnpike overpass. The park is right there on your right. (This is from the opposite direction) Yes, **FCM** , as it will be hot enough to melt lead in the sun, I recommend bringing something to eat and something to share. That should be more than enough. Drinks, OTOH, we’ll need in bulk. \*Bring golf discs and challenge the master. Uh, or challenge me. I’ll bring some extra ones. But, if you borrow a disc that means you have to go look for it in rattlesnake country if you fling it out there. Note to self: add some sturdy shoes–possibly combat boots–and socks to list of recommended items. The underbrush is probably pretty thick out there around those fairways. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2003, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/73 "2003-05-30T23:19:32Z")
No swimsuit for me (considering my heat tolerance, don’t be surprised if I even bring a jacket). 😉 ---
**Author:** ![katiekilldare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/838e76/32.png) [@katiekilldare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katiekilldare)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/74 "2003-06-01T21:29:09Z")
Orlandope - June 14th & 15th! Okay! Now, where? ---
**Author:** ![katiekilldare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/838e76/32.png) [@katiekilldare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/katiekilldare)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/75 "2003-06-01T21:30:28Z")
Duh. Turkey Lake Park. I see. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2003, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/76 "2003-06-03T14:24:30Z")
Okey-doke, then. For OrlanDope, I’ll be arriving on the early side (before noon) because I’ll have to leave by 4 or so (long commute and having to go to work the next day, you know) Definitely bringing a swimsuit, because soaking in water is one of my better activities. And I may get motivated and make a dessert-like substance to share. **Beagle** - maybe you could put a balloon or two on the sign for the benefit of those of us who have lousy eyes? 😃 I’ll be able to stay longer at NorthFloriDope since it’s on Saturday and a slightly shorter drive. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2003, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/77 "2003-06-06T20:04:52Z")
Can we bring SO’s and children, or is this a Doper Only event? ---
**Author:** ![Sassafras](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@Sassafras](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sassafras)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2003, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/78 "2003-06-06T20:50:11Z")
Isn’t the 15th Father’s Day? I wonder if Dad would care if I didnt show up at his shindig… hmmm… ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/79 "2003-06-06T20:53:59Z")
All Doper events are open to fambly and friends! It’s tradition! I’m hoping my kid will come along - if only as company for the drive. We shall see… ---
**Author:** ![g8rguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@g8rguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/g8rguy)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2003, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226/80 "2003-06-06T21:58:59Z")
Well, if the **Perfect Child** [sup]TM[/sup] _does_ come along, **FCM** , I’d be happy to convince her that she really, really, _really_ doesn’t want to go to college in Gainesville… 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-dopefest/169226.md?page=5)