We all do understand that I’m not that kind of Bear, right?
You never know. Swampbear can be pretty persuasive. Besides, if you’re no that kind of bear, and you prefer concrete over trees, exactly what kind of bear are you? A statue?
As for the suggested date, AFAIK that works for me, and it doesn’t seem to fall on a major holiday, so I’m probably not travelling. I’m writing the date in ink on my calendar. Woot!
- Shibb, who’s also curious to meet KarlGrenze who’s not a boy and doesn’t speak German (and whom I suppose also doesn’t live on a border).
Shibb - I’ve met KarlG and she’s OK for a college kid! 
Bear_N - it would serve you right if I brought my daughter along - she’s a mean little one, she is! Personally, I feel safer with swampy…
Well, actually I’m more like a bunny rabbit.
XXXwww.geocities.com/bear_nenno/cc1505_10.jpgXXX*
*(Take out the Xs and copy/paste the link)
Damn… wrong link! I ruined that one…
Here’s the one I meant to put:
Vanish from the Dope for a few months and miss all the good stuff!
FCM, I’d be up for this, except… you picked the wrong weekend! I have a conference I have to speak at the weekend of the 24th (and in Georgia, to boot), but the 17th or 18th is lovely for me. Can I wheedle and beg and plead and get people to move it a weekend earlier?
Also, we must get more people to show than last time we did this. Regrettably, although I could probably find the place we went last time, I haven’t the faintest idea what it’s called.
That weekend also works for me too. And it was on fcm’s original list so it may be a possibility. I’m up for either weekend…
Wow. Bear is hot.
Oooh… not that kinda thread, is it? Oh well.
OK, the 17th also works for me and far be it from me to break g8rguy’s heart, unless the majority prefers the 24th… So weigh in - is there any problem for anyone if we do this a week earlier than I proposed?
Anyone familiar with Lake Fairview Park? It’s got parking, restrooms, picnic areas and a lake. I have no idea what that area of the city is like - I’m just tossing it out as a starting point. Last time we gathered at Turkey Lake Park, which had a small entry fee but they did have a number of picnic shelters. So, weigh in, folks - especially those of you who know the area.
My personal requirements for a park include picnic tables and restrooms.
If it’s the weekend of the 17th, I won’t be able to do it, unless it’s the 18th. See, my birthday is the 16th (21!), so that’s one reason I won’t be able to go that day. The other is that most of my friends are going to perform in a student event (VISA talent show). Even if I don’t participate, I want to see them perform.
Either day would work for me. I have no plans at all for either one. Just tell me the date and gimme directions where I am going. I’m most likely going to spend at least one night since it will be a little over a five hour drive one way, so I need to scout out a place to stay, so when and where would be a real good thing for me.
And Shibb I’m not so much persuasive as I am enticing.
Lake Fairview is slightly closer to me, although it doesn’t really matter since I’m in Oviedo and have a shorter drive than most if not all o’ you.
I found my overnight doper buddy.
Its a 24 hour drive for me. 
Can I get you FedExed?
24 hours away… NYC?
Nope, Scranton, Iowa. According to MapQuest, its takes 24 hours and 11 minutes to get from my house to Ovieda. It’s a little over 1500 miles.
On the slightly more northern/western side of the Orlando area are Wekiva Springs and Rock Springs/Kelly Park. Both State Parks both equipped with pavilions with grills and bathrooms and beautiful clear natural springs to swim in along with nature trails and the like. (Can’t seem to find a link for either one but I’m going to search some more)
I prefer Rock Springs/Kelly Park of the two.
But Lake Fairview or TurkeyLake sound nice too. Whichever day in April is good for me and I’ll endeavor to make it this time (I bailed on the last Orlando area dopefest)
Here’s Rock Springs
OK, I said Orlando because I thought it was centrally located, even tho it’s a long drive for me - in excess of 3 hours. But if everyone except me and swampy is from that area, how about we consider the Ocala area? That’s only about 2 hours from where I live and 2 hours from where Shibb will be, and lots closer for youse guys in the Orlando area. And I’ve found a couple of interesting state parks:
There’s Silver River State Park which looks neat to me. Or Rainbow Springs is another possibility. Admission is pretty cheap, I think, and we should be able to get a table or two and maybe a grill. They’re both off I-75, so that’s kinda convenient, I think. But if Orlando is preferred by everyone but me, I can be a good sport about it. I may whine a little, but I’ll get over it.
KG, the reason I favor Saturday over Sunday is that I’ll have to go to work on Monday and I’d rather not be dragging in late Sunday evening. Sorry the 17th doesn’t work for you. How about everyone else? Sat Apr 17 or Sat Apr 24?
I won’t be at the Florida FCM-Fest, but maybe we can have a welcome fest when you make it to civilization?
welby, RTF has offered (threatened?) to host a fest for me when I get settled in Merrylande. I’m hoping for a formal affair - well semi-formal. Men in tuxedos, women in comfy bathrobes and fuzzy slippers.
Since I should be arriving in late May/early June, I expect it’ll happen some time shortly after that. It’ll be his call.