Canoe School & Rendezvous 2011 Dates ?

[okieboater]

The year of Katrina folks having Couchdale filled up, we did the entire deal at Porterfields. So it can be done there. If memory correct weather was very good that year.

One really great thing about Couchdale is having all the big pavilions and kitchen to meet in just in case the storms roll in. Which means events still go on in case of storms. We can all bring tarps but they just do not work like that big covered area we use for videos etc at Couchdale. Covered dish dinner, breakfast and raffle will be doable but difficult to do at Porterfield's. The actual cooking and more importantly the clean up will take a lot of people and most likely a few hard workers will do the clean up instead of boating or hanging with their buds.

I camp just about every time I go to the Vous, however looking at the sky year before last RandyJ and myself folded tents just before the storm hit and paid for the covered bunk rooms up on the hill. Very nice to look at the carnage outside from a nice dry warm bunk room.

I know we have discussed costs for attendee's a bunch. No question that being free to attend is good. My opinion here, there is no way an individual or family can get a better money deal on a weekend "camping" than the ACC 'Vous at Couchdale.

[Jeremy M]

I agree Dave, Rendezvous at Couchdale is a good value, however, over the years attendance of the event has been down, and I think part of the reason is that it has become cost prohibitive for folks that don't live in central Arkansas. Once you pay the gas, pay the fee, buy the groceries, etc...you could almost go out east for a paddling weekend. Also, I have heard people's perception of the event as being stale...perhaps changing it up may just bring some folks back who haven't attended in a few years. I'm also thinking of ways to include every chapter of the canoe club, not just those with the largest membership numbers. I feel that if other chapters had a hand in the planning/execution of the event, they may feel more connected to it and attend.

Glad we're talking about it early though.

[Crane]

Bottom line is that if folks are willing to organize it, we'll support it... Personally, whether there's a fee or not:) But, the second weekend after Labor Day is a better time:) Crane

[GN YAKN]

Poll will be interesting. I think the idea of camping at Porterfields is compelling. It sure makes the shuttles for river trips much easier. Would have to make sure you had plenty of porta potties and fresh water, maybe even an outdoor shower area.

I also like it for clinics and making it easier to get more time at the ledge. Your suggestion to try it once to see how it goes is a good one. Okie's comment about the weather and the shelters at Couchdale is a good one as well. But your arguement to change things up to stimulate more interest is a good thought.

Might suggest charging something even if it is a token amount. It requires gate keepers and money takers, but it keeps folks from just cruising through the campground. It's funny how many people try to drive through Couchdale just to see what's up.

Who's the chair for next year(s)?

[Jeremy M]

Myself and Marcell Jones I believe.

[Roger]

Think Jeremy is.

And Porterfield's handled the whole crowd for 2005 Vous at Porterfields and had a sufficient number of PortaPotties for the crowd. Dave's idea of a shower facility is good but the problem there is that there is no water source there except for the river itself. Drinking water was brought to sell but the sales were small.

There's an old water well there but it is in need of repair as I recall. Might be useful to find out about that well and what it would cost to get back on line by next year. If it's a reasonable sum, maybe the club could fund the work for Malvern through a donation since you guys gots all that cash in the bank!

[Fish]

Way back in the day.......

Canoe School has always been the first weekend in May, even if Sunday falls on May 1st. That's cuz Mother's Day is always the second Sunday in May and boaters love their Mom's.

Not to mention that most of the instructors are real mothers, some literally and some figuratively.

- Fish

P.S. seriously though, I want to know: they love their Mom's what?

[Roger]

Way back in the day.......

Canoe School has always been the first weekend in May, even if Sunday falls on May 1st. That's cuz Mother's Day is always the second Sunday in May and boaters love their Mom's.

Not to mention that most of the instructors are real mothers, some literally and some figuratively.

- Fish

P.S. seriously though, I want to know: they love their Mom's what?

Cooking, stoooooopid!

[GN YAKN]

Damn punctuation Nazi! Moms, being plural. Now I've got to go back and edit!

Jeremy and Marcell, you know you can count on me for help, whatever you decide to do!!!! Let me know.

Dave

[AR-Nimrod]

Thoughts: I happily pay for the convenience and facilities of Couchdale... Rendezvous was intended to break even, at best. If the ACC wants to reduce entry fees by using club funds, that would, of course, be fine. But, use of Couchdale is too good a facility to let go lightly. Maybe we could organize a "free" weekend at Porterfield's in conjunction with Surf & Turf? Crane

Gotta agree with Crane on this. This year was our first Vous and the facilities at C-Dale are fantastic. We had a blast. If it was somehwere with camping only and weather like this year's we would probably have to bail. Wife can't take the humid nights.

[Mike_P]

Regarding the dates in May I didn't realize that Canoe school was always the weekend before Mother's Day....does that mean the Cossatot 1st timers trips is always the weekend of Mother's Day (isn't it always the weekend after Canoe school)?

Mike P.
Rogers

[Roger]

I think Tot first timers trip is two weeks after canoe school. This year's trip was the 15th of May. And canoe school was on 1st and 2nd.

[Lupe]

This year's first timers trip was one week later than usual due to a conflict with the event organizer. The standard date is the first Saturday after canoe school, which yes, is the same weekend as Mother's Day, but the first timer trip is on Saturday, and Mother's Day is on Sunday.