2009 Meet Discussion; Southeast, Mid-South, Gulf Coast, all------

A tentative location that has been discussed the last few days is Lake Guntersville State Park. This facility is located in the northern portion of the state of Alabama and is within about an 8 hour or less drive of most all of the southeastern US. Some other examples are: Dallas/FW 10 hrs, St Louis 7 hrs, Pittsburgh 11 hrs, DC 11 hrs. This location has virtually everything; lodge rooms, chalets, cabins, huge campgrounds, boating (rentals available), fishing, swimming, golf (18 hole on site), hiking rails (several). Suggest you view this link: http://www.guntersvillestatepark.com/directions.htm
I have always found that TripAdvisor.com is a great place to check our a location; http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g30584-d114779-r22105807-Lake_Guntersville_State_Park_Lodge-Guntersville_Alabama.html The only stumbling block is that Honda in Lincoln cannot confirm a tour date on June 26 until next spring. This would shoot us in the foot securing reservations at the lake facility for a crowd!! Also there would be about a 1 hour or so convoy to the Honda facility with a bunch of RL's and E's strung out for miles. The 2nd day tentative events could be a tour of the Space and Rocket Museum in Huntsville, AL or a visit to Cathedral Caverns, both about a 30 minute trip. Lots of malls and restaurants in the Huntsville area. This is all very tentative and just a suggestion by some at this time. This link will be posted on the "E" site also!! Comments appreciated!!!

Watch video of the park!!

http://www.outdooralabama.com/videos/index.cfm?movie=GuntersvilleSP.flv

Bump!!!!!

100 hits and no comments. Is this good or bad???:confused:

I'm there!

Sounds like a fine plan, 25! Wish I could join you guys.

Sounds like a fine plan, 25! Wish I could join you guys.

Joe, if it happens you are more than welcome!! I am going down there after Christmas and check out the facilities maybe stay overnight. Eagle watching is supposed to be good this time of year. Will post some pics if I go!!

Will post some pics if I go!!
Pics will be a fine enticement. Lots of beautiful country down that way.

Pics will be a fine enticement. Lots of beautiful country down that way.

Agree, North Alabama does not get a lot of media exposure. The mountains, lakes, caverns, waterfalls, etc are great. It is just a short trip for me, about 80 miles. Not sure the "E" people want to play with us, all I get posted on their site is unrelated comedy.

Having lived in North AL. The area is very pretty with plenty of opportunitys to site see. Just got back from a Boy Scout trip to Cathedral Caverns from SC and everyone was very impressed with how nice the caverns are. Making plans to attend and will probably camp in the area. Bought the ROC shirt in hopes this comes together.

Having lived in North AL. The area is very pretty with plenty of opportunitys to site see. Just got back from a Boy Scout trip to Cathedral Caverns from SC and everyone was very impressed with how nice the caverns are. Making plans to attend and will probably camp in the area. Bought the ROC shirt in hopes this comes together.

Thanks for posting. Good report on Cathedral Caverns. I seem to always spend our vacation time in the Smokies or Western NC. Think I will start going South, lots of stuff to see right in my backyard!!

Well D I am game for Alabama, it is a great state. The state parks are great. I have hiked in many of them and I do recommend it. I have gotten just a few comments about the regions getting together. There are a few from Louisiana that will be there. Maybe you should post a state by state graph to see where member will be coming from. List all the states in the 4 regions we talk about, I think there are 11 states. You can count me in and Lex Luthor will be there also. There are a few more from Louisiana and Mississippi that I haven't spoken to. I will keep you guys posted for the Gulf Coast Region, hopefully I will hear from a few members and then I will let you know.

So much for the Guntersville Lake State Park!!:( See e-mail pasted below)!! I will check out the park close to Anniston (closer to Honda) and post later.

Hey Duncan,

Thank you for your interest in Lake Guntersville State Park as the location for your 2009 meeting. We would love to be the host location but unfortunately the weekend of June 26 - 28 is already booked. Let me know if you have another date in mind and I will be glad to check it for availability.

The response to your questions below is that we do not have the dates open, we do not offer group discounts on the weekends, and we are handicap accessible.

Thanks a bunch!

Patty Tucker
Lake Guntersville State Park
Convention Sales Manager
256-505-6601
patty@guntersvillestatepark.com

I'm sorry to hear that, 25. :( Looks like it's time for Plan B.

25 You could always pack up & come North Hershey Pa. A extra 1,000 miles on that 08 Ridgeline won't hurt it. The Gas should be much cheaper than last summer.

Hey D, how far is Cheaha State Park? I have been there, you might want to check it out. Also you need to get together with someone representing the other regions. I can help you with the gulf coast region, but you need to find someone who can talk to the members of their region so we can keep everything together. PM me if you need any help or suggestions.

Hey D, how far is Cheaha State Park? I have been there, you might want to check it out. Also you need to get together with someone representing the other regions. I can help you with the gulf coast region, but you need to find someone who can talk to the members of their region so we can keep everything together. PM me if you need any help or suggestions.

It is a little South of Guntersville, a lot smaller and not as modern. Here is the link; http://www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=7 I am afraid there is something big going on in Alabama that weekend for a huge place like Guntersville Park to be sold out 6 months in advance. I just checked the Oxford Inn in Oxford, about 40 miles form Lincoln, nothing that week end and it is a large facility. If several are interested in Cheaha, I will try to get down that way next week and check it out, just be a day trip for me!!

I'm sorry to hear that, 25. :( Looks like it's time for Plan B.

I think some of the toaster drivers are thinking Smokies; not a fun place that time of year!! Too crowded and the traffic is a nightmare. We need to get better communication and coordination!! I wish Tom or Gary would get back with me about the plant tour, maybe they can get a commitment??

I wish Tom or Gary would get back with me about the plant tour, maybe they can get a commitment??
Perhaps Tom is working on it, 25. Remember, it's the Christmas Season and many people aren't available until after the Holidays. :)

Not much interest being shown in the mid-south and adjacent areas. Guess we are in a wait and see mode!!!:(

Not much interest being shown in the mid-south and adjacent areas. Guess we are in a wait and see mode!!!:(

Perhaps join us in Hershey Pa ? :)

I'm still game for Alabama -- even if the plant tour is on a Thursday -- before the meet.

I'm still game for Alabama -- even if the plant tour is on a Thursday -- before the meet.

Cannot get a 100% guarantee that Honda will do the tour. They put us on a tentative list for the 26th. No idea if it will be a thorough tour or a quick walk through!! Also every venue we looked at for combined lodging and camping in the area is booked for that time in June.

Perhaps join us in Hershey Pa ? :)

Would like to do that, just too far. 730 miles for me, too much for 1 day!!!

Is there anything in the Muscle Shoals area, west of Huntsville? Or Memphis/Tunica? (I'm still thinking poker run :))

I have been talking with 25YHO and as of right now, I am still waiting to hear from Joe Wheeler State Park in northern Alabama. As soon as I get word back from them I can post the results.

http://www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=4