The "Official" 2K10 ToD GTG & cruise

[HarlequinPixie]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

At this rate, we just might occupy the entire hotel.

As chief Brody said in JAWS... "i think we need a bigger boat"

you say this like it's a bad thing!

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by HarlequinPixie

you say this like it's a bad thing!

Nope. I hope i wasn't coming off that way. It's a beautiful thing. The buzz for the Dragon2.0 is unbelievable!! It's looking like we're going to have great representation from the west coast as well. I think Gary and Bob knew what this was going to become before we even took our maiden voyage.

I told Val that Shonnel and Joey were going to make it for TOD2K10.... She's pretty excited!!

[beej]

Just got an email from the hotel:

Hi. Thank you for contacting Ridge Top Motel, RV campground and motel. Bryson City, NC. If we get a lot of people from the New Beetle group again next year we will offer the same room rate of $45.00 plus tax per night for 1 king size bed or 2 double beds, up to 2 people (adults and children) in the room. There will be additional fees for more than 2 people in a room, or a room with a pet.
The campground rates start at $25.00 a night (depends on the number of people staying at each site). If I can be of any further assistance please let me know. Thank you and have a wonderful day. Kathy
------Original Message------

[EvilinaDM101]

Originally Posted by HarlequinPixie

I mentioned White Water Rafting as a possibility for the first event but I only recall one other person mentioning being interested.. maybe with a bigger crowd there'd be more.. (plus there's the fact that I ended up not being able to make it ) that'd be a fun sunday activity in the area if people want to hang around longer ... that doesn't involve being trapped in a car. I imagine after driving over here, then an event that involves driving more, abandoning the wheels for awhile would be a good thing!

COUNT US IN!! I was trying to plan a white water rafting adventure for Joey's birthday in 2 weeks but the cheapest one I could find near us is freakin $400 a PERSON! For a 1 day trip!! Can you believe it?!

Anywho, Joey and I would LOVE to do some white water action and we also plan on checking out Cherokee too!! Anyone up for panning for gold or some stones?

[beej]

We take reservations even as late as the day of arrival. However, if there is a website or a forum that the New Beetles group posts on I would do it as soon as they release the information. We take reservations a year in advance, as well. I hope this helps. Thank you, again. Kathy

Hope you all don't mind that I am posting emails from her here...just if it helps other folks...

[EvilinaDM101]

Umm not to be an odd one but for those that have stayed at this hotel, how is it? Anyone have any room pics? What was the weather like temp wise? AND how are the insects? I was about to say bugs but you know

[SixChuter]

Originally Posted by EvilinaDM101

Umm not to be an odd one but for those that have stayed at this hotel, how is it? Anyone have any room pics? What was the weather like temp wise? AND how are the insects? I was about to say bugs but you know

Don't have pics of inside the rooms. They are fairly small and cozy. The people who own and operate the place are wonderful folks. Some of the folks thought the rooms were too small but Llona and I thought it was wonderfully cozy. And the price is definitely a winner. The weather last year was the wettest they had seen since before 1957 according to one lady who has stayed in the RV park every year since '57. I'm expecting it to be very dry next year. Temps up there are very nice since it is up "in the mountains" and I recall no "bugs" at all.

[HarlequinPixie]

Originally Posted by EvilinaDM101

COUNT US IN!! I was trying to plan a white water rafting adventure for Joey's birthday in 2 weeks but the cheapest one I could find near us is freakin $400 a PERSON! For a 1 day trip!! Can you believe it?!

Anywho, Joey and I would LOVE to do some white water action and we also plan on checking out Cherokee too!! Anyone up for panning for gold or some stones?

Sweeeet! hehe. I've been to cherokee before, for their "arts festival".. wasn't really that impressed with it, but hey, it's probably right on your route. depending on how much time y'all have, Asheville (bout an hour east of Bryson City) is really cool.

Originally Posted by SixChuter

The weather last year was the wettest they had seen since before 1957 according to one lady who has stayed in the RV park every year since '57. I'm expecting it to be very dry next year. Temps up there are very nice since it is up "in the mountains" and I recall no "bugs" at all.

yeah, this year was crazy wet in NC! Two years ago there was drought, then an average year, then crazy wet.. maybe it's a cycle! Shouldn't have to worry about sweating our bums off and heat exhaustion though. no need for melted ice showers!

[raff]

Originally Posted by EvilinaDM101

COUNT US IN!! I was trying to plan a white water rafting adventure for Joey's birthday in 2 weeks but the cheapest one I could find near us is freakin $400 a PERSON! For a 1 day trip!! Can you believe it?!

Anywho, Joey and I would LOVE to do some white water action and we also plan on checking out Cherokee too!! Anyone up for panning for gold or some stones?

See link for raftings ops. It just so happens that we"ll pass by the park on the pre-TOD Friday cruise for early arrivals.

http://www.nantahala-river.net/whitewater.h

See link below for Bryson City, NC info:

Smoky Mountain Vacation Guide - Bryson City NC.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by beej

We take reservations even as late as the day of arrival. However, if there is a website or a forum that the New Beetles group posts on I would do it as soon as they release the information. We take reservations a year in advance, as well. I hope this helps. Thank you, again. Kathy

Hope you all don't mind that I am posting emails from her here...just if it helps other folks...

Again, Gary is the big dog. I'm just one of his sidekicks He hasn't told me to shut my yapper yet, so i'll continue

We don't mind at all Beej. I think it creates a good buzz on the whole experience; It adds a more interactive feel.

Shonnel as far as the hotel. It's in a great location, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The street that leads to the motel itself, is a thrill ride alone. The rooms are nice and quaint. It's not the Sally Port, but the rooms are nice. The Ridge Top was purchased by a young couple, the husband is a land developer in the area. Since their purchase and occupation of the property, they've been constantly renovating the complex. the motel isn't a new complex, yet the rooms are a decent size and they're clean. quite a value at 45.00 a night IMHO. Hope this helps.

[scarabY2k]

I would think the water temp in early May in the mountains is a little on the cool to cold side. Just a guess.

[SixChuter]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Again, Gary is the big dog. I'm just one of his sidekicks He hasn't told me to shut my yapper yet, so i'll continue

We don't mind at all Beej. I think it creates a good buzz on the whole experience; It adds a more interactive feel.

Shonnel as far as the hotel. It's in a great location, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. The street that leads to the motel itself, is a thrill ride alone. The rooms are nice and quaint. It's not the Sally Port, but the rooms are nice. The Ridge Top was purchased by a young couple, the husband is a land developer in the area. Since their purchase and occupation of the property, they've been constantly renovating the complex. the motel isn't a new complex, yet the rooms are a decent size and they're clean. quite a value at 45.00 a night IMHO. Hope this helps.

Al is right. The drive up is amazing and the view is outstanding! They call the place Ridge Top for a reason. It is the only place I would want to stay in the region.

[mybugrocks]

I am seriously considering this GTG, I think it would be A LOT of fun, I have never been past NM so count me in as a highly possible!!!!

[HarlequinPixie]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

I would think the water temp in early May in the mountains is a little on the cool to cold side. Just a guess.

eh. i'm not worried bout that. the other 2 rivers i've done were the equivilent time of year (november in southern hemisphere) and from a dam release. didn't have a problem with the water temps at all.

[EvilinaDM101]

Originally Posted by HarlequinPixie

eh. i'm not worried bout that. the other 2 rivers i've done were the equivilent time of year (november in southern hemisphere) and from a dam release. didn't have a problem with the water temps at all.

So I don't need a wetsuit?

Anyone else interested in some white water action?

Cmon Al! I know you and Val wanna come!

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by mybugrocks

I am seriously considering this GTG, I think it would be A LOT of fun, I have never been past NM so count me in as a highly possible!!!!

Sweet. Just remember, especially for a cross-country trip. PLAN NOW. If you can put 10-20 dollars away a week, you'll have a decent wad of cash for your trip. So plan now dear.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by EvilinaDM101

So I don't need a wetsuit?

Anyone else interested in some white water action?

Cmon Al! I know you and Val wanna come!

I'm good for it. I'm the swimmer in the family. Val....not so much I just not good with the cold water is all.

[mybugrocks]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Sweet. Just remember, especially for a cross-country trip. PLAN NOW. If you can put 10-20 dollars away a week, you'll have a decent wad of cash for your trip. So plan now dear.

Yep, once I get a job thats what I'm gonna do for sure!!!!

[mybugrocks]

Originally Posted by EvilinaDM101

So I don't need a wetsuit?

Anyone else interested in some white water action?

Cmon Al! I know you and Val wanna come!

I'm down, that sounds fun!!! I've done it in Oregon before kinda, this is gonna be one very big adventure

[EvilinaDM101]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Sweet. Just remember, especially for a cross-country trip. PLAN NOW. If you can put 10-20 dollars away a week, you'll have a decent wad of cash for your trip. So plan now dear.

Joey and I have 2 jars!! One for ToD 2010 and one for R2R2011.