2010 Worldwide GTG - New York Ideas

[Bee Sting]

You could certainly send Adam a PM to see if he would be willing to help again. He would also know if there are any other active members in the area that might be willing to help also.

Here is one of the thread from the last Niagara GTG in 2005. I appears that SS was on the planning committee.

thank you so much Brian.   

[02 Z71]

thank you so much Brian.   

  Your are welcome.

If we do decide to do a GTG there, I will be more than glad to chip in whatever way I can also.

[ShapeShifter]

I'm still around, but have turned in my CC badge. I've been very busy in real life, and have not had the time to give the position the level of effort it deserves. To tell the truth, I've been rather burned out after those two big Niagara Falls GTGs.

The two events were mostly planned by four people -- MrBill and darcar were the co-chairmen, and NatsCanAv and myself helped out where we could. There were a few others who came to several of the planning meetings, and a long list of volunteers who helped before and during the events.

As KevMack stated, most of the interesting and "touristy" type stuff is on the Canadian side. That's where most of the tourist dollars are spent, and that's where all of the pretty parks, attractions, and money pits are located. By comparison, the American side looks desolate -- the American city of Niagara Falls is declining while the Candian city of Niagara Falls seems to be thriving. The American side is primarily state parks (that look like typical state parks) while the Canadian side is more hotels, shops, and tourist attractions. Both cities are cramped, but the Canadian side is particularly crowded.

One of the big issues we had with planning was finding locations and facilities that could handle a large group and large number of trucks. Anytime we went anywhere as a group, it was very difficult because of the traffic and crowded streets. Because of this, Avalanches Cruise Niagara III was going to be held on the American side, probably on Grand Island. But in the end, it never happened because the committee was burned out, and tired of dealing with the complaints. (Seems no matter how much effort you put into something, even if most of the people enjoy it, it seems the complainers are the loudest and the only ones you remember.)

Niagara Falls is always a popular destination, and we had some great turnouts for those events. I'm sure it could be a success again, but it will be a lot of work.  My time will be very limited -- so I can answer some questions, and provide some general advice, but I won't have the time to devote to it like I did in the past, and I cannot commit to being on a planning committee.

-- SS

[02 Z71]

Thanks for the honest observations for the previous Niagara GTG's SS. That certainly does help with the decision. I guess that would possibly eliminate it as a possibility so why don't we start doing some research on how that Lake George area could handle a big GTG 

[Bee Sting]

There you are,  nice to see your still around.
I'm thinking the group size will be nothing like the past 2 gtgs so I'm myself along with a few others can get something going if this is the place that get the votes. Sounds like your certainly burnt out so I wouldn't ask much from you except for suggestions or thoughts. I heard they booked the comfort inn and supposably that worked out well.

Once again it's so nice seeing your around and thanks for posting about the previous gtgs there, it's very helpful.
 

[Bee Sting]

Thanks for the honest observations for the previous Niagara GTG's SS. That certainly does help with the decision. I guess that would possibly eliminate it as a possibility so why don't we start doing some research on how that Lake George area could handle a big GTG 

honestly I know I could do more there as I have been going there just about every year since I was little. If we book a place early enough we shouldn't have any problems but if you wait too long things will book up. As far as driving around it does get crowded during tourist season but that's to be expected. We did like the campgrounds we just stayed at and itwould be cost effective. The other thing we would have to look into is wifi.
I know my vote is going to be lake George but majority will rule. 

[royalstar]

Hey Bee also we could do a GTG up at  Alexandria Bay Lots of camp grounds and not as crowded as the falls there is still a lot to do.  about 2 1/2 hrs north for you. Still could use passports but more to do on our side of the river with out spending as much.  http://www.alexandria-bay.NY.us/attractions.htm

[MS03 2500]

This one sounds interesting, I was thinking of going on a cruise to Alaska from Seattle, but maybe not.

[Bee Sting]

Hey Bee also we could do a GTG up at  Alexandria Bay Lots of camp grounds and not as crowded as the falls there is still a lot to do.  about 2 1/2 hrs north for you. Still could use passports but more to do on our side of the river with out spending as much.  http://www.alexandria-bay.NY.us/attractions.htm

The thousands islands are very pretty. I wouldn't mind throwing that up for a vote however I will not be able to plan this one out either as I have not been there in about 20 years. If you or anyone familar with the area is willing and able to help in the planning process I'd be more then happy to throw this one up  btw how have you been  , haven't seen you in awhile 

[Bee Sting]

This one sounds interesting, I was thinking of going on a cruise to Alaska from Seattle, but maybe not.

I'll go, I'll go!!!!!! I did that cruise but left from Vancouver and it was the nicest cruise I have ever been on.

[MS03 2500]

I'll go, I'll go!!!!!! I did that cruise but left from Vancouver and it was the nicest cruise I have ever been on.

Alaska AV will not be home at this time. 

But I will probably go in MAY of 2010. I heard the Cruise is unbelievable.

[Bee Sting]

Alaska AV will not be home at this time. 

But I will probably go in MAY of 2010. I heard the Cruise is unbelievable.

May won't be to bad, we went early June and the temps were between 40 and 50 degrees. Glacier Bay is stunning and to sit in a chaise lounge with a cup of coffee and wrapped in a wool blanket watching the chunks of the glacier falling into in water is beyond words. I thought about taking this cruise next year but I would like to do the land/sea so I could visit Denali Nstional Park.

[MS03 2500]

YBee you are jacking your own post.

[Bee Sting]

YBee you are jacking your own post.

  you started it    o.k back on topic

luv ya B 

[royalstar]

We do about a trip a year up there, used to spend the summers there not hard to get around  I would be glad to work with you .We love the ride up there on rt3 along the lake. Went to bolt Castle last year WHAT A CHANGE. the boat ride mini golf, go-carts the locks and power plant. Sorry we could not make it down, that was the last weekend to spend with my son-in-law before he left back to IRAQ. we will see you this winter via sled we make at least one run to song mt. for lunch.

[MS03 2500]

  you started it    o.k back on topic

luv ya B 

Much love back at you to YBee.
RoyalStar I have not seen much of you lately

[royalstar]

Yea back to the way I roll, read a lot and post a little

[Bee Sting]

We do about a trip a year up there, used to spend the summers there not hard to get around  I would be glad to work with you .We love the ride up there on rt3 along the lake. Went to bolt Castle last year WHAT A CHANGE. the boat ride mini golf, go-carts the locks and power plant. Sorry we could not make it down, that was the last weekend to spend with my son-in-law before he left back to IRAQ. we will see you this winter via sled we make at least one run to song mt. for lunch.

Thanks Mark , it is really pretty up that way and I remember there was quite a bit to do. Once I get a poll up I will add this for votes. I'll PM you my new number so you can get a hold if me when you come down. We are doing a Yeungling/Cabelas GTG Nov 14th if you can make it. I told everyone at the last GTG about all your mods.

[royalstar]

I'll see love to go but might be in school, running for town judge this year and if I get in I have 6 weeks of school

[Bee Sting]

I'll see love to go but might be in school, running for town judge this year and if I get in I have 6 weeks of school

Wonderful, hope you are elected. Best of luck to you.

[ShapeShifter]

The Alexandria Bay area sounds interesting.  Lots to do, and I haven't been there for a really long time.

Went to bolt Castle last year WHAT A CHANGE.

What's changed? Is it a change for the better or worse? The last time I've been there was about 30 years ago, and I'm sure there have been plenty of changes since then.

This is a comfortable day's drive for me, I sure would like to go back to the area. It would be nice to see you and other familiar faces again, it's been too long. I was just up around that way early this spring, but it was still cold and the closest I made it was Clayton -- I didn't quite make it to the truly interesting areas.

-- SS

[royalstar]

Hey SS glad to hear from you. You did such a great job at the GTG at the falls will never forget how you pulled it all together. We go up to the bay about once a year there has been a lot of changes as the town of Alex-bay is not the same, more touristy if you spent time there the hot spot was Alexanders Ragtime (a really cool bar) that's gone. There are some big hotels now and Bolt Castle is under gone some renovation and they are trying to reconstruct it (very good job). http://www.boldtcastle.com/ . Lots of little shops in town and there is now a bridge out to the little island at the park they have a 1812 reenactment every year. They also have pirates weekend lots of fun. the good thing is it's still easy to get around.

[JustMove (aka Mini-Yak)]

Hey!  Just checking in and seeing if there is any other thoughts on this topic.  The Niagara Falls GTG's were awesome!  It was a great turnout.  Either way, whatever the place....it would be a great time!

[Bee Sting]

Hey there
I'm fine with just about anywhere, however Lake George would be the only one I personally can coordinate. If someone would like to take the reins for any of the other places mentioned that would be great. I am starting an in home business and will not have the time to scout out other places. I hope this comes together for everyone, if not the other option would be caravaning to either MD or the MA area.   
Is there anyone interested in scouting out Niagara Falls? Or does anyone have suggestions on a hotel in and or around that area? I can help out but cannot be the coordinator. 

[MS03 2500]

Did someone say Niagara Falls