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Donna
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 11:39:57 AM
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Greetings to all you first time Gatherers. I'd like to share some tips I learned from past Gatherings.
The Geneva Motel does not have phones, or clocks in their rooms. There is a pay phone outside the office. You need to bring a travel clock, or you'll be asking someone to knock on your door for a wake-up call. They don't have hooks on the bathroom door to hang your bathrobe, so you may want to bring something to use. I also like to pack a fly swatter for any bugs that get into the room. Bring extra clothes hangers too.
Always keep a second set of clothes/shoes in your car. Some of the outings are far from the motel and you won't be able to get back for a change. This is especially for the Dupont forest and river rafting days. You'll want to freshen up before the movie. The ladies room at the Skyland Arts Theater usually gets pretty crowded, and warm while we're changing. You'll want to have dry clothes on after rafting all day, and for the long drive back to the motel.
It's also good idea to keep snacks in the car with you.
Have a rain poncho, bug repellant, hat, and it may come in handy to have a small amount of toilet paper on hand. Sometimes the port O'lets may run out. This could happen at Linville Falls for one. Getting a large group like us for one day may create a shortage.
Keep plenty of cold water with you. Some of the days can be quite strenous, and staying hydrated is most important.
The drive up to Linville Falls is quite long with some steep twisting curves. Make sure your car is in great shape with good brake pads. Getting in and out of Chimney Rock has lots of turns in the road too. So don't expect a straight drive in to town. You're going to a beautiful area and you have to work for it!
It's great advice about filling up the car at the end of each day. When we're caravaning around each morning there's no time to stop anywhere.
If you're going to the Biltmore Estate, I recommend the rooftop, and behind the scenes tours. I took them and really enjoyed it.
We're all going to have a great time. And knowing these tips can make your trip better. Donna
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Been onboard since 1998.
"Push hard, 'cos you got to clear the French outpost by dawn." |
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 1:52:00 PM
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ALL good tips Donna! If you do all the things Donna said, there ain't much else you could be wantin'!...'cept maybe a Misty Mate and a Glammy Chammy (Chamois).
Regarding the alarm clocks - if you don't have one you'll be having to ask folks to "knock you up" in the morning! 'Least that what Theresa calls it! She admitted to "knockin' up" three or four folks last gathering and did it all in time to make the sunrise at Greenknob!
My advice about changing before the movie is to stop at a service station to avoid the lines at the Skyland Cinema. You should see how those Sweetser Gals get all gussied-up!
Only one thing I would add...A walking stick can be of use at Chimney Rock, Table Rock, and Dupont...and you can pick one up down in the village of Chimney Rock for about a buck!
GG |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 2:28:04 PM
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Yep...that would be me...ol' "knock'em-up Theresa". Always happy to oblige! |
Theresa |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 2:56:12 PM
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Okay, let me get this straight!!! No irons No phones No alarm clocks Next thing that you will be telling me is that there are no coffee makers. Got to have my coffee in the morning folks!!!
Kay
PS I think that y'all forgot to remind everybody to bring the sunblock. If y'all have fair skin like I do, then you have to have sunblock or else you will end up looking like this.
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~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Karen W
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 04 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 4:00:53 PM
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Coffee makers in the rooms?!? I WISH!!!!!
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 4:04:24 PM
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Ummmmmmm....Kay.....Honey......they don't have coffee makers.
BUT GUESS WHAT??? I always bring mine AND it has a clock on it so I set it to grind away at whatever time I want to rise and BELIEVE ME - that grinding will wake ye up!
Sunblock? - YES - will need sunblock - especially for those doing the Nolichucky (knees and shoulders and noses)!
Oh and don't count on any soap or shampoo to be provided either. The Geneva is a No Frills motel I'm afraid, but it suits our needs just fine. I'd rather bring my own soap and coffee maker than bring my own TIKI BAR!!!!!
GG |
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 27 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 4:11:54 PM
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quote: Originally posted by Gadget Girl
Ummmmmmm....Kay.....Honey......they don't have coffee makers.
BUT GUESS WHAT??? I always bring mine AND it has a clock on it so I set it to grind away at whatever time I want to rise and BELIEVE ME - that grinding will wake ye up!
Sunblock? - YES - will need sunblock - especially for those doing the Nolichucky (knees and shoulders and noses)!
Oh and don't count on any soap or shampoo to be provided either. The Geneva is a No Frills motel I'm afraid, but it suits our needs just fine. I'd rather bring my own soap and coffee maker than bring my own TIKI BAR!!!!!
GG
AND, if you get there and discover you FORGOT anything, there's a little grocery store in Chimney Rock Village called Elliott's. It's a tiny little place that faces on the river...but they have EVERYTHING. and I do mean EVERYTHING. This store even had bow tie pasta noodles for me to use for my dish for the potluck back in 2001...there is merchandise piled up to the ceiling. If they don't have it, trust me folks, you don't need it. I love Elliott's and always make one trip at least a day there whenever I'm in Chimney Rock just for the experience. We almost lost this landmark two years ago when some guy plowed into the back of it in his Lincoln Continental after taking too much of his seizure medicine...took out the whole back of the store where the milk and soda is sold, but they were back open for business in less than a month and are still going strong! And while you're there, remember to pet the cool kitty who hangs out behind the counter. |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge. Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Cherie
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 02 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 5:25:38 PM
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They have a TIKI BAR!!! I know it well..Sits right there by the pool....Thats is where you will find me on Monday!!!..CHERIE'S day with out the kids!!!....and husband shhhh. He thinks I just don't want to go hiking that day HAHA LOL...I know I am being joined by a few other folks!!!... |
Support our Country, our President and our Troops |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 5:26:29 PM
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Ummmmmmm....Kay.....Honey......they don't have coffee makers. BUT GUESS WHAT??? I always bring mine AND it has a clock on it so I set it to grind away at whatever time I want to rise and BELIEVE ME -that grinding will wake ye up!
Well, I better put my coffee maker on my list of things to bring. Do I have to bring my own sheets and towels too? Just kidding. At least I hope that I'm kidding!!!
Hey, it's my friend that is really going to have a problem. She is planning on bringing her laptop. She doesn't know that there aren't any phones in the rooms. I may just surprise her with that little tidbit.
Kay
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~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 5:33:20 PM
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They have a TIKI BAR!!! I know it well..Sits right there by the pool....Thats is where you will find me on Monday!!!..CHERIE'S day with out the kids!!!....and husband shhhh. He thinks I just don't want to go hiking that day HAHA LOL...I know I am being joined by a few other folks!!!...
Cherie, That just doesn't seem quite right for some of us to be hiking up a mountain while others are at the Tiki Bar and pool!!! Please say that you will at least be thinking of us.
Kay |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 5:40:32 PM
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We almost lost this landmark two years ago when some guy plowed into the back of it in his Lincoln Continental after taking too much of his seizure medicine...took out the whole back of the store where the milk and soda is sold, but they were back open for business in less than a month and are still going strong!
That is why I don't drive. I have had epilepsy since I was 13, and have never wanted to drive just in case I did have a seizure. I would never be able to forgive myself if I was driving a car knowing that I could have a seizure and hurt someone. But y'all don't worry. My seizures have been under control for years. The only thing that I can think of that would bring one on is if I didn't get my coffee.
Kay
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~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 12:02:21 AM
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This sounds like a great idea for a reality TV series. A group of 21st Century folk try to deal with life in the mountains of North Carolina. Maybe call it "Geneva House". |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 08:14:20 AM
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... or "Mohicanland House!" Great idea, Fitz! |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 08:46:41 AM
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quote: Originally posted by Christina
AND, if you get there and discover you FORGOT anything, there's a little grocery store in Chimney Rock Village called Elliott's. It's a tiny little place that faces on the river...but they have EVERYTHING. and I do mean EVERYTHING. This store even had bow tie pasta noodles for me to use for my dish for the potluck back in 2001...there is merchandise piled up to the ceiling. If they don't have it, trust me folks, you don't need it. I love Elliott's and always make one trip at least a day there whenever I'm in Chimney Rock just for the experience. We almost lost this landmark two years ago when some guy plowed into the back of it in his Lincoln Continental after taking too much of his seizure medicine...took out the whole back of the store where the milk and soda is sold, but they were back open for business in less than a month and are still going strong! And while you're there, remember to pet the cool kitty who hangs out behind the counter.
Who are you kidding, Christina...if you forget anything Diana probably has it in her vehicle.... |
Theresa |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 1:52:43 PM
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This sounds like a great idea for a reality TV series. A group of 21st Century folk try to deal with life in the mountains of North Carolina. Maybe call it "Geneva House".
T.V. series, huh? We would have to leave behind our modern conveniences for that. Could I leave behind my coffee maker? Could Diana leave behind her Misty-Mate? Could Christina leave behind her Benadryl? I think the answer to these questions are a resounding "NO!!!!" Guess no t.v. series for us.
Kay |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 7:10:18 PM
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Nevertheless, Kay, when you take the exit ramp on the interstate, things will change (...music from Deliverance plays in background...)! |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 9:56:31 PM
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Nevertheless, Kay, when you take the exit ramp on the interstate, things will change (...music from Deliverance plays in background...)!
I'll be listening for the banjos.
Kay |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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vincent
Pioneer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 20 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 05 2004 : 10:30:43 AM
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And if you wish to take pictures on the Nolichucky River then you might want to use a waterproof (disposable) camera. |
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Cherie
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 02 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 09:10:52 AM
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I have a great gadget to share. Cooler neck ties. They have some kind of beads in them that when you get them wet they expand. They stay nice and cool the hole day, you just wrap them around your neck and cool you stay.
A group that I belong to has been making these in desert cami colors and sending them to the troops for the last year. BIG HIT. I will be bringing mine, I usually find them at craft shows or shops like that.
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caitlin
Bumppos Tavern Patron
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 3:30:08 PM
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All wonderful ideas, Donna! Cherie - I know what you mean! Those neckties are pretty neat! They are a staple for us out here in AZ and they are very fashionable too. All you need now is one of Gadget Girl's gadgets and you are "Gathering Fine!"
I know it's mentioned somewhere, but just to make sure for the new folks, Louise's doesn't take credit cards, so make sure to hit the ATM - emergency cash is always a good idea anyway. Hmmm, Batteries, film.... I also might suggest that those driving exchange cell phone numbers in case someone gets lost or needs assistance.
Have one for all those that aren't able to make it at the ol' Tiki Bar! We'll be rootin' for ya'! caitlin
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Jack McCall: "Should we shake hands or something, relieve the atmosphere. I mean how stupid do you think I am?" Wild Bill Hickok: "I don't know, I just met you."
"A nation with no regard to it's past will have little future worth remembering." A.Lincoln
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things"
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 13 2002
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 3:49:27 PM
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Good tips all ...
Let me emphasize, Bring a poncho!
Pretty much, we've been very fortunate weather-wise at these Gatherings. Yes, some rain here & there [remember those sudden downpours at Chimney Rock Park? Was that 1999 or 2000?!?], but nothing that caused us to alter plans much in any way. It could happen. Perhaps my biggest Gathering fear ... 3 or 4 days of constant downpour. Not much we can do about it, but to try to carry on. A poncho helps, particularly for the hit & miss thunderstorms we so often experience here in the summer months in western NC. |
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Fitz Williams
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 19 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 4:07:10 PM
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The militia of New France dealt with sudden showers by removing all their clothes, rolling them in a tight package, and placing them under some cover. Then they waited out the rain. When the shower was over, they retrieved their clothes and got dressed. Sounds like that would work for us as well. Vive le Roi! |
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 4:59:18 PM
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OMIGOODNESS! CHERIE! That was the LAST Gatherings - Gathering Gadget - the Kooldannas - they came in a necktie that could be tied around your neck or your forehead and then they even had some dew-rags (I have NO IDEA if that is how that is spelled!) I will have a couple left from last time as raffle items. I will also have a nifty mini-misty-mate for the raffle - clips on your belt. AND I will also have the runner-up gadget for this year - The Chillow (You'll have to see wait and see what it does!)
This definitely a printable post - tons of good ideas!
GG |
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Karen W
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 04 2002
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 8:25:56 PM
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Sure wish I'd had my poncho WITH ME a couple of Gatherings ago when those of us on horseback got caught in a sudden downpour out on the trail! Talk about being wet. Would have been a bit tough to remove our clothing and roll it into any kind of package at that point! Might have been interesting though.
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 8:30:02 PM
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You might also want to consider a cap/hat/visor...if that hasn't already been mentioned. |
Theresa |
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 10:25:31 PM
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Hey Karen, Wasn't it you and Jayne and Cecelia and I in that Wet T-shirt contest? Nothing like a little huddling on horseback ...IN THE WOODS....DURING THUNDER AND LIGHTENING...AND TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS!
GG |
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