MidwestDive Meet & Greet

[Atlaua]

I think we have enough people here that we can think about planning a MidwestDive meet & greet. So let's start up a discussion here.

Our 12 state area is kinda spread a little so I think it best if we try to hit someplace that everyone can get to...i.e. Gilboa might be hard for our KS residents as Beaver lake might be hard for our OH, MI residents.

Looking at a map it would seem that Eastern, MO or IL would be the best bets. I'm thinking Mermet, Bonne Terre, or Haigh might be good choices. I'm also thinking that late August would be good as the water will be warm so that divers of every skill level (and exposure protection level) would be able to participate (ok BTM doesn't count on the latter).

I'm thinking an informal get together, come planning to make new friends and dive buddies, maybe some grilling and an evening dinner or cookout.

Who would be interested in such a thing? Who has suggestions?

James

[theskull]

I love the idea . . . but my August is already totally booked up with diving plans.

However, these plans include going to Mermet August 27-28 to assist with the Treasure Hunt benefit for Habitat for Humanity. The chance to win some cool dive gear if they chose to participate might make a nice addition to a MidwestDive get-together.

theskull

[nauifins73]

I agree I think the idea is great - my August is open. Have gear will travel (bad play on words and old TV :) ).

[Atlaua]

I love the idea . . . but my August is already totally booked up with diving plans.

You must either be single or have a wife that is also a dive junkie!


However, these plans include going to Mermet August 27-28 to assist with the Treasure Hunt benefit for Habitat for Humanity. The chance to win some cool dive gear if they chose to participate might make a nice addition to a MidwestDive get-together.

theskull

Now that is very tempting, since it would really chap a certain person's hide if he couldn't stop me from participating in "his" event because I had given my money to the other shop :).

But I don't think that attaching this to a dive shop event is a good idea. Especially the way dive shop politics are around here.

We could also consider early september.

[decodiva]

Cool cant wait---- but I Think bob and my august is pretty full with vacation and then the bull sholls house boat but i am quite sure he will find a way to get there if we are home

[MgicTwnger]

I vote for Mermet August 27-28. The treasure hunt should be fun, and it's for a great cause. We might even organize some country & western karioke for James.

[Mverick]

If it was the 13th and 14th I could do it. But, I'm workin that weekend...


Got some new toy's I'll be tryin out in Waukegan... LOL..

If anybody wants to dive the 13th of Aug through the 16th. Let me know.. Don't care where.. Table Rock or such would be good. Although a friend said vis was horrible a week ago...

[Atlaua]

I vote for Mermet August 27-28. The treasure hunt should be fun, and it's for a great cause. We might even organize some country & western karioke for James.

Unfortunatly, at least 5 members of this board would be flat out unwelcome at that event. I don't want to the center of a fun get together to be mared by shop politics.

I think the best way to go about this is to first pick a site and then a date. Why don't we throw out some site suggestions and start a poll, then we can work on dates. Obviously we won't be able to pick a date that will work for everyone but if we do polls we can try to get the best solution for the most people.

James

[MgicTwnger]

Then how about Mermet, Labor day weekend Sept. 3-4?

[Mverick]

sept 3 and 4 can't do it. Sept 8 and 9 can. I don't care were. It's up to you all. But my dates are pretty set. Only 1 weekend off a month pretty much...

[steve2281]

Then how about Mermet, Labor day weekend Sept. 3-4?

Sept 3 is good for me. Saturday only.

Sept 8&9 is not on a weekend. That might be hard to work out.

[Mverick]

OOps...

aug 13 and 14 15 16
Sept 3 and 4 5 6 is good for me too... I mis calculated.
Sept 24 and 25 26 27is good.
Nov 19 and 20 21 22
Dec 17 and 18 19 20

Any of these someone wants to dive. I'm in.

Oct 14 and 15
nov 11,12,13

Well, that's my dive schedule. Where you wanna go? I don't care... LOL

[theskull]

You must either be single or have a wife that is also a dive junkie!




Now that is very tempting, since it would really chap a certain person's hide if he couldn't stop me from participating in "his" event because I had given my money to the other shop :).

But I don't think that attaching this to a dive shop event is a good idea. Especially the way dive shop politics are around here.

We could also consider early september.

Neither. Have a wife who likes me to be happy and likes some alone time as well. Her compensation for allowing me to dive usually takes the form of tickets to sport events or ridiculous accessories for our pets.

Actually, the Treasure Hunt dive is just a couple-hour event that happens to take place at Mermet, and it is co-sponsored by 3 area shops. Many divers are there diving at the same time and may or may not choose to participate. I do understand you wanting to avoid it, and only suggested it because that is my only weekend in Aug that I'm not booked with cave diving or teaching diving classes.

theskull

[Trever]

Mermet would be fine with me. As for a date one is as good as another for me, I will try to be there.

[Atlaua]

Seems like everyone is ok with Mermet so let's pick a date for the meetup.

[DeepDiverBob]

I went with the 3rd, because its a longer weekend for people that have to drive a longer distance. Besides, I will be there 3 days if that is the date decided on.

[Mverick]

Just wondering, is there any dates people can't make it?


If we do Mermet. I'll probably try to dive Kentucky lake a day or two.

Mermet is fun for Paducha, but been there alot. LOL Diving Kentucky lake would be new. And I'm sure Vis is going to be wonderful on a weekend like that at Mermet...LOL.. If you wanna actually see something. Get there earlly Fri... LOL

[DeepDiverBob]

I cannot make it August 6, 13th or 27th.

[Trever]

Just wondering, is there any dates people can't make it?


If we do Mermet. I'll probably try to dive Kentucky lake a day or two.

Mermet is fun for Paducha, but been there alot. LOL Diving Kentucky lake would be new. And I'm sure Vis is going to be wonderful on a weekend like that at Mermet...LOL.. If you wanna actually see something. Get there earlly Fri... LOL


Where do you dive Kentucky Lake? I have never heard of anyone diving there but I would be interested in diving there sometime.

[Trever]

I went with the 20th, the only reason being is that it is a PayDay weekend. but really I can make just about any date.

[DeepDiverBob]

I dont think there is a way to change voting, but I just remembered I will not be able to make it the weekend of the 3rd either. I will be down at Blue Water lake in Joplin.

[Mverick]

Haven't dove Kentucky lake before. But, I have a lot of friends camping there that weekend.. So, I figured I'd go dive the lake. Try and find some place to dive....

[nauifins73]

I voted for the 27th. I hoping to go to Oronogo over Labor Day also. Then I am going to be in Nashville for a Convention on the 10th (no diving at all on the weekend of the 10th :( )

[Trever]

WOW this is going to be a close one on the dates.

[steve2281]

Just wondering, is there any dates people can't make it?


If we do Mermet. I'll probably try to dive Kentucky lake a day or two.

Mermet is fun for Paducha, but been there alot. LOL Diving Kentucky lake would be new. And I'm sure Vis is going to be wonderful on a weekend like that at Mermet...LOL.. If you wanna actually see something. Get there earlly Fri... LOL

Not really any diving in KY lake. Vis would be zero, not to mention the miles of old fishing line under there.

[Atlaua]

Ok, looks like September 3rd is the winner, even without Bob's mistaken vote.

I've added this to the calendar here:

http://www.midwestdive.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=20&day=2005-9-3&c=1

Be sure to sign up if you plan to attend. Should we just meet and dive and use the on-site barbeque or should we make plans for everybody to bring some food?

[DeepDiverBob]

Ok, looks like September 3rd is the winner, even without Bob's mistaken vote.


Unless I changed mine to the 10th, then it would be a tie.

[steve2281]

Ok, looks like September 3rd is the winner, even without Bob's mistaken vote.

I've added this to the calendar here:

http://www.midwestdive.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=20&day=2005-9-3&c=1

Be sure to sign up if you plan to attend. Should we just meet and dive and use the on-site barbeque or should we make plans for everybody to bring some food?

I'll be there unless life gets in the way. I'd rather use the on site bar-b-que or BYO-food. Looking foward to it.

[theskull]

I'm there, dude! On my calendar. So glad you picked a date I could make.

theskull

[Trever]

Should we just meet and dive and use the on-site barbeque or should we make plans for everybody to bring some food?

I would prefer a "Pot Luck" type meal. It makes it more social.

[Atlaua]

Ok so we've picked the place and the date. I've opened a dialog with Glen about reserving a pavilion for us. Let's make sure anyone coming signs up so I can give him an accurate count.

http://www.midwestdive.com/forums/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=20&day=2005-9-3&c=1

So far were at 6 (4 members & 2 guests).

Only question left is food...

[Trever]

I think a Pot Luck is Much more Social,

[MgicTwnger]

The BBQ guy there is good. There is NOPLACE else to eat or buy food anywhere near Mermet.

I'd rather we just skip the hassle of bringing food and chow down on the BBQ.

[DeepDiverBob]

I regret to inform everyone I will not be able to attend.

[theskull]

I regret to inform everyone I will not be able to attend.

So, can we have pizzas delivered and use your credit card?

I plan to be there. The on-site BBQ is excellent; but I'm willing to do pot luck, too, if that's what the consensus wants.

theskull

[DeepDiverBob]

So, can we have pizzas delivered and use your credit card?


theskull

after all the new gear I have this year, I dont think there is any room on my credit card for pizza.

[Atlaua]

So, can we have pizzas delivered and use your credit card?

I plan to be there. The on-site BBQ is excellent; but I'm willing to do pot luck, too, if that's what the consensus wants.

theskull

Wow, thanks for voulnteering for that Bob. What a great way to show your presence, even in your absense!

[MgicTwnger]

Wow, thanks for voulnteering for that Bob. What a great way to show your presence, even in your absense!

YAAAAAY BOB! What a guy!!!!

[DeepDiverBob]

after all the new gear I have this year, I dont think there is any room on my credit card for pizza.

what part of this do you not understand?

[Trever]

after all the new gear I have this year, I dont think there is any room on my credit card for pizza.

Did someone say free Pizza :229:

[nauifins73]

I don't think we will be able to make this get together but I voted for buying food because it would be tough for me to bring something the distance I would have to travel

[juls64]

I can't make it. I will be diving Lake Huron, unless my son has his graduation from Navy Basic, which I think could happen.

But did I read the Bob was buying the pizza? I may have to get there, even if its only for dinner!

Julie

[Atlaua]

Ken got us a pavillion reserved under the name "MidwestDive Forum".

Bob you can have the pizza's sent there...

[nauifins73]

Hmmm, Bob Pizza there or at Oronogo? This might influence where I go diving :D

[MgicTwnger]

I like anchovies. Does anyone else like anchovies?

[DeepDiverBob]

yeah...I'll have them right there....

[theskull]

Hmmm, Bob Pizza there or at Oronogo? This might influence where I go diving :D

You can dive Oronogo ANY time. Come hang with us for a weekend. I'll dive Oronogo with ya this winter.

theskull

[nauifins73]

You can dive Oronogo ANY time. Come hang with us for a weekend. I'll dive Oronogo with ya this winter.

theskull

That is very true Oronogo is only 2 hrs away - I am rethinking Labor Day weekend. Would love to get to meet everyone. Put me down as a really big "I think I will make it". Now I have to tell Terry he really wants to go there. :)

Food wise whatever you guys decide will be fine with me. Pizza, bring some or whatever.

Now I have to figure out where Mermet is.

[DeepDiverBob]

You can dive Oronogo ANY time. Come hang with us for a weekend. I'll dive Oronogo with ya this winter.

theskull

Oronogo is part of out Explore Midwest Diving program that Iam helping out with. Additionally, this will be the last one for the year that I will be able to attend, so it is pretty important that I be there. Hopefully we will still be diving there through out the winter anyway.

[DeepDiverBob]

That is very true Oronogo is only 2 hrs away - I am rethinking Labor Day weekend. Would love to get to meet everyone. Put me down as a really big "I think I will make it". Now I have to tell Terry he really wants to go there. :)

Food wise whatever you guys decide will be fine with me. Pizza, bring some or whatever.

Now I have to figure out where Mermet is.

Looks like it is a no lose situation for you Becky. You will be able to meet board members no matter which site you decide to dive. No matter which site you go to, I am sure you will have a great time. By the way, dont forget to have a spare tire with you.;)

[theskull]

Oronogo is part of out Explore Midwest Diving program that Iam helping out with. Additionally, this will be the last one for the year that I will be able to attend, so it is pretty important that I be there. Hopefully we will still be diving there through out the winter anyway.

Sorry, I was answering Becky and didn't realize I was trying to recruit away from a shop's official event.

So, everybody dive wherever you want and with whomever you want, but at least give us the details here after the weekend's over.

theskull

[Mverick]

After diving all day, could meet at Willy Jacks in Metropolis. For a few beers and some food. They have good food.


I'll be staying in Paducha. More nightlife.... LOL.... Sat is the big night for Willy Jacks. Think they have Kareoke... Friday is another bar. Forgot it's name..

But past 12. It's Paducha... Friday used to be froggy's. Sat is a club I forgot the name of also...LOL....

[Atlaua]

Think they have Kareoke.

Ken will be there then!

[MgicTwnger]

Ken will be there then!

Oh goody...........

[Atlaua]

Thought I'd bump this one up so the newer members could see it.


James

[Captain Caveman]

My be since i would not beable to make it down we have a Ill,In,Wis,Mich,Iw, and anyone that wants to go for a dive at Haigh Q. for the people that cant go because i work on weekends and i work midnights so its hard for me to go to any meet.
just a thought?

[StSomewhere]

Sounds like a lot of fun, but I'm working Labor Day weekend. :(

I'm hoping to get something together the weekend of Aug 27 and/or Sept 10th. Maybe I'll post that in the other "where's everyone diving" thread...