Well, it is almost Russell Fork time and I can't wait! Anyone interested in an "official" BWA weekend trip down the gorge? Anyone interested in organizing an upper trip for those interested in that section. If so, any votes/ideas for camping? If you liked Battle Run, you might like the park campground. If you did not, (and I didn't), then the park campground may not be the best site. Thoughts on all this?

Also, we need to put a plan in motion for campground development for the club party and RFRR. Anyone able to link me to Steve Ruth? Anyone know the status of Carson Island and the land owners' feelings about this?
Brent

RFG trip!!! Sounds fun. Steve Ruth's email is stubby@russellfork.info as on the website Dr. Diddy posted for the unofficial race. I've spoke to Steve about bands and he is open for anyone willing to play for free and get free admission to the festival. At this point the Howling Dog string band from the npff is definitely interested, i'm looking into the local Reggae band Symbiance, as well as some other local bands. I think it would be nice to have music from other Appalachian regieons too! NC, WV, VA, maybe even TN if they promise not to play Rocky Top (and have someone ready to pull the plug!)

Brent, for this trip on the 6th, what if we secured a section of the campground downstream at Rat hole? Or there is a lot of room at a turn around upstream of the pavilion that would be completely remote from the camp. A port o john may be needed???

Let's also talk to Clay W. about the RFR down at Carson Island. He may be bringing the bob cat up the first weekend to help scrape off areas for camping, but we may need to talk that over with Elkhorn city...

I love this time of the year!

Dustin

I'm in for RF first weekend. I can't wait!
~Sarah

I like Dustin's idea of Ratliff Hole or just upstream. I bet we can get a Port o John easy enough if the BWA can pay for it or we can get donations. I would kick in $20. How about throwin down some phatty community kitchen action that weekend too? I am always in to the basic burgers and bratts, but, whatever anyone wants to muster.

I will call Clay and see what the beta is on the bobcat. I will call Steve Ruth to see what his needs are and what he knows about the land owners concerns. Dustin, can you check into the bands? Check with Ben Van Camp on that Japanese drummer cat. Call me for his number. Dave Devore may be able to help with music, equipment ideas, stage ideas, etc. I have his number too. I am sure Steve Ruth has some plans as well for music. The more the merrier. We had 17 bands one year! I think we ought to have a cause for this year's RFRR, such as low water releases in the summer. I mentioned this to the AW crowd on Friday while boatin. They are looking for someone to take the bull by the horns, namely the BWA/RF crowd for ideas. I will talk with Steve about this as well to see what is the latest on that score. James Stapleton is back in Elkhorn City and can be an asset on many of these issues. We got a lot to do to prepare for this event. Bubba, anything you need on the party front? What is our budget?
Brent

I am interested in the trip if gorge first timers are allowed.

Kevin Hisel

As we discussed on the shuttle run Sun, I'm psyched about the possibility of getting some low water release days during the Summer. If Only 4-6 hrs, 2-4 weekend days a month, Jun - Aug (could always ask for more!). Would give boaters in the region a local option from the Summer drought and I'm sure the locals would be happy campers to see us coming. AWA has been so successful on so many other rivers, I'm very optimistic we could get something going in a few years.

I thought the Japanese drummer rocked as well! There was an ensemble (5-6 I think) of Japanese drummers that played at the Georgetown Kite and Cultural festival this past Spring that believe it or not were even better ... as I recall anyway. Would be glad to try to contact those folks to find out who they were. Blew me away.

Wes

Wes

Wes, see what they say and funnel through Dustin Anderson who is on top of the music.

Kevin, hell yeah, you are in.
Brent

We are leaning towards camping a Ratliff Hole on Friday and Sat nite. Or in the vicinity down there by the river. Andrew Smith is willing to take people down the lower (below Ratliff Hole) on Sat and the upper on Sunday. For the upper trip, he says meet at Garden Hole at 11:00 a.m. His number is 423-794-8410.
Brent

it's me! call me at 859.333.4997

dustin

Who Dustin? Me?
Brent