Valley of the Sun... in the dark?

[Cyclops942]

Okay, it's getting close to that time of the year again, so here goes nothing. Who's up for another Phoenix-area GT? Who would like to plan it? What dates would be best (or best to avoid)? What location should be used?

For dates, I'm thinking October would be good, because of the weather, and because it's far enough ahead of the holidays that most folks can carve out an afternoon/evening. I personally will not be able to attend the weekend of Oct 17 - Oct 19, but I'm only one person.

For location, Ramada 1 at the Lost Dutchman State Park worked out pretty well for the last two events. Being in the middle of a state park, there is PLENTY of good-quality dark around, the rangers worked with us to allow us to stay past 2200 hours, we could have a fire, the ramada has electricity as well as two charcoal grills, there is running water nearby (excellent for clean-up and drowning the fire at the end of the night), and there are nearby restrooms, as well. Believe it or not, I am aware that other locations have worked well, too. I've been to all of the Phoenix-area GTs so far, and they've all been fun, no matter where they've been held.

For organizer, I nominate Lebkuecher as a possibility, since he'll be back in this area this fall (Hi, Steve! :wave: ). I didn't do such a great job the last time I was involved with the organization, so somebody please jump in and save this event.

 

[UncleFester]

Hey Kris some of the blame has to come my way since we co-organized the ummmm... non event.

Let's all try to make this one SHINE. I sitll like that location because of the quality darkness and remoteness of neighbors.

 

[LED-holic]

I've always seen and wondered about the Lost Dutchman State Park every time I fly into or out of Phoenix. Would love to make it if I'm in town during the get-together.

 

[Cyclops942]

I've always seen and wondered about the Lost Dutchman State Park every time I fly into or out of Phoenix. Would love to make it if I'm in town during the get-together.

Well, if you recall, we were asking for suggested dates, so how about you help us out by telling us when you'll be in town?

 

[LED-holic]

Well, if you recall, we were asking for suggested dates, so how about you help us out by telling us when you'll be in town?

My schedule changes frequently so from one week to the next I can hardly predict where I'm going to be.

However, I know I have a committment elsewhere else the first and half of the second week of October. So it would have to be late second week of October or later, that my calendar is currently open to be available to come join you all. I would suggest the last week of October, so we can all see those lights before they are deployed for Halloween? :devil:

 

[Lebkuecher]

Hey Guys

I would love to attend and I will hold out some hope but I just don't think I will be able to get out to AZ this fall. If I do make it out it will be because I moved back. (Something I have thought about lately) If I can make it I will but for now Kris and Keith the ball is in your court to make it happen. We have had some great GTs over the past few years so I hope the tradition continues.

Here are some pictures LED-holic to give you an idea of the park. I did a lot of research before picking this place the first time and I can tell you with little doubt this is one the best places to have this event. Phoenix and all of the cities around seem to think closing the parks at 10PM is a good idea, not good if you are trying to put together a CPF GT.


BTW We had a good GT a few weeks ago (SE Regional) you guys should have just jumped on a plane and headed this way for the weekend. David (4sevens) has an incredible collection of lights.

Steve

 

[wsmd]

Except for the weekend of 11/01/08 (see http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=202449) we'll be in town.

It would be great to meet some of you in person and get to see some different lights!

 

[5kids]

I live about 10 miles for the Lost Dutchmen park, and would like to attend for a short time. There's no way I can tell my wife that I'm spending more than a couple of hours with other flashlight geeks. I already catch enough grief from my family (wife, kids, brothers, parents) as it is.
They've never heard term Flashaholic, but they've been calling me 'Inspector Gadget' for years. A Saturday or Friday evening would be best for me.
Subscription on.

 

[Cyclops942]

Okay, so far the Lost Dutchman Park is sounding like a reasonably likely place, since nobody has voiced an objection to it.

Late October is sounding reasonably popular. I have a previous engagement 20 years in the making for the weekend of October 17-19, but I'm available the next weekend (Oct 24-26). I also favor Friday night or Saturday, with a strong preference toward Saturday, simply because (a) I can get there earlier if I don't have to spend all day at work first, and (b) my wife is much more likely to attend if she doesn't have to spend all day at work first.

In the past, we've met up prior to sunset, had a cookout, and stayed until WAAAAAY too late. I would expect that this would happen again.

So, what's the word?

 

[LED-holic]

Sat Oct 25th sounds like a good date. Hopefully it will be cooler so less snakes and scorpions around.

I'll have to book a hotel east of the airport. Is it better to book in Chandler or somewhere closer to the park? Any recommendations?

 

[Cyclops942]

Sat Oct 25th sounds like a good date. Hopefully it will be cooler so less snakes and scorpions around.

I'll have to book a hotel east of the airport. Is it better to book in Chandler or somewhere closer to the park? Any recommendations?

Dunno... I drive from Surprise and back home that night/morning.

Anybody else?

 

[thunderlight]

Hi LED-holic,

I have stayed at the Best Western at Gold Canyon each time I've gone to LD State Park for the "AZ Flashlight Extravaganza". Pretty much what you would expect from a Best Western.

This motel is east of the Park. It's about 20 mile drive between the Park and the motel I would guess. Still better for me than driving back after midnight to Northwest Phoenix from the Park.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[LED-holic]

ok thanks.

 

[Cyclops942]

Hmm... looking pretty lonely out there again. Looks like thunderlight, LED-holic, 5kids, wsmd, UncleFester, and me so far. Although this would be 50% higher attendance than last time, I'd like to do better before I go reserve a ramada.

Does anybody have any ideas on how to get more Phoenix-area folks aware of the date and location, and maybe drum up some more interest in this?

 

[5kids]

Count me OUT. As much as I'd like to attend, I'll be camping that night with the Boy Scouts. I'll be at Bull Dog canyon near Saguaro lake if anyone wants to relocte there :wave:. At least I'll be out in the dark and have a chance to use a few of my lights.

 

[LED-holic]

Hmm, instead of something as time consuming as going out to the park, maybe a quicker dinner might work? Alternate dates to meet?

 

[Cyclops942]

Waiting for the flood of suggested alternatives...

 

[wsmd]

 

[Brlux]

I just stumbled across this due to the New Post being disabled and killing the fun of CPF browsing. I would be in for Lost Dutchman park some Saturday in early November. You need to PM me and or put a link form the older thread when one of these gets put together. I am always interested in attending I am just bad at finding the new thread.

 

[Cyclops942]

Brlux,

I think you're going to have to be the one to put it together. It went a month with no replies after an open call for better suggestions.