2004 |
In a departure from previous events which spanned weekends, the 2004 GPNDG will be held immediately following the 4th of July weekend, Monday afternoon through Thursday morning, July 5th through July 8th, at Daroga State Park on the Columbia River just north of Wenatchee in central Washington State. The park claims to be on Lake Entiat, but don't be confused, that's just the name the locals give to the lake formed by Rocky Beach Dam on the Columbia River.
This is by far the most wheelchair friendly place we have been. No curbs or gravel to traverse between the parking lot and the shelters or fire pits. Wide flat paved walkways go everywhere and the bath facilities are correct as well. You can wheel all along the river on the bicycle path to your hearts content.
Facilities:
- Two kitchen shelters with water and electricity
- 30 moveable picnic tables
- Flush toilets
- Showers (NOTE: They are pay showers, so don't forget to bring a bunch of quarters!)
- Baseball field, basketball courts, softball field, soccer field
- 2 boat ramps, 3 docks
Special Activities:
- Bird watching
- Boating
- Fishing
- Golf
- Personal watercraft
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Water skiing
- Wildlife viewing
Motorcycling Activities:
- Day rides to 3 states and two countries
- Dual sport rides
- Excellent motorcycle roads leading to/from the site
Interesting fact: The name "Daroga" comes from the first two letters in the first names of the three Auvil brothers, Dave, Robert and Grady, who started an orchard/ranch at this site in 1928. The brothers developed a new type of peach on the ranch, catalogued as "the Daroga Peach." In 1981, Grady Auvil sold the property to the state of Washington.
Please, DO NOT "just show up" at the Gather.
If you haven't registered in advance, with your payment received by the Finance Minister no later than June 15, you're not being included in the planning. We hate to turn people away, but we may. You MAY get tent space, if there's any left. You MAY get food, but you'll be last in line. Access to the beer is a MUCH touchier subject. You WILL still pay the same full fee immediately upon arrival, or be shown the road out.
Thanks very much for your ADVANCE REGISTRATION!
For this year's event there is also a Monday-night only deal for $20/person. That covers dinner Monday night, camping for one night, and breakfast on Tuesday. Figuring out how to pay $20 instead of $65 without asking for help is a pre-requesite for obtaining this deal. Think of it as a "you must be this tall for this ride" kind of test...
You can also check on who's signed up already...
EITHER:
OR
There will soon be some maps plus some written directions to the site. Phil and Debb took some scouting photos of the campsite and general area...
We have a special-purpose electronic mailing list to discuss The Gather. Volume is very low until awhile before, and just after, the actual event. To join: use the sign-up at http://www.micapeak.com/lists/GPNDGOr, for an e-mail-only experience: send a simple 1-line message to listproc@micapeak.com with any subject (the Subject: line is ignored) and a message body of:
subscribe GPNDG Valentino Rossiwhere you replace "Valentino Rossi" with your real name (no nicknames please). You will receive an automated reply welcoming you to the list, and information about how to unsubscribe, set various configurable options, etc. Don't forget to save the message for later reference...
All volunteers are enthusiatically invited to contact me or the appropriate sub-boss (bOSS):
Da BOSS(es): Phil and Debb Kopp Finance Minister: Shannon Kelley (finance@wetleather.com) Food Boss(es):
Mon Dinner: Jack Tavares and Kaddee Lawrence Tue Breakfast: Rob Scott Tue Dinner: Martin and Carol Golding Wed Breakfast: Brian and Frieda Schieber Wed Dinner: Gary and Deb Wasserman Wed Dessert: The Dessert Ladies? Thu Breakfast: [Self-service] Coffee Brewers: Martin and Carol Golding Labour Boss: TBD Beer Boss: Chris Bishop Parking Ogre: Jim Harriger Men's Restroom Boss: Pete Moss Camp Cleanup Boss: Adrian Kuepker Local Ride Coordinator: TBD Dualsport Ride Coordinator: Seth LaForge First Aid Boss: TBD Women's Restroom Boss: TBD Master of Ceremonies: St. Carl Paukstis Others: TBD Web stuff: H. Marc Lewis (wizard@micapeak.com)