Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum
General Category => Archived Posts => Topic started by: dorelse on August 16, 2015, 10:44:34 PM
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For the most part, I heard mostly glowing reports of the move to TI.
However, I firmly believe in honest feedback, please let us know what we could have done better while its fresh in your minds...
I know of 2 things:
1) No Electricity at the tent site
2) No water at tent sites
Anything else? (Wasn't the elbow room at the campgrounds nice!!)
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I think we need to figure out some type of group meal Saturday night. With all the additional space there ends up being a lot of "space" between members during the dinner. Potluck or something, I think we need to have one meal where the group is all together. I think we all really treasured that from the early years.
With the awesome beach right next to the campground it would be nice to get a picture of ALL the boats at that beach at some point in time. Maybe Saturday right before heading out. Would make a great picture.
Otherwise, yea, it's 10X better than the old location!
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Sue and I
Agree with Jason on the group meal that it would put everybody together for the evening.
Another thing is we could get everybody together in one group for a pic, faces.
Reserve the spot up at the Kinni with the water flowing over our feet for next year.
And weather been at all 8 never have been rained out, few sprinkles at night.
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I really have no complaints at all. The deep water ramp was my only issue, but the issue was mostly with Phoenix's Trailer. I hope to have that resolved by next year.
Just wanted to say that it was nice to have our own slip and not have to share. no bumping boats or slaming into the dock when trying to come and go.
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Yes, group meal. Maybe designate a gathering area (since we have so much) so we're not invading anyone's (Jim's group and Joe and Laurie) camps site. Especially for the fire. We were on top of each other for the fire, not that many wanted to stand around it for HEAT!
A time as well. We have a tendency to hang at the beach longer than most after the Sat run. We don't get on the river much so we do not feel like heading back at 3:00
People took off and we assumed headed back to the Campgrounds. Apparently (some) stopped and hung out elsewhere. Maybe that was impromptu? Not a big deal.
Electricity and water. Not sure what we can do about that. Maybe we can bring some large water jugs, but they're hard to carry. I have a 5 gallon one.
Maybe fog the place for skeeters, if anyone has one?
An event board? With at least tentative times for such things as the Friday night sun set cruise, Sat run and Sat meal. That is probably all we need as far as structure. The rest can be open.
Welcome table, sign in book, with names of attendee's names, screen names and at least the state they are from. What happened to our Glastron banner? We've had a book before. Not sure who is the keeper of those. It would be interesting to share the contents of that on here, as long as no one objects to sharing the info?
All and all, WAY better than Island Campground. That served our purpose at the time but no longer. The bathrooms and showers were superior as well. We liked the availability of the restaurants and Joni liked the gambling. Me too since she won!
I think maybe we should confirm that beaching boats is not a problem or see if we get feedback from TI? They lose money on slip rental that way and I for one would probably not pay for a slip next year if they don't frown on it? Maybe asking will just raise a red flag.
Having somewhere on the premises to get in the water to cool off was another bonus!
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Great comments Ross,
I agree, a designated common area where we can all hang out, group meal, ect would be great. Maybe right up front by entrance to beach. I think Brian still has the banner. We should get that and set it up at the top of the parking lot. Maybe some Glastron event signs (if treasure island lets us) from the casino entrance to direct people down to the marina area, then to our campground area.
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Great comments Ross,
I agree, a designated common area where we can all hang out, group meal, ect would be great. Maybe right up front by entrance to beach. I think Brian still has the banner. We should get that and set it up at the top of the parking lot. Maybe some Glastron event signs (if treasure island lets us) from the casino entrance to direct people down to the marina area, then to our campground area.
Right, some signage would be nice.
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Yes, group meal. Maybe designate a gathering area (since we have so much) so we're not invading anyone's (Jim's group and Joe and Laurie) camps site. Especially for the fire. We were on top of each other for the fire, not that many wanted to stand around it for HEAT!
A time as well. We have a tendency to hang at the beach longer than most after the Sat run. We don't get on the river much so we do not feel like heading back at 3:00
People took off and we assumed headed back to the Campgrounds. Apparently (some) stopped and hung out elsewhere. Maybe that was impromptu? Not a big deal.
Electricity and water. Not sure what we can do about that. Maybe we can bring some large water jugs, but they're hard to carry. I have a 5 gallon one.
Maybe fog the place for skeeters, if anyone has one?
An event board? With at least tentative times for such things as the Friday night sun set cruise, Sat run and Sat meal. That is probably all we need as far as structure. The rest can be open.
Welcome table, sign in book, with names of attendee's names, screen names and at least the state they are from. What happened to our Glastron banner? We've had a book before. Not sure who is the keeper of those. It would be interesting to share the contents of that on here, as long as no one objects to sharing the info?
I think maybe we should confirm that beaching boats is not a problem or see if we get feedback from TI? They lose money on slip rental that way and I for one would probably not pay for a slip next year if they don't frown on it? Maybe asking will just raise a red flag.
Having somewhere on the premises to get in the water to cool off was another bonus!
Beaching the boats is no problem...its done all summer long by other boaters, and Summer said is wasn't a big deal. They were 100% sold out on slips, I couldn't get one until Friday night when there was a cancellation.
The guest/memory book went with Brian/Lisa, but would love to see others volunteer and take charge of all of those suggestions.
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Yes, group meal. Maybe designate a gathering area (since we have so much) so we're not invading anyone's (Jim's group and Joe and Laurie) camps site. Especially for the fire. We were on top of each other for the fire, not that many wanted to stand around it for HEAT!
A time as well. We have a tendency to hang at the beach longer than most after the Sat run. We don't get on the river much so we do not feel like heading back at 3:00
People took off and we assumed headed back to the Campgrounds. Apparently (some) stopped and hung out elsewhere. Maybe that was impromptu? Not a big deal.
Electricity and water. Not sure what we can do about that. Maybe we can bring some large water jugs, but they're hard to carry. I have a 5 gallon one.
Maybe fog the place for skeeters, if anyone has one?
An event board? With at least tentative times for such things as the Friday night sun set cruise, Sat run and Sat meal. That is probably all we need as far as structure. The rest can be open.
Welcome table, sign in book, with names of attendee's names, screen names and at least the state they are from. What happened to our Glastron banner? We've had a book before. Not sure who is the keeper of those. It would be interesting to share the contents of that on here, as long as no one objects to sharing the info?
I think maybe we should confirm that beaching boats is not a problem or see if we get feedback from TI? They lose money on slip rental that way and I for one would probably not pay for a slip next year if they don't frown on it? Maybe asking will just raise a red flag.
Having somewhere on the premises to get in the water to cool off was another bonus!
Beaching the boats is no problem...its done all summer long by other boaters, and Summer said is wasn't a big deal. They were 100% sold out on slips, I couldn't get one until Friday night when there was a cancellation.
The guest/memory book went with Brian/Lisa, but would love to see others volunteer and take charge of all of those suggestions.
Joni and I will take care of the book and table, possibly more.
It seems there is almost always someone at the campgrounds so I don't think it will be a problem if not manned 100% of the time.
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Cool, thanks!
For the most part, I know most of us recognized the new folks and try to make them welcome on an individual basis, but a welcome table with a schedule of events will go a long way as well.
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I thought that the meet went great this year. I know I didn't have the camping experience like the rest. Everyone I talked to had a great experience and were happy with the accommodations. Other than water and Elec.
If we can figure out a way to get a group meal together and not have the cost be too large or give anyone person a large burden of manning a grill or setting it all up. Could we possibly look into a hog roast or something. Everyone pitching in and buying a hog and paying someone outside the club to roast it. For a large bike run that I help organize in IA we have someone grill 20-30 large pork loins. Then just do some potato salads, beans, and chips. Then possibly buy some salads or do a pot luck for sides. Another option would be getting a food truck to come down.
I think a welcome tent would be great as well as a sign in book. Next year now that we have more room lets make a designated area for everyone to gather so we are not crowding anyone's space.
Last I completely agree that we need a large group Photo. One in front of the boats on the beach Sat when we get back would be great.
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Now that we know the "Lay of the land" we can tweak the fine points before the next meet.
#1 Getting the one power outlet by beach turned on. Can't see them adding power to every camp site, but one would be nice.
#2 Group commons area, there was an expensive large tent option, maybe just some yellow safety taped off area.
#3 Better car/truck/trailer parking system. Not a huge deal but heard some complaints about getting thru.
#4 Some form of welcome table with guest book and event schedule /time table posted on a white board or printed out.
#5 I looked into some form of CGOAMN banner, could be done but will cost some money to do.
#6 Free fire wood cost $20 ... Not a big deal ... Just saying.
#7 Figure out a Sat. group meal that works for every one ... Totally IMPOSSABLE ! ... LOL
#8 Group photo is a great idea, at the beach around the boats even better.
#9 Steps leading down to camp sites.
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Overnight beach parking signage indicated that was available for $20 per night, so $5 dollars less than slips. Overall experience was better except for tearing up my lower unit/destroyed prop on wing dams, Tim and I limping back from prescot at no wake speed, and returning to TI to find my rented slip occupied by others in the group. Blame our lack of experience on the river, never been past the sand pile. Went up OK following group, but everyone was gone when we got Tim running. I think we were trying to avoid the big boats, and got too far out of channel, too choppy to see water ripples of dams, and simply not accustomed to wing dams under water. Mo river wings are well above water or the current would simply wash them away. I guess we figured we would be ok nearly in the center of the river, but apoearantly not. We decided we would not make good company Saturday night, so we stayed at the rv. Most everyone was gone Sunday morning when we stopped by to say goodbye. We should be back next year, likely with a GPS ap to keep us safe. Was good to see everyone, not enough time to catch up well as we would like. Thank you Shawn etal for the nice houseboat cruise, quite a highlight of the trip. Michael.
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As long as you had a RV or camp site you can park on beach all week.
No extra charges.
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As long as you had a RV or camp site you can park on beach all week.
No extra charges.
Yep, correct, I think you said this Gregg...but as long as you're "doing business" with TI, launching/beaching is included. So, as an RV'er, camper, hotel guest, that's included.
I didn't realize you had troubles...sorry to hear that!
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Yes, agree some 'No Parking' signs in the campground...that circle drive through kept getting blocked.
Can't use an outside food vendor...TI is a catering & event facility with 'skin in the game', so if we want food, we need to use their services. We ended up with a cost, per person of $25. Their price list per plate (you'll see it listed at $15 per plate), doesn't include some mandatory fees that bump up the cost.
That was all well and good, however, someone had to guarantee them $1200 with a credit card...the food is just a very difficult situation. I personally liked going up to the bowling alley to cool off on Friday...what a scorcher!
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I did not camp this year, and had no issues at the rv park, it was fantastic. To suggest a few things:
1. Map the campground and designate areas for common area in middle, open road through widest tree openings, dedicated boat/trailer parking area. I thought it was well thought out, but we had to hand manuever the trailers over to the truck. Fortunately they were on the end. Group meal and campfire on the sand would be good. Suggest a menu that is grill based, have everyone decide their 4-5 item meal, collect the results. I built a portable grill years ago that was over 10 ft^2, could build another and would be happy to grill/cook if I'm not broke down-he he. Lua night?
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I think its a no brainer that the trailers go out in the area with no trees. Then they are totally out of the way and lots of room to turn around etc.
One of the "perks" I thought was being able to have your vehicle close by so you don't have to unload EVERYTHING until needed.
Perhaps just a designated path through the trees that don't block the rear camp sites. I really didn't see any problems this weekend but apparently there were some.
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A few comments from a first timer:
- A common area to gather. Didn't realize there was a common area since it seemed like the fire was in the middle of someone's campsite.
- Some way to communicate when to get the boat ready to leave. For example, 10:30 vs. 11:00 vs. 7:00pm vs. 8:00pm though just asking worked if you found the right person. I did miss the safety briefing.
- A mechanism to designate what boats are willing to give someone a ride in it. Mostly to learn about the boat and how it rides and what the owner likes about it. Seemed a bit bold to ask someone to stop what they were doing and ask for a ride.
- Camping I had no problems, but would like to park near the car near the tent. We were on the outside so used the outer ring in the open to move around and parked the trailer in the open field. Don't need electricity, but understand the need for others. If a generator is in place a silent running one would be appreciated. Finding a water supply to fill 5 gallon jugs would be great.
- Noticed the rest rooms ran out of supplies when they had the event and one of the men's rooms stalls was unusable for a period of time. Maybe they could consider a porta-potty near the camping area if the group was large enough and they have an event going simultaneously.
- Wasn't familiar with local area so I googled everything.
Liked being able to head up the casino for food and some AC to get out of the heat.
You kind of catch on quickly though so just suggestions and not a critique.
Thanks - Bob
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Hope we made you and your friend feel welcome Bob.
Has to be hard to go some place and not know anyone ...
The common area turned out to be the Barrett's camp site, great people !
We'll get that sorted out.
There was a time table for event on the forum, but we need to get it up on a white board in common area.
Finding a boat ride might be hard, maybe ask Doran or me about it and we can ask around, we kind of know who's, who and who has room.
Most members would love to give you a ride or let you drive there boat.
I know I had to drive out around the field almost to get back to Ben's camp site, might have been able to make it down the center but looked easier to drive around.
Rest rooms ran out of paper hand towels twice, but had air hand driers ...
Hate those things ... LOL
There was a garden hose out side rest rooms, potable water I think.
" You kind of catch on quickly though so just suggestions and not a critique. "
Your opinions as a first timer are very important to use, helps us to make changes to thing we never thought about ...
Thank you ...
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Thanks Bob!
Yeah, I think our new home, with a few tweaks is going to work out great!
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Hope we made you and your friend feel welcome Bob.
There was a time table for event on the forum, but we need to get it up on a white board in common area.
Yes we felt welcome and knew to look for Doran with questions.
Wanted to say that the timetable helped a bunch and I had a print out with me to help guide things along.
Again, it was a great meet and run very smoothly.
Thanks again - Bob
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What a GREAT EVENT. Betty and I had a fantastic time even without a boat. We are hoping to convert some boating members of the family to Glastron and bring them along next year. Most of my observations have already been mentioned but I'll list a few from the eyes of a first timer.
1. Event signage, greeting tent/table with sign in book. Upon arriving friday I wasn't sure where to go, just assumed the marina was a good place to start. I had Mike's (Plugcheck) phone number so I wasn't totally lost. Some type of event sign , doesn't have to be fancy, would help to identify a central gathering place. There you could sign the book that was talked about. Even to direct non participants to the Great looking boats.
2.White Board... Great idea. I had the schedule that was posted on the forum but with a board changes and/ or additions could be posted. ie.. I didn't know about the safety meeting Sat. Betty would have liked the dinner cruise the girls went on.
3. Campfire. Didn't have a problem finding the fire but it would be nice to have it away from other's tent site.
4. Stayed at the hotel so I have no comments on the camping/Rv site. Accommodations were excellent. The Restaurants were great. We ate at the buffet Fri. $22.00 for the both of us. The Steak house was pricey but the food was excellent. Perkins in Red Wing had a good breakfast special.
5. Stairs or an improved walkway from the parking lot to the campsite/ gathering area. It was a little hard walking down that stoney slope. Ask Gregg he knows. :)
6. Group photo.. Another great idea for next year.
7. Group meal.. I like the grilling idea. Catering not so much.
8.We will be back next year.
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Thanks John!
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Thanks for your input John ...
Added stairs to wish/must have list on page one of this thread.
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Liked TI facilities and prefer them to Island Campground. Launch was easy for a Sat. day tripper, parking wasn't a problem and it was a little shorter trip from Mpls. Enjoyed going north to Kinni Park. Nice sand beach and that great, cool water flowing out of the Kinni river. Enjoyed all the boats and visiting with nice folks. I've attended 5 of these meets with no bad weather. We lucked out on weather again! Looking forward to next year
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Thanks for posting Tom.
Yep ... We have been lucky weather wise, been nice for every event.
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I liked the "more official" boat parade that was done in the previous location. Great chance to get lots of good pictures, etc. and to get everybody moving at approximately the same time. I was thinking that maybe it could be in Prescott in the no-wake zone, and maybe even notify ... the local paper or whatever they have there, to let people know when it's happening. I've had several of my friends see the pics on facebook and comment they'd really like to see the parade.
I liked the idea of the "gals get together" , but would have been fine with gathering around a picnic table at specific time. The boat ride was nice, food was good... but ends up being one more thing to pay for. Hey, maybe by then I'll be expert at wine making and can bring lots with ;-) Appreciated folks brave enough to try the hard limeade. :-)
Also, regarding group pictures, chances are... on the beach at T.I. before departing on Saturday morning would be easiest way to get the most people in the picture. Same with the boats, would be really cool to have 'em all in a line. The area we were in at Kinicknicknicinick...(whatever)... was great, but couldn't get one big picture there... too spread out I guess. (Notice many of my comments relate to pictures, lol). Vance's overhead shots were really cool ... wondering if it's possible to get stills from that?
Regarding a central gathering area, it makes a big difference for me if there are lights. "I can't hear you in the dark". strange but true. Joe had battery powered string lights, they helped alot. Now if I can just get everyone to wear a set around their neck (to illuminate mouth while speaking). I don't ask for much. ;-)
At any rate, it was an awesome weekend... I'm still tired. lol
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If we can get power turned on at beach outlet, and I beleave we can next year ... Trust me Joe ...
We can set up welcome / gathering area by fence that separated camp area from beach and have lights, not sure if there was a camp fire ring over there though ?
Good idea about parade thru Prescott "No Wake", in years past Dave called Red Wing news paper and we got a small write up.
It will be hard to get every one for a group picture on Sat. , with late arrival and every thing going on ... But your right ... It would be the best time to do it. Maybe post ahead of time on the forum and do it right after the Sat. morning briefing ...
Can't remember which wine I tried .. But it was very good !
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I think the Prescott parade will be difficult...are the fast boats going to wait around for the slower boats to catch up? We're talking about what? 10-12 miles of some boats going 50, while others are 25-30...so the parade will be a trickle of boats unless the fastest boats want to idle in circles until the rest catch up.
Agree is probably a great place to do it though...coordination & cooperation would be key.
Island Campground was always nice (in this one regard) because it was at the start...
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btw, there is a fire pit where we parked the trailers...right about where Jeff had his at. You can thank Vance's fly-over videos for being able to spot it, lol.
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btw, there is a fire pit where we parked the trailers...right about where Jeff had his at. You can thank Vance's fly-over videos for being able to spot it, lol.
Sounds ideal for the group area.
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Set up a pay pal account for the groups next meet? That way we can contribute without taking up too much valuable cargo space in our vehicles. Oh! The skeeters! I'm bringing citronella torches and stands next year! I will be camping out and may, or may not, have the rest of the bears. Citronella tiki torches... Are they allowed!!!?
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And we had a great time! Thank you to all that made this happen! I'm sure our boat will be ready! Got a check in the mail the other day for $2600 from DUI case the boat involved in last year. I spoke with a guy, I forgot his name, and he mentioned making a LARGE single serve (weekend) "grill" to grill and cook hog on... I've got 30 20lb bags of charcoal I'd be happy to toss sum $ in a paypal acct and bring charcoal, the landscape timbers and grates fer it. What about "smoke wood"? Are they offering that?
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Glad to hear you guys had a good time and was nice to meet you and your family.
YEP ! Skeeters were bad ! Must have had 50 bites per foot/ankle ...
We are still trying to figure out the best thing to do for a Sat. night group meal ...