Camping in the winter...what kind of a "nut" does something like that. Well come to Abbot on 3/7/09 and you'll get to meet lots of us.

This year we have decided to do things a little differently. First off we are holding this years event close to the highway, so that getting to the event will be only a short walk from the parking lot of a hundred yards. Secondly is the parking lot (which Number Seven is keeping plowed) which will let us keep the vehicles off the road during the night time hours, which has been a concern in years pass.

The reasons for holding the event close to the road is to allow those not use to winter camping the added security of being close to their vehicle, for that mid night escape if necessary. Also any of our members who were not able to join us the pass two years because of the 1 1/4 mile walk each way, can now come (at least for the daytime) and hangout at the fire, cook some hot dogs, play some games, do some snowshoeing, etc.

So mark the date on your calender and come join us for a fun filled day doing what we all do the best....Bull....ing. :D

Maybe will try to make it up for Sunday AM............working Saturdays is the pits! You all have a good time!

I might come up Sunday AM as well. Saturday is our annual Town Meeting, which I MUST attend. Sheesh! Since RULOST2? will be working anyway, I might just come up on Saturday afternoon! LOL! But I'll try and make it...

Shucks, Di and I are "camping" at San Juan that weekend. Maybe next year.:D

Is this event close to a snowmobile trail still?

Is this event close to a snowmobile trail still?

Yes it is! It is right off of Piper Pond and miles of trails. And, with all this new snow, the trails should be perfect!!

Jake, just to add to what Tom has already said, because I know what a whimp you are. The trail passes close enough to the campsite that you won't even have to get off you sled to cook a hotdog or to eat some of the Whetstone Mayors beans. LOL

Jake, just to add to what Tom has already said, because I know what a whimp you are. The trail passes close enough to the campsite that you won't even have to get off you sled to cook a hotdog or to eat some of the Whetstone Mayors beans. LOL

I loved those beans . . . and the biscuits were mighty tasty too . . . heck I might swing up that way and "break" down again just to have dinner at his house again. ;):D

I was really planning on attending and spending the night this year but I am switching to third shift at work this Sunday so I am not sure what I am going to do yet.

Does a snowmobile trail come anywhere near to the camp site? I might ride up for a visit. LOL

Oops, I didn't read all the posts before posting. Sorry

I loved those beans . . . and the biscuits were mighty tasty too . . . heck I might swing up that way and "break" down again just to have dinner at his house again. ;):D

jake, if you need somethin to break... i might just know the guy with the dumb luck to make it happen....:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Does a snowmobile trail come anywhere near to the camp site? I might ride up for a visit. LOL

Oops, I didn't read all the posts before posting. Sorry

Hmmm . . . sounds like a Geocaching Maine Snowmobile Ride could be in the works. ;):D

jake, if you need somethin to break... i might just know the guy with the dumb luck to make it happen....:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Uh . . . that would be my brother-in-law or brother . . . in the past three weeks my brother has broke his Yamaha suspension and a high winder fancy part that prevents the snowmobile from moving any faster than sloth pace.

As for my brother-in-law . . . ever since he bought the RX-1 he has had pretty good luck vs. his old Polaris which has lost both skis, had a gas cap that wouldn't turn on right, had an oil cap that wouldn't turn on right and well there was about another half dozen problems that it has had over time . . . and yet it always got my brother in law home on its own power . . . by the way if you come down that will be "your" sled. :D

The early weather forcast looks pretty good for camping!! Lots of warmth, but it may be a bit dicey going home.



Friday, Mar 6
High: 38 °F
Snow

Friday Night, Mar 6
Low: 20 °F
Low clouds with a flurry or two late

Saturday, Mar 7
High: 39 °F
Mostly cloudy with a stray flurry

Saturday Night, Mar 7
Low: 23 °F
Plenty of clouds

Sunday, Mar 8
High: 39 °F
A mix of snow, ice and rain

It seems like getting snow during the campout is getting to be a ritual. :cool:

It looks like people are heading up Friday.

Who is going up Friday afternoon?

I have gone up on Friday and should be up there by 5:00 at the latest this year.

I'm planning on Friday too. I should be there before dark.

I do not see how I can mke it up there b4 Saturday sometime, Leaving from work would make it a long night as I would not leave portland till after 6pm

The parking area is all plowed out...waiting for the next storm. Hopefully it won't be a another two footer.

Hmm.

With this storm coming in the question is. To snowmobile or to winter camp. This is going to be a tough choice for me. O man the decision is going to tough.

You can snowmobile right up to your hammock! If you need someone to haul your gear in, let me know.

What I meant was going sledding with my sledding buddies or going to the camp out.

I am debating on hauling my sled up to the camp out on Friday afternoon and setting up camp. Then on Saturday morning jumping on my snowmobile and heading to Greenville for lunch and back to the camp out. I figure that everyone should be showing up after lunch on Saturday sometime.

Rick, if you do come up Friday afternoon some of us should be around the campsite.

Rick, if you do come up Friday afternoon some of us should be around the campsite.
From what has been posted so far Brad and Tat and you will be up there Friday around 5 pm. So if I don't have to work I will try and be there around dinner time.

Oh yeah, I just realized I need to being some food with me, dah. I better look into getting some of that.

Jon and I are hoping to be there Friday night. He may have to make up today's cancelled work-night on Friday night.

We'll never go hungry! I just got the OK to leave at noon on Friday!!

If I come I will be coming up on Friday and spend the night Friday but I am not sure about Saturday night but most likely not.

The fire pit is mostly ready...remember this year we don't have those nice benches we've had in years past, so bring something to sit on, or plan on standing.

KK your throne is also ready....actually have a little house this year. You'll miss the old blue tarp outhouse of years past.

The sun was pouring down on the site this afternoon, so as long as we have sun, we'll have heat. The long range forecast sounds like warm weather for the event.

I plan on putting out a poker run similar to what we did last year.

I'll have "Relay for Life" path tags available for sale...$5.00 each with all the money going to our Relay for life event in Ellsworth in June.

The snowsled trails are looking good if anyone wants to ski...I've been skiing them now on and off all winter and they have been great. Seeya there, Vic

KK your throne is also ready....actually have a little house this year. You'll miss the old blue tarp outhouse of years past.

Every man is dishonest who lives upon the labor of others, no matter if he occupies a throne. - Robert Green Ingersoll

So, did you build this "Throne" and does it make me dishonest?

Every man is dishonest who lives upon the labor of others, no matter if he occupies a throne. - Robert Green Ingersoll

So, did you build this "Throne" and does it make me dishonest?

Last time I checked... You weren't a man Karen...:eek::cool::D

Last time I checked... You weren't a man Karen...:eek::cool::DDidn't realize you had ever checked....:D:rolleyes:

Didn't realize you had ever checked....:D:rolleyes:

Vic, That's one of those things I pay attention too. It's all in the details man.:D

Oooohhhhh this is rich. So, Brad...you checked? I know how we do that in the EMS world.......but,...... Karen, I'm defending your honor here

Yesterday my trusty sidekick Lacy and I put out a poker run like last years. Half of it is on a snowsled trail and the the other half is on a snowshoe trail we broke out yesterday. The snowshoeing right now is the best of the winter so far, even though there is three feet of snow, we were able to stay right on top. I added the five placements of the poker run as additional waypoints and hope I did that right so they will load into your GPS's as child waypoints.

The firewood is all pile in a neat pile not far from the fire pit, dry cedar thanks to CMP, and lots of dry hardwood thanks to the Wetstone Mayor and Lacy who generously donated from their wood piles.

New caches have been placed for your caching pleasure thanks to Lacy and Chercacher.

Maniacs weather Gods are also suppose to bless us with a great day on Saturday...high in the 40's.

Come to Abbot on Saturday and do some snowshoeing, x-country skiing, cooking on the wood fire, or just shooting the bull with a great group of fellow cachers.

Looking forward to seeing lots of you there.

Ah, and I will be greeting happy people getting their tax returns done.......but you all, have a great time. I will be thinking of you all.

Ah, and I will be greeting happy people getting their tax returns done.......but you all, have a great time. I will be thinking of you all.
Tax returns, you had to bring that up. O' how I am dreading doing mine.

Vic . . . remind me . . . what ITS or local sled trail will this be located near . . . and will there be signs on the trail this year? I'm giving some serious thought to seeing if my riding partners want to swing up that way.

Shoot me an e-mail at work.

I am packed and ready. I just got off a work shift and spent the last two hours getting things together to the trip. I sure hope I am not forgetting anything. Now I am off to lay down to get about three or four hours sleep before I head up.

Jake, check your PM box. I am going to trailer my sled to the camping area. Stop there before you head to Greenville tomorrow and I will ride to Greenville with you if I have not already left. If we have cell phone service there then I will be able to get my emails. I will also have my laptop so I will be able to log into the internet and check my PM's.

What are we coming to anyway???? Cell phones and laptops to go on a snowmobiling trip. I thought the purpose was to get away from all that? :eek:;):confused::D

Well - I heard Vic set up a "Hot Spot" :eek::D:):eek: LOL ~ Looks like folks are going to try it out! LOL

Sorry folks - I couldn't resist!;)

The only hot spot I saw was around the fire ring.:D:rolleyes:;):p

Well this years winter camping event has left me with very mixed emotions. On the one hand being closer to the road made it so much easier for everyone to get to the event, but I feel we gave up a beautiful natural location to accomplish this move. Being close to the road allowed all us easy access to our vehicles so we all could go out to the local restaurants for breakfasts, but this means we missed those wonderful breakfasts that Tat has made us in the past. Being close to the road did allow us to have one of the best potlucks we have had at any event, summer or winter, thanks to everyone who contributed to all the wonderful selections we had to choose from. Another great thing about this years event was the new attendees, so wonderful to get to know all of you, the down side being some of our regulars who were missing this year, wasn't the same without you. Maybe will have to do two winter events in Abbot next year, one in the woods and one close to the road, let me know your thoughts on this so we can plan accordingly for next year.

Sorry I mess up the poker run drawing and hope for every one who did it that the snowshoe trek was a good enough prize in itself. Thanks to all that help with this years event, and thanks for the weather.

Vic

I cannot believe the attitudes. This is probably one of the better events I have attended and spending two nights and three days with fellow geocachers made it worth the trip to Abbot. The turnout was spectacular. It would have been nice if people would not have robbed me of all the hot water on Friday night though. Every time I put water on the fire to heat up I would walk to the privy and when I got back everyone drank it all. I put some more on and then I ran to my truck to get something and when I got back everyone drank it all again. Three times this happed. I finally learned to stay at the fire ring until the hot water want done.

I had such a great time. I really wish I could make the event again next year. The problem is that I will be driving down to Georgia at that time next year if everything falls into place like I want it to.

Vic, thank you for putting on such a great event. Keep it up.


Here are some pictures you can click on to see the full size or you can just go to the Gatherings and Events (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/503) gallery.


Yes there really is a Firefight Jake
http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0010.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2725)

Tom (Tat) lounging around
http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0007.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2723)

Tandemstoker
http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0008.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2724)

Lacyndiesel
http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0014.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2726)

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0050.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2741)
Laughing Terry show up

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0024.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2732)
Getting the cook area setup

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0023.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2731)
RobT butting together his meal

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0024.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2732)

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0022.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2730)
Cooking going on

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0049.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2739) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0043.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2738) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0033.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2736) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0030.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2735) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0027.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2734) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0026.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2733)
The kids had fun too

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0038.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2737)
Looking for scraps

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0045.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2740)
Foods on

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0054.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2761)
Yum, Yum

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0057.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2743)
The late dinner arrivals. I think they got lost.

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0063.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2746)
View of camping area


http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0052.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2742)
looking at part of tent city

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0090.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2752)
Path to my site

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0017.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2727) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0018.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2728) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0021.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2729)
My setup

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0074.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2748)
Tandemstoker and Vic's tents

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0073.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2747)
Toms tent

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0075.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2749)
Don's tent

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0078.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2750)
Brads tent

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/516/thumbs/IMG_0086.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2751)
Don packing up

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0093.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2753)
Tandemstoker

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0094.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2754)
Lacy leaving

86 Don packing up

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0099.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2755)
Tandem and friend

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0110.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2756)
Don's and is antique (it did not get stuck though)

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0112.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2757)
What, where those coordinates again?

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0116.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2759) http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0114.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2758)
I would walk a mile just to put my skis on

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0058.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2744)
Looking down the entrance

http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/data/503/thumbs/IMG_0061.jpg (http://www.geocachingmaine.org/forum/../gallery/showphoto.php/photo/2745)
Parking area

:) When did you find the time to take all these picture's? No wonder you couldn't get a hot cup of water. Good to see ya.Have a safe and enjoyable hike next year on the A-T :)

Yeah, poor Rick. He couldn't get his hot water no matter what! We had a great time. It was Jon's birthday weekend and he said it couldn't be better. The company was great, the skiing and snowshoeing a good workout, and the food... delicious!

PS... we didn't get lost, we (me) just underestimated the time it would take us to break trail to Barrows Falls. It was well worth the effort.

Thanks Vic and Tom. You guys always do a great job!

A great set of photos, Rick! People hosting events (mea culpa) should try and post photos of events/people/venues. Haffy used to be good for that, but, alas, he's no longer with us... ;);)

The event was great again this year. I had a blast and it was even almost warm enough to go in a t-shirt.... Great seeing everyone and I learned my lesson, allways bring a sled even though the parking is so close....... I could not get my car into the parking area :) either that or I need to get one of thoose new Jeeps :D


On side note..... Did anyone find a camp frying pan? Mine did not make the trip home.

I learned my lesson, allways bring a sled even though the parking is so close....... I could not get my car into the parking area :) either that or I need to get one of thoose new Jeeps :D


Get a sled. It's cheaper and fits in your car.

Haffy used to be good for that, but, alas, he's no longer with us... ;);)

Hey I'm right here>>>> Can't you see me? Must be those old eyes of yours...lol ;) I do the same down here when I attend events and such. Sure miss you guys though. I think of you all the time. Got sunburned yesterday playing golf...:D

Get a sled. It's cheaper and fits in your car.

But I can fit my car in the Jeep :D

Yes Rob, I have the sled and the Jeep, and no regrets!:cool: