Event #2994

A Cut Above - Come for the Carves (GLG 2014)

Wild River State Park, Center City, MN

Registered Boxes: All Traditional HH/Cootie/Flea Postal LTC Event Box Traveler Other

Starts	Sat June 28, 2014 9:00am
Ends	Sat June 28, 2014 6:00pm
Owner	Dartmoor Dreamer
Admins	Dartmoor Dreamer
Signups	115/∞
Location	Wild River State Park, Center City, MN View Map
Add to Calendar	Google calendar ICS file (e.g. Outlook, iCal, etc.)

Description

A Cut Above - Come for the Carves
Great Lakes Gathering 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Picnic Shelter 9 am -- 6 pm
Wild River State Park
39797 Park Trail
Center City, MN 55012
hosted by the Minnesota Carving Consortium (MCC, formerly the Minnesota Camping Contingent)

Directions to the park
If you are using a GPS unit to direct you to the park, you must type in the park address to get to the park headquarters and main use area.
Take exit #147 from I-35. The park is located 15 miles east of North Branch, off County Road 12.

Come to Minnesota; Come for the Carves! The 2014 Great Lakes Gathering will feature the best stamps that each letterboxer can submit.

The naturalist at Wild River is excited about letterboxing because seekers do not destroy an entire area when out boxing. We have been given permission to permanently plant 3 boxes at the park. We are allowed to temporarily plant several boxes at the park. Wild River SP has 35 miles of trail along the St. Croix River. Minnesota state parks have very strict rules about letterbox placement and we want to continue the excellent relationship that we've started at Wild River. All permanent boxes will have to be planted by the MCC. We can and will plant boxes outside the state park in a nearby county park, along a bike trail, etc.

Donate Stamps: The deadline for donating stamps is past. You are welcome to bring a table top box or a campsite box to the event. Please do not plan to plant letterboxes in the state park.

Donate Cash: Just like at previous Great Lakes Gatherings, there will be a donation bucket available (to help defray expenses for shelter rental, printing, containers and mailing). For this event, the MCC is suggesting a donation of $10 or more per adult letterboxer. If you want to send your donation prior to the event, contact Dartmoor Dreamer. Non-credit card money can be sent via PayPal ("money to family and friends") to DartmoorDreamer@hotmail.com

Any money collected beyond 2014 expenses will be donated to the 2015 GLG organizing group.

Bring:
Food for the pot luck (hot dogs, buns, plates and utensils provided). The shelter has two electric outlets and a 4-sided stone fireplace.
Insect repellant (mosquito and wood tick)
A table-top or HIPS event box (make it one of your best carves!!)
Some cash for 1) donation and 2) the daily vehicle fee ($5 in 2013)

Overnight Options
Camping (or cabin) reservations for Wild River are available now at:
http://reservations2.usedirect.com/MinnesotaWebHome/
State Park (one tent and car per site, showers available, quiet hours 10 pm-8 am, pets must be on a 6' leash, no alcohol)
Some of the MCC members are at sites #69, 80, 81, 84.

There is a block of rooms reserved at the Americinn North Branch, MN
(651) 674-8627
2 Queen beds, (non-smoking, $30 non-refundable pet fee, free breakfast, free wi-fi)
89.90 = $10 off, ask for Great Lakes Gathering

Important Info: This event and the positive interaction with the Wild River SP naturalist are the first steps in educating all Minnesota State Park personnel about the low environmental impact and family-friendly nature of letterboxing. We are counting on everyone to make this a great experience at the park and for the park staff. We want to continue to expand letterboxing legally in Minnesota State Parks.

Pets
Copied directly from the state park rules:
Pets must be kept on a leash not longer than six feet. Clean up pet waste.

Mar 20, 2014: Planning ahead for the 2014 Great Lakes Gathering (GLG)
Thanks to everyone who donated a stamp for the upcoming GLG. The planning committee has received a LOT of fabulous carves. There will be long hikes, short hikes, puzzles, drive-bys and table top boxes.

Don't worry if you missed the deadline to donate a stamp! Bring your stamp as a table top box, a hidden in plain site box or a campsite box. We are working closely with the Minnesota State Park manager to permanently and temporarily plant boxes within the park. Please let us continue the good relationship and do all the planting in the park.

There are still rooms available at the Americinn in North Branch. The "Great Lakes Gathering" block of rooms will be held until May 27th. Did I mention that there will be letterboxes in North Branch, too?

Happy first day of spring!
-Dartmoor Dreamer

Jun 22, 2014: Less than one week
We will meet at the picnic shelter at 9 am.

I refuse to believe the weather forecast published on our event page .... NO MORE RAIN!! However, I suggest bringing rain gear and muck boots, just in case.
-Dartmoor Dreamer

Jun 23, 2014: Info about the Stillwater Bridge over the St. Croix River
Just in case you are taking the scenic route through Wisconsin:
On WI State Trunk #64, the bridge over the St. Croix to/from Stillwater, MN is closed.

You'll have to cross the river at Osceola or at Hudson.

Jun 25, 2014: Clue printing before the GLG
The recently posted clues for the Chisago County MN area will be included in the GLG clue packets. So, you do not need to print the clues unless you are seeking those boxes before Saturday.

Jun 26, 2014: Dartmoor Dreamer is leaving the modern world at noon 6/26
I'm leaving home at noon today (6/26) and heading up to Wild River State Park. The cell/internet service is very spotty/nonexistent. So, you will not hear from me again until you see me in person.

Drive safe. See you soon

Signups

Total signups:115