SLO Gathering III Sept. 10th to 12th, 2009

[Frog]

Esteban:

I visited some friends camping at Lopez Lake County Park yesterday, Tuesday, 9/1). They reported seeing the usual deer and wild turkeys doing their early morning wanderings. Although it was pretty warm (around 97 degrees), the afternoon breeze helped keep it fairly comfortable. People were wind surfing on the lake so the wind was brisk enough for that without blowing over awnings.

The lake remains at 54% full, but looked to be fuller than it was a few weeks ago when it was also reported at 54% full. Although it's pretty dry, and the fire danger is high, they are still allowing campfires in the campsite fire rings.

Although the park was quite empty mid-week, they predict a pretty full house this (Labor Day) weekend.

Besides the Thursday Night Farmers Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo, there is also a Farmers Market in the Village in Arroyo Grande (10 miles away) Saturday Mornings.

Also for those visitors that have been here before, and accustomed to shop at JJ's Market which is on Grand Avenue just as you leave the village, sadly, it is closed so don't count of getting ice or last minute food stuffs there. They had a fire about a month ago so it may be from that or it may be a permanent closure. Too bad to, because it was a good place to get last minute things.

AG weather for Thursday is predicted 79/55, Fri 74/55, Sat 71/53, Sun 68/52. For Lopez one can add about 10 - 12 degrees to the high temperatures which means probably a pretty comfortable weekend, weather wise. Because of the LA area fires, the air is a little gray, but still pretty clear considering all. Nothing like down south.

If your guests have never been there, it's easy to find. 101 off at Grand and head inland thru the village. At the first stop sign beyond the village (School Bus Barn on the right), turn right and go until you come to the park. Grand become Huasana Road (pronounced WAASNAA) then Lopez. By the way for your gee whiz file, the Lake/Dam is 40 years old this year.

Have a great time, and I hope to stop by for a short visit on Saturday.

Frog.

[Esteban]

I made a very difficult decision to withdraw from camping at the SLO Gathering. Today I canceled my reservation for Beaver #20.

If you have a Lopez Lake camping reservation please go ahead with the SLO tear drop trailer gathering without me and have a great time camping together.

The Beaver campsite #21 reservation for Friday and Saturday is paid for so it can be used as a group get together area.

[Ron Dickey]

Steve will be with us during the day, like last year. He will not be sleeping over.
But duing the day look for that cool guy Esteban (AKA Steve B.) Espectially when there is food on the table. And intersting people to talk with.

His trailer looks real nice, it is a convertable, and looks alittle like mine did at the first SLO Gathering with no doors on.
His trailer is a little shy now and will been seen in public in future months, when she is better dressed with new shinny plates.

[jhb]

...looks alittle like mine did at the first SLO Gathering with no doors on...

I remember that, thinking "what the???". It was my first gather. Didn't realize that TD folks didn't really care if you camped in a tent, or a plywood box with no doors, or had gun sites for windows... (we all miss your gun sites!). Just so long as you knew what a teardrop was and could eat food, you was family!

Have a great time!

[Italia]

I was just thinking how much I am looking forward to the SLO Gathering next weekend. I haven't been camping all summer and until last week too busy working. Times are tough but it is the special moments that we remember, and I am never happier than when I am out camping with other kindred spirits.I am sincerely going to miss some of those who couldn't make it this year, I was looking forward to renewing old friendships that can sometimes get neglected at a large gathering, this years event is just the right size to get reaccquainted and reconnect with great people.
Chris (italia)will once again be at Beaver Campsite to greet arriving Teardroppers and lend a helping hand if needed. I have a special Dutch Oven mushroom dish in mind for Saturday dinner and I hope it comes out as good as I imagine it to be!
Wishing you all a safe ,uneventful journey to and from the SLO Gathering. See you next weekend!---Dan (italia)

[Ron Dickey]

I called over to Lopez and moved from my spot to the spot steve cancelled from. so at Beaver Camp Ground 18 is now open and we moved to 20.

When I called they said the camp Grounds are all full. But if you call ask if 18 is still open.

Pulled the Box Kite out getten ready to take er campin.

See you all there.

Ron D.

[sftiggee]

I just called and they said trailers weren't allowed in Beaver unless you did so at your own risk. any site recs for trailers so i can make a reservation? they said site 1 was still open, and a few others as well. anyone who's been there before provide me with some insight??

[Italia]

Most rangers are not aware of teardrops and tiny trailers. When I called and made reservation the ranger was so happy to hear that we were coming back this year.

Campsite Lobo I think is next to Beaver in case we need more sites.

Chris

[sftiggee]

OK so after looking at where everyone else is camping, and checking out the photos of the sites online, I've reserved Beaver #7 and will be arriving late friday afternoon. I'm sure I'll be meeting a lot of new people sicne I've only been able to go the the Dam Gathering the past couple years.

See you there!!!

P.S. How do I update Estaban's top post to reflect my campsite??

[sftiggee]

in re-reading some posts, looks like I took the short straw with site #7

But I will not be discouraged! We have 2 canopies, and 2 car port shades, and plenty of blocks and a couple of leveling jacks. Hopefully we will not be disappointed with site #7

[Esteban]

Welcome Jolene and family. Beaver #7 is a smaller campsite, that's not as level as most others, according to Martha who camped there last year. Your shades will help during the day.

I just updated the list on page 1 with the names of people coming to the SLO Gathering with their campsites.

Dan and Chris "Italia" plan to arrive early and will be informally helping out. Thanks Dan and Chris.

Chris said Dan and Jay are bringing waffle irons to make waffles about 8:30 Saturday morning at Beaver #21.

A good time for the Saturday Potluck would be about 5PM at Beaver #21. Yum yum!

[Italia]

Is any one else making waffles?

[Italia]

What are you making in your Dutch Oven?

[martha24]

in re-reading some posts, looks like I took the short straw with site #7

But I will not be discouraged! We have 2 canopies, and 2 car port shades, and plenty of blocks and a couple of leveling jacks. Hopefully we will not be disappointed with site #7

When you get there, you can always ask if any other sites are open or you could call now and see if any other sites are open if you wanted to trade.

If you have enough shade canopies that will help. We were able to get the trailer level by blocking it, but what drove me crazy was never feeling level when sitting. Bring extra blocks to make the picnic table level too.

The pictures on the website look great for that site, but they are very deceiving.

I am very glad you can come none the less.

I still need to figure out what I'm cooking and get ourselves together as we just got back from North San Diego County today.

[Ron Dickey]

in re-reading some posts, looks like I took the short straw with site #7

But I will not be discouraged! We have 2 canopies, and 2 car port shades, and plenty of blocks and a couple of leveling jacks. Hopefully we will not be disappointed with site #7

There is no short straw. however when you come and if you like before setting up or when checking in you can ask if there are other sites to traide fore at beaver. 7 is a simple pull in and you will have a nice view of the lake too.

Look forward to meeting you and seeing your rig.

Ron Dickey
3 time at this gathering