I've never been to a Gathering before. What should I expect?
* Friendly folks - Don't be shy, just walk up and say hi!
* Tasty food
* Lots of boxes, some will be WOM boxes (Word of Mouth) so stay alert for verbal hints, unusual questions or clues that get distributed in ways other than the clue booklet.
Where will the Gathering be held and how do I get there?
The Gathering will be held at Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest in Delafield, WI (click here for park map) and click here for some directions. We have reserved the Trecker Lodge so we will have a warm dry place even if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Are maps of the park available?
Yes. You can print one from here to be sure you have one. There may also be copies available on the day of the Gathering, but it may be best to bring one with you.
What time do things start?
9:00 am and the building is reserved until 8:00 pm. A more detailed agenda will be available when we get closer to the day of the event..
Is there a fee to get in?
Yes, unless you already have an annual Wisconsin State Park sticker. Since we have reserved a building, a reduced rate is available to all event attendees. However you will need a "certificate" that I will email out a week or so before the event. This will allow everyone (WI and out of state) to enter the park for $3 per vehicle. The next day, Sunday June 4, is State Parks Open House Day and no vehicle admission stickers will be required that day in any state park.
Can we make camping reservations?
Are there any hotels nearby?
The nearest hotels and B&BS are:
Baymont Inn & Suites
Country Pride Inn
2412 Milwaukee St. P. O. Box 180140
Delafield, WI 53018
Phone: (262) 646-3300
Fax: (262) 646-3491
Holiday Inn Express
Pedal'rs Inn (B&B)
Quilted Decoy Bed & Breakfast
W281 N1265 Clover Leaf Court
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Contact Barabara Fleischman
Phone: 262-547-1699
You can also use a travel tool such as Orbitz, Expedia, or Travelocity to find more options.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but only in specific areas and they need to be on a leash, 8' maximum. Unfortunately they are not allowed in the building or even in the picnic areas in any Wisconsin State Park. It is OK to take them out on the regular trails, but you would need to leave them in the car while you are at the picnic meeting place. SORRY! Here is a link with more detailed info about pets in WI State Parks: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/pets/
Is fishing allowed?
There isn't any fishing within Lapham Peak State Park, but there are nearby lakes in county parks and in the surrounding area. It just so happens that June 3&4 is the "free fishing weekend" in Wisconsin. Click here for more info: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish/ffw.htm
Is mountain biking allowed?
OK, maybe this isn't a FREQUENTLY asked question, but just in case anyone is interested, there are 5 miles of mountain bike trails in the western portion of the park.
Is there a charge for the building rental?
Yes, it is $100. Contributions would be gratefully accepted to help defray this cost, as well as other gathering expenses.
Will there be an event stamp?
Yes, there will be a 2006 Great Lakes Gathering stamp, carved by FungusWoman.
Will there be event shirts?
No, so dress in your standard LB attire. Of course you're welcome to add a few "wonderful" accessories if desired!
Will there be any workshops?
Yes. This is still being developed but will probably include a carving workshop, a handmade books workshop and even a juggling workshop! Check back later for more info or let me know if there is something you would be willing to do a workshop on..
Will there be a "Show Your Stuff" table?
Yes. Please feel free to bring anything you'd like to share as a display item A photo, some neat device you use while LBing, a unique box, logbook or journal, special carving tools, etc.
Can I make a box & hide it for the event?
Yes! You can hide it yourself ahead of time and send me the clues, or hide it the morning of the event and then post clues for people to copy or pass around. (Everyone seems to have figured this out immediately - it was amazing to get volunteers for 30 boxes within 3 days!)
How long will the boxes be in the park?
Some will only be available on the day of the event, others will remain for the weekend, and others will be permanent. We will try to identify these in the clues so you know which ones are "limited time only".
Will there be a Hitchhiker Hostel?
No, but you are welcome to leave hitchhikers in any of the boxes at the gathering so they can be found by others.
Will there be a specific time for exchanges?
No. We've found that you have more time to chat if you search people out for an exchange rather than setting up an "assembly line". The best times to meet people will probably be at the start of the event and at lunch time. Of course there is a good likelihood that you also may meet people out on the trails. Strike up a conversation and initiate an exchange if it is someone you haven't already met!
Will there be a group photo?
Yes! Please be sure to be at the lodge at noon so you can be included in the photo.
The food I'm bringing is something hot/cold. Will this be OK?
There is no refrigerator or freezer in the buiilding. Please plan to bring a cooler and ice to keep any potluck items or beverages cool. There are several electrical outlets if you want to plug something in, such as a crockpot..
