Gathering 8.0 details
September 15-18 (Thursday-Sunday), 2005
Campground: Goldbrook Campground, Stowe, VT. 802 253-7683 or 7037. $6.00 (+tax) per person per night. I'll be working out some sort of sign-in/registration with the campground. Remember, if you don't sign-in, you won't be eligible for the "door prizes."
Directions: The campground is on VT 100 about 8-9 miles north of I-89, Exit 10, Watertbury/Waterbury Center, left side of the road. (Ben and Jerry's is about 3 miles from the exit also on the left.)
From the west this is my route. NYS Thruway (I-90) east to exit 27 (Amsterdam) to NY 30 north to NY 67 east to NY 50 north in Ballston Spa. Turn right at the second light on Malta Ave. then north on US 9 at light. Get on Northway (I-87) north and exit at Exit 20, NY 149 east to Fort Ann/Whitehall. In Fort Ann go east on US 4 into VT and get off at Exit 2, VT 22A north. (The views of the Adirondacks around Bridport and Addison are awesome.) In Vergennes go left on US 7 north to I-189 in South Burlington. Take I-189 to I-89 south (Montpelier) to Exit 10. Another option is to stay on I-87 and take one of the ferries or the bridge over to VT.
From the south, Albany, New York City, New Jersey. I-87 (NYS Thruway)north, exit Thruway in Albany but continue on I-87 north (Montreal) to Exit 20. Follow directions above.
From the South, Hartford, New Haven. I-91 north to I-89 north in White River Junction, VT to Exit 10.
From the east, Boston area. I-93 north to Exit ? I-89 north in Concord to Exit 10 in VT.
From Maine, central NH, and other eastern points. I don't have any good suggestions from here, but if you can get to Montpelier and get on I-89 north, you'll be all set.
From the north, Montreal, etc. Again, no good suggestions from here except to take 15 south into NY then US 2 east and VT 78 to I-89 south. You could also take the short ferry from Plattsburgh to Grand Isle, VT and pick up I-89 south from there.
I'll be arriving early afternoon on the 15th. If anyone needs a ride from the Syracuse area, let me know.
Schedule: Thursday, set up camp and maybe a short hike nearby. (These are my plans, but anyone is welcome to come earlier or stay longer.)
Friday I'll be hiking, either Camel's Hump or Mansfield, haven't decided yet. I suspect there will be a thread started at some point for people to post their hiking plans as well. As with other Gatherings, everyone is on their own for hike planning. Weather may also play a role in Friday/Saturday plans.
Friday night is dinner at The Shed in Stowe. We will order from the menu and there will be separate checks. Gratuity (18%) and VT tax (9%) added. Cash bar at about 7:00, dinner at 8:00. The restaurant is only a few miles from the campground.
Saturday more hiking or touristy stuff for me. For anyone interested in visiting Ben and Jerry's, there is no production on weekends so you won't be able to see the factory working. Burlington is only about 45 minutes away and there's lots to do there. If anyone wants to make a day of it, Shelburne Museum is less than an hour away.
Saturday night will be the potluck dinner at the campground as well as the drawing for the door prizes and passing the apron and the banner. The apron will go to the person travelling the furthest distance to the Gathering. Gris, Linda Lu hear that?
Sunday we recover and face the grim reality of the long drive home ahead. Keep in mind checkout time is 12:30 from the campground.
Any questions?
teejay
