Upper Mississippi Get Together 2002
 

Hey Mississippi River Rats!

Anyone still interested in having the 2002 upper Mississippi summer run to Treasure Island Casino???? If you're interested, see the post in the OSO gatherings section.



Here's the info that Hp500efi came up with last August. I like the idea of using Treasure Island as a home base and running from there.

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Original thread started by hp500efi

Guys, for those of us who love the Mississippi River for boating, we were all a little disappointed this year due to the major flooding the river experienced. As a result, our planned 2001 get together got put on hold because as soon as the river settled down, the hotels and marinas filled up and we were SOL.

In order to get a step ahead of the game, I decided to have my lovely wife do some checking into a 2002 get together. She once again contacted the
Treasure Island Casino to find out if they would be willing to allow us to make hotel reservations for mid summer 2002.

After talking to about 3 different people, she finally got to talk to the person who handles large group reservations. They normally only take "year in advance" reservations for such things as weddings, car shows etc. My wife explained that it was necessary for us to make year in advance reservations because most of us would be travelling by boat and would need reservations as well in the Casino's Marina so the gentleman agreed and will allow us to reserve space NOW for 2002.

Once we settle on a date, we can reserve a block of rooms and slips for everyone (wife told the guy approx 20 boats) and everyone would be responsible to make their final reservation.

Just a refresher

Yes you can sleep aboard your boat while in the marina (unless a severe weather alert is posted). 2001 marina charge's per night to use the slip is:

$22.00 for boats under 32'
$27.00 for boats under 40' and over 32'
$33.00 for boats larger than 41'

$99.00 per night for a hotel room

If you plan on staying in the hotel, your slip charge is cut in HALF.

There is NO minimum to staying in the hotel. You can stay for ONLY ONE night or as many as you want, price stays the same.

For those who would prefer to camp, there are plenty of public sand bars within a few river miles from the Casino. These sand bars are first come first serve and are to be found North of the Casino.

As far as what are we going to do? well, as long as the weather cooperates, the boating is fabulous. Unlimited amount of things to do. Mostly river cruising and stops on sand bars to relax and let some of the smaller ones swim. For those of you who want to look at a map, the Casino is just north of Red Wing MN. We could boat South one day to Lake Pepin and Boat North the other day up the St Croix. In fact I am sure we could get Troutly to give us the guided tour of the St Croix

The Casino is about a 1/2 mile from the river/marina. The Casino offers round the clock free shuttle service from the marina to the Casino. Also there are full bathrooms with showers at the marina for those who decide to sleep aboard. The marina has gas, ice and a few selection of snacks. The marina is top notch, no problem leaving your boat there, very secure. Food is available in the Casino resort. They have some reasonable buffets or smaller restaurant type places. If that doesnt fit your needs, just about anything is available by boat in one of the many river towns or pack along some food. The Casino resort has a indoor pool with all the goodies again if you bring kids . These are just a few suggestions.

The Casino gave my wife these open dates for 2002.

July 25th - 28th
August 1st - 4th

or possibly July 18th - 21st

We picked these weekends because they miss the Oshkosh Poker Run and eliminate another possible flooding situation . Plus it gives Cord time to look for that new ride of his

here is what I need you to do

Please give me your answers to these simple questions.

a. Which dates listed work best for you?
b. Would you prefer another date not listed? if so, when?
c. Would you be staying in the hotel?
d. How many nights would you be staying?
e. Would you need a slip for overnighting?

So with that in mind, lets get this thing going. Give me your thoughts so we can plan a great 2002 get together for us Northern boaters.

Jeff
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More info
where do you plan on starting out at? running north to red wing or south to redwing? leaving on a sat and coming home on sunday ? Let us know what you are thinking about.
Mark

I casted my vote and my 2 cents as well in the other thread ;)


Jeff

I'm in!

I'm not a big fan of TI. But it would be fun to see that part of the river and hang out with everyone. The jury is still out here. Once a date is picked I'll be able to say for sure.

Brian

Better idea. Why don't you all run south from TI. Then we will meet up with you when you get on the south side of Red Wing. There is a pretty big group of us performance boaters(8 boat or so) down that way. Most of us would rather not go through Red Wing. Just an idea.

Brian

I've posted our preferences in the OSO Gatherings thread. :D :D :D

Troutly
I have heard of doing that but only with fishing boats, is that the way you take the hot rod through? How deep is it ? That would be a great way to go if mister happy ticket writter would not go back there. We wont even go up there any more, that town is way out of control with the river patrol.
Mark

Personally I'm not afraid to go through Red Wing. Water Patrol doesn't even look at quiet little lake boats like mine. Its all those big loud bastard I follow that have the problems. Especially now that there a a couple with four noise holes.

There are fisherman that are scared to run there fishing boats up the back channel. There are alot that do though. My dad does all the time but he said there are a few places that are only a couple feet deep. I quess you have to know where to run. Suposedly it's deep enough if you know where to avoid. With the water being down I don't think I'd even take my boat back there. If the water comes up 8 feet we'll all be running it.

I'm thinking we'll probably trailer up and put in at TI. We'll see when it gets closer.

Brian

TTT - I know there are more of you out there! :D