2002 Mississippi River Get Together
 

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 :D

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 :D. 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 :D

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


BTW, I would be putting in South near LaCrosse (100 miles south) and travelling North on the Thursday arriving at the Casino early evening. Assuming that Friday and Saturday would be the get together boating times and Sunday would be for travelling back home.

a. Doesnt matter to this guy
b. If everyone wants a different date thats fine
c. Yes
d. 3 nights
e. Yes

Wow, this idea is still alive? What ever makes you think that by mid summer I'll have settled with my insurance company?

Anyways,

a. I'd pick the august date
b. What ever, just make up your mind before we leave
c. Either the hotel or the dog house, both suite me fine
d. 2 nights would be a better choice
e. Yes I would need a slip, either that or I could just carry the canoe up to my room.

Cord how far a drag would that be for us west Mi. guys?

We'd make the trip up-river for that; we do most of our boating on the Miss anyway, but way south of you.
a)either is fine
b)see above
c)yes
d)2 nights
e)yes
dyno- We live outside of Rockford and boat out of Savannah, IL (below Lock 12- Bellevue IA) It takes us an hour from Rockford to get to the river, and Rockford is about 1 1/2 hours from Chicago. We have traveled to the Lake Pepin area by boat in a day; it depends on lock traffic. Splashing in Dubuque is about the same drive time and avoids 1 lock.
We would basically have to add one day for water-travel time to be able to join up with the northern Miss boaters.
It would fun to have a group of boats running north. Done it many times, and is a beautiful ride!

MI Guys/Gals - To give you an idea. From Grand Haven to La Crosse,WI it would take just under 8 hours, traveling at an average speed of 60mph(says my computer program anyway)

hey Deana!!! thanks for the info sure would like to make the trip but I'll have the new little co-pilot along for the ride...could make things tough...

dyno - How's is your wife feeling these days? When is the baby due? Hope you could posbily make the trip.

deanna

Dyno,
We are in the North suburbs of Chicago and it takes us a little over 6 hours to drive to Treasure Island w/ the boat. Interstate 4 lane road all the way through LaCrosse. After a few miles past LaCrosse they are 2 lane and several towns that slow you down, but not to bad.

Rick

Dyno,
We are in the North suburbs of Chicago and it takes us a little over 6 hours to drive to Treasure Island w/ the boat. Interstate 4 lane road all the way through LaCrosse. After a few miles past LaCrosse they are 2 lane and several towns that slow you down, but not to bad.

Rick

Mrs.Cord Rachel and the baby are great growing like a weed,boating hasent been a problem the lake has been really flat this summer.Had to give up the cottage last weekend to the owners,bummer but they do own it. hope you and the Mr. get your boat problems behind you soon.