Hi Ron,
Yes this site slows down on the odd numbered years. I've been checking in the last couple of days and Dean and I have begun some preliminary planning. Things don't start hopping until after the first of the year when we get the date set. Yesterday I looked at the 2010 calendar and it happens that there are 5 weekends in July this time.
Dean and I have discussed moving the date to mid-July (weekend of the 17-18) due to the fact that the river MAY get a toxic algae bloom by the end of July. The church group that rented the Grove the last weekend of July 2009 could not use the river due to the bloom of algae. As a matter of fact, the bloom CAN be fatal to dogs. A young, healthy dog died from playing in the water in early August because of this algae growth. It comes on very suddenly.
So......that being said, if we get good winter rains, and the spring flow stays strong, we should be fine. We were OKAY in 2006 and 2008 and the river was fine for human and animal use. I would feel terrible if we had anyone or a pet get sick (or worse) due to exposure to the algae bloom. The other possibility is to do it during the time period running through the weekend of July 24-25. I'd like to be able to swim in the river, have pets play in the water, etc. This is a MAJOR consideration in setting the date this year. I will be putting in a call soon to Ranger Pat to get his sage advice, but again, later dates in July or early August raise the possibility of this occuring in the Van Duzen River where Pamplin Grove swimming hole is
Ron, there will be a Pay It Forward Raffle again this year. We look forward to seeing what people may want to donate. Last year's raffle was INCREDIBLE! Bring what you want, it does not have to be camping related. And remember to see me for your raffle tickets.
That's a quick update....check back here or on the T&TTT forum as we approach the new year. Thanks for your input.
Joanie
2008 IRG 2.0 ARCHIVES (Read Only)