3rd Annual American Skier Reunion!

[Gonzo]

Here we go again

[Joel]

Might as well start getting it together!   I'll DEFINITELY be there!   Same bat time...  Same bat channel 

Thats ONE boat!!  Who's with me???

Joel

[dwelter]

do you have a date in mind so i can reserve the time?

[Mike Harry]

Exactly, there needs to be a date set early. This was the biggest concern that I heard from most of the people wanting to go to the second reunion that couldn't make it.

I have also heard some rumors swirling about branching off and having something a little more regional, separate reunions in different parts of the country.......... I don't know if that was being talked about for the coming reunion or future reunions beyond that.

Just so those who have not attended or dont know much about the reunion know, this is not exactly "sanctioned" or anything. Its my opinion that if you can get a group of guys together in your area for a weekend and "reunion" GO FOR IT.

I personally hope we still have a main reunion though, that as many boats can gather will if possible. With that being said, I know there are (or will be soon) 3 of us in central Florida and I would bet that we will be searching for a place to get together on our own.

Just some thoughts.

[Midskier]

Same Bat time - Sat & Sun June 15 & 16 Fathers Day Weekend seems to work pretty good.

Bat Channel - not opposed to returning to Buchanan Resort for a third year in a row
http://www.buchananresort.com/
they have a great variety of accommodations + boat ramp, docks , slips etc - so @ least we know what to shoot for
however I'm not opposed to going somewhere else either - like a hotel on a lake we can book a block of rooms
and have all the boats in the water together.............

Dan T


addition / ps : 5 of us are on a 3 year no wake zone probation on TN waters    

[Mike Harry]

Alright. Im thinking lets set it up for same dates and anyone that CANT make it for those times speak up now or forever wish you were at the 3rd annual.

Also, I understand that the 2nd doubled in boats and people over the 1st. Id like to see that happen again this year (double the 2nd) at least. I mean, what are we talking to double again? 10, 12, 14?

[phil]

I think we may need to slow our roll on this one.. With the new mapping feature on this site, I would really like to gain a better understanding of where our members are located with the goal of planning a better reunion site. I would like to see a North and South reunion site with the goal being a larger turnout. Admittedly, we may be a bit spoiled but we would also like nicer accommodations than what Buchannans provides and I think it's safe to say that we likely will not be returning to Buchanan's Resort. Also, our family has a lot of young children and it's just too long of a drive for us.

One thing is for sure, we need some type of agenda for the next reunion.

[phil]

Also, I understand that the 2nd doubled in boats and people over the 1st. Id like to see that happen again this year (double the 2nd) at least. I mean, what are we talking to double again? 10, 12, 14?

It was suppose to double but as is life, things change and people needed to cancel. In the end, we had 6 American Skiers (last year we had 4) and 1 Mastercraft.

[Mike Harry]

Slowing my roll 

[Gonzo]

I would say the same date is good. The other stuff is open.

[Smitty]

I'm a little biased, but South Central Indiana has a few spots of interest.  And with Dan's son attending IU next year, quite the convenience as well.  Also, when you look at the forum map, it might be more accomodating to our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.  Here are a few places...

http://www.fourwindsresort.com/

This is on a big lake with plenty of rooms, food, and slips.  Also, 20 minutes from downtown Bloomington.

http://www.patokalakemarina.com/

A little more out of the way, but better for skiing.  Close to French Lick, home of Larry Bird.  Plus there is a beautiful resort and casino in Frech Lick.  I know the owner. 

I would be happy to help organize if you decide to come this way.

[Joel]

Dates:  The current dates seem to work well - not too early, but not too late in the season so rooms are still available, its not unbearably hot, etc, and if we want this thing to "stick" we'll need to keep the dates consistent.  I wouldnt change it.

Location:  As much as I liked Buchanans and KY Lake in 2011 there may be a better location.  This WAS the most centralized locale two years ago, but we've got more members and it may not be the best location now.  I tend to agree with Phil as in lets see where everyone is located on the new & improved member map and shoot for the BEST facility at a relatively centralized location.  Everyone can do whatever they want & whenever they want - this isnt sanctioned, but if we start splitting up the "AM Skier Reunion" between locations were likely to see participation decline.  For me, it has to be a place that Ron & Dan Tanis can make... thats what puts it over the top for me   Southern Indiana is great for me, but I'm going no matter WHERE we have it...  just so were clear on that 

I do think we need to "slow the roll" a bit, but lets nail down the date/location as soon as possible so people can make plans, take vacation / leave, make reservations WELL IN ADVANCE, etc.  In order to do that we'll need to get input from EVERYONE on date / location SOON.

My 2.5 cents!

Joel

[Mike Harry]

With an entire year to plan and finish off what I have been trying to do for the last several years (Im close as it is) I dont see why I cant plan to go most anywhere (Sorry folks not towing the skier to Cali) .

Even if its a pretty good distance, I dont see why we wouldnt be able to make it as long as I know in plenty of time.

I mean, North/South I only see a 2 person difference right now on the map. Whats good for the goose............ If you guys up north can make the trip south, Im willing to make it north BUT I aint no polar bear so I would request we did it when the water temp was at or above 70 degrees 

[backfoot100]

I personally don't have a problem moving it either. Buchanan's is OK but I'm sure there are other places that would offer more options for those that want to venture out to local nightlife or restaurants for an evening. If my wife is willing to come along, the least I can do is treat her to a dinner date one night that isn't an hour drive to get anywhere. Nothing against the Oak Tree or whatever it's called but that just doesn't cut it for a dinner date with my wife.

The possibility of a second reunion is a very real possibility but I do believe that we need to keep a primary or main reunion (for now). I agree with Joel that two reunions could very well have less participation so you need to keep a primary reunion until we get more attendance. Patience grasshoppers!!! I don't have a problem moving it to southern Indiana like Chris is suggesting either. As long as we can get the afore mentioned options. Geez, if we get enough participation, they might even offer a group discount that Buchanan's wouldn't even seem to consider.

About the same time frame as it is now is also good. It does seem to have more options as the heavy summer vacation crowd hasn't really kicked in yet but I also agree with Mike... too far north and I may not get wet. I'm from WI originally but I'm definitely warm blooded now. I do still have my drysuit though!!!!

Some intial thoughts about a southern get together could be feb/march timeframe. The only reason I offer that up is that is what the CC guys have done and it's been very successful. This last year they had 35 boats from as far away as MA,CT, NJ and NY and very close to 100 people. For what it's worth, I was at the very first southern reunion that they formed just five years ago. They had 5 boats and about 20 people attend. Now it's bigger than the main event that they schedule in the summer.
Feb./March is the end of the winter months and a lot of northern guys (and their significant others) are ready for some sun and water that isn't frozen. The only problem is that it pretty much limits the location to be central FL or even further south. Anything north of that at that timeframe can still be pretty dang cold as I'm sure Ron can attest to. Many of them also plan a short family vacation around those reunion dates. There are quite a few locations available for a reunion anywhere from 10 minutes to a couple hours from Mickey, Seaworld and Busch Gardens. Again, this may just be a "throw something together" to see what kind of participation we can get after a main reunion is scheduled. It could only be the two or (soon three) boats in FL that would attend but that's how things get kick started. Just some thinking out loud for discussion.
Maybe something in Georgia in the fall would be an option too. Certainly worth considering. That would be more of an even split between the June reunion then. A Feb/March gathering may be cutting things too close for the June reunion to get more participation.

I would be more than happy to organize something down here but I really believe that the main reunion needs to take priority first. Any thouoghts are greatly appreciated.



Eddie

[RonT]

I mentioned to several about a possible change in location (s) My suggestion would be to encourage everyone to "pin" their location on the new Map with a Jan 1 target date, then see where the most active owners are from. I could easily see a North & South reunion, perhaps on even years & a central reunion on odd years??? The next hurdle is to find a suitable host location knowing that you can't please everyone all the time but aim for meeting the majority of needs. So if anyone knows of potential sites please send them in.