Grandfather Mountain 2012

**Pyper** · 15th February 12, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by piperdbh

No. The shuttle busses are ex- (or sometimes current) high school busses. They are usually crowded, always hot, and the less plunder* you bring aboard is the less plunder you'll have to hold in your lap, bang somebody's head with as you make your way to your seat, and the less you'll have to tote around while on the Meadow.

Different shuttle system. You're talking about the shuttles that take regular attendees from the parking lots to the games. We're talking about the shuttles that take campers to their cars at the remote camping lot. A friend of mine used to be a shuttle volunteer. When he was your driver the shuttle was a Saturn 4 door sedan.

**piperdbh** · 15th February 12, 03:27 PM

Ah-ha. I've never camped there, as I live about 40 minutes away. I didna ken there were shuttles for the campers. That must be nice.

**turpin** · 15th February 12, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Pyper

If you run into me, I'm sure I'll tell you these two observations (at least once

)

1) The most special time camping is when you come back the second year. When you arrive, it's like you didn't leave. The mountain is the same, and the same people you met the first year are back, camping in pretty much the same places.

2) This is, in a way, cheating time. Because we're all a year older, but in a year we haven't changed so much that it's really noticeable. Kind of like Brigadoon.

What does change is children grow up. And sometimes people go to the great campground in the sky.

Pyper, you have captured it EXACTLY!!. May I copy/paste your thoughts onto the MacVillage Facebook page?

**Pyper** · 16th February 12, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

Pyper, you have captured it EXACTLY!!. May I copy/paste your thoughts onto the MacVillage Facebook page?

Go for it.

I got that second part from Wilson about 10 years ago. He described it as a "Zen like way of cheating time" as I recall. I mentioned it to him later and he didn't remember

You might remember me from last year -- I was at the top of the hill, and came down with my cheap drum and my Carbony low-G, wearing my blue denim kilt.

**BatlRatl** · 21st February 12, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by rlloyd

While passes are not yet on sale for the 2012 games, it's never too early to start planning for such an event.

Personally, I've made a day trip to Linville (only about 1.5 hours from me) to visit the games a few times in the past, though it has been probably 5 or 6 years since last doing so. This year, I'm strongly considering camping the entire weekend on the grounds. I've not even been camping in probably close to 10 years, and never at an event such as this, so any input and tips from the "pros" would be greatly appreciated!

1. Cot(s) and/or air matresses
2. 2 sleeping bags per person; one for warm weather, one for cold(cold one larger than the warm).
3. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent system.
4. Coleman dual power fan.
5. Coleman folding camp table (with picnic seating)
6. long extension cord (if power is available) & surge protector.

Hope it helps.

**Thomas H** · 21st February 12, 02:48 PM

Crazy ?
Is this an event that could be done in one day ?

I was thinking about driveing up from Georgia and going to the games and then driveing back home that night.

I am just not a camping kind of guy -

And the Hotels are booking up fast .

So I was just wondering if it could be just a day trip ?

**Mael Coluim** · 21st February 12, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by BatlRatl

1. Cot(s) and/or air matresses
2. 2 sleeping bags per person; one for warm weather, one for cold(cold one larger than the warm).
3. Thermacell Mosquito Repellent system.
4. Coleman dual power fan.
5. Coleman folding camp table (with picnic seating)
6. long extension cord (if power is available) & surge protector.

Hope it helps.

Where's the beer and whisky?
It's a dry county!

**Mael Coluim** · 21st February 12, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas H

Crazy ?
Is this an event that could be done in one day ?

I was thinking about driveing up from Georgia and going to the games and then driveing back home that night.

I am just not a camping kind of guy -

And the Hotels are booking up fast .

So I was just wondering if it could be just a day trip ?

Worth the drive! But come as early as you can.

**turpin** · 21st February 12, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas H

Crazy ?
Is this an event that could be done in one day ?

I was thinking about driveing up from Georgia and going to the games and then driveing back home that night.

I am just not a camping kind of guy -

And the Hotels are booking up fast .

So I was just wondering if it could be just a day trip ?

It's a 5-6 hour drive for me from Roswell. YMMV, but not worth the wear and tear unless you can share the driving. Better to arrive thenight before, spend a full, rested day and drive back.

**Pyper** · 22nd February 12, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas H

Crazy ?
Is this an event that could be done in one day ?

I was thinking about driveing up from Georgia

10 hours of driving plus six hours of games plus unknown hours waiting for a shuttle to take you back down the mountain. I might could have done that when I was 20 years younger.

That's assuming you live near I-85, north or east of Atlanta. If you live in Valdosta or Brunswick the answer is no

Honestly though, if I didn't camp I probably wouldn't go. Not unless was going to buy a patron package with a parking permit. I've watched those shuttle lines too many years to want to stand in one.