Spring get-together

Well, I'm thinking of a couple of things.  Sorry this is so long, but you've got a few months to read it so take your time. 

First is not really Spring but Summer.  As many of you already know, I love rivers.  In my neck of the woods is a river made famous in songs - the Shenandoah.  The Shenandoah Valley is beautiful, nestled between two ridges of the Appalachian Mountain range (the Blue Ridge and the Appalachian Ridge), it's a little slice of heaven.  This jewel in this little slice of heaven is the river itself, and it has been under relentless attack from industry, industrial agriculture, and development beyond what is naturally sustainable.  One of the most effective organizations trying to defend this jewel is the Shenandoah Riverkeepers.  This organization is personified in the person of Jeff Kelble, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper himself.  Jeff works closely with farmers, industrial leaders, government leaders and agencies, and when that doesn't work to well with the courts.  He has had a great deal of success in turning things the other way and getting the river into recovery from having annual fish kills and producing consistently unsafe drinking water. 

So, Jeff hosts a HAYUGE party each year in early June as a fund-raiser and membership drive.  This party is at Low-Water Bridge Campground in Bentonville, Virginia (not far from Winchester).  It's a nice campground, a little shy on showers, but clean and right on the banks of the Shenandoah.  Admission to the party gets you a night's camping, admission to a bar-be-que feast prepared by award-winning caterers (and includes free-flowing beer and wine), and usually a bluegrass concert, and most importantly membership in the Shenandoah Riverkeeper organization.  I was thinking of picking that weekend and that campground for Friday and Saturday nights.  The cost may exclude some, but if it does they can talk to me and I'll see what can be done to help.  I don't want cost to get in the way of someone hanging out with us, so I'll see what can be done to help.  There would be plenty of time in the evenings to play music, plus at least one huge and delicious meal AND supporting a worthy organization. 

The second idea I have is the first week in August, I host a fishing/paddling thing along the New River near Meadow Creek, WV.  I am thinking that can become a fishing/paddling/music thing.  I spent more time picking last year than I did fishing, and with more luck.  It's usually about $58 for the week's camping, but no discounts for less than a week.  I usually come down on Thursday and leave on Sunday.  Everything is subject to change (especially the price).  It's a nice campground with clean showers and bathrooms and a couple cabins for those so inclined.   In fact, just expect this to be an open invitation with details to follow. 

I'm still looking for a place that allows alcohol and doesn't mind late night picking for a May event.  There's one place I know of.   Purportedly alcohol is not permitted, but it's always been a "don't be crazy with it and use a cup for goodness sakes" kind of a place.  I'm hoping that no one who would come would intend on consuming to the point of loud and obnoxious stupidity and so that should not be a problem. 

As far as camping, I have tents and things to share and could completely outfit a few people so long as we share a kitchen.  I have fed up to fifteen people out of my camp kitchen. 

I'm eager to hear your thoughts. 

- Zurf