Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/10/2007 6:44:25 PM

Hold it in Ohio and get a real turn out.


Gotcha buddy.

Where is this lake at.

Originally posted by: turnip on 10/10/2007 12:21:39 PM

The date for this event will be September 26, 27, 28, 2008. The location is Raystown Lake. Please feel free to post suggestions that may enhance this gathering of friends. <!--graemlin:;)--> <!--graemlin::)-->

Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/10/2007 6:44:45 PM

for Next year.

Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/10/2007 6:48:14 PM

Seriously where is the lake located. I would really like to try to make a couple meets next year.

For anyone that would like to help out, the Ohio Chapter is hosting a fishing meet in August for handicapped anglers up on Lake Erie. We will need all the help we can get. Anyone wishing to donate cash that would be a great help as well.

Originally posted by: turnip on 10/10/2007 7:24:17 PM

Arv, Raystown is located in North central Pa. In Huntingdon county, a short distance from the town of Huntingdon which is just off Rt. 26. The campgroud is huge and offers group sites that are protected from the winds of the Southwest. The facilities boast heated shower houses. There is plenty to see and do on the park premises as well as surrounding area. I personally checked out the group site and found it wonderful. They are in the process of building a new pavillion just for that site. This site is reservable at a total cost of $80.00 per day. It is large enough to handle 10 RV's and lots of tent room. All individual sites within this site have electric and water is available. There is also a playground at the one end...That would make Aaron happy! <!--graemlin:;)--> <!--graemlin::p-->

Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/13/2007 2:01:28 PM

Wow a playground, we would never get any work out of him. Sounds nice. Do you guys get the group site for the meet.

Originally posted by: turnip on 10/13/2007 3:06:42 PM

If we get a big enough turnout, yes we will use it...

Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/13/2007 3:58:36 PM

I'll be marking my calender and hopefully Amy and I can make the trip.

Originally posted by: aarhunt on 10/13/2007 4:41:45 PM

Oh yeah dat playground would make me happy <!--graemlin::p--> if`n da fish ain`t biten <!--graemlin::eek:--> <!--graemlin::D--> <!--graemlin::p-->

Originally posted by: arv1 on 10/14/2007 2:22:34 PM

Couldn't get you away from the playground at westbranch except to eat pies.

Everyone that is attending, now is the time to let me know if you are going to attend.  The sooner I can get an idea the sooner I can give YOU an idea of the cost per night.

I sure hope to see you all there!

LM since 2005 Bushwacker Deputy Sherif

Turnip,

I am trying to figure out still if I can attend. I want to really bad. Will let you know as soon as I can. Keeping up on it but all is crazy busy. Work and home nuts right now!!!! Keep me in the loop on personal e-mails etc.

Hope you are doing well buddy...

Getting closer to be able to make it! Am trying to see if my wife can get off also. That would be awesome as she has never attended a meet before.

She doesn't understand the meaning and relationships we all have with these meets. She does know from me and her son's how much it means to us and the fun we have but I really want her to experience it.

It is looking better and better.

Also I may be able to come if she cannot get off.

Boy would I like to see Karl and Turnip again in the same year! lol. Am I a glutton for punishment?

Note: It is just wonderfull the friendships and the comaraderie we all have established with these meets across the country.

If you have never attended one before get up and do so!!! I can tell you that you will not regret it!

Karl, glad too see you are coming and the chance of me coming is really improved.

Would love to see you all again....

Turnip, I am going to contact you for more information...

Tight lines all........

Location & Address of Meet ????

Now ya's got me thinkin' Pete and that might not be a good thing, especially if'n I start smellin' smoke......BD

Checking on dates, will let you know A.s.a.p !!!!!   BD

This is a list of those that I know who are attending:

Jarhead

turnip

scotteph

jas73

big dog

Pawalleyehunter

bald1

big berry

Kvjgriff

merlinvnv

If you are planing to attend, and I don't have your name on this list, please post here.  This is how I will be able to calculate the cost per camping group.  Right now only 7 have indicated that they will be camping which brings the cost to $11.43 per night, per camping group.

Big Berry, to answer your question, there are several motels in the area.  They are approx. 7 miles from the lake / campground (along rt. 26S).  There is also a resort at the lake.

a little info about Raystown, there are 118 miles of shoreline.  A free public launch, the length of the lake is 28 miles and the total surface is 8300 acres.

Part of the reason I need to be sure who is attending is that I must provide a roster to the campground office so that permits will be made up ahead of time, ready for us when we get there!

For those of you that are wondering how I travel to Raystown I take Pa-283 N to Harrisburg, merge onto I-283 to Harrisburg, I-83 / 322W, I83S / 322W toward Carlisle / Lewistown, Merge onto US-22W toward Mt. Union to Huntingdon, 26S to Stone Bridge Hollow Rd / Township Rd 440, turn right onto Army Corp of Engineers Rd., ending at Raystown Lake.  This takes me approx. 2 1/2 hours to get there.

For those of you coming from Jersey via the Pa Turnpike, I recommend that you stay on the Turnpike and take the marked exit (at this point I do not know which one it is!).

For those coming from Ohio via the Turnpike, I would also take the Pa Turnpike and the marked exit.

Raystown is just about mid state and to the North.  So if you haven't done so, please check in here, soon!  I will be leaving for Lake Seneca on Sept.6 and won't return until Sept. 14 and I am not sure I will have access to a computer.

For those of you that have indicated that you are camping, please send me a Email or PM with your given name.  Thanks!

Joe, I would like to get up there as early as possible.  But it will depend on Scott.  We will be traveling together...

Looks like i will be able to make it. If there is anything specific(besides fishing gear) I should bring i am looking for suggestions.

Looks good guys!  So that you know, there are no group meals planed.  But ya never know what may happen at a member meet!

For those of you that are arriving early, there is no discount provided.  Perhaps we should discuss having the meet start a day earlier next year.

I am not sure how many boats will be there but those of you that do not have one there, it is your responsibility to make arrangments with those that will have one there.

I have received a roster from the Corps of Engineers that must be filled out when everyone gets there.  This will help us get our discounted rates.

I will try to have the NAFC banner posted at the entry way to our camping area (after the check-in station).  Look for it on your left hand side.

I will get there as early as possible on Friday morning.  Scott will be with me and he will assist with selecting a site, check-in, etc.

At one of the campfires we should discuss how we can make this meet better for the future.  Keep posting here, stay in touch...Woo wee!  We got us a Pa meet!!

No problem with check-in or check-out times.  There is no one before us.

Joe, I'll pick up the creamer...Ed, sorry to hear you won't be there.  Perhaps next year!  I plan to leave my home by 6:00 am, which means I should be able to get there around 10:00 am.

I have an extra tent if ya need one...

Joe, it's plenty big enough for your air mattrus.  I use a twin size in it and still have room for my clothes. etc.

I use this tent for cold weather because it is shorter and holds the heat better.  There is room for a chair in the front room.  I have a 10 x 10 I use in good weather (warm). 

It allows me to use a twin size cot that the 6" thick air mattrus fits into, a chair, small light stand and lots of room for my clothes and gear...I should have gotten a 12 x 12 for two people.  Oh well!

Ok, the truck is packed with my stuff.  I will pack Scott's stuff early tomorrow morning.  The "Bushwacker" is hooked up & ready to go!  Woo wee, we got us a meet!

I'm all packed and the boat is hooked up and ready to go. can't wait to leave. this will be my first meet that is longer then a day. WOO WEE!!!

Scott has arrived and we transfered his gear to my truck.  This will be my last entry until I return.  Thanks for the well-wishes, Cheri!  Woo wee, we got us a meet!

I made it back safe & sound.  Saturday was a great weather-wise day to fish!  Pics & journal to follow...

Just to let everyone know that I got home safe.

Art, I received your pics and they are just fine!  Thanks...

Well from all the info you folks have shared on this meet I'm sure I will not get so upset next year if I can not make it.

Hold on folks!  The pics have not been posted yet because there are no fish in them!  I ain't going through that again!!  lol!  I am just about finished with the journal and hope to post today...Perhaps I'll post what pics we have first...Humm

The pavillion pictured above is new.  It is perhaps the best facility for group camping I have seen any where.  There are hook-ups for RVs (10) and a ton of room for tents.  There is water and electric, not counting what's in the pavillion!

jas it was greet meeting you to and hope we can get to gether again next year and hope i get to meet some more great people thear

Pa. Raystown Member Meet – 2008

September 26

4:00 am – Ring, ring, ring!  I get up in kind of a fog and stagger to the shower.  Afterward, I gather the last of my camping items that will need to go in the truck.  I finally sit down to sip my morning coffee, make this entry in my journal and wait for Scott to arrive. 

5:00 am – Scott arrives and we hurry to pack his gear.  As you can imagine, the BS was flowing!  I haven’t seen Scott much this year so a lot of time is spent catch up with all that is going on in our lives.

6:00 am – We’re on the road!  Traffic is light as Scott and I head around Harrisburg.  The mountains are beautiful this morning even though the leaves have yet to sport their fall colors.  The sky is threatening and we hope that it doesn’t rain until we get our tents set up!

10:00 am – We arrive at Seven Points Campground filled with excitement, anticipating a great weekend!  The check-in process takes just a few minutes and then it’s off to Meadow Group Camp.  I pick a spot to make my camp and Scott does the same.  Before setting up tents we walk around the area.  The pavilion is beautiful and modern bath facilities are a block away

…Soon Jas73 (Joe) and Pawalleyehunter (Art), with life member Kevin, son Bill and grandson, Cole arrive.  After much hand shaking and BS, we all set about to setting up our sites.

  Afterwards we all head to the pavilion to check it out!  Wow, overhead lights, electrical outlets every where, tables and a huge stone fire place!

  It doesn’t take long for us to realize that this is a great group area, and so we set about the task of setting up a kitchen area. 

 After dinner we sit in front of this huge fire place, discussing our plans for tomorrow.

10:15 pm – Lights out for this tired boy!

September 27

It rained so hard last night that it woke me twice!  But by 5:30 am it had pretty much stopped.  So when everyone woke, they gathered at the pavilion for fresh hot coffee.  We actually had two coffee makers going at the same time!  As we ate a little breakfast we discussed our plans for today.  Scott, Joe and I made enough sandwiches to feed an army.  Because once we get out on the water, we’re not getting out until we have to.

7:30 am – Three boats went out the free launch this morning; the “Bushwacker”, Joe’s boat and Art’s boat.  We looked like a big fan as we headed out to deeper water.  All three of us trolled and we headed toward Beer Barrel Bay, which is to the west of the launch.  The structure here is an attractant to lake trout, small mouth bass and several other species.  We trolled around and through this bay all day…Nada!

  In the early afternoon Scott and I worked the shore line all the way around this bay…Nada!

  We met outside the mouth of the bay and decided to work our way back.

5:45 pm – Back at camp, we decided to pull our resources and do a pot luck dinner.  Burgers, salads and of course pie!  After clean-up we all sat around the fire, listening to the rain, reviewing our day on the lake and listening to the sound of the crackling fire.  It is a peaceful evening and we took the opportunity to get to know each other better.  For most of us it is our second year and it sure is great remembering the past and catching up with all that has happened in our lives since last we met.  I brought up the club 25 year celebration and we found ourselves in agreement with the recommendations from what other folks have already posted on the web site.  This took us to next years meet.  After much discussion we have decided to start the meet on a Wednesday rather than Friday and stay with the last weekend in September.  This will help us deal with any weather issues.  I must remember to post this in the web site when I get home.  As you can imagine there was conversation around those that didn’t attend this year.  We all agree that hopefully they will be able to attend next year.

11:00 pm – Scott has already hit the sack and I leave the rest of the gang to make this entry and take my night time meds…

September 28

5:30 am – I awake to the sounds of the kitchen and the pouring rain!  I am one of the last up today and there is a waiting line in front of the coffee maker!  While we sip our coffee, Bill cooks a great breakfast for everyone…Woo wee!  While we eat our fill we also start the packing process.  Stopping only long enough to do the dishes and take the group picture.

11:00 am – After the packing is complete there are hand shakes and hugs all around.  Before we head out we promise to keep in touch…This is my last official meet for the year and I look forward to the rest.  Although this meet is short, with few attending, there is great potential here…Scott and I wave, honk the horn as we head out of the campground in caravan style!  It is raining steady as I head out the road, and I find myself reviewing the year I have been blessed with…Scott speaks about how nice this meet will be next year.  Another great year with some mighty wonderful folks!  See you around the fishing hole!

Very NICE Pete. It funny how this time I looked at the pictures and with your words they came ALIVE !!!!!! Not just sitting there as they did on your picture post.

I like a smaller meet you get to know everyone better than a big meet but I agree with you this place looks GREAT and the OutLaws are not that far from you either. Well you guys got me thinking again how I missed a real GOOD bunch of people.............

Did anyone catch any fish at all ????

Do you know what strain of lake trout is in the lake and what the forage base is ?

I was reading the Gwinn Meet thread where they are worried about it falling thru. Two people make a meet that's all it will take them to keep it going. The cost of every thing is going up and people just can't do things like these and pay the bills also. I was contacted by one person that it was have money for the up coming winter heating bill or attend the Finger Lakes Meet. It was nice of them to let me know that anyway.

Very Very Nice Petey. Love the scenery pics.

Nice story there Pete. You're right the place looks great and looks like it has a lot of potential. Now all ya gotta do is put some fishermen on it and you'll get some fish pics.

ERABBIT WROTE:

I was reading the Gwinn Meet thread where they are worried about it falling thru. Two people make a meet that's all it will take them to keep it going. The cost of every thing is going up and people just can't do things like these and pay the bills also.

I agree with you on that...I just hope Doc doesn't give up!

ERabbit:

Thanks for the concern.  I also agree with Pete and the present situation with the economy. That is one reason I posted that I will wait until at least March to make a determination on the 2009 meet.  As stated in the past I do not llok for numbers, just folks who would like to get together and talk and fish if possible. Hopefully by that time folks will have a better idea of how they stand financially. Again thanks for your concern.

Great read, Joe!  Ice cream, someone say ice cream??