Trip to the Springs May 7th-THE RESULTS

[Willis]

<center>The details are in the topic here:
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2198

But I'm going to need some help. I have bought a bench, well, half a picnic table or a bench
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200641018159_TableMode2006thm.jpg
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200641018258_BenchMode2006thm.jpg
I can't fit it in my Saturn and it weighs a ton. I'm going to need some help getting it back to the Bathhouse.

I also placed an ad requesting someone loan FOSS a mower to trim the grass around the bathhouse. Golly, a heavy duty piece of gear is probably needed, of the self propelled or riding variety. We're not talking acreage but an area where folks can spread out a blanket or just sit on the ground.

And I also suggested perhaps I could get a volunteer or two to supervise little ones in a fishing expedition. The adults would have to have licenses. I'll buy some rods, reels, hooks, sinkers, and floats at wally world.

If anyone has any other ideas for youngsters, speak up. DNR hasn't mowed the area(at least not the last time I was there) so frisbee, wiffle ball and that kinda stuff won't do. I will have a prize for the kid who can ID the most wildflowers.

And remember we have all the comforts of home:
http://www.shannondaleclubalumni.org/FOSSpages/minipotty.htm

Give poor ole Willis some help, Guys!</center>

[Willis]

Just a reminder that the trip to S'dale Springs is still a go. I'm a little disappointed I didn't get a response to my request for the loan of a mower- but I know that some of you will bring weed/brush cutters. We'll be driving the equipment into the area so you don't have to lug it.

The proposal to have a fishing expedition for kids sank like the proverbial Pb balloon. If someone does decide to wet a hook, remember that kids under 15 don't need licenses-BUT is you're helping a youngster bait a hook or cast a line, you'll need the permit prominently displayed.

The weather reports so far look pretty durned good. Oh. btw, If one of you can help me with the bench shown above-post it here or in the thread in the FOSS forum.

[shadowplay]

I'm planning on being there with a brush cutter, rake and a truck. Before I offer more, just how heavy is that bench?

[Mommyof3]

Willis....I walked back there today for the first time with my kids and dog and my sis and her hubby and dog. It was such a beautiful walk!!! I plan to go next Sunday as well. I have a push mower and a riding mower, but I don't have a vehicle to transport them in. If someone else had the vehicle, you could borrow the mowers.

What a perfect weekend this was, hopefully we will be just as lucky next weekend!!!

[Willis]

Thanks for the offer of the mower, Mo3. We'll wait and see if someone in the peanut gallery(whoops, a dated reference to Howdy Doody) speaks up and volunteers to pick up the mower. Do you think a push mower will be able to handle the grasses? It is a lovely place, but be sure to check the kids for those deer ticks.

And another caveat to hikers, Spring Turkey Gobbler season extends thru May 20th. Hunting is allowed in Jefferson Monday thru Saturday!

I'll be looking forward to seeing you next Sunday!!

[Willis]

Whoops, Shadowplay, I missed your msg in the shuffle. Two people could lift it to the bed of a pickup or trailer. It's comprised of two light weight composite plastic standards and the better part of 9 - treated 2X4's - more an awkward load than extraordinarily heavy. I purposely went with the 1/2 a table so it would be somewhat movable.

[shadowplay]

plastic &gt; metal

[Chutney Daftcraft]

quote:Originally posted by Mommyof3

Willis....I walked back there today for the first time with my kids and dog and my sis and her hubby and dog. It was such a beautiful walk!!! I plan to go next Sunday as well. I have a push mower and a riding mower, but I don't have a vehicle to transport them in. If someone else had the vehicle, you could borrow the mowers.

What a perfect weekend this was, hopefully we will be just as lucky next weekend!!!


I have an SUV and an ATV trailer with ramps. If you need me to deliver these lawnmowers, I can do that. Someone needs to let me know. My trailer can probably make it back into the woods.

If I don't hear from anyone, I'll assume that my trailer is not needed.

[Mommyof3]

City....I sent you an email. Let me know. Thanks!

[STR1KER]

I wont be able to make this one - I haveta work on Sunday... Bummer!

[Willis]

<center>I was going to change the title of this topic to

DEEP DOO DOO

to get some attention, but thought better of it, Whew!
I want to thank Momuv2 for for mentioning our outing in her column(which officially comes out tomorrow). However she mentions that kids will have the opportunity to fish. Unfortunately none of you guys stepped forward to help. I had posted
quote:The proposal to have a fishing expedition for kids sank like the proverbial Pb balloon. If someone does decide to wet a hook, remember that kids under 15 don't need licenses-BUT if you're helping a youngster bait a hook or cast a line, you'll need the permit prominently displayed.

Now don't feel bad, Momuv2, all I need is a volunteer to help with the fishing. I'll spring for the poles and reels and reimburse someone if they'll get a license(WalMart is one place that sells them, perhaps Blue Ridge Grocery). But I'd feel terrible if a kid came and wanted to fish and wasn't able to. Maybe one of the grownups can bring their tackle box and a dozen nightcrawlers. It's been so long since I wet a hook, I don't have a clue as to where to buy bait. </center>

[Chutney Daftcraft]

Who says you have to buy bait?

The kids will have to take a lesson from an earthy fella. You can dig up bait easy if you know where to look. It can be a "nature provides all" outing. I'll sneak in beforehand, and attach the poles to the "fishing line oak" and they can pick them. We'll need a fishing hook bush... (I'm laughing because I'm imagining these poor kids at their first nature camp outing - and looking for a fishing pole tree. That poor counselor...)

I'll check my email. I DO have a trailer available and it should fit the mower, the bench, and anything else needed to go back into the woods, or come up out of the woods... We just need to be cautious that my Jeep doesn't get messed up in any way. Again, I know this is taboo, but I have an ATV with it's own trailer if it's needed to get the bench as close to where it is going as possible. Just a suggestion...

I don't have any spare lawn equipment, tho. In fact my mower AND weedeater died on the same day last week.

Oh, and Striker - shame on you. You need to, uh, um, get sick. Really sick. Call work, and tell them you have the consumption, and you'll be in on Monday...

[shadowplay]

quote:Originally posted by FromCity2Country

We just need to be cautious that my Jeep doesn't get messed up in any way.


And you are going to drag a trailer back there, lol, good luck.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

I don't care about the trailer. I just hope I don't knock off any rust.

[shadowplay]

I wanted the trailer, that was my free ticket back.

[Mommyof3]

Well, which ever one of you is bringing the trailer...please email me so we can discuss picking up my mowers! Thanks! Heck...I may even have a truck/trailer availble now from my parents, I am not positive though.

on a side note...both my riding and push mowers are not "new", they are beaters....so if they get a little stubborn- don't be surprised. Hopefully some other people will bring weed wackers.

[shadowplay]

Probably all we need is the push mower, and that could go back in the back of a truck. I don't see much need for a riding mower as there is not that much space to mow. I am bringing a weed wacker and rake. Can you get your push mower to the parking area at the boat ramp? There should be several vehicles there to get it back.

BTW, I was joking about riding back on the trailer.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

No you weren't. Don't be scared, tho - it's fun. Stand up against the back and just ride on it - I used to do it all the time once I got off Mission Rd. It's kinda like a moving deck. Bring lawn chairs, and i'll light the chimnea. Just don't use hairspray that day.

OK - someone please tell me if my Trailer is needed or not. I don't want to bring it and all if we're gonna go for push mowers anyways. I want to be on litter patrol, as I cannot bring myself to use lawn equipment ever since the incident.

I cannot access my email from work - so I'll have to call you tonight.

[shadowplay]

I just hope I'm not the only one with a truck that can take stuff back.

[KemCam2]

8 trips later...

[Mommyof3]

Okay City...Willis says that the push mower will be fine, so no trailer needed. My sister is coming and she can put it in her truck.

Shadow..her truck will be available to go back to the Springs if needed. She has a cap on the back, but can still fit stuff in it, along with the mower.

So we are all set then....how many people are going to be coming? anyone have an idea???

[Willis]

Boyoboy, I forgot to make a roster this time 'round. We had such a good turnout in march, I expect at least as many this time. I hope we get a lot of newbies to the Springs. Don't forget to bring the basics for a picnic along with all those tools. We'll try to have some fun, do some work, and learn a little about the history of the old resort. Maybe some of the former patrons will be looking on!

I still have that bench to move. Are you still on for that, Shadowplay, or do we need someone else? Remember the offer re the fishing. I bought two rods and reels. We can dig some worms and I'm sure we can find some helgremites. I will be asking for the customary "Photo-Op"-be forewarned. AND, I need several folks to help me coordinate activities-Any Takers???

[Chutney Daftcraft]

Do we have to use the props again? Last time - I think we cut into the overhead at the paper because of all that color ink...

That's sweet that I don't have to bring the trailer. I was wanting to walk anyways...

There should be between 3 and 7 in my party.

[Willis]

We've been fortunate to receive so much good publicity from the Spirit, The Gazette and the Journal that I think they deserve the best. And you all are such an intrepid group to venture into the wilds, that you all deserve to be showcased in the best way. Such a scintillating and colorful group can only be complimented by colorful accessories. I'll try my best to have a few such items on hand.

BTW, C2C, if you've got a vehicle that can make the trip to the Springs, bring it along just in case we need it.

[shadowplay]

quote:Originally posted by Willis


I still have that bench to move. Are you still on for that, Shadowplay, or do we need someone else?


That may be the case, I don't have a full size truck, and am bringing other things. Are you planning on leaving/chaining the bench out there, or what?

[Chutney Daftcraft]

I'll definately bring me Jeep. I will bring the trailer, but only if I'm told to. Keep in mind the trailer is a little bigger than the Jeep itself, but I can manuever it well, and the trailer can hit whatever. And the Jeep has ALL the guards.

This summer, I'd like to get 100 slate tiles, and 6 bags of sand. I can put the sand down, and lay the tiles over it. Naturally they'll crack and all, but that would look more natural and be appropriate as it is a...uh... resort in ruins. The bench should fit nicely upon the hard surface. What do you think?

[shadowplay]

Bring the trailer, for the bench, and w/e else can fit, since the bench is an obvious requirement?

[Willis]

If the bench doesn't come along, i promise not to pout. When I get it back there I'm planning on leaving it. It's heavy enough to pose a formidable task in taking it out sans vehicle. It's going to be an experiment in trust.. It'll probably fit nicely near the fountain or the bathhouse. But the world won't come to an end if it doesn't go back. I certainly don't think bringing a trailer is warranted, C2C. Once hunting season is over, I can get someone to take it down during a weekday evening.

[Tony]

quote:It'll probably fit nicely near the fountain or the bathhouse. It might. Until the woods take over in another month. Those are both lousy spots for sitting anyway. I'd suggest either the beach or along the trail, maybe the spot with the mountain view.

I know, if it's anywhere near the water it will have to be chained down.

[Chutney Daftcraft]

We should put it halfway to the bathhouse. - like a resting spot. Not everyone can walk all the way back without resting.

[shadowplay]

Geez dude, you really ought to get more exercise.

[Willis]

actually, one of our(FOSS's) goals is to get benches or resting spots on both routes into the Wildlife Management area. Those are approaching or already have reached Geezerhood, might need a rest part way in. The downside is that on the lower route, anything left, when we have a flood, will end up in D.C. eventually. I am hoping, thru the talks I am giving(anyone else wanting that task, please take one step forward), to generate interest in the 4-H, Girl or Boy Scouts taking on bench construction or signage as a nifty project.

The benches (the pic is at the thread's topic post)to which I'm referring now, are more or less portable and convert to picnic tables. They'd be used around the historic area despite what SOME may say about the undergrowth overtaking the site. Another of our(FOSS's) goals is to achieve some measure of control of weeds and grasses in a few of the historic areas. Given the fluctuating lumber costs, one (you need two to make a full sized table) costs about $100-$120 right now. Not an exorbitant price for a bench/table combination that can be moved with relative ease.

I am hoping that by placing one at the site, it will attract others, kinda like setting out a decoy. Who knows when a flock of wild bench/tables might be wandering thru the Springs area and decide to take up residence? That's my plan-pretty crafty, eh?

[Tony]

Another problem occurs to me. If you put it anywhere near a path, when DNR mows they're liable to destroy it. Given another month or so it'll disappear completely, so they may not see it come their annual Fall mowing.

[shadowplay]

It would be nice to have something to potentially eat on at the bathhouse. Another smaller bench, maybe where the old farm trail hits the lower trail would be good also. If it is at a central location like that it's more likely to remain usable.

[Willis]

TonyB says
quote:when DNR mows they're liable to destroy it. Given another month or so it'll disappear completely, so they may not see it come their annual Fall mowing.The DNR's "annual mowing" hasn't occurred in about 6 or 7 years. If the bench attracts a flock of DNR mowers, I'll consider the money well spent.

One of the attractions of the bench/table design is that you can make it any length you want up to 8'. The standards would still cost about $50-60 a pair, but shorter benches would require less lumber costs.

[Willis]

<center>I won't describe what my day was like Sunday but we had a two word phrase in the service-the first word was Cluster and the last word ended in a "K". I got up and took all the gear out to my car and when I woke Mom for her breakfast, she was in the throes of an Atrial Fib attack. I ended up taking her Winchester Memorial.

All is well, at least for now. I suppose it goes with the 98 year territory. And all thru the ordeal, she's cracking wise with the hospital staff-I've no doubt the source of my sense of humor. she and I returned a couple of hours ago feeling like "we wuz drug thru knotholes". The mess excluded me from the trip to the Springs I've been so heavily touting.

But, the following is what I gleaned from several sources. Please, any attendees add your comments. I'd like to thank TonyB for stepping in and taking the gear to the Springs. I understand a lot was accomplished, primarily due to the efforts of shadowplay and Mommyof3's mower. the other gear was affected by some sort of eerie force that caused equipment malfunction. From the few photos I've seen(a la Mommyof3 and TonyB) the mower and weed-whacker(Thanks to Tom Weaver)did a splendid job. There just wasn't enough equipment or persons to REALLY kick the poop out of the weeds.

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657211218_OurHero.jpg
The Working Man Rests

My bench even found its way to the Springs. And I understand it received rave reviews. For about $120 we can get another one to compliment it. Any takers out there?

I also understand that John and mckinney also took some photos. Do you all have any worthy of submission to the newspapers? The guy who usually stages photo ops was otherwise occupied although we've seen evidence someone was in his bag of tricks Sunday!

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657211952_Scoutsonpatrol.jpg
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657212040_ScoutsonpatrolB.jpg
Scouting out that Litter!

AND

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657213025_Mowngrassbathhouse.jpg
A Little Mowing Goes A Long Way
http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657213144_hollywoodstar.jpg

http://www.shannondale.org/forum/uploads/willis/200657213249_mansbestfriend.jpg
Willis' Bag of Tricks Strikes Again!!!

Now we've seen what a little work by a very few can do. How about a serious workday down there. Does anyone want to join me in renting some heavy duty mowers? Are any of you all game for putting in a full day of work so the little ones can play? Frankly, I'm beginning to reach burnout and I need more than one or two or three people to break a sweat. Get off those A double esses and help out with the historic treasure in our Blue Ridge backyard.</center>

[ministerswife]

Thank God your mom is back home and safe. Lifting and carrying are things that I really must limit for a while. Even have to hire help for things that I always did myself here before. I can bring coffe, iced tea, muffins, stuff like that to any group you get. Give a date. Again, thank God your mom's back home.

[KemCam2]

Glad your mom is ok Willis...That musta been scary...Next time my Mother-in-law is here we should get your mom and my grandmother-in-law together...She is 94 and fiesty also!

I love that picture of B in the sunglasses! Freakin adorable!

[Chutney Daftcraft]

Yes - Shannondale Springs is where machines go to DIE!

What was THAT about? I bet Katherine's mover was just fine as soon as it left that "place". There is a force and i have a theory. I think Striker and her wiccan self done set a curse on that area last time when she discovered people riding ATV's back there. I think she cursed all motorized equipment. Striker, please amend your curse, and exclude lawn equipment. Keep it on the dirtbikes, tho.

Willis - NO PROBLEM. Do what you gotta do there. I'm glad she's OK now. I had to bail out earlier than expected as well. I took the offer for the ride back, and you know - there were 7 of us in the back of the pickup truck, so it was just like being a day laborer...

[KatherineA]

What was wrong with the mower?
Did you push the little red button 3-5 times (for the choke), pull the blue cord and hold down the safety thingie on the handle? Of course it works fine - it better - its new!

[Chutney Daftcraft]

We each tried a unique and different formula to try to get it started.

It lookes like a newer, and NICE mower. We just couldn't figure it out.

Oh well. I still think that place is cursed. I wonder why of3's mower worked...

[Mommyof3]

Willis- I am really glad to hear your mom is doing well. I was actually wondering to myself yesterday- Has she ever been able to make the trip back to the Springs? I bet she would love it. It would be a rough ride, but worth the trip, especially now that it is all cleaned up!!


I brought my mower fully expecting that it probably WOULD NOT work!!! It is very stubborn sometimes..and I hadn't used it in 2 years. So maybe the forces are against newer equipment, and decided to give my old one some new life!!!

[shadowplay]

quote:Originally posted by FromCity2Country

I wonder why of3's mower worked...


Because it knew what was good for it. [pirate]

[Chutney Daftcraft]

...nice...

[STR1KER]

Hahaha C2C naaah - no curses - I don't do that, I don't like bad karma, LOL
Willis, glad yer mom's ok - that's def a scary deal right there. Glad she's kickin' it up and stuff! :) Good times! :)
As far as mowers not workin' - hmmmm..... I have a thought, but it's kinda scary hehehe it IS "old land".. heh
Work was a bear yesterday - I'd MUCH rather have been w/ you's guys!

[KatherineA]

Any Saturday is way better for me than a Sunday - I'll take my chances with the hunters and I am anxious to show you that my mower works.

[KatherineA]

Would someone please email as to any tricks tried with starting my mower? Sparkplug removed, carb "adjusted"? I just want to know as it will not start - acts as if water is in the gas. I dumped the gas and put in fresh, but still no start. I had just mowed most of my yard before I brought it down and it was its usual cheerful, immediate start self ..... I promise I won't swear at anyone I just want to (need to) finish mowing before Thursday noon.

Please email: [email protected]

Thanks!!! Striker - if you have cursed the mower, please remove it!

Katherine

[Chutney Daftcraft]

That's the thing...

None of it worked. It was not running when I left.

[STR1KER]

Nah no curses - that's bad juju...
I can chant one up for the mowers to work maybe... LOL
Lawn Mower Goddess
This mower, please bless
The weeds get higher by the mile
The flowers feel distress
I must trim them down
to mulch the ground
and let the flower's faces smile
I'm asking the powers of three,
to help set them free
So Mote It Be...

(or sumn like that... LOLOL)

[Chutney Daftcraft]

sample curse-breaker:

Shout "WORK, DAMMIT!" (Hit repeatedly on top with closed fist for best results)

[shadowplay]

They just need to know that you intend to use them. [conf13]