Midwest gathering???

[NWA]

A quick search came up showing Illiniwek Forest Preserve. Here is a link with a description of the park. http://www.destinationquadcities.com/recreation.htm#parks 6th park down!

That Loud Thunder location is a very nice spot. I grew up in the Quad Cities so I'm quite familiar with that paticular location. I would be in:thumbupossibly my brother as well. He is also on this forum, though he doesn't post much.

Nick

 

[aceofblades]

I too like the Loud Thunder! I think that that would be my first pick!

 

[j williams]

+1 For Loud Thunder!!

 

[aceofblades]

We should probably decide when and what we are gonna do? Any suggestions?

 

[j williams]

The weekend after july 4th works for me...........

 

[aceofblades]

I will check my calender later tonight! I think that may be a good date for me/ most people? If not we could always try some other time?

 

[j williams]

Anything past that sould work for me as long as its a weekend im off.

 

[aceofblades]

Ok,
How about ideas for things to do? Got any?

 

[j williams]

I could teach a first aid class. Firemakingg is also good. I would like to learn flintknapping if anyone knows that stuff.

 

[aceofblades]

First aid doesn't sound bad. How about a little time for trading?

 

[j williams]

Always down for the bartering. I could get a pretty good class together on allergic reactions, joint immobilization, cpr, dressing wounds, movement of injured people etc...
Maybe a whole hog roast???

Basic land nav would be good too.

 

[aceofblades]

Whole Hog Ehhh? Better save some of it because I am always in the mood for BACON in the morning! I was thing maybe some Bratwurst and Hotdogs or steak? I don't know though...

 

[j williams]

Im down for almost anything cooked over fire!! Brats would be stellar.

 

[aceofblades]

Maybe everyone could bring something different? Bring your own food? Are we going to do shelter making or will there be tents etc?

 

[j williams]

Probably easier to do car camping type thing. Not to say we couldnt get some practice in though. Everyone should bring their own food. I was just thinking maybe having one good cookout meal.

 

[aceofblades]

Doesn't sound like a bad idea. The first day could be a Meet and Greet, talk, goof around, show off day?

 

[j williams]

Oh yeah, that sounds awesome, maybe a saturday,sunday thing? lets start a list of yeah nays and narrow down a date in july or august...... Beer????

 

[aceofblades]

Sounds COOL!

 

[j williams]

I got a buddy that farms hogs, maybe i could score a good deal on one.I wiil ask.

 

[romsisel]

Shawnee isn't a National Park. It's a National Forest that spans most of the southernmost tip of Illinois, from the Mississippi to the Ohio Rivers. There are several state parks (a couple have lodges), several excellent small fishing lakes, two large wildlife refuges, several (I can think of 5) wilderness areas, swamps, cliffs, bluffs, canyons, horse trails,senic views, historic sites,and wineries. It makes a wonderful area for a weekend getaway because of low population density, but still has some relatively large towns nearby for supplies and other comforts of home. It also is home to the best university in the midwest (GO DAWGS!!). I might be a little biased on that one.