I have made the reservations for White Water State Park for Fri Jan 28th - Sun Jan 30th.
White Water State Park

Cost is 5 dollars per adult per night with kids Free. If this is a burden on your family and you would like to participate let me know and we will help. This fee covers the lodging only, there is a fee for using the park which is pretty cheap and if you can, I encourage you to get a seasonal pass.

We have lots of room and we will spread out and make sure everyone has some privacy and doesn't feel uncomfortable. Families with children will have an opportunity to have their own cabin, I am hoping Nola helps with the billeting assignments.

We have a huge Kitchen facility in the main lodge so bring your groceries. We plan on making some snacks available for campers on Friday night and then have a pot luck on Saturday night around 6PM.

We will have a campfire so bring the lawn chairs and blankets for some fire watching and story telling.

Feel free to e-mail me with questions and concerns. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Thanks, Corndog!

I live in a condo and don't own a shovel, but maybe it would be good if someone could bring one in case we need to clear snow from around the fire pit or something.

Do you know the specifics as to the check in and out times for those days?

121 days to go!!!!

Thanks Corndog - let me know if there's any other coordination tasks you want to delegate. I'm handy with a spreadsheet and meticulous with numbers.

quote nojobro: "Thanks, Corndog!


I live in a condo and don't own a shovel, but maybe it would be good if someone could bring one in case we need to clear snow from around the fire pit or something.


Do you know the specifics as to the check in and out times for those days? "

I wil bring a couple snow shovels. Check in 1 PM and check out by 11Am. They want us to clean the place so we should pack up by 10. The ranger said these times are flexible.

Also for those arriving after 4PM on Friday, you just come straight to the Group Center, and then go to the Ranger Office the next day before 10AM to get parking pass. They close the office early in the winter.

quote BWPaddler: "121 days to go!!!!


Thanks Corndog - let me know if there's any other coordination tasks you want to delegate. I'm handy with a spreadsheet and meticulous with numbers."

BW, thanks, when we get a better count on who will be staying your help is greatly appreciated. Anyone out there with advanced culinary skills? (JB, that means cooking, not the other thing.)

I just checked my Tucson calendar for those dates and I can see that it will be a wee bit on the cool side! BRRRRRR...... : )

Will there be games?

Snowshoeing, Sleding, Skating, Ice carving, Dominoes, Cards, Dice, Pictionary, Scrabble, pong, dance off, sing off, lie off, fire starting, staying in the cold contest, and of course pickling and canning. Did I leave anything off

I have some culinary skills and have worked as a food coordinator for a large church serving funerals and confirmations and other large groups. What did you have in mind Corndog?

I should be able to figure out how to work most anything in their commercial kitchen, although some stoves can be a pita. I was going to make a large pot of Beef Barley Vegetable soup to bring. Probably enough to feed at least 40.

quote Corndog: "Snowshoeing, Sleding, Skating, Ice carving, Dominoes, Cards, Dice, Pictionary, Scrabble, pong, dance off, sing off, lie off, fire starting, staying in the cold contest, and of course pickling and canning. Did I leave anything off"

The accordion/fiddle/guitar/singing stuff... and CRIBBAGE!

Is there really skating there? My kids would be in heaven if there was a rink nearby...?

Skating would be very cool.
As would canoe slides. Is there a hill where we can use canoes as toboggans? And would anyone be willing to sacrifice ... er, I mean donate ... I mean volunteer their canoe?

quote Koda: "Skating would be very cool.
As would canoe slides. Is there a hill where we can use canoes as toboggans? And would anyone be willing to sacrifice ... er, I mean donate ... I mean volunteer their canoe?"

I probably won't be there cuz of the distance, but down hill canoe races are a BLAST!

I recommend old aluminum canoes, or canoe that belongs to somebody else. Wax the bottom so it'll slide.

quote serenityseeker: "I have some culinary skills and have worked as a food coordinator for a large church serving funerals and confirmations and other large groups. What did you have in mind Corndog?


I should be able to figure out how to work most anything in their commercial kitchen, although some stoves can be a pita. I was going to make a large pot of Beef Barley Vegetable soup to bring. Probably enough to feed at least 40. "

That sounds good....I was asking because we can do some cooking onsite: my wife is coming up with some ideas for pizza on Friday night and sandwiches to welcome those that arrive late.

quote Corndog: "Snowshoeing, Sleding, Skating, Ice carving, Dominoes, Cards, Dice, Pictionary, Scrabble, pong, dance off, sing off, lie off, fire starting, staying in the cold contest, and of course pickling and canning. Did I leave anything off"

watching people from tucson freeze to death???

okay...sledding down hill in canoe! way fun! And cribbage? Wow....like I am almost there.....

I might actually go outside, in the SNOW, to slide in a canoe.

quote Corndog: "I have made the reservations for White Water State Park for Fri Jan 28th - Sun Jan 30th.
White Water State Park

Cost is 5 dollars per adult per night with kids Free. If this is a burden on your family and you would like to participate let me know and we will help. This fee covers the lodging only, there is a fee for using the park which is pretty cheap and if you can, I encourage you to get a seasonal pass.

We have lots of room and we will spread out and make sure everyone has some privacy and doesn't feel uncomfortable. Families with children will have an opportunity to have their own cabin, I am hoping Nola helps with the billeting assignments.

We have a huge Kitchen facility in the main lodge so bring your groceries. We plan on making some snacks available for campers on Friday night and then have a pot luck on Saturday night around 6PM.

We will have a campfire so bring the lawn chairs and blankets for some fire watching and story telling.

Feel free to e-mail me with questions and concerns. We are looking forward to seeing you there. "

Corndog-You beat me to the punch. I also made reservations for the 29th of Jan. Unfortunately, mine is for the Hotel Esperanza, in Costa Rica. Had I known of the Wing Nite sooner, I'd have taken my R&R leave in MN instead. Well.....maybe not. With a little luck, I'll attend the Spring Wing Nite. Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do.
Brooks

I noticed it's called "Jan Wing nite". Now Jan has to show up! hahaha

Amok, I saw that too. Hee hee.

I think the canoe sledding sounds like a job for the Coleman tub. I'll see if I can store it for the winter in such a way that it can make a road trip in Jan... do we know if there's a sledding hill that wouldn't get us arrested for using it?

quote Koda:

"Is there a hill?"

LOL, when you see the place you will know you asked a silly question. I'm not sure there are any "safe" places to go sledding unless you have a hang-glider equipped sled.

The first time we went to Whitewater for family car camping I wondered, as we drove through corn fields on the Minnesota prairie, "what kind of place is this going to be?" Then suddenly you drop down in to the Whitewater River valley and your jaw drops from the beauty. That park is truly a Minnesota gem.

It's awesome in the summer too...no bugs!

quote BWPaddler: "Amok, I saw that too. Hee hee.


I think the canoe sledding sounds like a job for the Coleman tub. I'll see if I can store it for the winter in such a way that it can make a road trip in Jan... do we know if there's a sledding hill that wouldn't get us arrested for using it?"

Just remember cold makes plastic brittle :)

"Then suddenly you drop down in to the Whitewater River valley and your jaw drops from the beauty. That park is truly a Minnesota gem."

No doubt. Beautiful landscape!

I am heading to the WW State Park today and will get some pictures and make a recon of the activities available.

Corndog, you're awesome! Thanks for doing this. I look forward to the pics.

Many thanks Corndog!!! Above and beyond the call of duty. We have other members much closer that we may have persuaded to do the recon for us. so many thanks.

what did the kitchen include, do you remember? Pots and pans? I was thinking maybe do a big breakfast for everyone Sunday morning and have everyone pitch in to cover costs. Stuffed french toast made with cinnamon bread, egg casserole, bacon or sausage, fruit and maybe cinnamon or caramel rolls? What does everyone think?

thanks again

just thought i would share this its along the lines of downhill canoeing

Been there, done that. Chronic back problems to show for it.

quote Corndog: "I am heading to the WW State Park today and will get some pictures and make a recon of the activities available."

I bet that didn't work out so well. That park has a history of getting flooded out.

That's what I was thinking last night also. Hope you decided to put this trip off for at least a week or so, Corndog!

I have an "old shiny" that I would wax and bring..I can't wait to see the look of people as I drive on the freeway with a canoe strapped to my car!! LOL.
I love cribbage and can cook up a storm! Please put me on the advance party to help with S.S.!

Did you mention CoCkTaIlS or HaPpY hOuR?? Maybe we could get Jan to come then. I just won't be the same with out him!

Safety mom here....downhill winter canoeing sounds like a head injury waiting to happen....

;-)

quote nojobro: "Safety mom here....downhill winter canoeing sounds like a head injury waiting to happen....


;-)"

Yep Nola, I'd have to agree with you on that one!

Only if you hit a tree ... but it would be difficult to keep the kids out of that, wouldn't it?

Despite Minnesota usually being known for its relative flatness or low gentle hills, I'm not sure there is a good sledding hill to be found in Whitewater State Park. The topo for the area shows some pretty steep cliffs or hills and not many (or any) gentle slopes. Here:

topo map of Whitewater State Park


I would be hesitant to plan many downhill activities until we get a firsthand report from Corndog, someone that lives in the area or a ranger.

quote Amok: "Only if you hit a tree ... but it would be difficult to keep the kids out of that, wouldn't it?"

no tree necessary. Here's the secnario: Canoe is racing downhill, it's going fast, wheeeee!!!! It gets a tad out of control, veers off-course, flips, dumps people out, whacks someone on the head with a gunwale or a thwart, or even the underside....head injury.

Sleds veer off and flip all the time, but they are plastic and thus not that big a deal.

quote nojobro: "

quote Amok: "Only if you hit a tree ... but it would be difficult to keep the kids out of that, wouldn't it?"

no tree necessary. Here's the secnario: Canoe is racing downhill, it's going fast, wheeeee!!!! It gets a tad out of control, veers off-course, flips, dumps people out, whacks someone on the head with a gunwale or a thwart, or even the underside....head injury.


Sleds veer off and flip all the time, but they are plastic and thus not that big a deal. "

Maybe I'll bring some of these instead. They are a blast, I've got at least 2 of them in the garage somewhere. They see little use, but they're the funnest thing I've been on since "roll-up" sleds were new!

I might be able to make it.

Bump.

Thanks for the bump. My attendance is now in doubt :(

Bump - Who is actually planning on attending this event? Is it still on Corndog? I'm booking 2011 and I need to know or I am gonna book this weekend. I'd rather be with my bwca family but......

Corndog?? Where for art thou Corndog? Aren't you the organizer and administrator and president of this committee?

I hope Corndog is OK... did someone send him an email?

He did book the site Diva, so we're planning to have it - PLEASE don't book yourself elsewhere :-)

quote Divainthewild: "Bump - Who is actually planning on attending this event?......"

I plan on being there Saturday afternoon through Sunday!
...is someone still bringing the sacrificial canoe for the downhill runs??

I was going to wax up "old shiny" but now my neighbor borrowed it..(actually it was his and I have had it for 3 years, He came over and took it back! Kinda made it my own after that long.. tee hee) So I DO NOT have one to bring..I don't think Nola and Lisa were very hip on us showing the kids what we were up too though...SSHH don't tell the kids it is dangerous but fun!

I'm there! The phantom mr nojo will be there, too, as long as he's not on call. We will find out his schedule in January.

Corndog is hiding. Bump!

Bump with a question:

Can I sleep in a tent if I want? Thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try winter camping.

BUMP.
I'm not much for parties, but I'm going to try to be there one night. I only get to see my dog on weekends, so can't stay much longer...

quote HawksEye: "BUMP.
I'm not much for parties, but I'm going to try to be there one night. I only get to see my dog on weekends, so can't stay much longer...
"

You have my sympathy. My ex and I trade off our two dogs so they can stay together, and both of us have trouble going more than 3 days without them.

quote Koda: "

quote HawksEye: "BUMP.
I'm not much for parties, but I'm going to try to be there one night. I only get to see my dog on weekends, so can't stay much longer...
"

You have my sympathy. My ex and I trade off our two dogs so they can stay together, and both of us have trouble going more than 3 days without them."

Wow. That really stinks.

quote Koda: "

quote HawksEye: "BUMP.
I'm not much for parties, but I'm going to try to be there one night. I only get to see my dog on weekends, so can't stay much longer...
"

You have my sympathy. My ex and I trade off our two dogs so they can stay together, and both of us have trouble going more than 3 days without them."

that does really stink. I would hate that. I get too attached to my dogs. I don't think I could go to only half time with her.

So for us slow people. Is this a winter camp out deal?

Cabins actually. Assume there would be a place to pitch a tent if you choose, but cabins with heat available for all.

Corndog - duudeeeeeeee. Quit hiding. U posted on another thread and ignored the one you are in charge of. Where are you and what have you been doing and why aren't you answering and how come you are so quiet? R U OK?

On weekdays, I live just 20 miles west of White Water St. Park, but I've only been there once. If y'all need any reconnoitering that can be done in the dark, just ask. (lol -- guess I'm not much real help, eh? )
On weekends, my dog and I live 50 miles south (as the crow flies).
I'm trying to envision how any of this info might be helpful to anyone, and I'm drawing a big fat zero. oh well...

let me know if I can be of help to anyone

helen

OK- so here is a useful thought -- if anyone needs a more civilized place to crash, other than WWSP cabins, they are welcome to use my tiny little efficiency apartment in Rochester, 20 miles west of WWSP. I don't use it on the weekends. But, you'll have to share it with the boat I'm about to start building... ;-)

helen

This is a inside warm cabin experience. However, the toilets and sinks in the cabins are closed down in the winter. Therefore, water you have to come to the lodge or use the central showers/bathrooms during the night.

Welcome back Corndog!!!

quote HawksEye: "OK- so here is a useful thought -- if anyone needs a more civilized place to crash, other than WWSP cabins, they are welcome to use my tiny little efficiency apartment in Rochester, 20 miles west of WWSP. I don't use it on the weekends. But, you'll have to share it with the boat I'm about to start building... ;-)


helen
"

That's an awesome invite, HawksEye! Bummer I won't be able to utilize it. If all goes according to plan, I will not be in attendance this time around. Lord willing, I will be done with ALL necessary treatment, and will be in massive recovery mode. Wait ... Jan28 -30???? Dangit. That still may be doable somehow!!!

About time Corny. Where have you been mister?

Count me in as 87 percent sure!! I work in retail and weekends are difficult. If I ask off early enough it shouldn't be a problem. I do not see my wife coming out in the cold though. Allegedly, I snore so put me down in the snorers room! Pete

quote Amok: " I will be done with ALL necessary treatment, and will be in massive recovery mode. Wait ... Jan28 -30???? Dangit. That still may be doable somehow!!!"

you know we'll all be pulling for you. And, laughter is good medicine. I think we'll have plenty of that available. I hope you can make it!

I will plan on coming Friday night. I live 10 minutes away, if we need any particular kitchen items.

Ok, I asked for that weekend off at work.(like pulling teeth) Boss said "shouldn't be a problem". Is there still enough room? Do we need to reserve SMOKING or NON SMOKING?? I am in for NON. I remember a post about snoring! Allegedly, I am a snorer.(according to my wife, but what does she know? She says she doesn't snore. Yeah right!) Not sure I will make Friday. But should be able to make Saturday. Pete

someone fb me asking if we were going. I honestly didn't even know there was a jan wing night. I see its in white water (love that park) but its in a lodge? where is this lodge? how do we find everyone? Is this for one night or two? I think I recall there is no ice fishing in the area (except for winter trout fishing).

Canoearoo - It will be both Friday and Saturday night. It is in the Group Camp/Conference Center. Just check in at the Ranger Station or look at Whitewater Parks on-line map.

There is a central lodge for gathering and cooking and a bunch of individual cabins for sleeping.

Cabins will be assigned to separate people with kids, people who snore, people who don't snore, sleepwalkers, people on either side of the climate change debate, and so on to maintain harmony.

There are Cross Country Ski Trails for active people and everyone else will probably just eat, drink and talk.

Bring some food to share.

Corndog, the organizer is missing in action so we may have to press on ourselves with this event but it will be a great time anyway.

I am sure more details will be covered as the event draws near.

and once more i am on the fence. i don't have dates yet for my 21 day stint in the hospital. i'm guessing this wingnight will be smackdab in the middle of it. if so, raise a glass or two for me, as i would have been there! ill keep you posted, of course, as to what's up.

I will have to sit this one out.
Have to take son back to airport for trip back to Florida.
Sometimes the real family has to come in front of the "canoe family"
Have fun everyone!
SunCatcher

quote SunCatcher: "I will have to sit this one out.
Have to take son back to airport for trip back to Florida.
Sometimes the real family has to come in front of the "canoe family"
Have fun everyone!
SunCatcher"

In your absence, I will take care of the squeeze cheese and Ritz. ;-)

You have to wait till 1 am or after NOLA!!!

so for a family of 5 it is only $10 for a warm cabin with running water for one night? Do we need to make reservations? We can only come from a Friday-Saturday (I work Sundays)

ummm... i think Corndog reserved the 'group lodge', idk about anything else. Diva??? do you know more, or can you bump the other posts with more details on this? Now would be a good time, i'm guessing you've got them bookmarked.

This will be a cool event...I love Whitewater, winter trout fishing, and cross country skiing.....I'm 85% sure I'll be there.

Snow shoe rental is also available at the Park Office.

quote Canoearoo: "so for a family of 5 it is only $10 for a warm cabin with running water for one night? Do we need to make reservations? We can only come from a Friday-Saturday (I work Sundays)"

The cabins DO NOT have running water. They are like bunkhouses. You have to run to the Main Lodge to get water.

I believe it would be only $10 for two adults.
Kids are free.

Everything is reserved and paid for by Corndog I believe so I think you can just show up.

I might be able to show up. I will sleep in a tent (don't do well with snoring strangers) if it's not to cold. And Butthead has to be there to introduce me to the rest of you.

quote Zulu: "

quote Canoearoo: "so for a family of 5 it is only $10 for a warm cabin with running water for one night? Do we need to make reservations? We can only come from a Friday-Saturday (I work Sundays)"

The cabins DO NOT have running water. They are like bunkhouses. You have to run to the Main Lodge to get water.


I believe it would be only $10 for two adults.
Kids are free.


Everything is reserved and paid for by Corndog I believe so I think you can just show up."

So bathrooms would be in the main lodge. Sorry, just need to understand it all with 3 kids under the age of 6

So bathrooms would be in the main lodge. Sorry, just need to understand it all with 3 kids under the age of 6"

That's how I understand it Canoearoo. You can give the Ranger a call to be sure though.

but he would appreciate the $5 per group. I know if i'm there, i'll find $5 for him. (i now realize why he keeps saying he found $5, hahaha)

Unless it has changed, their is a separate building with toilets and showers, just like in the campground.

But the cabins are heated? And we just show up? No reservations? What if we get there late friday night, is that ok?

Just showing up should be OK, i'd still call Whitewater to give those guys a heads up, to find out which spots are still available .... i'm guessing there will be a post up soon asking who's coming.

I just talked to a very nice Ranger at Whitewater State Park.

The eight cabins are heated and have electricity. There are three rooms in each cabin with multiple double bunks. Each cabin sleeps 18 people. There are doorways between rooms but no doors. The reason for this she said is so counselors and chaperones can keep an eye on things when youth groups stay there.

People can arrive at the Group Center after 1:00pm on Friday. I hope someone goes down to open up the lodge and get things going.

There will be someone at the Ranger Station (located some distance from the Group Center) until 4:00pm if assistance is needed.

The bathrooms with running water are in a separate building. There is one toilet and sink in the kitchen area.

No Pets allowed. You have to bring your own bedding and cooking supplies.

You can't bring in firewood but it can be purchased from 9:00am - 4:00pm at the Park office...or we will have to call ahead to one of the three approved wood venders in the area to reserve larger quantities of wood. She gave me the three telephone numbers.

No Cell phones will work anywhere near the park except in the small town of St. Charles about eight miles away.

The Park is somewhat difficult to find. She said GPS and Mapquest will lead you astray to a nearby town of Altura. You may have to look at their website map and figure it out. She told me to "turn off the highway at the Stone Garage and go about a mile but if you get to the Gift shop you went too far" from the other way ...."Turn near the Subway sandwich shop in St. Charles and go about 7 miles"". May be a gravel road.

The Group Center, where we will be staying is not near the Park Office/Ranger Station. She said it can be difficult to find especially at night and if you are not familiar with the area.

She suggested on Friday someone put up BWCA directional signs with arrows in a few spots to lead people to the Group Center. (I don't think I can make it on Friday to put the signs up otherwise I would do this)

If people are really lost she gave me the number of the phone in the kitchen and people could call from the town of St. Charles and get talked in.

I told her this group prides it self on finding their way using instinct and cunning after many Canoe Country trips.


Vehicles need to have either a MN State Parks annual sticker for $25.00 resident or pay a $5.00 daily fee. If you arrive after 4:00pm on Friday or Saturday and need a sticker you can pay-up the next day when the Ranger Station opens.

The weekend is reserved and paid for under Corndog's alias name "Ray W."

There will be a small add on fee for electricity used.

She is going to e-mail me a packet with instructions on how to start up the kitchen, get power turned on to cabins, rules and how to clean up. She may have already sent this to others including Corndog but I can forward it to others on request.

There is regular campground nearby in the park but I don't think the Rangers will have a problem if tents are pitched around the Group center grounds. I didn't ask about that though.

I did not ask about adult beverages which are illegal to possess in MN State Parks or if the Ranger can issue the Group Center an alcohol permit. It may be "don't ask don't tell" and you just have to be discrete about it and dispose of the containers yourself.

If you have any other questions not addressed here you may want to call her yourself between 9:00am - 4:00pm during the week. She is very helpful and nice.
507 932-3007

I think this may be fun.

thanks Zulu

Thanks, Zulu! That is awesome.

I hope to come up sometime Friday, taking the day off of work. The trouble will be getting phantom to have the day off, too. But I am going to do my best. ;-)

I'm planning on Friday night and staying till late Saturday Afternoon

I live about 40 miles away. Is it OK if I just show up for Saturday night (not overnight)? Is it a pot luck?

quote Bannock: "I live about 40 miles away. Is it OK if I just show up for Saturday night (not overnight)? Is it a pot luck?"

That would be great. Yes it is a potluck.

Hope to see you there.

We can't make it now. Sorry for all the questions