Spring Gathering is Here!!!

Please join CSNP members on April 24, 25, & 26 (Friday - Sunday) for our annual Spring photography gathering in Arkansas! Waterfalls & wildflowers should abound and provide plenty of opportunities for beautiful nature images.

Rod Kissinger has again graciously offered the use of his cabin for the weekend as our staging area and for group meals. We are seeking volunteers willing to prepare food for these meals:

Friday evening
Saturday evening

If you are interested in helping out with either of these meals please let me know asap. We would encourage easy to prepare foods as we don't want anyone slaving in the kitchen.

There will be a nominal fee (around $20) for participation in the weekend activities which will be used to reimburse the volunteer chefs & host. The final fee will be set as we determine the number of participants.

Please let Bill or I know if you have any questions. We hope you will mark this down on your calendar and join us in Arkansas!

Sign up in this thread or email one of us to confirm. Thanks!

Wayne I should be able to make it up for Saturday evening, so count me in. If I can make it Friday I will let you or Bill know. Thanks

I am assuming NW Arkansas, but could you be a bit more specific? I might be able to make it Friday and Saturday, but Sunday is a workday for me!

Wayne: I'd like to know the specific location too. I'm not at all familiar with the state so I'd like to come. >=))>

Bill,
The turn off to the cabin is just west of Jasper, Ar on Highway 74.
It's about 2.5 miles from Jasper, Ar.

Rod

Hey Wayne, Thanks for once again organizing the Spring Gathering and thanks Rod for offering up your very comfortable cabin. Sadly, I won't be able to attend this year's Gathering. We will be hosting out of state family that week and I also have to help our oldest son and his family move that weekend. Last year was a great time and I'm sure all who attend this year will have a ball.

I'm in. I was holding back on committing, waiting on a biopsy report my wife had coming in. She passed, great news!! Let me also say that any excuse to hang out at Rod's cabin needs to be taken advantage of, the location can't be beat, it's an ideal setup for a group like ours and the company isn't so bad either.

Wayne, thanks again for spearheading the organizing and let me know what I can bring. I'm not a good cook like some of our group but I can help clean up, bring food, etc. etc.

What a difference a day makes. Our son isn't moving that weekend and my wife will take the family to the St Louis Airport - Needless to say "I'M IN" !!!!!

Wayne, if you want, I can once again bring the triptip for the BBQ, potatoes for baking and all their fixings for Saturday night if someone else will bring salad/bread or ?

I will be in around noon on Friday.

This is a shot from the last Spring Gathering. Jack-In-The-Pulpit - Arisaemi Triphyllum.

yall have room for little old me up there?

Why sure Matthew, there's always room for more! Here's a recap of the "yes" attendees to date:

1) Gale Rainwater
2) Rod Kissinger
3) Bill Dark
4) Daniel Loomis
5) Bill Fach
6) Merle Cook
7) Bruce Lauderdale
8) Matthew Kennedy
9) Aaron Szabo
10) Tom Kennon
11) Mike & Karla Hall (saturday only)
12) one more probable staying nearby

It is unlikely that I will be able to attend but I'm glad to help Bill organize this. With those of you who have already committed it should be a good size group and I would expect that a few more will add their names before the date arrives.

Merle has graciously offered to bring the bulk of the Saturday evening meal if someone can provide the salad fixins and bread for that meal. (Salad & breads to be provided by Aaron S!)

With people arriving at various times on Friday evening maybe the best course of action is for people to fend for themselves that night.

Would a couple of you volunteer to bring loose meat sandwiches, chips, potato salad etc. for Saturday lunch? Everyone bring your own beverages so you have what you like. (Tom has offered to do Sat lunch)

Rod is there anything else that people need to bring with them?

We don't want anyone to be unduly out of pocket for providing the foods so Bill may take up a small donation to help reimburse those people who purchase food for the event. It would be a nice gesture to give Rod a little something for hosting this event again.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to attend, it should be a great event if the past gatherings are any indication. I will warn you to watch out for that 14 mile hike (all uphill) out of Richland Creek. If it's raining .... well some of you know what I'm talking about!

Count me in for sure. I can probably bring a bag of chips or something for lunch on Saturday. Truth be told I really love to run a smoker so I may thrown something on Wednesday or Thursday night so we can have something as a snack or just a bonus. Just let me know I can bring whatever may be needed.

I'm pretty sure no one would complain if you brought some tasty smoked treats Matthew. Got you down!

Count me in for Friday and Saturday. If it gets too crowded, I've got a place to stay in Dogpatch, AR about ten minutes away from Jasper.

I can provide the salad and bread for Saturday night.

What locations do we have in mind so far?

Wayne, I do not know how I missed this thread, but count me in, if there is still room? I will be glad to help with the meals.

I can do lunch stuff for the group on Saturday.

Aaron & Tom, glad to have you aboard. Tom, you've always been quick to volunteer and help out. It would be super if you could take on the Saturday lunch fare. You may want to contact Matthew directly because he's thinking about bringing some smoked treats.

Aaron, I'll let Merle know that you've got the salad & breads covered for Saturday night. Much appreciated. I'm not sure if Rod has a selection of salad dressings at the cabin but I'll contact him to see and let you know.

Thanks again both of you, we appreciate you helping out.

Hey Wayne, I'm onboard with Aaron doing the salad etc. What I will need when it gets closer is a head count so I can calculate the amount of meat and potatoes to bring. Great to have more folks joining us.

Hey if anyone needs to e-mail me about food or anything its Mattken85@yahoo.com. I have no plans so far as to what I may or may not be bringing. You guys just let me know what I need to do. I am easy

My wife and I would like to join in on the Saturday fun. We would be up there in time for the morning trail departure and enjoy the dinner time. Due to schedule, we can't be there on Friday or Sunday. I would like to squeeze this in and meet everyone. We'll bring some kind of food/drinks too. I'll watch the list and see what's needed.

Mike Hall and Karla Hall
Conway, Ar

I have never been to Rod's cabin but it sounds like I may need to bring a tent

I'm really looking forward to seeing you guys, and meeting a few new folks as well. I'll bring the beverages for Saturday night's meal, just let me know your preference (juice, water, soft drinks, etc). I'll also bring some paper plates, along with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes and other fixins for Saturday's lunch. Since Mike and Carla Hall volunteered to bring beverages too, I'll put them down for Saturday lunch. So everyone will need to fend for themselves Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning.

OK, just to recap everything mentioned so far, here's what I've got:

1) Gale Rainwater - (Friday?) Saturday pm, Sunday
2) Rod Kissinger - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
3) Bill Dark - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; drinks for Saturday pm, plates, fixins for Sat. lunch
4) Daniel Loomis - Friday & Saturday am
5) Bill Fach - ?
6) Merle Cook - Friday pm, Saturday, Sunday; triptip, spuds & fixins for Sat. pm
7) Bruce Lauderdale - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; food?/clean-up
8) Matthew Kennedy - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; chips & smoker fare for Sat. lunch
9) Aaron Szabo - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; salad & bread for Sat. pm
10) Tom Kennon - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Sat. lunch
11) Mike & Karla Hall - Saturday only; drinks for Sat. lunch

Let me know if I've left anything out...

Hey Bill, I will be in around noon or 1pm on Friday. Also, just so some of the folks know ( I don't want to step on someone's toes here) There is plenty of room in the cabin to throw down a sleeping bag on the floor on two floors. I don't see a reason for anyone to bring a tent as long as they are comfortable just crashing on the floor.

Merle

I know I'm late to the party here, but I would love to drive up and join you if there's room for one more. I don't mind crashing on the floor, and would be happy to bring something if there is a need for more food (I'm noticing a severe lack of deserts!)

I'll be there Friday through Sunday.

Bryan, the more the merrier! Come on over! I don't think anyone would deny their sweet tooth if presented with an opportunity to indulge ... deserts would be appreciated!

I've been out of touch since you cancelled the Texas trip, but my husband and I have bought a motorhome and are planning a trip to Arkansas from here in south Texas. If we can find a RVpark close or can park there we would love to join in the outing and meet this group.We're new to NPN, but would like to get to know people and share the photography. We can pitch in anything extra that hasn't been claimed for the meals. Just let us know. BJ &Thom Burgett

BJ, we would be pleased to have you and your husband join the gathering. This is turning in to one heck of a gathering, I may have to reconsider attending myself!

I'll let some of the other AR members answer the question about an RV park or campground nearby. The only one I'm aware of is the Steele Creek Campground which is about 7 miles or so from Rod's cabin.

Just keep checking this thread as the date draws near. I'll be sending out maps & directions to everyone attending, especially the out of towners! Thanks for your interest!

BJ,

There is a place just north of Jasper on Hwy. 7 called Dogwood Springs. Their website is http://www.jasperandnewtoncountyresorts.com/

Can't vouch for the facilities as I haven't used them. Others on the forum may have other recommendations.

Hope you can make it; It will be good to have some fellow Texans along.

Yup, Dogwood Springs is really your only option for an RV - you won't be able to get an RV into most of the campgrounds along the river, including Steele Creek, and none of the park service campgrounds have any hookups. I've heard some good things about this place.

For those who have not been to Jasper in a little while and who don't read the Cloudland Journal, there is a great new pizza joint right on the square - NOT Pizza Pro - it is called Pizza On The Square. They have some unique pizzas, grilled subs, and a bunch of other good chow. Owned by the daughter of the Ozark Cafe owner, and it is located next door. The Ozark Cafe continues to get my recommendation for a place to eat in town since I can't eat pizza anyway, but if you do, the new pizza place is pretty good.

Looks like they missed the low temp forecast this morning by more than 10 degrees here in the Buffalo region (it is 29 here just before sunrise) and I doubt this will kill off much in the way of blooming trees. You guys should have very green conditions for your get-together, although the wildflowers have been overall dismal compared to a normal year. The trees from the ice storm will still leaf out as normal (in fact MORE so - it is just like pruning back a tree in your front yard) - in fact I have seen some tree tops that were completely cut off that are starting to bud out - not sure how they are doing that - very strange! Redbuds are in full bloom and dogwoods are just now beginning to pop out. The creeks and waterfalls are a little lower than normal but their conditions will depend on the local rainfall just before your visit - any rains we get will bring them up in a hurry. I have an overflow crowd for my workshop that weekend so won't be able to stop in for a visit but I'm sure you folks will have a grand time - be sure to bring plenty of memory!

Mucho thanks for the weather report Tim. Sure is a relief to know the temps were mild in the Buffalo area last night.

Sorry you won't be able to stop in for a bit, it's always been nice to have you pass on a few shooting tips and good humor when you have the time.

I checked out Smith Creek Sunday morning, and as expected, didn't see any real damage from the ice. Since many of the folks coming this year may have never been down to Smith Creek, that might might be an option - that is if we could coordinate with your workshop plans if need be. With such a large group this year, I suspect some of us that have been to Smith Creek may have plans to visit other areas too.

Bill I have never been into Smith Creek and was actually really wanting to go this spring. So you have my vote

I've never been to Smith Creek either. Would anyone be interested in starting at Haw Creek and working our way north? I'm driving in from Conway Saturday morning and starting south sounds good to me.

I have not been to Haw Creek in the spring when the leaves are coming out. It also has a large parking lot to branch out from. Also, I have not been to the other falls in the Haw Creek section and would like to hike in with someone or group.

This is Haw Creek from January. http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Mhj-0qDYfG0/Sdw-X3Bzz4I/AAAAAAAAHJw/0QZ6Ji4V9bI/s800/MMH_0129a.jpg


Mike Hall
Conway

Tim has mentioned that, for various reasons, access into Smith Creek may be more difficult than in the past. I will see if there are any "donor" activities planned, and if they would mind if several photographers visited the area during that weekend.

UPDATE: I've checked with TNC and have their permission to access Smith Creek during the gathering. They do have a hike planned for the 24th from 10-3, so we would need to honor their request for exclusive use during that time. I don't really see that as a hindrance though -who wants to shoot during those hours anyway? I'll also be borrowing a key to the gate, so that mile hike out just got a lot shorter. Also, I think Tim plans to have a workshop group there on the 25th, so hopefully we can coordinate our timing with him so as to not interfere.

If any one needs anything from Bedford Camera and Video for the gathering like:

Batteries (still have a few 5D Mark II batteries)
CP Filters
Memory Cards
Lens Caps or Lenses
Remotes
D3X bodies :)

I will happily bring what you need and you can pay me at the gathering, or Credit Cards over the phone. I give good deals too.

Text me directly at 479-466-1252 for a order or quote. Email: info@imaginefilmcompany.com

I'm looking forward to Smith Creek!

Hey Aaron, I could use a D3x - do you take I.O.U.s?

Maybe you could bring a couple of d3x's for me and Bill to "test" for the rest of Spring.

Aaron if you can still bring me a camera let me know what you are bringing. I want to make sure I have the right memory and polarizing filter unless you already have one.

Hello all,

UPDATE: April 14 - Confirmed attendees for the CSNP Spring Gathering 2009. Please contact me asap if your name has been left off or included in error.

1) Gale Rainwater - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
2) Rod Kissinger - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
3) Bill Dark - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; drinks for Saturday pm, plates, fixins for Sat. lunch
4) Merle Cook - Friday pm, Saturday, Sunday; triptip, spuds & fixins for Sat. pm
5) Bruce Lauderdale - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; food?/clean-up
6) Matthew Kennedy - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; chips & smoker fare for Sat. lunch
7) Aaron Szabo - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; salad & bread for Sat. pm
8) Tom Kennon - Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Sat. lunch
9) Mike & Karla Hall - Saturday only; drinks for Sat. lunch
10) Bryan Simpson -
11) BJ & Thomas Burgett -

Maps & driving directions were sent out last weekend to each of the people listed above. If you have any questions about the event or directions please contact Bill Dark or Rod Kissinger (cell phone number to follow).

I wish I could join you but for this year I'll have to enjoy the weekend's shooting through your posted images. Thanks again to those of you who have offered to bring food. Your extra efforts on behalf of the group is appreciated.

Bill and Wayne, I will be able to take off on Sat. so count me in for Friday evening and the rest of the weekend. I would be happy to bring any food, just please let me know what to bring.

Thanks Gale

Ok, I've got two D3X's for Bill and Matthew as long as you two cover my meals! Yeah right, we'd have better luck jumping jumping Ernst out in the woods.

I never got my directions. My email has been kicking a lot of stuff out as spam lately. I will keep a better eye on it. Mattken85@yahoo.com

I have a simple request for confirmation. Anyone who is going to attend the gathering bbq on Saturday evening and has not confirmed with either Wayne or Bill - please do so by the first part of next week so I can be sure to bring enough meat and potatoes for everyone. You don't want to be out on the porch with a pb&j while the rest of us eat BBQ.

Also, for those who enjoy a drink with dinner, - a nice Merlot goes well with tri-tip.

See you there.

Okay so it is tri-tip as i expected. I was wondering what trip tip was. Merle, expect me for bbq and lots of potatoes for Sat. Also expect my BBQ critique and brain picking along with it.

I am thinking about smoking a pork butt (and pulling it) and a pork tenderloin or two the night before I come up. They both make great sandwich meat and I like smoked pork tenderloin as a snack all the time. Who likes stuff spicy?

Hey Matthew - - - If you are bringing pulled pork - spicy - and will be there on friday - that solves my ,"What the heck do I have for supper that night"..... You have to realize that my brain is getting old and there is not much left for "pickin"... But I will give it my best..

I would so love to come meet all you folks and shoot with you but work will keep me in Jonesboro. I shall try and make sure I can get to the Fall gathering weekend! Have a great time everyone!

Bob Wyatt
Jonesboro, AR.

Well my plans have had to change. I'm still coming but I intended to stay until Sunday morning. Instead I will need to leave out Saturday evening to go back home. I will show up late Friday, looks like with desserts, and plan on helping with cleanup. Sorry, about being out of the loop, but I've been waiting until things settled down.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Since there is no rain in the forecast for this weekend, I'm going to plan on camping somewhere near Rob's cabin - probably Erbie or Lost Valley. I'll still be bringing drinks for Saturday evening, and plates and fixins for Saturday lunch.

Merle, I'll also bring a merlot for the killer dinner Saturday.

Well everyone I had a 12 pound turkey given to me today. I am planning on smoking the turkey, a big pork shoulder and maybe a pork loin on Thursday night. I am going to bring all that, I don't really expect all of it to get eaten but if it does great. We can use this for whatever, lunch, dinner, or just snacks. I figure too much food is better than not enough, we can always send leftovers home with people.

I should be up by no later than 7 on Friday night, probably earlier.

What time do you guys plan on leaving the cabin Saturday morning to start shooting? Karla and I are driving in and may meet at cabin or on-location. We don't mind leaving at 4:00am to get there at 6:00am or earlier if needed.

Someone may need to call me Friday night when you decide on a starting location.
501-580-0270

Do we need to bring ice/ plastic cups? Two bottles each of Coke, Dr Pepper, Sprite good enough or another flavor?

Is there a place close to the cabin to get night shots of the stars and landscapes?

And if so does anyone have a Nikkor 14-24 2.8 that I can trade for my soul???

Hey Aaron I think you may have to jump somebody in the woods for that one.

I don't have any memory for that D200 yet, hopefully I will have time to grab some tomorrow. I am looking forward to shooting that D200. I was going to buy one when Best Buy had them for $599, but they jumped the price up to $799 so I am looking at other things now. A friend of mine has loaned me a d40 with the two kit lenses so I should be camera set for the weekend.

I was thinking about some star trails as well.

Mike, I saw you note about shooting locations on Saturday morning, here is my cell number, 479-629-4895, and as I remember cell service works at Rod's cabin. Typically we do not decide where to shoot until sometime Friday night. We will call you and let you know the plan when we make a decision. If you have not heard from us by 8:30pm, you may want to try my cell number.

Matthew, it sounds like you will have some good meat but I will bring some ham, turkey and roast beef for sandwiches from the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. I also have plenty of bread and sandwich fixings for the group. I will also bring an assortment of the great cookies that Ozark Mountain Smokehouse makes.

Aaron and Matthew, I can think of several good spots for night shots near Rod's cabin and I have this on my list also. Maybe we can make a night excursion either Friday or Saturday night, or both!

I am looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, I should be there by 7pm.

I glad some of us will be up for losing a little sleep to enjoy the stars, and maybe a cold beer!

Matthew, I've got a few extra 4gb and 2gb cards that'll be with the D200 and lenses.

Well the planning is over and the weekend is upon us. Have a great time everyone! I wish I could be there with you.

I'm looking forward to seeing some great shots from the group! Be safe!