09/10 - 09/12 - Guttenberg, Iowa

[toyman]

Thanks Ron, Sounds like you've put a LOT into setting this up ! As I said, now is "Dream Time", even if we're not snowed under ....

[TyBoo]

Oh goodness no, Ron. No mistake at all. I'll set stuff up this evening when I get home from work.

[Valkyrie]

Hey there,

It looks like you've got our attention! I just Mapquested Guttenberg and it's 625 miles from our home in Ohio. That's about 100 miles less then the NC Gathering! Marcia makes her own schedule and we've added this to our potential long-term schedule. We've never boated on the Mississipp and this looks like the time to start. Where will we be docking the boats, as we'll be staying aboard.

Regards,

Nick and Marcia
"Valkyrie"

[TyBoo]

I think I got this all right. The cruise has been added to the calendar so it shows up on the front page, and a signup list can be found here.

The first discussion thread (here) has been locked, because merging the two is way beyond me and we don't want any miscues, but it is linked from the fist post in this thread.

Sounds like a really neat event. Guttenberg is said to be an historic town on the Mississippi River, and the river itself has a little history if I recall from my school days.

[toyman]

Be good to see you & Marcia again Nick, it has been penciled in on our dance card.

We will also be staying aboard Mike, surely we can find someplace close to tie up, or put a hook in the mud....

[Connie Fisher]

About Docking in Guttenberg.


Guttenberg is located on an ancient sand bar, protected by a towering bluff on the west and open to the Mississippi River on the east.

Land is very limited here, allowing only 1987 very fortunate people a place to live and play.

The Corps. of Engineers operate lock & Dam #10 which is located within the town of Guttenberg (see ariel photos to follow)

See:http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/recreation/default.asp?pageid=145&subpageid=182

Also see: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/navigation/default.asp?pageid=922

In Guttenberg, along the flood wall/river bank, there is a wonderful “mile long park”, see description at (http://mississippiriversteamboats.com/guttenberg.htm).

There is a well developed marina north of the Lock and Dam, Google; Winegar Works Marina. at the north end of the mile long park.

South of the Lock and Dam (in town) is “The landing at 615” which offers accommodations (http://www.thelanding615.com) and some docking for guests.

The City of Guttenberg is also building an new marina, south of the Lock and Dam to be completed/open in the spring of 2010.

Also the City of Guttenberg offers some free docking along the river, south of the Lock and Dam, as available.

When the new Mayor takes over in January, I will be petitioning the City of Guttenberg to allow us to reserve some of the City slips for this weekend gathering.

The Corps. of Engineers maintain many/many sand bar beaches all along the upper Mississippi that are much used and enjoyed by weekend boaters that also camp for free.

During the week (and after September 1st) these sand bars are typically empty.

The best weekends for fall color is usually the second and third weeks in October.

For those that are coming to cruise the Upper Mississippi for more that “our weekend” will find the river, more or less “all to themselves” after school starts.

The Lock and Dam structures are approximately 30 miles apart with many little historic town that offer free day docking/some overnight with hook up, for passing boaters.

See:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lock_and_Dam_No._10

I suggest that contact be made with Winegar Works Marina and Landing 615 for reservations, otherwise, like us, “we will be making this up as we go along”.

Keep the questions coming which all adds to the planning.

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

[DaveS]

[Connie Fisher]

Hi Dave,

Thank you for your message and comments.

All I can say, is that I/we will do all we can to make visitors feel welcome.

Guttenberg is a tourist town, both by road and the river, we see all kinds of boats, barges and water craft here.

Our goal is that the people that gather, have a good time and want to repeat the pilgrimage the next year (or in the future).

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

[Valkyrie]

Ron and Connie,

We have been to a number of CBGT's and Dave is correct about having all of the boats docked in one location. That will be the central location of all socializing, talk of projects, improvements and so on. Also, at all of the gatherings that we have attended only a very small percentage elect not to stay on their boats and if the boats are docked at different locations the true essence of what we have found and most enjoyed at a CBGT will be hard to achieve.

Regards,

Nick and Marcia
"Valkyrie"

[Connie Fisher]

Nick and Marcia

Thank you for your message and comments.

Even though Forbes has recognised Guttenberg, Iowa as one of Americas prettiest towns, “it is, what it is”, a small historic river town, on an ancient sand bar, below a bluff, on the upper Mississippi River.

See: http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/americas-prettiest-towns-2009-slide-10.html?thisSpeed=25000

The docking requirements for a sizeable group, “all together”, at the same location, at the same time, are just not available here.

However, I believe we will have enough docking for everyone, close, but not “all together”.

This idea of a upper Mississippi River/Guttenberg, Iowa, C-Dory gathering was conceived on the premise that this part of the country and this part of this Mississippi river would be a very different experience for those who choose to attend.

We have planned the evening gatherings at out home for everyone to meet, get aquatinted, socialise and work out the details of their adventures (day cruises etc.).

I believe the attention should be directed to what this gathering, Guttenberg and the upper Mississippi River has to offer.

If this discussion has changed anyone's mind about attending, fortunately the subject came up early.

Best regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

[Connie Fisher]

Here is a collection of messages that we received early on when the Guttenberg C-Brats Gathering was just an idea.

These messages are from a previous thread (I made the mistake of starting two, will not happen again).

There is some very good information/discussion/pictures that I thought should be added to the “alive thread.

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

Joni Lynn

Photos: Joni Lynn
Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:13 pm    Hi R Dory,

I vote for Sept. 10 & 11. The water is still warm, but we're out of the heat of the summer. It's a beautiful time of the year to enjoy the river. May can be very cold and rainy, and the river can get pretty crazy with spring rains & flooding.

Paul on the Joni Lynn
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jhwilson
Photos: Placid C
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:47 am  

We would also vote for September for the reasons Paul stated PLUS, we could then attend the Lake Powell gathering (assuming it is held again next year in late September) without making another complete cross country trip.

Thanks again Ron and Connie.

Harper
Pat and Harper, Mitchell County, NC
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Not For Hire
Photos: Not For Hire
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 8:59 am    
Here is a collection of photos of the Miss River in September, 2006. Beautiful time of year. Includes a couple pics of the Landing. Mississippi in September

Mark S
Cadillac, Michigan
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Noreaster

Photos: Nor'easter
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:31 pm    

We would be interested as long as it doesn't interfere with our trip to Alaska. We are firming up our plans for that trip now, so should know when we'll be up North soon.
Lenny
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rich&judym

Photos: Sandpiper
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 12:52 pm    
We vote for Sept.
rich&judym
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DaveS

Photos: Sea Shift
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 6:00 pm    Post subject: Re: Your comments needed

The C-Brat members are what make these gatherings memorable. In all the gatherings that I've attended I've found that the C-Brats are a fine group of people and the communities that are blessed with their presence are most fortunate. The C-Brats I've met are a cross section of what makes our communities strong and proud....ie: current members of the military, retired military with some impeccable military careers, current and retired school teachers, engineers, law enforcement, ministers, computer "nerds", attorneys, real estate agents, firefighters, coast guardsmen, boat dealers, small and large business owners, mechanics, nurses, doctors, hotel managers, you name it, I'm certain that we've got folks from most every profession. I'd be happy to have anyone of them as a neighbor!
You have already "put Guttenberg, Iowa on the map". Until you came on the site, I'd never heard of Guttenberg and now I can open the atlas to a page with Iowa on it and closing my eyes point to Guttenberg. I've even visited your community on "google".
I'm certain that your gathering will be a success given your enthusiasm!
All that is needed for the gathering to be a success is a couple of C-Dorys, a dock to tie up to, a few lawn chairs, and a potluck meal. Anything else that you wish to add in to make it memorable, is only icing on the cake .......hmmm....cake and ice cream isn't all bad..... .

Unfortunately, "Sea Shift" will not be able to make it to your gathering this summer, so we'll have to enjoy it vicariously through the attendees comments and photographs.

Dave S.
"Sea Shift"
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Ramon Sr

Photos: Chiquitita
Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:01 pm    Post subject:

I am also fairly new to C-Brats. Guttenberg would be my second gathering since we plan to go to Chesapeake Bay next year if they have a gathering in May or June 2010. I am excited about the Guttenberg , IA gathering. In 1985, I was transferred to the Midwest from my native island of Puerto Rico. Before settling in Chicago, my wife and I, and our then young family spent 6 wonderful months in Des Moines, IA. We loved Iowa and the friends we made in such a short period of time. I am going back home.

Ramon Sr
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jhwilson
Photos: Placid C
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:03 am    Post subject:
Ron and Connie,

I have been actively involved with our Mitchell County, NC Chamber of Commerce for many years as a board member and president. We are a small rural county in the mountains of western NC. The entire population is only a tad over 15,000. Historically our economy has consisted of funiture manufacturing, textiles, and tobacco farming. All the manufacturing is now gone and the tobacco market is in decline.

During the past 8 or 9 years because of the efforts of the Chamber tourism has dramatically increased and has become a key part of our economy. You can get a sense of what we are about by visiting the website at: http://www.mitchell-county.com/.

What did/do we have to work with? The natural beauty of our mountains, steams, trout fishing, canoeing and kayaking, the Appalachian Trail on the northern end of the County and the Blue Ridge Parkway on the southern end. We also have the Penland School of Crafts. This is the "Cambridge University" for accomplished artists and craftspeople worldwide. Many former students have moved their studios here because they like the lifestyle. Arts and crafts have become a big business. Motorcycle groups and biking meets enjoy our beautiful winding roads and we cater to them. We have the worlds largest natural Rhododendron gardens atop the 6,285 foot high Roan Mountain. Festivals bring people from every state.

My simple point is what we had to work with was already here just as you have the great Mississippi River. Your C-Brats Gathering will involve photos and descriptions on this website that thousands of members will see and many will want to attend next time or come on their own.

We just returned from a week long C-Brat cruise on the Erie Canal. My interest in attending was generated from seeing the accounts of previous trips. It was terrific.

We are planning to attend your event if at all possible. I was assigned to St. Louis for a couple of years in the early 1970's and had a couple of opportunities to explore up-river into Iowa and recall it fondly.

Best,
Harper
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Connie Fisher

Photos: C-R-DORY
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 8:03 am    Post subject: Guttenberg, C-Dory Gathering, September 10 & 11, 2010

The Guttenberg, Iowa, C-Dory Gathering is firmly scheduled for September 10 & 11, 2010.

That is the same weekend as the annual St. Marie’s Fall Festival which is a memorable event with Polka Mass, chicken and ham dinner, pies, bingo, country store, baked goods, Christmas Corner, crafts, children's activities and another great day to be in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Even this far in advance, we strongly suggest that anyone wanting accommodations should make reservations as soon as absolutely possible with “The Landing at 615” (http://www.thelanding615.com)

Questions and suggestions always welcome.

Connie, Ron & Bear Fisher
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ajens
Vessel Name: Molly J
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 11:36 am    Post subject:

Thank you so much for your planning. We are planning on coming.
Andy & Molly
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Noreaster

Vessel Name: Nor'easter
Photos: Nor'easter
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:52 pm    Post subject:

Just made our room and slip reservations. We should be there. I spoke to Lois at the Landing and she had questions about how many people might be planning to stay on their boats? Electricity might be an issue. Having a 16 Angler sleeping on the boat and hence needing electricity, is a non-issue for us. I encouraged her to come on the web site to try and get more information from "the source".

[Valkyrie]

Ron and Connie,

Thanks for the explanation of available dockage and, yes, we still plan on being there to enjoy the river scenery and explore your picturesque town! We appreciate all of your hard work on behalf of the C-Brat community.

Regards,

Nick and Marcia
"Valkyrie"

[Connie Fisher]

Hello Nick and Marcia,

Thank you for your message.

We are glad to hear that you are going to be with us for the C-Brats gathering in September 2010.

Earlier, I had commented that Guttenberg is a tourist town, which Connie says I should clarify.

Like the Forbes article commented about being “laid back”, Guttenberg is where folks come to do nothing else but hide out/hang out, walk, wander and to enjoy this gorgeous Mississippi River valley.

Guttenberg does not have a McDonnell's, water slides or fudge factories.

Guttenberg is an old river town with businesses that support the local community.

Some how, this 50’s/60’s way of going is very appealing to outsiders, I.E. the absolute crunch of tourist that make Guttenberg their destination from May to late October.

To get some idea about this area, Google “Driftless area”.

The Driftless Area or Paleozoic Plateau is a region in the American Midwest noted mainly for its deeply carved river valleys. While primarily in southwest Wisconsin, it includes areas of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa and northwest Illinois. This region includes elevations ranging from 603 to 1,719 feet and covers an area of 16,203 square miles. This region's peculiar terrain is due to its having escaped glaciation in the last glacial period.

For river navigation maps (Guttenberg is mile 615) see;

http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/NIC2/mrcharts.cfm?index=2

http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/NIC2/Documents/MissRiver/Map039-613-620.pdf

Hope this gives everyone interested some idea why this part of the Mississippi River is special.

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

[Joni Lynn]

Spring is really making an effort at moving into SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa, so thinking we might help it along by looking at the river (albeit a frozen one yet) we took a little road trip up to Guttenberg this past weekend to have lunch at our favorite restaurant, scope out the scene of the planned gathering there this September, and introduce ourselves to the hosts of the gathering, Ron & Connie. We had only intended on making a quick introduction when we knocked on the Fisher's door, but we ended up staying for well over an hour and 1/2 visitng about......yep........you guessed it: what happens when a C Dory enters your life. What a delightful day !

Anyway, thanks Ron & Connie for making us feel so very welcome in your home. From our conversation, I can tell you folks are really looking forward to the C Dory gathering and are putting some plans in place that will make this a fun time. Guttenberg is a delightful little town for this sort of thing and your hospitality is certain to make it a success. Now all we have to do is find a way to get the ice off from the river so we can start our boating season !
Paul & Joni aboard the Joni Lynn

[jlsparks]

Made the reservations at the landing and looking forward to a great time and our first C-Brat gathering. Weather should be great in Sept. and great wildlife viewing on the way down.

Jim