09/10 - 09/12 - Guttenberg, Iowa

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Hello from North East Iowa,


We are interested in having a C-Dory gathering here in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Guttenberg is a historic river town located at Lock & Dam #10 on the Mississippi River.

Guttenberg borders with Wisconsin (across the river), not far up river is the Minnesota border and not far down river is the Illinois border (across from Dubuque, Iowa).

This part of the Mississippi is protected with high bluffs and is very scenic.

We do not have a clue how these events work.

We would like member’s input on what should be considered, what is involved, what makes a memorable gathering and any other thoughts or ideas.

Just for fun; How many would be interested in attending a gathering here on the Mississippi, River?

We look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Connie, Ron and Bear Fisher

Contact Connie: connie@ronfisher.com

Contact Ron: ron@ronfisher.com

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-TyBoo
_________________
1983 C-Dory Classic MFN221080183
 
Ron & Connie,

Sounds like a very nice idea and with the beauty of the "Big River", no one would want to leave the area! You know I would be there!
 
I would be up for that one, I live just up the river in Wisconsin and was planning a trip down to check out your area. I heard the Aquarium is worth the look as well as wine sampling. Only trouble is temps right now in the 20's and 3 inches of snow. Bummer. I'm still fishing but the heats on.

Jim
 
Hi Jim,

Yes, the temps are down early this year, however we have been boating.

Took out a photographer last weekend and captured some spectacular Eagle photos.

I believe the best time for a gathering (in Guttenberg) would be in August or September but am open for any suggestions.

Any suggestions about how to plan a gathering are welcome since our little historic town does not have much to offer except being absolutely beautiful.

Our good friends own The Landing (www.thelanding615.com) a very clean and reasonable Inn that looks out over the river and has some docking.

Let me know your thoughts.

Regards,

Ron & Connie Fisher

ron@ronfisher.com
 
You mean this place? In 2001 the spring flood came up to the 2nd step of the motel. The owner has a fishing barge across the river and quite close to the dam.
Regards,
Mark

01_spring_flood_came_to_2nd_step_of_motel_building.jpg
 
Connie Fisher":14t6ix5r said:
since our little historic town does not have much to offer except being absolutely beautiful.
Ron & Connie Fisher
Click to expand...


We've had gatherings in the Puget Sound Area that although the amenities were few, the site of the gathering was gorgeous (ie: Blake Island Marine Park, Sucia Island Marine Park). The real highlights of these gatherings is the personal relationships that develop at these events. If for nothing else you will have a fantastic time getting to know folks you've met "on-line" that share your interests in C-Dorys and life in general. (Must not forget the great food and liquid refreshment that is shared as well! :wink )

Kind of like a "Field Of Dreams".....build it and they will come.
 
Hello Mark and Dave,

Yes mark, “this place”, besides being a neat and clean place to stay, people with boats that stay at the landing have a place to tie up.

Dave, thank you for your input, by the way “The Field Of Dreams” film location is just down the road 17 miles or so.

Would it be a good idea to have a January/February planning session in Guttenberg for those interested within a few hours drive (?

Keep the information coming.

Regards,

Ron & Connie Fisher
 
C-Brat Gatherings are extremely varied, the information of which can be gleaned by reading the threads of previous gatherings across the country. With the exception of one gathering, all that I have attended have been in the Puget Sound Area. That being said, those that I have attended usually consist of a Friday evening no-host dinner at a local restaurant, then on Saturday evening a group potluck dinner and on Sunday morning a group breakfast at a local restaurant. However, as I previously stated, when gatherings are held in remote areas (ie: on islands) with no restaurants, most major meals become potluck. At least one of the gatherings on the "right" side of the country features "home grown" entertainment, in the form of instrumentalists and even a large group participation in a "Kazoo Band".
At our gatherings, we are most often blessed by the presence of the two C-Brat couples that just happen to be owners of a brewery and they are most generous in furnishing a large keg of their brew to the group. That being said, some of us would be unable to hold a Kazoo, much less play one.... :wink . Additionally, we "officially" christen our boats to keep them out of harm's way. Some of our more organized gatherings include discount coupons from local marine supply stores and local town merchants, to encourage the spending of our "tourist" dollars and provide us with some good reasonable "deals". The one gathering that I attended out of state was at Lake Shasta in California and as the sun was setting, one of the group fired off his black powder cannon to mark the end of a glorious day of activity and fellowship. I've read of some gatherings that indulged in geocaching, others feature an afternoon C-Dory flotilla cruise, dinghy races and various other types of activities. All in all, what I enjoy most is sitting on the dock next to our vessels enjoying the company of other C-Brats in conversation. These gatherings can be planned and co-ordinated by one person, one couple or several members. Some planning can become complex and some stay on the side of simplicity.
Hope this is a help and I'm certain that however you put it on, it will be a success!
On November the 7th, I'll be hosting a one day Snohomish River Delta Cruise. Why don't you hop on a plane, fly out and join us. You are welcome to board the vessel "Sea Shift" for a delightful exploration of the Snohomish River Delta. Additionally, don't forget to attend the ""Seattle Boat Show/C-Brat Gathering" in January. C-Brats from all over the country come to that gathering.
 
Dave,

Thank you, thank you for your message.

After reading your message with first hand information and encouragement, now, I/we definitely plan to hold a C-Brat gathering next summer (2010) in Guttenberg, Iowa (52052).

Our chore now is to guess the best time during the summer (early or late) that would draw the most.

Sorry, we do not own a local brewery (rats), but we do have a commercial popcorn machine that we pull out near the fire pit when a group comes to town.

Last summer a group of 150 (or so) kayakers and canoes came to town and camped across the street from our house, many other groups visit our little historic town often.

Since we are the only C-Dory owners that we know (or have ever met) and the first C-Dory that we had ever saw or got close to was the one we purchased over the phone in Spring Texas( north Houston Berb).

The boat was a much neglected, rough, 1983 C-Dory Classic with a 1997 Sea pro motor that would not run because the ignition module was out (and the worse excuse for a trailer imaginable).

Back to Iowa, from warm Texas, plus 3-1/2 months, we are much delighted with our purchase and am now in search of a 16’ to replace my Lund fishing boat (never seen or been around a 16’ either).

Sorry for rambling on, but your message/information is much appreciated.

Thank you for the invitation.

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher

PS: Photo album of R-Dory and Bear will be posted by the weekend.
 
Connie,

We are going to keep an eye on your plans next year. I love that part of the country and if we attend we would turn our stay into a two or three week cruise. Would prefer a time later in the summer when the heat has dissapated. Look forward to hearing more.

Harper
 
Ron, Connie, and Bear

We also plan on keeping an eye on your plans. We live in Madison, WI - 2 hours away from you - but we keep the boat in Sturgeon Bay, Wi - 5+ hours away.

I know we plan/hope on doing an early/mid June boat trip to Georgian Bay. Also, in late July I'll be doing the IronMan in Lake Placid - so the plan as of right now is to do the Erie Canal either before IronMan or after IronMan.

So anyway, we have a bunch planned (plus we have kids that have summer plans) - but I really really want to get on the Mississippi River and your thoughts of a gathering might be the perfect time. Had planned on doing so a couple weeks ago, but the darn business that keeps me boating - got in the way.

Have a nice evening.
 
How cool is this? A C-Dory gathering in Iowa, sounds sort of funny doesn't it?

Regard,

Ron, Connie and Bear Fisher
 
Connie & Ron, We'll be there! I'm retiring in Dec. so anytime is fine with us but we would prefer September. The locks are slower and I think there are at least 8 of them between us. We went to Marquette three years ago in September and it was nice and cool. Great idea, it's time us Mid-coasters got together. Thanks for getting it going!
 
Connie Fisher":3hr9qlms said:
by the way “The Field Of Dreams” film location is just down the road 17 miles or so.
Ron & Connie Fisher
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Sounds to me like you've got the "Cruise of Dreams" in the makings. :wink
 
Ron & Connie aboard C-R Dory,
It sounds like you have a great start to the C-Brats gathering. I also think September would be a comfortable month in which to have it, but whenever it happens, you can count us in; We're looking forward to it !
Paul & Joni aboard the Joni Lynn
 
The Upper Mississippi is one of the fine cruises in America. Holding a Gathering at Guttenberg, Iowa is a marvelous idea. It would focus attention on the Mississippi and give folks with access and an interest in the River a chance to meet and share experiences and friendship.

For those contemplating attending such a Gathering, we would suggest a perusal of the following threads about cruising the Upper Mississippi:

http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/towns.htm - This is a tale about the history of towns along the Upper Mississippi.

http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/missgeo.htm - And this is a tale of the geology that is the reason for the Mississippi River.

http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/mwgath.htm - and this is an account of the First MidWest C-Dory Gathering. A little history.

Keep up the idea of another Mississippi Gathering - it will be a great shared time together in a wonderful part of the country.
 
El & Bill,
It sure is fun looking over the pics again. Joni & I think of you two often and continue to follow your travels via this site. Maybe we'll see you in Guttenberg? I'm sure there are parts of the Miss. that you'd love to revisit. And we Cheeseheads are still serving Leinenkugel's !
Paul & Joni
 
Hello Paul & Joni aboard the Joni Lynn,

Thank you for your input.

For the record; The Guttenberg C-Brat gathering will definitely happen in 2010.

I have made a presentation to the Guttenberg City Manager today and will meet with the Guttenberg Development and Tourism members (GD&T) next week.

We will be discussing the 2010 plans for the city and will coordinate our gathering accordingly.

Keep the suggestions coming.

Stay tuned.

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
Well, I may be biased, but in my humble opinion good beer is almost always involved!

Connie Fisher":1inlvjkh said:
We do not have a clue how these events work.

We would like member’s input on what should be considered, what is involved, what makes a memorable gathering and any other thoughts or ideas.
Click to expand...
 
I'm sorry, but Leine's doesn't qualify - any brewery that mixes beer and lemonade CANNOT be taken seriously! If we attend (not a high probability at this point, but who knows?), we'll bring some Snoqualmie so you Cheeseheads can taste NW beer brewed by Cheesehead Rande Reed!

Joni Lynn":1bhbbouo said:
El & Bill,
And we Cheeseheads are still serving Leinenkugel's !
Paul & Joni
Click to expand...
 
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