09/10 - 09/12 - Guttenberg, Iowa

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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
----------------------
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".
 
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"
 
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/mrc ... fm?index=2

http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/NIC2/Doc ... 13-620.pdf

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

Regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
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
 
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
 
Hello Paul & Joni,

Thank you for drooping by and thank you for offering to help with this gathering.

After all you folks did have the very first gathering in this part of the country and have some experience. (see http://cruisingamerica-halcyondays.com/mwgath.htm).

Since we last talked, I have met with the Guttenberg City Manager, who is very interested in helping us in any way.

The city docks and transient docks at the new south marina, which is nearing completion, can be reserved for this event.

Hopefully all the boats can dock within a block or so from each other.

As you know, the ice left last week, even though the Lock/Dam #10 gates are wide open and the water is on the rise there are
www.lansingiowa.com/ lots of boats/fisherman cashing in on the spring Walleye/Northern.

NOTES: For trip planning consider the following.

Check out http://www.guttenbergiowa.net/calendar.htm where the C-Dory Gathering is listed with a link to C-Brats.

Also, see;
www.guttenbergpress.com
www.mississippirivermuseum.com/
www.cassville.org/ferry.html
www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/
www.prairieduchien.org/
www.cabelas.com/prairie-du-chien-wisconsin-store.shtml
www.mississippiriveradventures.com/harpersferry.htm
www.wigreatriverroad.org/rivertowns/rivertown.asp?ID=27
www.lansingiowa.com/
www.elkader-iowa.com/

Best regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
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Barry Rietz



Joined: 21 Jun 2006
Posts: 10
City/Region: Sierra Vista
State or Province: AZ
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 3:28 am Post subject: Guttenberg Gathering
Guttenberg Iowa on the "Big River" is a lovely historic town that everyone who attends the "gathering" will enjoy! In addition to all the former bits and pieces of information posted, here are a few more items of interest:

The Landing: http://www.thelanding615.com/

Abel Island Airpark: http://www.abelisland.com/

Guttenberg Map: http://www.guttenbergiowa.net/map.htm

See you all there in September!
_________________
Barry Rietz
N9DXC
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toyman



Joined: 11 Jan 2009
Posts: 395
City/Region: Lake Livingston
State or Province: TX
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Fan-C-Dory
Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2010 6:48 pm Post subject:
Our summer plans are kinda like in mush, but Iowa is between Texas and Lake of the Woods so this is certainly in the bucket.
_________________
Dave W.
KE5GOH
Stuck in the 70's,
In East Texas
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We are developing the t-shirt/sweatshirt graphic for the upcoming Guttenberg, Iowa C-Brat gathering, September 10 & 11, 2010.

Any drawings, line drawings, pictures of previous T-Shirt graphics etc. would be greatly appreciated (not to copy but assist idea development).

Please send to kingfish@maisp.com or ron@ronfisher.com

Thank you,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
Event Signup for Guttenberg, Iowa (on the Mississippi River) Gathering.

I just discovered (thank you tybo) where to find the “Event Signup” tab on the C-Brats home page.

I’m posting this for the new ones that also did not notice the “Event Signup” tab.

We are encouraging those that plan to attend to signup as soon as they know that they will be with us September 10/11 in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Thank you,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
Original Message --------
Subject: Upper Mississippi Cruising
From: Barry Rietz <n9dxc@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, June 19, 2010 9:56 pm
To: Ron Fisher <ron@ronfisher.com>

Ron,

Gary and Gerrie of "Minnie Swann", a C-Dory 22' Classic just posted a great article on the C-Brats. And their "photo gallery" shows some of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers not far from their condo at Prescott, WI. This posting would be a great intro for those not certain about the "Guttenberg Gathering" this September. It certainly highlights the scenery, history, and fun that can be enjoyed on the "Big River" and might just entice more C-Brats to Guttenberg this fall season! Have a look........

Barry
 
Good morning from Iowa.

SPECIAL NOTICE!


The new Guttenberg Marina is open and taking reservations for the nine transient slips.

This year, the City of Guttenberg is offering the use of these slips, for that weekend by C-Brats at no charge, including Hook ups (water/electricity).

Yes, if more docks are needed, there are other city docks available on a first come first served basis, but those do not have electrical or water hook up.

All the docks are very close to each other, The Landing, City Docks and Marina are all next door to each other.

The new Marina is across the street from our house and The Landing is one block north.

Transient slips are available by reservation.
Please call City Office 563-252-1161
or reserve online at www.cityofguttenberg.com

Also everyone attending, please advise T-shirt sizes, if you have not already.

Best regards,

Connie, Ron & Bear Fisher

 
We just signed for a slip at your Gathering. Hope to make it as we vector from the Great Lakes down to the Southwest.

Sounds like a great time planned.
 
I was nervous that we would not have the boat ready by Sept. but it looks like we will just make it. Splashed it for the first time 2 days ago. put 1 hour on the new motor. New cushions go in tomorrow. We emailed in a reservation for a slip. See ya'll there.

Tex and Sharon
1989 22 Cruiser "Bixby's Cub"
 
Yes, we will have a “swap, sell or trade” table set up for C-Dory and related items,

tag each item with your name etc.

Regards,

Connie, Ron & Bear Fisher
 
The Guttenberg, Iowa - Mississippi River Gathering T-Shirts will be ordered in the next week or so.

Hopefully everyone that is planning to attend has signed up by then.

Obviously the more I order the better the price.

Is there anyone out there that is interested in one of these shirts?

Let me know quantity and size and I will get back to you with cost/postage,

Best regards,

Connie, Ron & Bear Fisher
Guttenberg, Iowa
 
We would like to order one men's large tee-shirt. Thanks. We're now up on Lake Superior and will head south to the Gathering. Anyone coming down river to the Gathering - if so, from where?
 
Hello From Iowa,

We are making final plans for the C-Brat Gathering in
Guttenberg, Iowa September 10, 11 & 12.

The “Welcome C-Brats” banner has arrived, the B-B-Q caterers (for Saturday evening) are ready and just need a final number (There could be a boat or two sign up at the last minute).

Here, is where I need your help, there are nine (9) boats (besides ours) signed up so far.

I need to place the T-Shirt order/s next week and need all the sizes ASAP.

So Far the following people have advised us of their sizes, if your name is not on this list, PLEASE advise your T-Shirt size/s right away.

For those listed, if I haven’t got your shirt size listed correctly, please let me know.

Ron & Connie: 1-XL & 1-M 
Rich Morrison: 1-L. and 1-XL.
The Pelican: 1- L. and 1-XXL.
James Lokker: 1- L & 1 - M
Barry Rietz: 1- "XL"  
Molly & Andy Jensen: 1 - L & 1-M
 Paul & Joni: 1- XL & 1- L  

There will be more Guttenberg gathering details as we go along.

Best regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
Guttenberg Gathering Update.

Today we received the “Upper Mississippi River” maps of pool #10 & #11 (above and below the Lock & Dam #10 at Guttenberg, Iowa) from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Everyone attending will receive one of these maps with recommendation/s for day cruise destinations etc.

Also, the City Manager of Guttenberg has blocked out all nine “Transient Slips” in the new marina just for this C-Brat Gathering.

This way at least nine C-Dorys will be docked together.

Also, C-Brats trucks & trailers will be parked in the marina parking without question.

To see the GUTTENBERG MARINA LAYOUT: Go to http://www.cityofguttenberg.com/ - Click on “Marina” tab - Click on “Marina Layout” notice layout which shows “Transient Slips” that are now reserved for this C-Brat Gathering.

Best regards,

Ron, Connie & Bear Fisher
 
Signed up for event.
My wife and I will attend.
I reserved a dock at the new Marina.
I would like to order one large event T shirt.

Thanks,
Mike and Christy Moser
 
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