A Barrow-Downs Get Together. - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Groin Redbeard · 08-17-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hookbill the Goomba

An American meet (may have to be divided into North and South?) in whatever places are most applicable. Close to Canada so our Canadian friends can plausibly get there.

Divided into North and South. You're a man after my own heart, Hookbill!

This does make a lot more sense. Gwathagor, you are up in Oregon, correct?

Oddwen · 08-17-2008, 01:26 PM

Please be careful what info you give out, and to whom. Especially if you're considered "underage" where you come from...or crunchable and juicy...

Hookbill the Goomba · 08-17-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oddwen

Please be careful what info you give out, and to whom. Especially if you're considered "underage" where you come from...or crunchable and juicy...

Exactly. The precise details should, I think, be discussed by PM. If we agree to this facade, we should use this thread to discuss the general stuff; rough locations and estimated dates. Perhaps we should have one, or a few, organisers for each meet who those interested can PM for more information?

Gwathagor · 08-17-2008, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

Gwathagor, you are up in Oregon, correct?

Yes. I have the dubious distinction of dwelling on the Left Coast, though I'm really a Southern fella at heart.

Formendacil · 08-17-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

Divided into North and South. You're a man after my own heart, Hookbill!

This does make a lot more sense.

Actually, given the distribution on population on this continent of ours, an east/west divide might be more appropriate than north/south, though I certainly agree a divide would be necessary. After all, Hookbill is thinking of three meets in Europe... and Canada and the U.S. are each larger than Europe, without getting themselves smushed together--in terms of land, of course, not population.

Nogrod · 08-17-2008, 02:39 PM

If you are planning a BD-meet in the U.K. why not try it around the new year?

I've been saving some of the money I got from the textbooks I have been making and we (Lommy, Greenie & me) have been thinking about taking a trip to the U.K. around the new year as our school starts a week after the turn of the year.

I have a few friends in London who will lodge us for a few nights but then we could either take the budget buses or rent a car to get somewhere. And why not at least Eomer and Caílin crossing the canal for the occasion as well?

Hilde Bracegirdle · 08-17-2008, 02:43 PM

Yes, we are all pretty much scattered about. Good for passing on an Olympic torch to the ends of the earth, but not so much for an all inclusive get together. As I recall, this sort of discussion was bounced around a few years back in this forum, with the North American threads developing along the lines of SE, NE, Midwest, Great Lakes etc.

And yes, do be careful about disclosing your where abouts, or someone might come with a shovel and dig up your barrow! Heavens, we can't have that!

Gwathagor · 08-17-2008, 03:14 PM

Depending on location, some folks might be interested in this as a potential meeting-place. (See the link.) Their collection of Tolkien books and artifacts (like his desk/pen/pipe/etc.) is unsurpassed.

They also have C.S. Lewis's wardrobe.

Groin Redbeard · 08-18-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwathagor

Depending on location, some folks might be interested in this as a potential meeting-place. (See the link.) Their collection of Tolkien books and artifacts (like his desk/pen/pipe/etc.) is unsurpassed.

My goodness!

My cousins live in Wheaton and they never told me about this. Heads will role!

TheGreatElvenWarrior · 08-18-2008, 10:11 AM

Hmm... I have the perfect idea! How about Fairbanks, Alaska in the middle of the winter! it's only a six hour drive from where I live!

Or for the Downers who don't like very low temperatures, how about Fairbanks in the summer, there is a very nice camp ground up there... Or even better Barrow!

Whoops, sorry... I don't think most Downers live anywhere near Alaska... I guess I'll travel somewhere else then...

Gwathagor · 08-18-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groin Redbeard

My goodness!

My cousins live in Wheaton and they never told me about this. Heads will role!

I work in the archives during the school year.

Macalaure · 08-17-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikae

In that case, I wonder how many downers could make it to upstate NY next spring.

Quote:

*raises hand*

Quote:

*runs to daddy to pester him with the thought of a nice spring trip*

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Provided that it's after finals... very, very good.

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I very well might be able to, as I have a pal who lives in Rochester and I could kill two birds with one stone.

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Now there is a location I might actually be able to reach

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Upstate New York sounds alright with me.

Oh my, now that's quite a response. Well, we thought about getting some Downers over for the wedding, but we didn't yet think about any details such as accommodation, or just what exactly to do with them all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fea

You know, Rikae, if you're serious about importing Barrowdowners to Upstate, I'd be perfectly happy to help organize matters and make it happen.

That help would be greatly appreciated and probably even necessary. After all, we'd also be planning such a minor thing like a wedding at the same time!

Brinniel · 08-17-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formy

Actually, given the distribution on population on this continent of ours, an east/west divide might be more appropriate than north/south, though I certainly agree a divide would be necessary.

Indeed. And in reality, I think the division would have to be made into even more than two...the US and Canada simply covers so much area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilde

As I recall, this sort of discussion was bounced around a few years back in this forum, with the North American threads developing along the lines of SE, NE, Midwest, Great Lakes etc.

Yes there was, way back yonder in the early days. I don't think very many meetings actually happened, but I searched for the old threads and found them in case anyone wants to revive them:

Canadians

Midwest US

Southeast US

Texas

London/England

Australia

Seattle/Northwest US

California (Bay Area)

East Coast US

There were a lot of other threads about other locations, but I think these were the only ones specifically discussing possible gatherings. It's interesting to look at these old threads, though sadly many of the members who posted are long gone. It seems that there were a lot more Americans back in those days. Now I think there may be more Europeans...or maybe it just feels that way...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikae

In that case, I wonder how many downers could make it to upstate NY next spring.

Depending on when in the spring (if I'm still in Boston and not in the middle of finals), I would definitely do everything in my power to try and make it. I really would hate to miss such an event. Hmm...it seems like Mac and Rikae's wedding could end up becoming a major BD gathering.

Btw, I highly encourage BDers to come visit Boston starting September 7 and on. In my personal opinion, it's one of the best (and historical) cities to visit in the US, plus it's absolutely gorgeous in the fall. But most importantly, it's where I happen to go to school.

radagastly · 08-17-2008, 10:29 PM

With no promise to be able to attend myself, those who cannot make it to Europe or upstate New York may find it easier to get to Milwaukee. I know that sounds like an odd location, but Tolkien's papers are there, at Marquette University. I can't make any promises about how fun it would be, since I haven't been there since high school (many, many, many years ago.) There's always Lake Michegan and Wisconsin beer and brats, not to mention a Jesuit University Library/Archive to explore. Librarians can be very gracious, and it would be nice to see some of Tolkien's work in his own handwriting.

By the way, here's what Marquette is currently showing on their website about their Tolkien Archive:
http://www.marquette.edu/library/inf...oceedings.html

Actually seems a little out of date to me, though the books available look interesting.

Anyway, it's just a suggestion.

08-17-2008, 01:26 PM	#2
Oddwen Drummer in the Deep Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Next Sunday A.D. Posts: 2,145	Please be careful what info you give out, and to whom. Especially if you're considered "underage" where you come from...or crunchable and juicy... __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door

08-17-2008, 02:39 PM	#6
Nogrod Flame of the Ainulindalë Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wearing rat's coat, crowskin, crossed staves in a field behaving as the wind behaves Posts: 9,308	If you are planning a BD-meet in the U.K. why not try it around the new year? I've been saving some of the money I got from the textbooks I have been making and we (Lommy, Greenie & me) have been thinking about taking a trip to the U.K. around the new year as our school starts a week after the turn of the year. I have a few friends in London who will lodge us for a few nights but then we could either take the budget buses or rent a car to get somewhere. And why not at least Eomer and Caílin crossing the canal for the occasion as well? __________________ Upon the hearth the fire is red Beneath the roof there is a bed; But not yet weary are our feet...

08-17-2008, 03:14 PM	#8
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Depending on location, some folks might be interested in this as a potential meeting-place. (See the link.) Their collection of Tolkien books and artifacts (like his desk/pen/pipe/etc.) is unsurpassed. They also have C.S. Lewis's wardrobe. __________________ Stories and songs. Last edited by Gwathagor; 08-17-2008 at 03:17 PM.

08-18-2008, 10:11 AM	#10
TheGreatElvenWarrior Mighty Quill Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Walking off to look for America Posts: 2,230	Hmm... I have the perfect idea! How about Fairbanks, Alaska in the middle of the winter! it's only a six hour drive from where I live! Or for the Downers who don't like very low temperatures, how about Fairbanks in the summer, there is a very nice camp ground up there... Or even better Barrow! Whoops, sorry... I don't think most Downers live anywhere near Alaska... I guess I'll travel somewhere else then... __________________ The Party Doesn't Start Until You're Dead.

08-17-2008, 10:29 PM	#14
radagastly Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Washington, D. C., USA Posts: 299	With no promise to be able to attend myself, those who cannot make it to Europe or upstate New York may find it easier to get to Milwaukee. I know that sounds like an odd location, but Tolkien's papers are there, at Marquette University. I can't make any promises about how fun it would be, since I haven't been there since high school (many, many, many years ago.) There's always Lake Michegan and Wisconsin beer and brats, not to mention a Jesuit University Library/Archive to explore. Librarians can be very gracious, and it would be nice to see some of Tolkien's work in his own handwriting. By the way, here's what Marquette is currently showing on their website about their Tolkien Archive: http://www.marquette.edu/library/inf...oceedings.html Actually seems a little out of date to me, though the books available look interesting. Anyway, it's just a suggestion. __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before, I listen for returning feet and voices at the door. Last edited by radagastly; 08-17-2008 at 10:36 PM.

08-17-2008, 02:43 PM	#7
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Yes, we are all pretty much scattered about. Good for passing on an Olympic torch to the ends of the earth, but not so much for an all inclusive get together. As I recall, this sort of discussion was bounced around a few years back in this forum, with the North American threads developing along the lines of SE, NE, Midwest, Great Lakes etc. And yes, do be careful about disclosing your where abouts, or someone might come with a shovel and dig up your barrow! Heavens, we can't have that!