Gilboa Sept 28-30, '07 Fall Meet-n-Greet planning thread. Come dive with us!

[Divin'Papaw]

Update on the parking situation at Gilboa.

I just had a really good talk with Jodi and Mike about the parking charges. I feel a lot better about it. They do not want people who don't pay the "day pass" to put their gear up on top of the hill (in the area where all the cars park). The folks who park in the main lot are supposed to put their gear on the platforms- down on the tables.

I explained to them that I never knew that's what we were supposed to do and that helps me understand why they decided to change their policy recently. They don't have this set in stone, but until they can find a better solution, that's what they are doing. They're open to suggestions- but unable to provide the manpower to police "the rules" better. Maybe we need to do a little self policing to keep the prices down.

I suggested that maybe making the parking rules more clear would be a good idea. I never knew I was supposed to put my gear down below. I was part of the problem- but I didn't know what the problem was!

They have also had folks who have a main lot pass and "forget" to move their car back to the main lot.

So- I encourage anyone who has issues with Gilboa to call up and talk to them about it. It sure beats whining and complaining. I'm glad I called.

Thanks for the update. Since I come from over 3 hours away, I always camp and stay the weekend. It's nice to know that by paying the full rate and camping, certain rights come with that in terms of using the area around the campground for my tent and gear. I have no issue with Gilboa and I always enjoy my trips there. I'm actually in favor of the changes they're making if it will keep the camping area from turning into a parking-lot-with-trees like it did when I was there in early June.

 

[trucker girl]

Update on the road closure. The road IS closed to the west of the quarry. There are signs from both directions saying the road is closed- but coming from the east (from the town of Gilboa) you can get to the quarry.

Click on the attached map to see it full size.



When you are going back west on Main St/Old SR 224 there will be "road closed" signs. But it is closed AFTER the entrance to the quarry.

You can turn off of 224 either before the bull (on Franklin St- according to Streets and Trips) or after the bull (on Pearl St). I prefer after the bull. After all, who doesn't want to see a bunch of bull?

 

[Ber Rabbit]

I'm actually in favor of the changes they're making if it will keep the camping area from turning into a parking-lot-with-trees like it did when I was there in early June.

Is that because June resulted in a giant tent on your front porch?

You can turn off of 224 either before the bull (on Franklin St- according to Streets and Trips) or after the bull (on Pearl St). I prefer after the bull. After all, who doesn't want to see a bunch of bull?

That's a steer not a bull (I checked) While it's the only giant bovine statue around there may be purists who have never come to the quarry that way who look and say "That's a steer, the bull must be farther down the road"
Ber :lilbunny:

 

[trucker girl]

A cow is a cow is a cow... it's a single cattle. A lone bovine. Now I'm going to have to endure a "dairy farm" lecture from our favorite jack-of-all trades!

 

[wb416]

A cow is a cow is a cow... it's a single cattle. A lone bovine. Now I'm going to have to endure a "dairy farm" lecture from our favorite jack-of-all trades!

Well Sweetie.... Do you think I'd give you the privilege of another "dairy farm" lecture after that comment!
:mooner::mooner::mooner::mooner::mooner:

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Is that because June resulted in a giant tent on your front porch?

No dear, I wasn't referring to you. You can camp in my front yard any time you want!

 

[Barracuda2]

Last time I was there, they were not allowing people to drop their gear off an park in the main lot. You HAD to pay to park if you wanted to drop off your gear..

Sue, there may have been an overreaction when this happened to you; it won't happen again.

Here's the real scoop about parking right from Mike and this info is only 10 min. old:

There has been NO policy change; however, Mike has to start enforcing the current policy because many are abusing the current policy.

Current policy: Free parking out in the main lot after dropping off equipment on
the staging tables on the docks, not at a campsite.
$4.00 per vehicle parking fee to use a campsite for the day.
$8.00 per person to camp overnight.


The abuse: 1. Choosing free parking, then leaving vehicle at a campsite anyways.
2. Choosing free parking, then using a campsite for a staging area.
(divers are to leave equipment on staging tables on the docks: if
you want to use a campsite with or without vehicle--$4.00 fee.)
3. One person pays for a campsite for the day, and then several
free parking divers use that site as a staging area. (against policy)
Some instructors are the biggest abusers on this policy. They will
load students' equipment into their trucks, trailers and there may be
8-15 free parkers using a campsite or two or three--According to current policy, free parking divers must use staging tables on the docks.

When this abuse takes place, Mike is losing possible campsite fees because they are being taken up many times by Free parking divers. Please don't kill the messenger; I'm just passing on this info. In my opinion, as a business man, I understand this policy. In any arena, if you want extra convenience and amenities, you have to pay for it. So in a nutshell, you will still be able to drop off equipment at the staging tables and park free in the main lot. You may not, however, use a campsite that day. Mike will be enforcing his policy dealing with campsites. How he will deal with those who violate the policy, I don't know, he didn't say, but I don't think I want to find out. I'm really looking forward to this weekend's M & G.

 

[Randy43068]

A cow is a cow is a cow... it's a single cattle. A lone bovine. Now I'm going to have to endure a "dairy farm" lecture from our favorite jack-of-all trades!

*whapping myself in the head* Do you not recall our conversation concerning the bull, ,cow and steer?

 

[trucker girl]

*whapping myself in the head* Do you not recall our conversation concerning the bull, ,cow and steer?

I was hoping for a replay.

 

[trucker girl]

When this abuse takes place, Mike is losing possible campsite fees because they are being taken up many times by Free parking divers. Please don't kill the messenger; I'm just passing on this info. In my opinion, as a business man, I understand this policy. In any arena, if you want extra convenience, you have to pay for it. So in a nutshell, you will still be able to drop off equipment at the staging tables and park free in the main lot. You may not, however, use a campsite that day. Mike will be enforcing his policy dealing with campsites. How he will deal with those who violate the policy, I don't know, he didn't say, but I don't think I want to find out. I'm really looking forward to this weekend's M & G.

I think it's good that people talk to them straight up rather than letting rumors fly!

I guess a little self-policing might be the best thing. Had I know that I was not supposed to leave my stuff up by the cars unless I paid for a "day pass," I wouldn't have. Peer pressure does wonders to keep people from silting up the bottom (at least the people I dive with!). Maybe it will do wonders to keep Gilboa running smoothly.

Perhaps we need to stop thinking of a day pass as a parking pass. It's a day pass for the right to use the camping area- so that is per person. As opposed to a parking pass which would be per car. Not a perfect explanation, but that explains it better to me.