Vortoberfest II 2006 recap (consolidated thread)

[SuPrBuGmAn]

By that I mean, not disgruntled Floridians who envy the Dixie Diver status

 

[The Kraken]

What about overnight camping, etc . . . ?

the K

 

[mike_s]

I, too, am concerned about the future of "Vortoberfest"!

Should the spring become unavailable for divers, does anyone have a suggestion as to where we could convene in future years to continue our October dive fest?

the K

a few threads up we had discussed doing a spring fest at St Andrews. Of course you'd have to choose a weeken witn desireable high-tides at a decent hour. That could be an alternative. Might work for Ocotber also.


EDIT:. I missed the above threads about Gulf State Park. That sounds great also!

 

[The Kraken]

Nope, didn't miss it, but the fact that it's a state park sort of puts a damper on the underlying "Oktoberfest" theme.

An "Oktoberfest" with no beer ?!?!?!?!?!?!

the K

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

There are plenty of places to drink in close proximity to Gulf State Park, including across the street at the public beach with pavillions - they just don't want glass.

 

[SeaYoda]

ok, is there somewhere people can list suggestions?

maybe some sort of listing to show the "board" how many divers, and how diverse are actually using the spring?

maybe some sort of financial prediction as to what a dive shop/concession stand/campground could bring in?

Vortex is supposed to close within the next couple years, leaving Morrison the only wide open spring in the immediate area. Camping facilities and a dive shop/air station would do very well there.

I think the time for any "input" is over. There was very little "input" taken with the committee. The county had most of it's plans in mind when it began the process and I was just glad to be able to be there to object if things were terrible.

They are stressing over personnel for "security" now and they did not seem interested in having anyone "run" the place. Connie at Vortex offered to run things for them and even pay them a "rental" fee - they were not interested. Scott Brannon said they are not interested in charging any fees to use the park either. I doubt with all of this that they have any interest in running a campground.

If you want to contact anyone, Shirl Williams is the admin assistant for commissioner Scott Brannon who is heading up this thing. I have not heard anything but what is in the papers for months - good luck.

 

[The Kraken]

There are plenty of places to drink in close proximity to Gulf State Park, including across the street at the public beach with pavillions - they just don't want glass.

But I have to have space to set up my propane burner and my witch's cauldron in which I prepare my special stew !!!

I dare say the local authorities would probably look askance upon a weird, old, grey haired baldheaded man stirring a black cauldron with a canoe paddle ... !

the K

 

[Rick Murchison]

I dare say the local authorities would probably look askance upon a weird, old, grey haired baldheaded man stirring a black cauldron with a canoe paddle ... !

the K

Not hardly... 'tis a common sight in LA (although usually near Churches or schools)
Rick

 

[mike_s]

Connie at Vortex offered to run things for them and even pay them a "rental" fee - they were not interested. Scott Brannon said they are not interested in charging any fees to use the park either.
.

heh... I didn't know that.

Connie's no fool. She'd definately pay rent to run the place and charge a fee. Having a "free spring" down the road from her $32 spring is not good for business.

That was a smart proposal on her part. But I'm glad the county didn't take her up on it.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

But I have to have space to set up my propane burner and my witch's cauldron in which I prepare my special stew !!!

I dare say the local authorities would probably look askance upon a weird, old, grey haired baldheaded man stirring a black cauldron with a canoe paddle ... !

the K

There is easily enough room under any of the pavillions at the public accesses in Gulf Shores. Where do you think Paulwall set up his propane boiler for the "Crab Grab"? His pot was quite large!

The local authorities have more to worry about like knabbing speeders, ticketing people playing their radios too loud, ect. Besides, we have a local authority amongst the Dixie Divers who works in Orange Beach to keep the heat off us!