Port Aransas trip UPDATE!!!!!

[Isis]

The Port A trip is only a few weeks away, so it is time for some updates and notices...

If you are planning on attending this event, especially eating at the BBQ, please be sure to register HERE (http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Event_Registration&pa=event_info& ev_id=25) so we can get an accurate head count for the food ordered. If you don't register, you won't be allowed to eat. Also, if you would like a shirt for the trip for you and your family/guests, please make sure that you post HERE (http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22307) so we can have one ordered for you. If you aren't sure if you have posted, please PM Isis ASAP.

We NEED Volunteers!!!
We need help transporting tables and chairs. If you have a vehicle that can hold something, please PM Isis or attend the July 14th MARSH club meeting, so we can get something arranged. There are a lot of chairs that need to be transported down there, along with several chairs, so your help would be appreciated. We are also in need of fire wood for the bon fire on Friday Night. If you would like to help bring wood, please let us know so we can plan for it.

If you would like to see what is going on for the trip, please see this thread (http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22555) for the discussions. FireEater (Mark Pandanell) is also trying to organize a Texas Hold 'Em game on Friday Night, so if you are interested, please post here (http://www.marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=22756). BigBird123 (Bteve Byrd) is also trying to organize a dive trip, so please give him a PM if you are interested in that as well.

There are 4 rooms available at the Tarpon Inn (http://www.thetarponinn.com): #19, #20, #24 and the FDR Suite. There is one room available at the La Palma Villa (http://www.lapalmavilla.com/). And there are several double rooms available at the Captain's Quarters (http://www.portalodging.com/). If you are interested in any of the rooms, please PM Isis ASAP since once released back to the hotel, the price will go up.

The food that will be served will be from Rusty Jeep Hickory BBQ out of Port A:
brisket
pulled pork
german sausage
potato salad
pinto beans
cole slaw
cucumber salad
corn salad
peach cobbler
cherry cobbler
+BBQ sauce (mild, hot)

We will also have the utensils and non-alcoholic drinks available. If you want to bring something for yourself, feel free. If you are a vegetarian, there are plenty of sides to choose from, but if you have a diet preference, don't hesitate to bring what you need.

And keeping up with tradition, we will have several items for raffle, which includes the following...
Here are a list of items that we will be raffling:
Seio Electronic Controller for model 1100-1500- and 2600 (http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=TA3771) donated by ADG (http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com) (sponsor of MARSH)
2 x Seio Super Flow Pumps Model 620 donated by ADG (http://www.aquariumdesigngroup.com) (sponsor of MARSH)
Metal Halide set-up, retail value of $400 donated by Coralreef Bazaar (http://www.coralreefbazaar.com/?osCsid=1284ccddbe4a84f9a73c77b7bee376b1&osCsid=12 84ccddbe4a84f9a73c77b7bee376b1) (sponsor of MAAST)
2 x Kent pro scrappers donated by Ocean Homes (http://www.oceanhomesetc.com/) (sponsor of MARSH)
2 x Deep Six Hydrometers donated by Ocean Homes (http://www.oceanhomesetc.com/) (sponsor of MARSH)
1 Mag Float 125 donated by Ocean Homes (http://www.oceanhomesetc.com/) (sponsor of MARSH)
Auto Top Deluxe High/Low (http://www.top-off.com/viewitem.php?it_id=21) donated by Top-Off.com (http://www.top-off.com/) (sponsor of MARSH)
10" standard sediment, two carbons and a color-changing DI) (http://www.melevsreef.com/rodi_filters.htmlfilters) donated by Melev's Reef (http://www.melevsreef.com/ro_di.html) (sponsor of MARSH)

The following sponsors of MAAST are donating as well, but the prizes will be determined later...
Aquatek (http://www.aquatektropical.com/)
CB Pets (http://www.cbpets.com)
RiverCity Aquatics

[Ram_Puppy]

I wouldbe willing to assist bringing something down, but i am not sure if my truck will actually make it.. i'll know in a week or so (it needs some major repairs.)

if i do take it, i'll try to haul something down.

[Isis]

I wouldbe willing to assist bringing something down, but i am not sure if my truck will actually make it.. i'll know in a week or so (it needs some major repairs.)

if i do take it, i'll try to haul something down.Don't worry about it if you have vehicle problems, but hopefully there are others who can pitch in too. If you end up bringing your truck, we will definitely need tables for people to eat on. Right now we have about 90 people going, so we are in need of seating. We have a bunch of folding chairs that we are going to bring, but we still need more tables. Also, we are doing a bon fire, so anyone who can bring wood, that would be awesome. The bigger, the better.

[Isis]

From someone on DFWMAS...


Fishing is much better down there this year also. Got back 2 weeks ago so take your rod if your a fisherman.

http://www.dolphindocks.com/miscpics/June07/P6182077.jpg

I would love to go but it's a little far of a drive for me :)

[Isis]

There are no more available rooms at the Captain's Quarters for both Friday and Saturday night, but there MAY be some single nights available, but you will need to call them to verify.

The FDR suite is still available, in addition to at least one other room at the $155 price. There is also one room left at the villa.

If you want either of these, please be sure to PM me soon. I will be releasing the rooms at the Tarpon Inn back to them so they can book them some time after next week.

We are also still in need of fire wood for the bon fire, so if you want to bring some with you, please don't hesitate. If you have your own folding chair to use on the beach, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring it.

There is still a Texas Hold'Em game planned for Friday night as well, so if you are interested, please be sure to contact FireEater.

[Isis]

There are only 3 rooms (#19, #24 & #40) and 1 suite (FDR suite) available at the Tarpon Inn. The rooms are $155 for the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights) and the suite is $445 for the weekend. There is also one room left at the La Palma Villa, which is only $218 for the weekend. If you want any of these rooms, please let me know ASAP. All the rooms at the Tarpon Inn will be released back to the hotel for use on Monday, July 15th, so the discount prices we are getting will no longer be available.

[Isis]

Please contact Justin (aggie4231) on our site if you are interested.


Holy Carp! Over 100 people. At least these will be some good tourists coming down.

If anybody is interested, I have a short little activity. As most can tell, I live and work in Port A. I can give a little tour of the lab that I work at. This is for those that would like to see what a shrimp research lab looks like. Kim, could post this on MAAST and DFWMAS? We can do this around 10-12 on Saturday. If I get enough interest, I will post more details.

Also, I will try to have a map of how to get here from atleast Victoria. I know that yall are smart enough to get to Victoria, and most likely here. I will include an alternate route for those who might get here at the wrong time. By wrong time, I mean when the ferry line is really long. This route will take about the same time as being in at least an hour long ferry line. If I dont have a few copies at the meeting, I will post it.

[hobogato]

ill bring some fire wood.

[Isis]

ill bring some fire wood.

Awesome!!

[BIGBIRD123]

I'll bring wood, too.

Steve

[hobogato]

fire wood steve.... fire wood. :lol

[BIGBIRD123]

i got a couple of old stands i need to get rid of... :P

[aggie4231]

If anybody is interested, I have a short little activity. As most can tell, I live and work in Port A. I can give a little tour of the lab that I work at. This is for those that would like to see what a shrimp research lab looks like. Kim, could post this on MAAST and DFWMAS? We can do this around 10-12 on Saturday. If I get enough interest, I will post more details.

[Isis]

It is looking to be a nice little gathering this year, definitely much larger than the last two years. As of right now, we are just shy of 120 people, including the kiddos, which are definitely not a huge group (I think there will be around 10-15 of various ages). If you have any tents you would like to bring to shade us from the sun while we are eating or even at the beach, that would be great and definitely appreciated.

There are several different things going on, so if you want to go scuba diving, please PM BigBird123. If you would like to join in on a game of Texas Hold'Em on Friday night, please PM FireEater. If you would like to go on a tour of a shrimp hatchery, please PM aggie4231. If you would like to bring some firewood for the bon fire on Friday night, please PM Isis.

Here is the list so far for those who have registered with me via PM or on the event registration. If your name isn't on the list, then you aren't marked down for attending the BBQ on Saturday before the collection, which means that we haven't ordered food for you or your guests. If you are planning on coming, please let me know ASAP with the number of people in your group, if you want any t-shirts and what sizes they are. We would like to accurately order the amount of food needed, as well as drinks. If you would like to bring something other than non-alcoholic beverages, you are more than welcome.

acropoorer
addboy
aggie4231
Angel*Fish
Ashlar
atmgueedo
BigBird123
Brad
caferacermike
charlie
deangelove
FireEater
fish2morrow
Flamenco-t
frank551
Glenn
gobi1kanobi
grimwolf
hobogato
Isis
J_G
jhand
KrAs & PurplePony
landfish
lilred1995vette
lomaxdq
Marc
MarkieB
metsuko
MKCindy
Monica
NewbieReefer24
Niko5
Polkster13
prof
PygmyAngel
Ram_Puppy
Rick
rwright
ShaneV
Shiang
slallen
SoLiD
taldrich13
thedude
tnn1567
Trey
weiser896

If you would like a room at the Tarpon Inn, please make sure that I receive payment at the club meeting or via paypal by Sunday night. I will be releasing the rooms back to the hotel so they can get them occupied. If you decide you want a room after I release them back, the room nights will be at a differenct price since we got a discount.

There is also one room left at the La Palma Villa, which we will have open until filled, and this will be filled by first payment recieved.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me 281-658-2925, or PM me here. I will also be at the club meeting for those who have any questions.

[Isis]

This is the final list for those staying at the hotels we booked. There are no rooms available at the Tarpon Inn, so the only thing available is the one room left at the La Palma Villa. If you want it, please PM me soon.

The Tarpon Inn
#16 -->double full $190 (Rich and Dawn Cotter, MARSH)
#17 -->double twin $155 (Steve and Cheri Byrd, MAAST)
#18 -->single full $155 (Ryan Shiang, MARSH)
#19 -->single full $155 (Kim Fredrick, MARSH)
#20 -->single full $155 (Melodie Sandbach)
#21 -->Premium Queen $207 (Kim and Mark Lowe, MARSH)
#23 -->Premium Queen $207 (Steve and Cheri Byrd, MAAST)
#24 -->single full $155 NOT AVAILABLE!!, booked by hotel
#25 -->Premium Queen $207 (Monica Dockery, MARSH)
#26 -->single queen $175 (Frederick and Melinda, MAAST)
#29 -->Upstairs Corner Suite $320(David Beck, MAAST)
#30 -->Larger Queen $190 (Ram_puppy, MAAST)
#31 -->single full $155 (Brad Brookner, MARSH)
#32 -->single full $155 (Mark Pandenell, MARSH)
#33 -->single full $155 (John Richter, MARSH)
#34 -->single full $155 (John Anderson, MARSH)
#35 -->double twin $155 (Nick Fults, MARSH)
#36 -->Single Full $155 (Frank and Colleen Krockenberger, MARSH)
#37 -->single queen $175 (Mike and Sam Leang, MARSH)
#38 -->double twin $155 (Rich & Dawn Cotter, MARSH)
#39 -->Premium Queen $207 (Shane and Tina Vanderburg, MARSH)
#40 -->single full $155
#42 -->Fisherman’s Room $275 ** (Mike Pawlowski, MAAST)
FDR --> $445 ***

***The FDR also can sleep more than 2 if desired, as there is a king size bed in the bedroom and a trundle, that can be 2 twin beds or one full bed.

Staying at the Villa La Palma (7 rooms available) (ONLY 1 room available!!)
Angel*Fish (MARSH)
open
John Gilbert (MAAST)
John Gilbert (MAAST)
Garrett & Mayme Blanton (MAAST)
Dale McQuirk (MAAST)
Dale McQuirk (MAAST)

Staying at the Captain's Quarter's
KEG (MARSH)
Rick (DFWMAS)

[Isis]

The one room available at the La Palma Villa is a full bed with a twin bunk on top for those who are interested. If you have one of the queens and would like to switch, please let me know. There is also the FDR suite at the Tarpon Inn, which sleeps at least 4 with a king bed and two twins, which can be pushed together. If interested in the above, please PM me ASAP.

Also, there is another hotel in Port A that still has rooms around $95 per night, called the Seahog Motel. The phone number is 361-749-5572 for those who want a room last minute.

[Isis]

Just so everyone knows, here is the tentative plan for the weekend. This is a loosely planned event because we don't want to restrict everyone on what they want to do, but we do have a few things in stone, so that everyone can converge at once.

Friday (arrival)
Everyone will be arriving to their prospective hotels all day. Once you get checked in, feel free to do whatever you want. If you want to go to the beach or visit the local shops, then feel free. If you want to come and hang out at the Tarpon Inn and swim in the pool, feel free to stop on by to socialize. Around 5-6 we will play some poker, which is being organized by FireEater. Just before it gets dark, we will head to the beach for a bon fire. If you want to stay at the hotel, please feel free. Otherwise, come out to join us on the beach for the fire.

Saturday
Up until 3pm, there is nothing planned, unless you choose to go get a tour of the shrimp hatchery or go scuba diving. If you want to get a group trip together for the aquarium, please make sure you do so soon. In the mean time, if you want to come to the Tarpon Inn to hang out and socialize with those who are hanging out at the pool and courtyard.

At 3pm, the food will be ready to eat. It will be at the Tarpon Inn in the back by the pool and in the courtyard area. Once it becomes dusk, everyone can head out to the jetties for collection. Once it becomes dark, then we start collecting since the shrimp don't come out until then.

After the collection, we can head back to the Tarpon Inn for hanging out until whenever.

Sunday (departure)
Some people will check out early, some will check out late. Just be sure to change your water for your critters so that they can survive the drive back.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here or PM me. If you are lost or need help finding us, please call me 281-658-2925.

Kim

[Isis]

Just so everyone is aware, we have brought some chairs with us, so as a precaution, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a spare chair for yourself, especially if you are going to the beach since our chairs are only for the BBQ.

Also, if you have decided that you aren't going, please PM so I reduce the amount of food ordered. I would hate for the clubs to pay for food that won't be eaten. Of course, I hope that everyone is bringing large appetites for the BBQ because there will be plenty to eat from one of the local caterers. The food will be available for eating just at 3pm, so I recommend that you eat a late breakfast and skip lunch. ;)

We are also in need of some tents that we can set up to block some of the sun, so if you have one and would like to bring it, that would be super awesome.