NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » July 25th, 2012, 2:12 pm

I made a fact-finding trip down to S. Illinois a short while back - took some pictures, did some homework, made some decisions.

Here's the web page with the basic information on when and where. I'll update with your suggestions, info, etc. I'll ask Don to either link to this page from naherp, or to move it over.

http://www.pingleton.com/NAFHA2012/

I'm also busy with some permits that have to be applied for, and some data collection details. More on that as it comes together.

An informal FaceBook poll indicates that attendance will likely be at least 30 people and probably more. I'm looking forward to seeing old and new friends in one of my favorite spots in North America

cheers, Mike

Chris Smith · Post by **Chris Smith** » July 25th, 2012, 6:43 pm

Thanks Mike for spearheading this event! I am also looking forward to meeting face-to-face with many of the folks on the forums that I interact with virtually on a nearly daily basis!

See you all there,
-Chris

TimCO · Post by **TimCO** » July 25th, 2012, 7:51 pm

If you're not pumped, you should be.

Andrew Gilpin · Post by **Andrew Gilpin** » July 25th, 2012, 10:12 pm

Sarah and I will hopefully be making it

BillMcGighan · Post by **BillMcGighan** » July 28th, 2012, 6:14 am

Mmmmm Pancake breakfast Mmmmmm

Mike, don't be shy if the officers need to throw in a couple bucks for things like this.

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » July 28th, 2012, 1:16 pm

We'll probably pass the hat around at some point.

BillMcGighan wrote:Mmmmm Pancake breakfast Mmmmmm

Mike, don't be shy if the officers need to throw in a couple bucks for things like this.

NickAsher · Post by **NickAsher** » July 29th, 2012, 10:28 am

What us the temp around that time?

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » July 29th, 2012, 10:46 am

Depends on the year, but typically the mornings are chilly, and the afternoon temps are in the 60s or 70s if the sun is out.

-Mike

Daniel D Dye · Post by **Daniel D Dye** » July 30th, 2012, 1:36 pm

When time brings us October,
we don't set around like a toad.
We grab the gear and the vittles,
and head on over to Snake Road!

It's a beautiful thing!!!

I'm pumped!!!!

Matt.O · Post by **Matt.O** » July 30th, 2012, 2:50 pm

Ill be there. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends and getting in the field and sitting around the fire. May have a few others from the department joining me too.

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » July 31st, 2012, 12:30 pm

Daniel D Dye wrote:When time brings us October,
we don't set around like a toad.
We grab the gear and the vittles,
and head on over to Snake Road!

It's a beautiful thing!!!

I'm pumped!!!!

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » July 31st, 2012, 12:31 pm

Matt.O wrote:Ill be there. Looking forward to meeting up with old friends and getting in the field and sitting around the fire. May have a few others from the department joining me too.

great, Matt!

Josh Holbrook · Post by **Josh Holbrook** » August 2nd, 2012, 7:37 am

Mike - I'll be there. Is there a place/way we can register?

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » August 3rd, 2012, 5:41 pm

We haven't taken organization to that level. We have verbal commitments from over 30 people and I expect more.

Josh Holbrook wrote:Mike - I'll be there. Is there a place/way we can register?

Josh Holbrook · Post by **Josh Holbrook** » August 3rd, 2012, 8:20 pm

Groovy.

kyle loucks · Post by **kyle loucks** » August 8th, 2012, 11:01 am

I think we will need name tags....

Dalton Lund · Post by **Dalton Lund** » August 8th, 2012, 11:43 am

kyle loucks wrote:I think we will need name tags....

With our FHF usernames on them

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » August 8th, 2012, 4:49 pm

No need to call and reserve a campsite - I talked with the CG host today, and we have the whole north end reserved, along with one electrified picnic shelter.

-Mike

kyle loucks · Post by **kyle loucks** » August 8th, 2012, 5:05 pm

Well that makes it easy. Thanks Mike!

Jason B · Post by **Jason B** » August 9th, 2012, 1:52 pm

Excellent site Mike. I'm pumped.

Could we do an auction to raise funds? I've got some duplicate books I'd donate and I would bid on herp-related items other people could scrounge up.

-Jb

kayfabe · Post by **kayfabe** » August 10th, 2012, 1:30 pm

I live just down the street basically and I still feel like I have to pack for a huge trip! So excited for this!

kyle loucks · Post by **kyle loucks** » August 12th, 2012, 10:54 am

kayfabe wrote:I live just down the street basically and I still feel like I have to pack for a huge trip! So excited for this!

We're all stayin at your house.

kayfabe · Post by **kayfabe** » August 12th, 2012, 6:24 pm

kyle loucks wrote:
kayfabe wrote:I live just down the street basically and I still feel like I have to pack for a huge trip! So excited for this!
We're all stayin at your house.

actually already taking many reservations as is!!

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » August 29th, 2012, 11:20 am

That's actually not a bad idea....

Dalton Lund wrote:
kyle loucks wrote:I think we will need name tags....
With our FHF usernames on them

Don Becker · Post by **Don Becker** » August 29th, 2012, 1:31 pm

I don't need a name tag... just look for the guy who looks like a computer geek

Dalton Lund · Post by **Dalton Lund** » August 29th, 2012, 4:00 pm

I'm totally fine with wearing one, it'd be good to be able to identify the people I interact with on a nearly daily basis lol. Even if it's just a sticky note or something.

chrish · Post by **chrish** » August 30th, 2012, 10:53 am

Unfortunately, I have an obligation that weekend I can't get out of. I was already looking at flights.

Instead of name tags, it would be fun if everyone could order a personalized FHF t-shirt from the HerpNation store and get their FHF username on the back.

Whatever happens, a group photo should be taken and posted. Maybe everyone could print out their username in giant (legible) font on a piece of paper and hold it up in front of them in the photo?

Then we could have a look-alike contest on the board line. Sasquatch look-alike, unabomber look-alike, etc.

Don Becker · Post by **Don Becker** » August 30th, 2012, 11:19 am

chrish wrote:Then we could have a look-alike contest on the board line. Sasquatch look-alike, unabomber look-alike, etc.

Look at my avatar, I would win the Sasquatch look-alike by default

Chris Smith · Post by **Chris Smith** » August 30th, 2012, 4:32 pm

At the very least we can have stick-on name tags. T-shirts are a cool idea but not sure that everyone is willing / able to purchase one... Plus, you do not want a bunch of guys/gals wearing the same shirt all weekend!!

-Chris

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » September 10th, 2012, 4:38 pm

Checking in for a moment....I received notification on Friday that our application for a permit was approved. This was necessary to bring our large group into the Research Natural Area, which the Snake Road runs through.

I'm still expecting a turnout >30 for this event. My current rough count is 40.

-Mike

Darkhorse · Post by **Darkhorse** » September 24th, 2012, 12:44 pm

Great news Mike, does that give us any special privelages like our AL permit did last year?
Chris

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » September 24th, 2012, 1:36 pm

Chris, we will be able to briefly detain and handle non-venomous herps for the purposes of identification, data collection, and photography. Hooks, tongs, bags, containers and other collecting paraphernalia are still prohibited within the Research Natural Area.

-Mike

Darkhorse wrote:Great news Mike, does that give us any special privelages like our AL permit did last year?
Chris

Chris Smith · Post by **Chris Smith** » September 24th, 2012, 7:22 pm

Mike Pingleton wrote:Chris, we will be able to briefly detain and handle non-venomous herps for the purposes of identification, data collection, and photography. Hooks, tongs, bags, containers and other collecting paraphernalia are still prohibited within the Research Natural Area.

-Mike

Darkhorse wrote:Great news Mike, does that give us any special privelages like our AL permit did last year?
Chris

BillMcGighan · Post by **BillMcGighan** » September 25th, 2012, 7:06 am

For Everyone's Info.

I've been told that there is a Chili Cook-off at the Devil's Backbone on our weekend, so this could be an added perk and won't conflict.

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » September 25th, 2012, 6:11 pm

Better pack some Pepto

thanks for the note Bill, I got in touch with the CG host today.
-Mike

BillMcGighan wrote:For Everyone's Info.

I've been told that there is a Chili Cook-off at the Devil's Backbone on our weekend, so this could be an added perk and won't conflict.

kayfabe · Post by **kayfabe** » September 25th, 2012, 7:43 pm

Mike Pingleton wrote:Better pack some Pepto

or pack a few extra rolls of tp...I hear the ivy leaves a rash if you wipe with it

Darkhorse · Post by **Darkhorse** » September 26th, 2012, 8:49 am

That's great Mike. Will we need to have a "copy" on our person to be legal?
Chris

Daniel D Dye · Post by **Daniel D Dye** » September 26th, 2012, 9:51 am

Great to see you're going, Chris!

Mike Pingleton · September 26th, 2012, 10:51 am

Darkhorse wrote:That's great Mike. Will we need to have a "copy" on our person to be legal?
Chris

Yes. I will have copies down there, or send me email and I will send you a pdf.
Mike

pingleto 'at' gmail.com

Darkhorse · Post by **Darkhorse** » September 26th, 2012, 4:49 pm

Email sent Mike. Daniel you know the se chapter is going to represent. And I see bird voice range there, maybe we can call up some at the other end of the range.

Daniel D Dye · Post by **Daniel D Dye** » September 26th, 2012, 5:23 pm

Darkhorse wrote:Email sent Mike. Daniel you know the se chapter is going to represent. And I see bird voice range there, maybe we can call up some at the other end of the range.

Bird-voiced Tree frogs...now that would be cool. I wonder if they'll still be calling.

Are you camping or driving the RV?

By the way, I'll be at Florida Caverns State Park Saturday showing some snakes and pushing my web sites. I think your neighbor, Rick, is going to be there.

DDD

Darkhorse · Post by **Darkhorse** » September 28th, 2012, 2:30 am

Camping, I'll tell Rick to visit you.

bitis2 · Post by **bitis2** » September 29th, 2012, 7:06 am

Mike,

You can add four more. Me and my family will be making the trip and will be ther on Friday. Can't wait.

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » September 29th, 2012, 8:19 am

All attendees - please make sure you check in with me for this event. I will be at the Devil's Backbone campground (south end) from early Friday afternoon thru Saturday morning.

thanks, Mike

Mike Pingleton · Post by **Mike Pingleton** » September 29th, 2012, 8:47 am

Cool.
-Mike

bitis2 wrote:Mike,

You can add four more. Me and my family will be making the trip and will be ther on Friday. Can't wait.

bitis2 · Post by **bitis2** » October 4th, 2012, 5:53 am

Mike,

In case you are keeping an official count you can subtract four. As luck would have it I just blew my ankle out at work and will have to miss this trip. Big time bummer. Hope you all have a great time and please get pics posted so I can at least see how the weekend went.