NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

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Mike Pingleton
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NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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 :thumb:

cheers, Mike

Image
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Chris Smith
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Chris Smith »

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
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by TimCO »

If you're not pumped, you should be.
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Andrew Gilpin »

Sarah and I will hopefully be making it ;)
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BillMcGighan
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by BillMcGighan »

Mmmmm Pancake breakfast Mmmmmm


Mike, don't be shy if the officers need to throw in a couple bucks for things like this.
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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.
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by NickAsher »

What us the temp around that time?
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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
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Daniel D Dye
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Daniel D Dye »

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!!!!
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Matt.O
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Matt.O »

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.
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

:thumb:
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!!!!
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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!
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Josh Holbrook
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Post by Josh Holbrook »

Mike - I'll be there. Is there a place/way we can register?
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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?
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Josh Holbrook
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Post by Josh Holbrook »

Groovy.
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kyle loucks
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by kyle loucks »

I think we will need name tags.... :lol:
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Dalton Lund
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Post by Dalton Lund »

kyle loucks wrote:I think we will need name tags.... :lol:
With our FHF usernames on them :D
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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
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kyle loucks
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Post by kyle loucks »

Well that makes it easy. Thanks Mike!
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Jason B
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Post by Jason B »

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
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kayfabe
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by kayfabe »

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

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.
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kayfabe
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by kayfabe »

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!! :lol:
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

That's actually not a bad idea....
Dalton Lund wrote:
kyle loucks wrote:I think we will need name tags.... :lol:
With our FHF usernames on them :D
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Don Becker
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Post by Don Becker »

I don't need a name tag... just look for the guy who looks like a computer geek :)
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Dalton Lund
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Post by Dalton Lund »

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.
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chrish
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by chrish »

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.
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Don Becker
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Don Becker »

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 :P
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Chris Smith
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Chris Smith »

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!! :thumb:


-Chris
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Darkhorse »

Great news Mike, does that give us any special privelages like our AL permit did last year?
Chris
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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
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Chris Smith
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Chris Smith »

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

:thumb:
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BillMcGighan
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by BillMcGighan »

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.
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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.
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kayfabe
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Post by kayfabe »

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 :lol:
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Darkhorse »

That's great Mike. Will we need to have a "copy" on our person to be legal?
Chris
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Post by Daniel D Dye »

Great to see you're going, Chris!
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Mike Pingleton
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Mike Pingleton »

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
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Darkhorse »

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.
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Daniel D Dye
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Daniel D Dye »

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
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by Darkhorse »

Camping, I'll tell Rick to visit you.
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by bitis2 »

Mike,

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

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
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Mike Pingleton
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Post by Mike Pingleton »

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.
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Re: NAFHA 2012 Meeting - up on the web

Post by bitis2 »

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.
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