Welcome To My Whims

This is where I will be posting various pathtag designs for sale, as well as the occasional musing. Welcome to my whims! You can contact me at LiLangeL181@aol.com for all of your pathtag needs.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Midwest Geobash 2010- Everything To Know Before You Go!

While technically this post has nothing to do with pathtag designs (although go look at the pathtag designs!) I still thought I would share.

This year MWGB is Thursday August 5th through Sunday August 8th, and I don't know about you but I am ridiculously excited! Do you have your tinfoil hat ready? This will be my second Bash. Last year I forgot to bring or didn't know about a number of things, but I was lucky enough to be adopted by several amazing geo-families so it was OK. Plus there is a WalMart a few miles from the fairgrounds just in case. This year, however, I made a checklist and thought I would share my lessons learned...

Cooking:

    Matches/Fire Starters
    Pots/Lids
    Campfire Grill
    Potholders
    Skewers (soaked in water)
    Grill Forks
    Spoon
    Can/Bottle Opener
    Cork Screw
    Tongs
    Seasonings
    Cutting board



Napkins
Paper Towels
Plastic Silverware
Paper Plates/Cups
Water Bottles
Water
Cooler
Ice
Ziplock Bags
Aluminum Foil
Trash Bags
Plastic Bags
fire ring or bricks to make one
*** NO firewood!

Food/Drinks:

    Condiments
    Butter
    Salt & Pepper
    Seasonings
    Bread/Buns
    Fruit
    Vegetables
    Meat
    Hot Dogs
    Hamburgers
    Cereal


Snacks
Granola Bars
Chips
Smores
Juice
Soda/Pop
Tea
Coffee
Water
Alcoholic Beverages
Hangover Cure

Shelter/Bedding:

    Tent/Poles/Stakes
    Mallet/Hammer
    Rope
    Tent Rain Flap
    Tarp
    Dust Pan
    Flashlight
    Batteries


Blankets
Pillows
Sleeping Bags/Mats
Air Mattress and Pump
Foam Pad
Earplugs
Folding Table
Lawnchairs

Clothes:

    T-shirts
    Sweat Shirt
    Underwear
    Jeans
    Shorts


Socks
Shoes
Rain Coat
Hat
Sunglasses

Personal:

    Tissues
    Toothbrush
    Toothpaste
    Breath Mints/Gum
    Flip Flops For Shower
    Soap
    Shampoo
    Conditioner
    Towel



First Aid Kit
Medications
Chapstick/Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Wet Wipes
Glasses/Contacts/Solution
Deodorant
Brush
Tweezers (For Slivers)

Micellaneous

    Backpack
    Compass
    Maps
    Swiss Army Knife
    Playing Cards
    Notepad
    Pencils/Pens
    Camera


Citronella and Sunscreen
Money (cash and checks)
Reservation Info
Cellphone/Charger/Car Adapter
Local Pocket Query
GPS and Batteries
Pathtags and Geocoins
Misc. Swag

*** Please remember that the Bash is being held in an Emerald Ash Borer quarantine area, and most of the surrounding areas (read: all of lower MI, most of OH, and parts of surrounding states) are also quarantine areas. Every reserved campsite includes one pile of wood, plus you can buy more as you need it.

Last year they had the biggest line I have ever seen of doughnuts, coffee and juice provided for breakfast if you got there early enough, and I hope they are doing it again this year. Nothing like a sugar high to wake 1500 people up! There are restaurants in town if you want, and the MWGB folks have confirmed several on site food vendors if you would rather buy meals instead of cookout. Plus, a guy on an ice cream bicycle! Bring cash, as electricity on the fairgrounds to run credit/debit cards is not guaranteed at vendor areas.

If you're a rather hungover 'Area 51' goer I highly recommend skipping the doughnuts to sleep in, then eating something vendor provided in the shadiest spot you can find... With lots of gator/power-aid. If you already plan to be sorry the next morning, or are a lightweight like me, might I suggest a cooler marked "Open Only In Case Of Drunk", to be filled with electrolyte rich liquids, water, ibuprofen , and any other hangover cures of your choice. You'll thank me later when you have it on hand and pre-chilled. You're welcome :)

Everyone is super friendly so ask around and bright green hats/lanyards means volunteer staff. Last but not least, when in doubt TURN LEFT!