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!