Well it's time to start thinking about Bamboo Bash '09 in Townsend, TN. Last year I had to drop out do to conflicts with my dear bride's ovarian cancer. But this year I'm happy to say she's helping me with the event. We are planning on the weekend of 14 -17 May 2009.
Basye and I ran up to Townsend on Tuesday to do some checking and coordinate with Byron and Paula Begley of Little River Outfitters. We will again be able to have a classroom at Little River Outfitters for the Friday/Saturday portion of the program and we will have secure storage areas for any equipment that you would like protected.
Last year's event ran concurrent with Trout Fest, a local TU chapter/civic endeavor that promotes the sport in the Smoky Mts. This year we will be even more fully integrated with Trout Fest, and that venue promises to be bigger and better than ever. The specifics of Trout Fest will be found at http://troutfest.org/ and you should check the site for updates periodically. There are two important things to note: 1) There will be vendor tables available at Trout Fest at $50 apiece, and if you are interested you need to get your reservation in early. 2) Because of the increasing size of Trout Fest, and other events going on at the same time, it would be wise to make reservations as soon as possible (you can always cancel). The guys will probably want to stay at Dock's as per usual, and Basye informs me that those of you with wives accompanying you might want to use the Highland Manor Inn, but be aware that they have a reunion planned there so rooms are somewhat limited. The Tally Ho is FULL as there is an antique car show there the same weekend as Bamboo Bash '09/Trout Fest. We would recommend the following campgrounds, Ye Olde Mill and Lazy Daze. There is a KOA, but it is enormous and generally filled with kids.
We want to have 2 classes each day Friday and Saturday starting at 0900 and ending at 1200. This will allow folks to get onto the river at a reasonable time and yet be able to share in the educational events. More on class content later.
Either Tennessee or North Carolina licenses work in the National Park waters. You do not need a trout stamp to fish in the park… so purchase your licenses accordingly. They can be purchased on line easily.
We are playing with the idea of a cookout on Thursday nite for the early comers. If you have any ideas as to how we could pull this off easily please give me a holler. It has been suggested that the picnic grounds at Metcalf Bottoms would be an ideal location since you could fish and eat at the same times. Your input would really be appreciated!!!
Even if your wives are not fly fisher folk there are a tremendous number of things for wives to do in the area. We will have plenty of vehicles, so we can always help with rides.
All questions: czkid@knology.net
