Welp, we had a mini meet for us Northern IL people a couple of months ago. Lots of fun, and more people turned out then I expected to "just have dinner". :shock: But we've been working on a larger get together (some people from MI and WI may even be coming down). I've kinda' taken over the planning thing, and wanted to invite out any local TGP owners. I think there's still a few of you left. I remember we had enough last summer that we were talking about putting together a Chicago TGP club/chapter. :shock: But anyway, I'm looking at May 21st for the date, and this is where I'd like to hold the meet:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/HerickLabled.jpg)
Herick Lake in Wheaton. Easily accessible off of Butterfield Rd, and absolutely beautiful. This is just one tiny portion of the preserve, but this will be the area I'd like to arrange the meet in. There is a sheltered picnic table area which can be reserved (probably a good idea, to make sure we have the spot to ourselves with the number of people I'm hoping will come out), there are 2 huge grills there for cooking, REAL bathrooms (not port-a-pottys) just a few yards away, a concessions building with vending machines for pop and snacks (in case we need more then what we bring, or somebody wants something else), this is where you also rent the boats and canoes. The parking lot is just past all this, well within view of the picnic tables area. There are LOTS of trails for bike riding, and just hiking through the forest (this place is HUGE). You can also go fishing, but a forest preserve officer will come around and check for IL fishing licenses. There's also lots of wide open spaces if you want to play sports (saw some people bring a simple piece of string, tie it between a couple of trees, and play volleyball). :shock: Anyway, there should be something for everyone to do, there.
So, in case you can't tell, I'm enthralled with the location (should have visited it long ago, but yesterday was my first time there). I think it would be taylor fit for our meet. The only thing in question now is the date, and how many can make it out on May 21st. Hoping this is enough of an advance so that everyone who wants off, can get it. Give me some feedback on how this sounds. I'll throw in some other photos I took last Sunday (took LOTS of them). They would have looked a lot nicer if the sun would have stayed out more then a few seconds at a time, but you get the idea.
Close up of where we'll cook/eat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0033.jpg)
Incredible scenery.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0035.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0031.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0059.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0022.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0044.jpg)
Fishys!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v379/RareGMFan/Herick%20Lake/PICT0017.jpg)
Ok....so I got a little carried away with the camara. So...yeah...let me know. At this point, I'm just trying to put together a list of interested people, and if there are enough, I'll make an official thread with all the info on it.
How far off 355 and Butterfield is this location. I might have the TGP down from Michigan by then so it is possible I could make it down. Not to far from my new house in Wauconda. Let me know.
Thanks
Ken
Actually, you could do a couple of things. You can take 355 to 88, and get off at the Naperville Rd exit. It's only a few miles E of there, on Butterfield. The 355 exit for Butterfield would put you a good 4 miles out or so (E of it). You should come, TGP or not. :D There will be some people there without W's of any sort. Just a place for enthusiasts to gather (something us "old" GM car owners/fans never get to do :( ). James and Al will be bringing their psycho project, the '94 Olds Cutlass Supreme "442" (400 hp, 4WD, 2 engines). Yes, you read right. :shock: Engine in the front, AND back, and it's funcional. :shock:
Official post and list of attendees (only 100% positive ones) has already begin on the w-body.com site.
http://www.w-body.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28781
Please let me know if you wish to be added/can make it for certain. Where's all the Chi town TGPers??? :?
:shock: