First off Kowboy, I again want to sincerely thank you and everyone involved for putting on a great event!
Our intent on camping in the back forty was to give us a quiet retreat and a place to let Butters run free without disrupting others. Our time off together is very limited, so we really try to maximize the opportunities to find solitude. Butch knew this, and helped us pick a real nice spot, but I don’t know if I communicated it very well to you.
I am saying this because we are concerned that we don't want to be perceived as anti-social or something, we just hope you (and everyone) understood we just needed a quiet place to retreat to outside the party zone. We also wanted to be able to open the door and let the dog be free to do her business without worrying about her bothering anyone.
As far as dogs… well, we let Butters wander free pretty often, but she's not an annoying 'pee'er', she's an annoying food mooch and face licker. After Saturdays deal, we kept her under leash control or penned in the truck most of the time, which is probably something that ought to be considered for everyone next year... I know we will be happy to comply.
We don't want to be seen as part of the problem...we want to be part of the solution. To me the real problems are the potential for injury and the liability. As you are well aware, dogs are pack animals, so the first thing they have to do (which happened) was have a few skirmishes to establish hierarchy. They also tend to be more aggressive and “edgy” in a pack, and with so many young'uns wandering around I'd hate for anything to happen.
I love dogs as much as anyone, but verbal control does not work in a pack environment.
With regards to the dust, I think the solution is pretty easy- just move the camping area farther northwest to the field next door… stage right if you will. Keep a parking area right off the trail away from the tents and I think that would help with 90% of the dust in the party area and avoid the expense of having a water buffalo and the hassle of creating mud in exchange for dust.
As far as chipping in, I feel your 'voluntary' entrance fee is a good idea. While Barb and I are
sincerely grateful for the hospitality & burden shared by you, Fro and the Baker clan, we were kind of hoping a hat would be passed around or a jar set up, or something... it would give us a chance to really show our appreciation and feel like we helped out.
I’ll admit that we felt a little guilty... feeling like we left things 'unfinished' by only being able to give a thank you and a handshake.
Thanks again for a great time, it was terrific seeing old friends and meeting new friends and we
really felt like family.
Already looking forward to next year!
Yall folks there in Elwood sure know how to put on a damn fine event. Thanks for having us.
