OK, who's makin' the trip out west!?!?!

[Jim Schottenham]

How about a little advance "roll call" for the 2004 ORCA Nationals? I'm flyin' in from Upstate NY on Wednesday the 2nd. Anyone else?
Oh yeah, bring those old sidemounts with you when you go! I have to bring back some sort of reel from out west!
Jim S

[Jim Madden]

Well, I'll be there Wednesday probably in the middle of the night with severe jet lag. I'll carry on the reels I'm bringing, but any ideas on my rod case. Will they let me stand them up in a cabin compartment up front somewhere? I hate to check a bamboo casting rod. Any experiences with this?

[Brian F.]

I'll be heading out there but it'll be "Eastward ho" for me. Getting in on Wed. early morning. My plans are not settled yet as to how to fly in with a rod either. In fact, I think I first need to FIND a rod and reel to try my hand at the fishing/casting contests. Last time I tried carrying my reels, the bag got pretty heavy (dang, those saltwater reels weigh a ton). Looking forward to seeing what room trading is all about!

[Roger Schulz]

I'll be there by noon on Wednesday. The registration desk and ORCA store opens at noon.

Roger

[mortepa]

Can't wait! I'll be there on Tuesday or Wednesday, probably Wednesday. Hey Brian, "shhhhh! Be very quiet, we are hunting Pflueger".

- Paul Mortenson

[Harvey]

YOU GUYS MAKE ME SICK!

That's OK! I will just have to walk to the beach and check out the latest in Beach fashon!
All I want is a Tee-Shirt!
Enjoy your trip guys. Maybe next year!

The Paulper in Paridise,
harvey

[reelland]

I'll be there Tuesday evening with family in-tow. I'll bring some fly reels mostly, many boxed. Meisselbach, Meisselbach Catucci, Pflueger, Shakespeare, South Bend, Meek-Horton, and others. I look forward to seeing some old friends and making some new friends. Bill Land

[Alan Baracco]

I'll be there on Wed., I have to get Madden's pillow fluffed up, we all know how he gets if everything isn't right! I'm making the road trip from California this year, as opposed to the flight to Dowagiac, so will be bringing some reels to offer in the show. Last year I carried my reels onto the plane, just brought reels I wanted the experts to look at, but they were still heavy. The bigger problem, however, was getting everything home. After Dowagiac, I did a little shopping on my way back to Chicago and picked up about 2 dozen old c-clamps and about a like number of auger bits that I just had to have! The screening machine went crazy, but the bag made it OK. I carried my rod for the fishing contest, but it was a 5 piece fly rod, so was easy. See everyone on Wed., as long as the bite on the Rogue River isn't too furious! Cheers,

Alan

[Andy]

I will be there on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to seeing all the members from the West Coast, who I have corresponded with over the years. It will be great to see everyone else as well. I'll be bringing a few unusual reels for display only, and some to sell. Randy and Becky Gariglietti will be with us, and I'm sure Randy will be bringing some surprises also. Andy

[Phantom Fisher]

... discovered that it is an entirely nonsmoking hotel that imposes a $200 fee for violating the rule. Maybe next year there will be some provision for addicts like me.

By the way, the hotel quoted an $89 room rate for the group, rather than the $75 listed.

Sorry I'll miss it. Hope you all have a wonderful time.