GeoWoodstock Education Sessions

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Bruce

The monkeys involved in creating the GeoWoodstock X educational offerings have been busy coming up with a series of sessions and something new for Saturday, May 26th. First of all for those not aware- yes, you can learn something at GeoWoodstock. While it is a big party with lots of fun things to do you can also LEARN something by attending one of the educational sessions that run from 10:30 to 4:00. So what will be offered this year? Trying to break from some tradition and try out some new ideas here is the line up:

  • Planning Your Epic Caching Trip – Walk you through planning the ultimate caching trip.  Learn how to plan, and how to deal with every contingency.  Thinking about hitting the road for a couple days with your caching friends, but don’t know where to start?  This session is for you.
  • Hiding your First Cache – Placing your first hide can be a daunting task, every cacher wants it to be perfect and memorable.  Learn about the steps to placing that first hide.
  • How to Geocache & NOT End Up in Jail – “Excuse me? what are you doing?” those and other choice words “Freeze! put your hands in the air!” are not what you want to hear while caching.  Learn from real live police officers about what to do and what not to do.
  • The Annual Reviewer’s Forum – Held on the Main Stage (with singers, dancers & juggling bears) Reviewers will talk to you about what they have to do day in and day out to keep the geocaching world in order and even answer a few of your questions (except for “Why didn’t you publish my cache?”)
  • How to Prepare an Earthcache – Earthcaches have their own set of rules and guidelines.  While a wonderful way to learn about the world we live in, they do take a bit of work to set up.  Learn about the steps needed to get an Earthcache set up and published.
  • Basic SWAG Design on a Budget – You have an idea for your signature item but just don’t know what to do next.  While every type of SWAG is a little different learn some tips & tricks to getting a design ready or how to communicate your idea to designer.
  • Kaboom! – Is it a bomb? Is it a geocache?  Learn from the Indiana State Police how to reduce the chances of having to admit that it was YOUR geocache that caused all the ruckus and ended up getting blown up.
  • Podcacher Live! – Join Sonny & Sandy (from Sunny San Diego) on the main stage for some geocaching goodness.

Sessions last between 30 & 45 minutes leaving you time for the many other offerings at GeoWoodstock.

What is being tried for the first time (that I’m aware of) is a series of Meet & Greets around lunchtime. While we all love to Geocache some of us do actually have other interests (no, really… it’s true). So the education team thought it might be neat to give people who share a common interest or are curious about something to meet other cachers and chat. These INFORMAL discussions will cover a number of topics, but then again, if you want to lead your own, sure! The groups set up right now are:

  • Cycling Cachers
  • Homebrewing Cachers
  • HAM Radio Cachers
  • Teacher Cachers

Then again if a group of hardcore puzzle cachers want to meet- jr’ir tbg lbh pbirerq.  A group of “Knitting Cachers” would like to share patterns- no problem. “Geocaching Browncoats”?  We won’t even try to stop the signal.  ”Left-handed Cachers Living in Their Parent’s Basement Who Like My Little Pony Friendship is Magic”? I’m sure we have a spot for you too.  If you’d like to post on the forum your idea to see about interest the meet & greets start at 11:15 and can go as late as 12:15.

If you want to learn something, hopefully there is a session for you.  If not, more time to cache and chat with new friends and old.  At this time we are planning on having notes from each session posted on IndianaGeocaching.com sometime after GeoWoodstock.

Posted in beginners, GeoWoodstock X | 1 Comment

Spring Picnic only a week away!

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Bruce

Hoosier Hospitality is known worldwide and events like the Indiana Spring Picnic are just another example of how nice Hoosiers are (the only exception seems to be on Facebook, but then again that exception counts for almost every state).  Lakedawgs once again will be hosting a fantastic one day event on May 19th.  The great thing is that like so many one day events it actually is a series of events that encompass the entire weekend.

Friday May 18th-

Where in the world is Jenischmeni?
by busymom23 | GC3CE03 | Indiana

Friday Meet and Greet at Spring Picnic
Fun starts at 7:00 pm @ the Sunset Shelter

Saturday May 19th-

2012 Indiana Spring Picnic ~ The 10th Anniversary!
by lakedawgs | GC34HWW | Indiana

10am – Registration
(sign the log, grab a nametag & sign up for various raffles and door prizes!)
12pm – Lunch
(see details below)
1pm – Game prizes awarded, group photo and Auction
1:58pm – Clean up!

Pitch-In Lunch:

Plates, plastic ware and napkins will be provided. If you would like to join in, please bring your own entree and drinks, plus a dish to share. If your last name begins with A-R, bring a side dish. If your last name begins with S-Z, bring a dessert. The shelter has limited electricity and we will provide a couple of power strips, so crock pots should not be a problem.

Activities:

  • Closest to the Pin contest will go on from 10am until approximately 12:30pm.
  • A get-to-know-your-neighbor “Meet and Greet” game will be available. Once your sheet is filled, turn it in for an opportunity to win a prize!
  • There is a small playground near the shelter, and a larger one on the other side of the parking lot. Please keep an eye on your little ones in these areas!
  • We will auction off a few select items, and door prizes will be offered throughout the day. We encourage everyone to bring a door prize donation if possible. All donations are GREATLY appreciated.

Notes:

  • There is an admission fee to Summit Lake State Park ($5/in-state, $7/out-of-state. Annual passes also available).
  • There are no sidewalks from the parking lot to the shelter, but rather a fairly flat grass “yard” to cross (please consult Google Maps satellite view, or call the park for more detail). Modern bathrooms are available nearby.
  • Dogs are welcome, but please be sure to keep them leashed per State Park regulations.
  • A special event pathtag will be available for purchase at the event ($3/each or 2/$5).
  • Special thanks to our sponsors: Groundspeak, Worldcaching.com, Landsharkz.ca, GX Proxy, GPSCity.com, Red Hat Embroidery, OtterBox, Shop4Swag.com, Garmin, Into-the-Wilderness.com, TheStickPic.com, Coins and Pins, Survival Straps, and FTF Geocacher Magazine.

S’mores N’ More Social Event
by Super Genius &Sarah | GC3CB90 | Indiana

Summit Lake State Park @ the Sunset Shelter
7:00PM to 9:00PM

Sunday May 20th- 

Electricity Free Breakfast Event
by Tank Hounds | GC3BJKJ | Indiana

Summit Lake State Park @ Camping site #22
Breakfast will start at 8:30am

__

So if you happen to be in the neighborhood for another event taking place on the border between Indiana & Kentucky on the 26th, head north to New Castle (I hear they have good beer there) for a great time and a chance to experience the finest in Hoosier hospitality.

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GeoWoodstock X- What to do, Oh what to do?

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Bruce

For many people this will be their first time at GeoWoodstock and trying to figure out exactly what to do on that Saturday can be a bit overwhelming. I can’t say I’m a seasoned GeoWoodstock Attendee but this will be my third and while “not a die hard cacher” here’s some advice.

It is only one day so make the most of it.  If you do not pick up your registration at the meet & greet Friday get there early enough to make sure you have time for everything.

  • Figure out where the bathrooms are… just in case.  It is good to know the exact location of the restrooms and determine if there will be lines.
  • Talk to the exhibitors.  Each Woodstock seems to have different exhibitors/vendors with a bunch of cool items.  This is the chance to meet and get questions answered or to see up close items you have seen only on the Interwebs.  Take some time to look around.
  • Exchange Travel Bugs.  There will be a location in which you can drop off, pick up or discover travel bugs.  It is amazing the variety of items that have tracking numbers on them.  Then again just wandering the parking lot and logging cachemobiles could take all day.
  • Check out the schedule of education sessions and what is happening on the Main Stage-  While not every topic will be covered (it is only a day after all) I know there will be sessions dealing a wide range of interests for all levels of cachers.  There are sessions planned on – Setting up your first cache, Setting up an Earthcache, Tips for planning an EPIC caching trip, even an open talk with Law Enforcement on what the best thing to do when you meet the police while caching (hint: don’t run away).  Besides these the plan is to bring together cachers who have similar interests together to chat over lunch.  As things get settled in the next couple weeks we’ll be posting the details here.
  • Relax, talk with other cachers.  Take some time to chat with people who you only know by some crazy name you see on logs.
  • If you are into Pathtags make sure to find out where all the pathtag collectors are gathering… it can be a little crazy, but it is also a great time for those considering getting a pathtag to see the wide variety that are out there.
  • Get your picture with Signal and other celebrities in attendance.
  • Head out into the surrounding area and cache a bit.  Funny thing, the past two GeoWoodstocks I have attended, this has tended to happen before or after the event.  I have been to busy (remeber “not a die hard cacher”) meeting people.
  • Don’t miss the Group Picture or the announcement of the secret location for next year’s GeoWoodstock- this happens at the end so if you leave make sure to come back.

While GeoWoodstock is only one day there are many events surrounding it.  Some are in Indiana, some are in Kentucky.

May 22

2 Late for Lunch round 31 Woodstock warmup!
by drgoby | GC3HX6M | Indianapolis, Indiana

GWX Early Bird Meet, Greet and Hike
by Turtle3863 | GC3CR6X | Bernheim Forest, Kentucky

May 24

THURSDAY FLASH @ Churchill Downs
by Show Me the Cache and Churchillchap | GC3FAGA | Louisville, Kentucky

May 25

Steaming Up the Ohio (Belle of Louisville Cruise)
by InKy & GeoWoodstock X – Sponsored by: Cache Addict | GC2XJVJ | Louisville, Kentucky

Miles of Smiles Meet & Greet
by Geocky | GC2ZKVC | Clarksville, Indiana

Happy Birthday Flash
by Albedo 0.39 | GC3DMXY | Clarksville, Indiana

Come Meet the Mama’s III
by BIG Mama K | GC3DQJA | Clarksville, Indiana

May 26

GeoWoodstock X 
by GeoWoodstock X Planning Team | GC2X6ZV | Sellersburg, Indiana 

Swag Swap Trading Event
by GIG and GeoWoodstock X | GC2ZKV7 | Sellersburg, Indiana

May 27

Flash to the Past
by Geo (PAC) | GC3BJK5 | Louisville, Kentucky

Purple Heart Trailmix
by Jeepstaff | GC3DKH3 | Jefferson Memorial Forest, Kentucky

If you have any helpful tips leave them in the comments section.  I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!

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Geocache Irvington!

Posted on April 26, 2012 by IndyRick

The times, they are a-changin’.  Bob Dylan wrote that, nearly 50(!) years ago, and that sentiment certainly applies to Geocaching.

When I first started caching, caches were few and far between.  There were no incidents with bomb squads, no proximity issues, and very little publicity.

Today, we read on a regular basis of bomb squads blowing up a cache, questionable cache placement which leads to municipalities either going to a permit basis for cache placement, or some parks and other organizations banning it outright.  Our sport has gone from a little known, behind the scenes activity to one that is becoming quite well known.

With a moderate amount of negative publicity, it was SO refreshing to be a part of something so positive recently.

A few months ago, the folks from Historic Irvington and the Irvington Merchant’s Association  approached Holly and I about putting on a “Geocache Irvington” day.  We were simply thrilled to see a historic part of town embrace Geocaching and make it a positive part of their community.
After several months of planning,  the event was last Sunday,  kicking off with a lunch at Jockamo’s.  The Jockamo’s  folks were most accommodating to our group, allowed us the use of their room free of charge, and the service was great.

At the lunch, we released the new caches  (and I MUST give a word of thanks to our Indiana Reviewer Team for their help on this project) and also released the scavenger hunt that was part of this day,  leading people on a tour of Irvington for the afternoon.  We all got to learn a bit about the history of Irvington, meet some of the residents and merchants, and generally have a good time.

It was especially affirming to see signs proclaiming “Welcome Geocachers” outside some of the restaurants and stores in town, and I very special note to Q-Artistry for the fantastic posters they made up to promote the event.

We had several new cachers at the lunch…1 who had NEVER cached before, and several who only had a handful of finds under their belt.  Holly and I want to give a very special thanks to Jeni Smith (Jenischmeni) and Vicki Alden (Ultrasound Lass) who provided some special assistance to a couple of new cachers.  They made the newbies feel warm and welcome, and that was one of the main goals of this event.

After an afternoon of caching and exploring,  we met at Ellenberger Park for a meet and greet, and to hand out prizes to the winners of the afternoon’s festivities.  We also want to give a VERY special thanks to Bookmama’s and Black Sheep Gifts for the prize baskets.  Our winners can tell you, they were nothing short of amazing!

All in all, it was a fantastic day.  We had 40 people at the luncheon and participate in the activities.  Some had to leave before our afternoon event, as there were multiple other events going on in the area, but we’ve had multiple very positive comments from both the participants and sponsors.

There WERE a couple of glitches in the scavenger hunt,  but, for the first time doing something like this, I’ll accept the glitches as a learning experience.  Holly and I have since been contacted by Historic Irvington,  and we’ll  be assisting them in creating their own Geocaching account,  placement of additional caches highlighting more historic places in Irvington…even some places where permission has not been granted before.  Now that they know what Geocaching….and Geocachers….are all about, they’re eager to make it a part of their community.

In addition to the folks I’ve thanked above, we owe a very special thanks to Bruce Wiseman  (Mr Sardonicus) for his help in setting this up.  Bruce also did a lot of work on this, and it’s very much appreciated!

All in all, a very successful event…and one they’ve asked us to repeat in the future.

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Why I Still Cache… by Pirate 4 Hire

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Bruce

Name: Chip
Caching Name: Pirate 4 Hire
Caching Since: Jan 2007
Number of Finds as of this post: 4820′ish

Why I still cache…

This is a question I find I ask myself quite often. It has even been posed back to me…
The simplest answer: the inner kid in me likes finding treasure of the unknown! Sometimes that treasure is in the form of a 35mm film canister tucked under the skirt of a light pole, other times it is the reward of an ammo can after a long hike in the woods. Often it is the friends we gather along the way and the companionship that comes along with caching.

I’d say that on more than one occasion I have become “disgruntled or unhappy” with the direction geocaching has gone. I’ve thought about walking away, giving it up, calling it quits. But no matter what the gripe or beef I may have at the time, the inner kid pulls me back. Wise words were once presented to me, “ignore the things that cause you the anguish, shouldn’t you enjoy the activity or move onto something else?” I stray from that philosophy on occasion, but the kid in me opens my eyes and allows me to see the good. It’s only a game (ok I consider it a hobby but we all have our own definition on that topic) and a pretty simple one at that!

I’d say on any given day my “reason” for caching morphs. Some days I like the number runs, other days I enjoy a 4 mile hike to an ammo can and getting in the woods. Other days the companionship of sitting with friends, telling stories and being social is the reason I am drawn. But to sum it up into just one thought I would say my moniker speaks volumes. It’s about the treasure…

You can define the word “treasure” in any form you wish! A simple paper log sheet just waiting for my signature is enough for me!
—P4H—

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Why I Still Cache… by Shydog

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Bruce

Name: Chris
Caching Name: Team Shydog, but since it is just me most of the time I will answer to Shydog as well.
Caching Since: 2003
Number of Finds as of this post: 2940′ish

Why I still cache…

The number one reason I still cache is it allows me to visit and enjoy time with the friends I have met in the last eight plus years I have been caching. I enjoy sitting around and talking at events, telling stories and listening to others tell their caching stories makes for a fun day in my book. You get to hear about places that others have been too and their experiences while out in the woods or in the heart of a major city or wherever geocaching takes them.

I also enjoy going out and caching with my friends. Be it an 8 mile hike in the Tennessee mountains to grab a cache I have been to already or spending a day riding 26 miles on a bike to grab 35 caches, both allow me to spend time with my friends enjoying the outdoors.

The most important number in Geocaching to me is the number of friends I have made.

User’s Profile:
http://coord.info/PRK0P7

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GeoWoodstock Update – Registration to close April 15

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Bruce

The countdown has begun. Registration for GeoWoodstock closes April 15th! Don’t miss out on having a customized name badge or picking up that must have swag. You really don’t want to be walking around with a stick on name badge when all the cool kids have customized name bages now do you?

Why register? Registering gives us a better feel for how many people to expect. These are helpful numbers when setting up rest rooms, parking, activities, etc. Give us a hand and count yourself or group in the numbers.

Volunteer information will be posted shortly. You must be registered to complete the volunteer form. Past attendees have always commented that one of the best ways to meet other cachers is to volunteer the day of the event.

One of the favorite places to work is the lunch line but we have plenty of other areas where you can help. These are easy tasks and a great way to meet other cachers. It is fun to catch a name or location on someone’s name badge and strike up a quick conversation.

LOGGING A WILL ATTEND ON THIS PAGE DOES NOT REGISTER YOU FOR THE EVENT. REGISTER AT www.geowoodstock.com.

Can’t wait to meet you at GeoWoodstock X.

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Why I Still Cache…

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Bruce

I thought I would start a series to highlight some of the reasons people cache. When thinking about it I didn’t want to focus on those new cachers who find every lamp post an exciting adventure, but more those cachers who have been at it a while. I’ve seen many people come & go for many reasons. I even recall my very first Fall Picnic in which I looked over at a group who didn’t seem that friendly, and I now understand what they were thinking- “Why should we get to know this guy when he’ll be gone in a year?” I’m still here and those folks I now can call “friends.”
–
Name: Bruce
Caching Name: Well, I cache with Cecil-EGCM but I do have a series of alias I could cache under.
Caching Since: 2005
Number of Finds as of this post: around 1800

So why do I still cache? For me It has never been about the numbers, it was for the sense of discovery, the adventure. Before geocaching I would go on road trips. It might be driving to Chicago for a hamburger, or Columbus, Ohio for a sandwich… You get the idea. Every weekend was a chance to discover someplace new. Then the summer I bought my MINI (another obsession) I discovered this thing called geocaching and my trips had an added purpose and a new way to find cool places.

Like I said I’m not about the numbers, I’m not a competitive person. Competition in my view brings out an ugly side to people. So you won’t find me rushing to be FTF or trying to get a bazillion caches in a day, that’s not my style. I’ve tried a few times and all I can say is for me runs like that take the joy out of geocaching. My favorite cache is one that takes me to someplace unique, because it is breathtaking or maybe quirky. It could be the top of a building in New Orleans, or a funky little sculpture in a rest area. The trip I just finished had on average about a dozen caches each day, but each one was special and really cool. By picking and choosing, each one is memorable, and the clunkers even take on a personality – in this case a lamp post in the middle of a wooded picnic area at a rest stop we happen to stop at in New York.

Places that add joy to my life that is what caching has given me, and that is why I still cache.

So now I throw down the gauntlet and ask fellow cachers around Indiana to write a bit about why you “still” cache. My only requirement is that you need to have been caching at least three years. Why three years? It sounded good. Why didn’t I say1000 finds? Because- it’s not about the numbers & with some power trails you can have that many finds in a day. So if you are interested in contributing let me know. You can contact me via Cecil-EGCM’s profile on GC.com – I go through his mail so he only gets the important stuff.

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April 2012 Event Calendar

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Bruce

You thought I would forget the event calendar?  April sends a lot families on Spring Break (at least where I live) so many people might be looking for things to do. Again, we post this at the beginning of the month… there are always other events that get posted after the first of the month- So, how can you do this yourself? Log into gc.com (geocaching.com) and on the right side under “Search Options” is “Newest in Indiana” this will bring up a nifty little list of the newest caches in Indiana. Since events are posted by their date (not when they were created) these show up first (in reverse order).

April 2

South Central Indiana Spring Event
by CooperCachers | GC3DTHM | Bedford, Indiana

April 4

CITO Indianapolis – Michigan Road Area
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC3E8DX | Indianapolis, Indiana

April 7

Flush Mob – Please Be Seated
by Walkabout46 | GC3EQDZ | New Palestine, Indiana

April 9

Ich bin ein Berliner
by Captain V | GC3CQPM | Bloomington, Indiana

April 10

An Introduction to Geocaching
by Lair and the Mitchell Community Public Library | GC3BW81 | Mitchell, Indiana

2 LATE 4 LUNCH #27
by kingturtle | GC3F0VB | Avon, Indiana

April 11

The Wells County Public Library Geeks Geocaching!
by Lord Elwood | GC3EFGQ | Bluffton, Indiana

April 14

LET’S EAT! Meet & Greet #1
by JHHunt | GC3EHZW | Warsaw, Indiana

April 17

2 Late 4 Lunch? Round 28
by Pirate 4 Hire | GC3F9H0 | Fishers, Indiana

April 2012 GIG – It’s Trivia Night! (Round 2)
by UltrasoundLass | GC3DCVF | Indianapolis, Indiana

April 21

First Meet & Greet gathering!
by INDIANA-JOANS | GC3F5Z3 | Goshen, Indiana

MacGregor Park Clean up
by washingtontownship | GC3FPAH | Westfield, Indiana

April 22

Earth Day CITO in Speedway
by Scrappy T | GC3DHW8 | Speedway, Indiana

Let’s EATO After the CITO
by Yodaboyz | GC3DJAP | Speedway, Indiana

NEI-GEO Giving Back for Earth Day CITO Event
by Lord Elwood | GC3FR7R | Fort Wayne, Indiana

April 28

Caching The Falls At Clifty-V ‘For the Birds’
by DNR & The Madison Cachers | GC3CN7B | Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana

Fall Creek Greenway Clean-up Part 2
by TheAdamH | GC3DV1D | Indianapolis, Indiana

K.I.B. Great Indy Clean-up Kick-off Picnic
by TheAdamH | GC3EQ9F | Indianapolis, Indiana

May and Beyond holds some great events including the Spring Picnic, GeoWoodstock X, and the Reviewer’s Ball.

May 18

Where in the world is Jenischmeni?
by busymom23 | GC3CE03 | Summit Lake State Park, Indiana

May 19

2012 Indiana Spring Picnic ~ The 10th Anniversary!
by lakedawgs | GC34HWW | Summit Lake State Park, Indiana

S’mores N’ More Social Event
by Super Genius &Sarah | GC3CB90 | Summit Lake State Park, Indiana

May 20

Electricity Free Breakfast Event
by Tank Hounds | GC3BJKJ | Camping Site #22 Summit Lake State Park, Indiana

May 25

Miles of Smiles Meet & Greet
by Geocky | GC2ZKVC | Jeffersonville, Indiana

May 26

GeoWoodstock X
by GeoWoodstock X Planning Team | GC2X6ZV | Sellersburg, Indiana

Swag Swap Trading Event
by GIG and GeoWoodstock X | GC2ZKV7 | Sellersburg, Indiana

June 2

CITO Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 2012
by superstutz | GC3CPX3 | Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

June 3

Monticello’s First Annual Trivia Event
by Da ruda lova | GC3EGJV | Monticello, Indiana

June 16

Darksky1s Area 51 Event
by Darksky1 | GC3FGNX | Bicknell, Indiana

June 23

2012 Reviewers Ball
by The Mad Reviewer | GC3FMZP | Terre Haute, Indiana

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Join us for the Indiana Spring Picnic 10th Anniversary!

Posted on March 31, 2012 by lakedawgs

Spring is here!  We hope you’ll celebrate with us at the Indiana Spring Picnic 10th Anniversary.  This year’s Picnic will be held at Summit Lake State Park (near New Castle, IN) on May 19, 2012.  The Picnic will be held from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, featuring a pitch-in lunch, “Celebrity” ammo box auction, meet & greet bingo, raffle & door prizes, closest-to-the-pin contest and (most importantly) socializing with Geo-friends!  In addition to the main event, there are three satellite events starting with a Meet & Greet on Friday night and wrapping up with breakfast on Sunday, which are sure to be a blast!

Please see the event pages for more information:

2012 Indiana Spring Picnic
Where in the world is Jenischmeni? Friday Night Meet & Greet hosted by busymom23
S’Mores N’ More Saturday Night Event hosted by Super Genius and &Sarah
Electricity Free Breakfast Sunday Morning Event hosted by Tank Hounds

Hope to see you there!

Matt & Alicia (lakedawgs) and Milo (SpiderMilo)

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