Grandfather Games

[Seth Mac]

We had a great time, but I also noticed a great deal of disorganization that seemed to have been easily overcome. For example, on Friday (even in the morning), you had to ride to the Meadows to learn that there was no parking available due to rain, and had to drive back down to Linville and shuttle up.

I got no problems with shuttling, but one well placed sign at 105 and 221 could have easily prevented a whole lot of traffic up (and then back down) the mountain. Not to mention the wasted time...

[macsim]

I got there around 7:30 Friday and parked on top. Didn't know they sent people back down. It was awfully muddy though. I stepped down as convener for my clan this year too. I enjoyed having leisure time for a change. Grandfather is expensive and our clan does pay for one tent with a certain member paying for a second. It's my understanding that a big part of the cost is the "volunteers" actually get paid. I think they'd actually prefer you to remove your stuff each night but there's no way I'd do that. If we're paying $500 for tents I expect a bit of security but I know clans who have had stuff stolen in the night. If you're not careful they'll tear your tent down at the end before you even get your stuff out. They want you in and out of the field early but sometimes I would show up at the appointed time and I was turned away at the gate. Adding Friday made it such a long weekend that I just couldn't get away for the whole thing. The cost, even if the tent is paid for, is still great when you have to get lodging for 2 or 3 nights, buy meals and of course the gas. Add in some wind, mud and rain and it can be a miserable place.

One of my biggest disappointments was that many clan members were not attending anymore unless I could give out a free parking pass but I only had one extra. Many just wouldn't fight the crowds or pay the cost. Our registration got "lost" one year and we ended up on the hill by the latrines. I honestly didn't think I could face doing those games as convener again. Maybe if I stay away for a while I'll want to do the job once more. It's sort of a love/hate thing I guess.