|
|
Post by roswelljero on Oct 8, 2010 21:50:23 GMT -5
Here's what I know so far... ... So, let it be known, and the Condor heretofore declares that the WWR Blitz #V shall run from 3/12/11 thru 3/20/11 and most definately will be there. Condor Mark your calendars (if you have one for 2011)! See yall 3/12/11 thru 3/20/11. ;D ~~~~~~~~~~ In June I emailed Jan about rates, camping, etc. Here's part of her reply... "for the moment it's just too far away for us to make concrete decisions. I do know the rv rates are going to change, PROBABLY $30 for two($15 each additional). Camping charges will be, PROBABLY, $15 per night per person. I'm pretty sure the cabin fees will hold: $175 for the big cabin and $125 for the little cabin. Big cabin holds 7 and little cabin holds 4. These are approximate charges, but they will give folks a general idea. Let me know how many are actually coming as soon as you can." So at that point she was still going to allow camping next year.HOWEVER camping is no longer allowed up by the cabins. Well, that's not entirely true, let me explain... I do believe she said the maximum number of people allowed to stay up at/by the cabins is 11(7+4), if we rent BOTH cabins. She didn't seem to care if those people stayed in the cabins or in tents as long as no more than 11 people were staying up there. Clear as rock snot?  ~~~~~~~~~~ This is the website for The Ranch: www.woodwardranch.net/~~~~~~~~~~ I may be MORE excited about going back than I was about going the first time, if that's possible! ;D Later, jeri |
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Oct 24, 2010 23:07:01 GMT -5
From the WWR website, (updated) Activities page:
Cabins, Camping, and RV Sites – The RV sites are $30 per night for two people. The sites are full (water, sewer, electric) pull-through sites. Tent sites are $15 per person, under 6 yrs. old no charge. Some of the tent sites have electricity and water - first come first served. There is a restroom nearby, with shower. If you are staying with us, in cabins, rv's, or tents, there is NO $5.00 charge for rockhunting. You pay only the $2.00 per pound for what you choose to keep.
The large cabin sleeps up to 7 people and has a full kitchen. There is a gas range, fridge/freezers, and most utensils. Outside there is a fire ring, and separate bbq pit. You are responsible for bringing your own bed linens and towels. The charge for this cabin is $175 per night plus tax. Reservations required.
The small cabin has no kitchen, but it does have a microwave, toaster and coffeepot. All linens and towels are provided for this cabin. This cabin sleeps up to 4 people and is also located at Calamity Creek. The charge for this cabin is $125 per night plus tax. Reservations required.
~~~~~~~~~~
So tent camping is definitly allowed.
~~~~~~~~~~
Needle Peak rock hunts – This is a guided rock hunt on part of the ranch located over 70 miles from the main ranch headquarters. It is only offered from October through February. You may find Pom Pom agate, fossils, pseudomorphs, and Black and Copper agate. You bring your own light lunch and drinking water. This is an all day trip and you must be in good health. It is strenuous and challenging. And it is FUN! The cost of the trip is $70 per person, minimum of 3 people, plus $2 per pound for what you choose to keep out of your collection. Arrangements are made on a case by case basis. This is not a good trip for rockhounds under the age of 12.
Is anyone interested in this?
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 5, 2010 18:39:40 GMT -5
Hmmmm... So far, the few people I've heard from say $15/night to camp is too expensive... (It does include the Day Trip fee of $5.)
Options are:
1. Ask WWR for a group discount or a weekly rate.
2. Stay elsewhere and hunt WWR for the Day Trip fee of $5.
I'd be willing to ask for a discount of some sort and/or look for an alternate place to camp, if a few people express an interest in going.
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by rockmanken on Nov 5, 2010 23:23:35 GMT -5
Jeri, most campgrounds for tents are $20 night. $30 for 2 people and $10 of it is to go on day trip is the same price.
Donna and I will be there unless the creek rises or we are dead.
AND, we may bring another couple with us.
Ken
|
|
|
|
Post by cpdad on Nov 6, 2010 18:17:23 GMT -5
is this the ask questions official thread....if so...i gots a few ;D....kev.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 6, 2010 19:41:14 GMT -5
Kev, if the questions are about WWR, this is the place.
I'll do my best to answer them.
Later,
jeri
|
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 7, 2010 0:36:58 GMT -5
$15 a head for camping sounds okay to me. I'm talking to a couple of friends about coming. I need to get a kitchen pass, but I'd love to go. I've been cutting some pom pom, flower garden, and moss, and I want more!  Chuck |
|
spikeict
fully equipped rock polisher
Alba gu bra! In Promptu
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,413
|
Post by spikeict on Nov 9, 2010 22:30:59 GMT -5
Hard rock, at WWR I . I had sciatica (down both legs) why I thought I could go up needle peak I have no idea. Any way Trey took us up the back side, I was holding the group up so stayed mid way Pom pom was every where in "my" area. People say Needle peak is hunted out of it, uh no I know where it is if Trey will take us back there again. I picked up like three or four not knowing what I was getting, I was thinking "well I have enough of this clear agate" so left the rest I was seeing. The pom pom alone is worth the trip to me. A 4 wheel drive is ABSOLUTE HAVE TO make the trip though. Even if no needle peak trip i am going. The other Mark |
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 9, 2010 23:15:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the tips Mark!
|
|
bdport
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2010
Posts: 13
|
Post by bdport on Nov 15, 2010 14:42:09 GMT -5
(Newbie here)Wife and I considering...considering...
From Michigan would have to fly in and rent 4x4.
Airport to ranch looks quite far,whats the easiest?
With BR and shower nearby (how nearby?) Ill probably be able to get her to tent it...maybe....
We tented on our honeymoon,years ago,...she vowed never again...
For those flying I assume you ship your rocks home?
off top of your head..as a newbie would do...how many pounds of rock do you end up paying for and shipping home?
(assume a newbie to the ranch being not as selective as veterans)
More as the thoughts pop in...
Brian
|
|
|
|
Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 15, 2010 15:12:43 GMT -5
I picked up about 20 lbs. of tumbling rock in a half day as a newbie. Trey doesn't charge for the stuff that isn't good. Figure on 25 lbs per large flat rate box.
Nearest town is Alpine. 17 miles, 30 minutes, according to Google.
Chuck
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 15, 2010 22:14:09 GMT -5
I was the newbie at the Ranch last time. ;D Midland/Odessa is the closest airport. It's about a 3-3.5 hr drive to WWR. I found it IMPOSSIBLE to rent a 4WD. You'd be lucky to get an all-wheel drive. You wouldn't want to drive a rental in some of the hounding areas anyway. It would get very scratched up. There should be seats available with other drivers to go hounding. The toilet and shower (One room containing both) are at the back of the rock shop. The campground is next to the rock shop. Very easy walking distance. But I'll warn everyone, that bathroom/shower is not for the squeemish. I wore my Crock-type shoes in the shower. I shipped home 2 large flat raters... About 50#. A few things newbies should know about the campground... There are no picnic tables, BBQ grills or fire rings. There was a ban on campfires last year. There are burrs that stick into your shoes if you walk on the 'grassy' areas unless you have hard soles. There is no shade. There are no mosquitos either! Will wait for more thoughts to pop in. Later, jeri |
|
spikeict
fully equipped rock polisher
Alba gu bra! In Promptu
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,413
|
Post by spikeict on Nov 15, 2010 22:59:19 GMT -5
Will chime in again, (stay for all of it) BD and others if you are going to fly you will go to Odessa rent something to get to the ranch. You will not be left behind on hounding trips (it would depend on how many 4whds are going to needle peak about there though). And will add to the bad stuff: on the ranch are mountain lions (we heard them most nights the first trip) and Javelina's which are worse, the heat and the cold can be a hardship and during the same day.
That said, its a great trip, there is a bbq, tables inside and out, and fire pit up at the the cabins. That area is limited to 11 people now ( I think ) because of the septic system. What we did about meals was those that stayed down near campground came up for meals etc (there is a full kitchen in the main cabin also) hung out there and went back down to sleep. This is a rough rugged area leave small pets at home (except Fergie, she ruled the ranch when there).
Spike
|
|
Digforcrystals
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 351
|
Post by Digforcrystals on Nov 16, 2010 21:21:57 GMT -5
out of curiousity , can you really book a flight to odessa? Like from atlanta to odessa?
I have always driven , but when I did look into flying it seemed that the quickest most economical way was a direct flight to el paso and then a 3 hour drive to Alpine.
If I missed anything please let me know for future reference. I wouldnt mind meeting up with the gang from the board but every year in early thru mid february I make the trip from atlanta to tucson and always stop in alpine ( sometimes going AND on the way home too ) and I couldnt plan another long trip so soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Nov 17, 2010 10:55:09 GMT -5
You probably can't get a direct flight to Odessa. (It's hard to get a direct flight anywhere these days.) My flight stopped in Dallas last year.
Here's some research I did last year...
Speaking of flying, here are some airports (code) - miles to Alpine, TX - driving time (H:MM) according to Google Maps:
Midland/Odessa (MAF) - 163 - 3:43
El Paso (ELP) - 229 - 4:23
Lubbock (LBB) - 301 - 6:49
San Antonio (SAT) - 376 - 6:27
Austin (AUS) - 449 - 7:40
Dallas (DAL) - 503 - 8:58
Later,
jeri
|
|
Digforcrystals
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 351
|
Post by Digforcrystals on Nov 17, 2010 21:19:00 GMT -5
yeah, the way I figured it el paso was the closest that offered a direct flight and cheapest after dallas since it is a major hub. i figured I would rather drive the extra hour from el paso instead of trying to catch a second flight...............
|
|
|
|
Post by frane on Nov 19, 2010 9:19:21 GMT -5
There is also an Airport in San Angelo (SJT) It is about 4 hours away, strait down the 67 to the 90(?) I think it is.
I am always so tempted by this trip but this year, my son will be visiting me here on Spring break in VA at that time so I can't go that way to the house in Texas. I sure hope you have a great turnout and a lot of wonderful finds!
Fran
|
|
spikeict
fully equipped rock polisher
Alba gu bra! In Promptu
Member since November 2006
Posts: 1,413
|
Post by spikeict on Dec 6, 2010 2:26:38 GMT -5
Recent events have made me be able to say I am all in. Hell or high water I am there. Don't even think about the rocks, the people that go make it worth the trip they are my second family after the first one.
We do need to start thinking about who is going for sure and the accommodations so we can rent the cabin or not. It would be better with it, in case of rain etc. Has a kitchen dining area and the beds of course. There is also a big grill outside and a fire pit for those late night discussions.
Wade in and grab the shark by the head.
Spike
|
|
|
|
Post by rockmanken on Dec 6, 2010 7:36:25 GMT -5
Donna and I WILL be there. But, we will tent camp. Already put in for vacation time.
|
|
|
|
Post by roswelljero on Dec 6, 2010 11:39:46 GMT -5
I'm in! Would definitely prefer to rent the cabin... The  bathroom for the campground gives me the willies! Later, jeri |
|
... So, let it be known, and the Condor heretofore declares that the WWR Blitz #V shall run from 3/12/11 thru 3/20/11 and most definately will be there.
bathroom for the campground gives me the willies!
