June Meetup - in the Forest!

OK Backpackers, a location for our June Meetup has been found! Since we had SO much fun in the forest this past weekend on our first trip, we are going to try something different this month and meet at the Black Forest Inn in Minneapolis. (FOREST??? Get it?!?!) The Black Forest Inn is a really nifty German bar/restaurant with a comfy atmosphere and a BEAUTIFUL yet casual outdoor courtyard. There are vegetarian options on the menu, and of course, the biers are superb. The restaurant is located on the southeast corner of Nicollet Avenue S and E 26th Street. Ample parking is available, either on the street or in the Black Forest lot, which is approximately 1/2 block south on the east side of Nicollet. The web address is http://www.blackfores... and the phone number is [masked]. I am reserving a section in the courtyard for our group, and since it likes to rain on Backpacker Meetup day, they have assured me that their huge pull-over rain tarp will keep us dry. I checked it out today, and the tarp is in fact hiding up there and looks functional.

This is a great opportunity for us to enjoy the weather, be social, and meet at a location that is a little more central for those members who have been driving quite a distance thus far to the Hyland Meetups. After all, we are adventurers, so if this location causes you to drive a big farther, just enjoy the drive and go for it! It's really a fun place and the environment is perfect for our group. We will have a blast. If you have transportation issues, please indicate this in your RSVP, as people usually like to carpool. Also, feel free to use the message board, as I finally figured out how to fire that thing up. It should be operational now.

The agenda for this Meetup is still in the planning stages, but some highlights will be drinking beer, identifying trip leaders, making a list of group gear and who has which items, eating, discussing our planned rating scale for trip difficulty, drinking beer, and goofing off and having fun. Please feel free to bring your own ideas for the group. We are a great group because we have so many dedicated, involved people!

Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Feel free to email me.

See you on Monday! ;o)