Oktoberfest trip to Hermann?

[Mike P.]

Dan/Tim,

At the last meeting you mentioned the idea of taking a group train trip to Hermann? I said that not only would my wife go but that she would probably even volunteer to set it up! Well, that is indeed true!! Would just need to plan a weekend that does not conflict with other Oktoberfest events she will already be participating in? Looking over the GCC calendar I wanted to see how Saturday 10/03 looks for everyone? That would be the first weekend of Oktoberfest in Hermann. If that date is good for you guys then maybe we should put a voting pole up to see how many people would be interested?

Also, in checking Amtrak rates, I think we may be able to rent a party limo/bus cheaper per person and be on our schedule instead of Amtrak's? Nancy and I can look more into that after we know total # of people interested?

Mike P.

 

[MPTech]

Sounds fun Mike! forgot all about that discussion.
If we don't have something significant planned, we're in!

 

[Tim M]

Well Mark, you have a date of 10/3....what significant event is planned that weekend? Mike - ok by me...I've been waiting for Dan to post something

 

[MPTech]

I checked with Ann and unfortunately she is working that night.
Sounds like fun, but pretty sure we're out.

 

[TBULL]

Sorry, about not posting. I thought I had more time and got busy. I can surely help. Originally we were talking about Halloween weekend if the super cruise wasn't rained out.

On Oct 31, the train leaves Kirkwood station at 9:44 and arrives around 10:49. I returns at 4:29 and arrives around 5:30. The cost for 2 round trip tickets is $32 and if you have a AAA card, you get a 10% discount.

 

[Tim M]

That weekend works for me too and yes, i think halloween weekend was the plan.

 

[Mike P.]

If we want to go during Oktoberfest it is the first 4 weekends in October so would end the weekend of 10/25. How do people feel about going on a Sunday? Maybe 10/04 if that would allow Mark/Ann and maybe other members like Skip to attend? Say leave around 11am and return around 5-6pm? I know Party Limo/Bus rates are less for Sundays.

Tim, not sure how to set up a pole...would you be able to do the honors?

Saturday 10/03
Sunday 10/04
Saturday 10/17 (Sunday 10/18 may be fall colors run?)
Saturday 10/31
any others?

Main goal is to get a date when most who want to attend can!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Tim M]

We will take the train, never done it and that was the original plan. Also, i think the plan was to NOT go during Oktoberfest, right Dan?

 

[TBULL]

Well we were thinking it would be less crowded on the Halloween weekend without all the octoberfest activities going crazy.

 

[Mike P.]

Train sounds good!

Sorry Dan, I didn't realize Halloween had been targeted as the date to go or I wouldn't have suggested another weekend. At this time we should be fine for any of the dates mentioned. Post Oktoberfest will be much less crowded but may not have any bands playing...if that is of any interest? Do we have a date selected for the Fall Color Cruise? Should probably firm up that date first.

 

[TBULL]

Mike, it's not a problem. I'm justy not a fan of super large crowds. The halloween weekend is also the backup weekend for supercruise. Currently I have a commitment on the 11/7, so that weekend is out for us. I just thought it would be another low keyed event to involve everyone.

 

[Tim M]

Ok, to finalize this...11/1 is the date. Everyone going can make their own reservations. I'm on their website now and here are the details:
Leave Kirkwood 9:44AM - Arrive in Hermann at 10:49AM
Depart Hermann 4:29 PM - Arrive at Kirkwood 5:34PM
Cost is $64 round trip per COUPLE
That cost is a NON-REFUNDABLE ticket, however, it can be cancelled and a credit voucher will be issued for use at a later date. Refundable tickets are available for $70 one way per COUPLE.
The price above is with a 14 day advanced purchase, so, they would need to be purchased by 10/18.

Here's the link to Amtrak - http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak

Any questions?

 

[Tim M]

Has anyone made reservations for this yet? Just curious how full the train might be....

 

[Tim M]

Thought I would call today to make reservations. Is anyone else going to go?

 

[Mike P.]

I went to book with Amtrak this past weekend and didn't because the 4:29pm that I thought was a return option is actually a second option from Kirkwood to Hermann. The return options to Kirkwood for 11/01 depart at 12:03pm and 7:48pm? Neither of which I was interested in for a Sunday trip.

 

[Tim M]

You're right. Mmmmmk, so, plan B? Well, first, is ANYONE planning to go besides me and Linda?

 

[TBULL]

Shelley and I were looking forward to going to this. Hmmm. I thought the 4:29 was coming back as well.

 

[Tim M]

Ok, so it would appear that the train ride part is out as the return trip is either at 12:03 or 7:48. Which, no one is particularly crazy about.

Option A): Share in the cost of a party bus/limo to/from Hermann. Not sure how much this would be. Anyone have any experience with this?

Option B): Designate a couple of drivers and take the largest vehicles in the club piling everyone in

Option C): If weather is nice, why not drive the cars - my least favorite option since I do plan to have a glass of wine or two.

We have one week to get this together, so your rapid response is requested.

BTW - this is intended to be an adults only trip for Members and family or close friends Not necessarily a members only event though.

 

[Mike P.]

or

Option D) Still do the Amtrak ride but move to a Saturday like 11/14 or 11/21? Holiday decorations will be going up around then.

 

[TBULL]

We can car pool down I guess. We have a Traverse and could take 6 adults. Is anyone else going or are we going to move to an alternate date? Unfortunately I'm booked through Dec 18th on the weekends, but don't hold because of me. If we don't go this weekend, I'll schedule Ashley's senior pics to be taken. Thanks.