Author Topic: Bass Pro GTG Portage, IN Oct 25th '08 (Read 4118 times)

bluedevil · « **on:** September 01, 2008, 07:16:30 PM »

CAFCNA's Lake FX is organizing this gtg

Bass Pro / Quaker Steak & Lube GTG
October 25, 2008 12pm
Portage, IN

I spoke with Sirshopolot and Z66 Butch for their input on a Fall GTG. It's a bit early, but I'll start the attending list anyway. There will be a Bass Pro Shops GTG at 6425 Daniel Burnham Dr. Portage, IN 46368 on Saturday October 25, 2008 at 12pm. www.basspro.com
Afterwards we can head to Quaker Steak & Lube 6245 Ameriplex Dr Portage, IN 46368 for a late lunch/early dinner (located in the same complex as Bass Pro.) www.quakersteakandlube.com (menu can be viewed here.)
I will also post some information on points of interest in the area, in case anyone wants something to do after the GTG.

*Portage 16 IMAX Theater is located at 6550 US Highway 6 Portage, IN 46368 (about 5-10 minute drive from Bass Pro.) They usually show the current popular movie on the IMAX all day/evening on Saturdays. I'll post the current schedule closer to the date. We saw the new Batman movie there a couple of weeks ago. Tickets were $12.50 for adults and $9.00 for kids. There are also other regular screens in the theater complex $8.00 adults, $5.75 kids. A large bucket of popcorn with 2 large sodas was about $11.00, free soda refills & .25 cent popcorn refills.

*Zao Island is located at 1050 Horse Prairie Ave Valparaiso, IN 46385. They have an arcade, bumper cars, batting cages, minigolf, gokarts(outdoor activities weather permitting), & a bar. www.zaoisland.net

*Shopping is available in Michigan City (Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets-120 stores Open until 9pm-601 Wabash St Michigan City, IN 46360)
and Merrillville/ Hobart (Westfield Southlake-Open until 9pm-2109 Southlake Mall Merrillville, IN 46410).

*Casino boats are in Michigan City, Buffington Harbor (Gary), East Chicago, and Hammond.

*Four Winds Casino-New Buffalo, MI.

Hotel Information

There are about 8 hotels in that area. LadyFX & I drove around & took a look at them. There were a couple that we scratched off the list just from the outside appearance. We use Tripadvisor for our hotel choices & have always had good luck. The following is the top 4 recommended by Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g37452-Portage_Indiana-Hotels.html).

1. Country Inn & Suites
2. Hampton Inn
3. Holiday Inn Express
4. Super 8

The top 3 are in the $100 a night range. Country Inn & Suites is the most expensive because it's brand new & in the same complex as Bass Pro. Super 8 is $62 a night & has an OK rating. There is also an America's Best Value Inn. It's not on Tripadvisor, it must have just opened up because it's not on their website either. LadyFX made the inquiries and came up with the following information:

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites (Best Rate Around!)
2 full beds (limited queen/king beds)
$42.20 a night (includes tax)
$10 for pets
219-763-3121
6101 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368
*Must reserve room no later than 2-3 weeks in advance of the GTG to get this rate!

America's Best Value Inn
1 King bed $75 a night (Senior $68)
2 double beds $51 a night (Senior $46)
*Senior=60 or older
No Pets
219-736-5100
I65 & US 30
Merrillville, IN
*5 room minimum group rate.

Super 8
2 full beds
$62 a night
$10 for pets
219-762-8857
6118 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368

Hampton Inn
2 queen beds
$99 a night
No Pets
219-764-1919
6353 Melton Rd
Portage, IN 46368
*15 room minimum group rate.

Holiday Inn Express
2 queen beds or 1 king bed
$119 a night
No Pets
219-762-7777
2323 Willowcreek
Portage, IN 46368
*10 room minimum group rate.

Country Inn & Suites
2 queen beds or 1 king bed
$129 a night
$149 (suites)
No Pets
219-764-0021
1630 Olmsted Dr
Portage, IN 46368
*10 room minimum group rate.

*There will be a sporting event at Valparaiso University so hotel rates will increase closer to the date.

Attending List:

1. LakeFX, LadyFX, & Lil’FX
2. Z66 Butch & Jo
3. Didit & Lu
4. Sirshopolot & Mrs. Shopolot
5. irontrain
6. Avialanche
7. dtu
8. BigC Mich
9. The Mongo's
10. funkypunnk
11. Batman

tdybr27 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 01, 2008, 07:28:53 PM »

Hmm... depending on when Peggy has the Lambert's II GTG, I'll think about this one!

bluedevil · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2008, 07:43:16 PM »

siggy!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2008, 09:27:19 PM »

Not us. (and I'm serious here) that's the big H.S. rivalry football game that day and My oldest Daughter is in the band. Have fun all. and BD, you can't fish in the indoor tank there.

bluedevil · « **Reply #4 on:** September 02, 2008, 09:09:42 PM »

Im seriously considering this one

boilers94 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2008, 09:12:20 PM »

I'd love to fish in one of those just one time!!!

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2008, 10:24:02 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on September 02, 2008, 09:09:42 PM

Im seriously considering this one

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites $42.20 a night?? Why yes we may make it!

Batman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2008, 01:46:16 PM »

Countme in!

Batman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2008, 01:51:39 PM »

Working on putting together a convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In. If anyone else is headed that way from the general area we will be meeting there around 9:45 am and leaving around 10:15 or 10:30am. You can contact me at (630)379-6257 cell phone#. Thanks, Wayne (BATMAN)

bluedevil · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2008, 04:14:20 PM »

Quote from: Batman on October 08, 2008, 01:51:39 PM

Working on putting together a convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In. If anyone else is headed that way from the general area we will be meeting there around 9:45 am and leaving around 10:15 or 10:30am. You can contact me at (630)379-6257 cell phone#. Thanks, Wayne (BATMAN)

I've been thinking on heading out that way. The closer the day gets,there more i will know for sure if im going. If so,,lets meet up at D&B.

Batman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2008, 02:29:22 AM »

Sent you a PM Blue.

Batman · « **Reply #11 on:** October 10, 2008, 04:25:32 PM »

Dave and Busters it is BlueDevil I was thinking between 930 and 945am. On the road by like 1015 or 1030. Will that work for you? Let me know. Extremesport and a few others are gonna meet there with us as well.

bluedevil · « **Reply #12 on:** October 10, 2008, 10:27:58 PM »

Quote from: Batman on October 10, 2008, 04:25:32 PM

Dave and Busters it is BlueDevil I was thinking between 930 and 945am. On the road by like 1015 or 1030. Will that work for you? Let me know. Extremesport and a few others are gonna meet there with us as well.

Im not sure if we still going but the time sounds about right.

Batman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 11, 2008, 04:56:01 AM »

What kind of mods are we gonna work on? Anyone bringing any? I have some sail panel LEDs that I bought,cough, that I hope are the right ones,cough again, that I could really use some help with... Just a "hint" I suck at anything that has to do with wires! How about Bumper cup holders and tailgate cups, or headrest mod, etc.... just throwing some ideas out there.

RonJ · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2008, 11:46:17 AM »

I'll be convoying in with the Michigan members!

Sail panel LEDs....humm Wonder if Freebie got mine yet... if soo it could be an install Id be willing to do!

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #15 on:** October 15, 2008, 04:37:29 PM »

I have one slightly used Swing 'N Load for sale. It is the older style that has the swivel caster wheel under the box, the function is exactly the same as the newer style, the box could use a cleaning but is in great shape! I have not made or sold these for a couple of years but the last price that I had on new ones was $289. The cost of steel went way up in the last 3 years, that is one reason that I quit making them. I would have had to raise the price quite a bit.

I will take $175 for this used one if you can pick it up or we can meet at a GTG. I will not ship it, that is another reason I quit selling them, shipping was a nightmare!

You can click the GOOGLE CALENDAR in my sig and see some upcoming Region III GTG's, we will be at a few of them but maybe can make arrangements to get it to others if you can PayPal the $$ to me..........I have had a lot of members wanting one since I quit making them so here is your chance to get one for less!

If you don't know what the Swing 'N load is, it is a cargo box that will contain your groceries, luggage and other items. It swings out to allow you to load directly above the tailgate, no need to reach in to the bed. It requires NO TOOLS when you want to remove the box, just lift it off and hang it on the garage wall! A bracket mounts into the holes where those tie down loops are in the rear left corner of your bed, the bracket can stay in the truck, just remove the box............. People who have bought them love them!

You can see a Fox New Story about the


Swing 'N Load HERE.


HERE is a video of our son installing the Swing 'N Load and then loading it.

PM me if interested.....

Butch

Batman · « **Reply #16 on:** October 16, 2008, 12:19:52 AM »

You gonna add me to the list or we gonna get roudy round here?

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #17 on:** October 16, 2008, 05:15:50 AM »

Quote from: Batman on October 16, 2008, 12:19:52 AM

You gonna add me to the list or we gonna get roudy round here?

LOL, I'll fix that for ya Batman

RonJ · « **Reply #18 on:** October 16, 2008, 11:05:50 PM »

newest list if you wanna update it!

1. LakeFX, LadyFX, & Lil?FX
2. Z66 Butch & Jo
3. Didit & Lu
4. Sirshopolot & Mrs. Shopolot
5. irontrain
6. Avialanche
7. BigC Mich
8. The Mongo's
9. funkypunnk (+1 & 2 kids)
10. xtremesport
11. RonJ
12. MichiganSilver03
13. batman
14. desirehrdwd
15. deutschfarms (+1 & 1 child)

BIG Maybe Attending List:

* DZ
* BlueDevil
* Midwest Chevy Avalanche Club Members

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #19 on:** October 17, 2008, 03:36:53 PM »

Our daughter-in-law just sent me this email, I thought this was a good thread to share it in.

A lady was telling her son that she saw a man driving down the interstate, and a dog was hanging onto the tail gate for dear life. She said if he hadn't been going so fast in the other direction she would have tried to stop him.

A few weeks later, her son saw this truck at the Bass Pro Shop in Daphne, Alabama! It's a taxidermist! Talk about an eyecatcher!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #20 on:** October 17, 2008, 05:06:02 PM »

That's cool Butch

Batman · « **Reply #21 on:** October 17, 2008, 06:23:39 PM »

Pretty neat idea but I bet there are some (domesticated)animal lovers that aren't to thrilled about this one. Kinda inhumane don't ya think?

Batman · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2008, 06:45:30 PM »

Does anyone have any idea if anyone is still gonna convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In for this GTG? Could we start a count for D&B attendeees, Michigan already has like 7+ Avs goin together. Can we beat the size of their convoy?

RonJ · « **Reply #23 on:** October 17, 2008, 11:59:18 PM »

Quote from: Batman on October 17, 2008, 06:45:30 PM

Does anyone have any idea if anyone is still gonna convoy from Dave and Busters in Addison, Il to Portage, In for this GTG? Could we start a count for D&B attendeees, Michigan already has like 7+ Avs goin together. Can we beat the size of their convoy?

not 7.... only 3! lol But might only be 2 after the news from SirShopalot :( Hoping he can make it! total from MI will be 4
Me
SirShopalot
MS03
BigC
MS03 is driving down Friday.

MS03 2500 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 18, 2008, 10:42:26 PM »

It's going to be great meeting you folks

boilers94 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 19, 2008, 08:20:15 AM »

Quote from: Z66 Butch on October 17, 2008, 03:36:53 PM

Our daughter-in-law just sent me this email, I thought this was a good thread to share it in.

A lady was telling her son that she saw a man driving down the interstate, and a dog was hanging onto the tail gate for dear life. She said if he hadn't been going so fast in the other direction she would have tried to stop him.

A few weeks later, her son saw this truck at the Bass Pro Shop in Daphne, Alabama! It's a taxidermist! Talk about an eyecatcher!

Looks like the best use I've seen yet for what appears to be a Coyote!!!

Batman · « **Reply #26 on:** October 25, 2008, 05:10:38 AM »

Anyone that would like to convoy with the illinois guys and gals, we will be meeting at Dave & Busters in addison in the morning. We will be leaving for Portage, In around 930 am or very shortly thereafter. We will be traveling down 355 south to 80 east where we will be briefly stopping at the lagrange rd exit to pick up another fellow Aver at the Shell gas station. Nonstop from there unless we need to meet with anyone else. If so please reply asap its only 4 hours away from departure time, doh and I just got off of work... This should be a really good turnout!

bluedevil · « **Reply #27 on:** October 25, 2008, 07:38:28 AM »

Were not making it.

boilers94 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 25, 2008, 07:57:54 AM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on October 25, 2008, 07:38:28 AM

Were not making it.

Are you still going to make it next weekend, BD?

bluedevil · « **Reply #29 on:** October 25, 2008, 03:45:23 PM »

Quote from: boilers94 on October 25, 2008, 07:57:54 AM

Are you still going to make it next weekend, BD?

nope.

boilers94 · « **Reply #30 on:** October 25, 2008, 04:04:29 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on October 25, 2008, 03:45:23 PM

nope.

What?? Dag gone it!! I was hoping to get the chance to meet you in person!!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #31 on:** October 25, 2008, 05:51:42 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on October 25, 2008, 03:45:23 PM

nope.

??

Dang, and I was in the process of fixing that ugly paint job on my bowtie for ya.

bluedevil · « **Reply #32 on:** October 25, 2008, 06:26:34 PM »

Sorry guys. I jumped the gun without realizing its before Halloween... ...which is a big deal for Emma & Trish.

RonJ · « **Reply #33 on:** October 25, 2008, 10:11:28 PM »

Was an awesome GTG! 14 AV's, 1 Suburban, and 31 people in attendance!
Just a few pics, visit TOS for lots more pictures

MI and IL Crew

IN Crew

RonJ · « **Reply #34 on:** October 25, 2008, 10:13:53 PM »

Got to see BatMans MAC flag in person.... let me just say.,....ITS AWESOME!

boilers94 · « **Reply #35 on:** October 26, 2008, 08:08:27 AM »

Great pics!!!

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Author Topic: Bass Pro GTG Portage, IN Oct 25th '08 (Read 4118 times)