TIME TO START PLANNING 2010 INTERNATIONAL BEEMASTER GATHERING IS NOW

[beemaster]

Hello All Members:

I have been watching Airfare rates and over the last 3 months they have gone down (at least for my one stop over flight from Phialdelphia, to Atlanta to Macon, Miss. - it has nearly DROPPED over 25% since I checked it late November, so it may be a good time to start surfing prices if air travel is required for your trip to "BUD2" Beemaster's International Beekeeping Gathering in Macon, MS.

The date has not changed from when first announced, it is the weekend of APRIL 24th, 2010 and flights will be into Meridian, MS roughly 1 hour from our host Bud1's location.

Bud has access to a massive hunting lodge ( featured in my youtube videos @ www.youtube.com/njbeemaster where you will see how beautiful of lodging we have available to us. Literally, I think 50 members can easily have room for this event. Here are the videos from our last trip - also check links from Understudy for his great collection of videos too:


I'm writing now because we are expecting many men and women this year to the gathering, whole families will be attending and there will be amazing hands-on projects, grafting of larva lessons, cut-outs, live streaming and HD video recordings. If you are able to attend, and wish more information, stay tuned for greater details.

I hope that you check out the many Youtube videos showing last seasons get together, and you see the friendships and great times held by all.

To those of you who have been here in the forum many years, I hope you take advantage of this event to meet face to face with all the members who attend. Just as I hope you finally make the effort to download the Ventrilo Software and join us in voice/text chat. Slowly the Aussies are out numbering us here in the states - sheer population numbers should have us 15 to 1, but the Aussies understand the great asset that Ventrilo voice chat is.

So please, if you ever hope to meet the regulars that you so enjoy reading, replying to, PMing and so on - this is the biggest chance you will have to meet them in person and enjoy a vacation that will stay in your mind for the rest of your life. Those of us attending last year had an incredible time, I don't want to commit the additional people attending, but I promise you will surely recognize their names and meeting people you know from their writings or voice makes you instantly comfortable when getting together.

More details to follow, but Friday April 24 through the weekend or when the party ends, is the days to put on your calendar and whether you drive or bus, train or fly - get to this gathering and I promise, you will feel like you are reuniting with friends and family.

Please post comments below whether you would like to attend, we are looking for a rough number of interested members. AND PLEASE make the effort here in 2010 to JOIN other members who have used Ventrilo for more than 4 years, we talk everything from bees to cooking, to anything under the sun - it is the most enjoyable feature you are missing out on and I think anyone NOT using Ventrilo is not making the most use of the forum.

Click this link for ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW how to start chatting in Ventrilo in Minutes http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,5880.0.html - and of course, as is everything at Beemaster Forums, it is free to all members and supported by the generosity of member contributions.

[kathyp]

i'm going to give it my best shot. won't know for sure until probably the end of Feb.  am keeping my fingers crossed

[khalil]

I am a new beekeeper and want to keep italian bees can you help me that where from I can take the bees first time plz. Also send any info to this email address: khalilhaidar@gmail.com
thanks

BEEMASTER REPLIES:

You have posted this in the wrong place, I will move the Question HERE in the GENERAL FORUM where I am sure someone may help you. Also, I know English may be a language you struggle with, but please tell us your location and I will add it to your user profile so we can all know where on Earth you are from.

Beemaster

[ziffabeek]

I would love to go to this, and might actually be able to make it as it it close enough to drive.  It would depend a lot on my work and the cost situation.

Is there a cost to attend?  Is there camping available, if we can't afford the lodge? 

I would be in hog heaven surrounded by all that experience to answer my questions!

Thanks,
ziffa

[beemaster]

Good Questions:

No fee to have lodging in an incredible hunting lodge (you and a group would spend $4000 for a weekend here in the North in a setup like this - they could hold small weddings here honestly) BUT EVERY MEMBER is as asked to TIP LEONARD who will be your lodge keeper who keeps the place spotless after each night - you will have no messes to clean up with Leonard there: $20 is a nice 2 to 3 day stay, Your free lodging affords you to be generous with Leonard, his services makes your stay easier.

I promise you this, you will have MORE HANDS ON and INSTRUCTIVE EVENTS than you can believe, every day to or three things with PERSONAL ATTENTION to grafting by the Amazing Alan Buckley - an artisan among queen cell grafting. You could pay a forutne to have half the knowledge Alan Buckley has about beekeeping - your time in the car is worth learning from this incredible teacher.

The other thing, and I am mentioning it out of fairness, I hope that all who attend make some arrangements for meals, there are several places nearby or (and this is the best and most fare) chip in on the food costs, just your share and we'll out take advantage. What ever fits your pocket, we all know who everyone is worried about money.

This even is a celebration, should it turn in to a Woodstock, we might have to sell tickets to cover beer alone - lol. But for now, it is YOUR best beekeeping education and member meeting you may have this year. if you can drive, we hope you come.

About camping, check www.woodalls.com for anything 30 miles from Macon, MS just to see if their are any places. But Bud even has an OVER FLOW BUNKHOUSE (Bud says it isn't as fancy as the first) but we won't need over flow, we are bless to have a place at the cost of keeping it clean for us! Thanks to Leonard for that!

I hope this catches on, especially people who make a habit of visiting the forum regularly and know all the regulars. New or old here, if you particpate we will all eventually know you. Hope to see you there

[ziffabeek]

Thanks Beemaster!

That sounds absolutely awesome!  I am going to try my hardest to come.  Thank you to Bud and Leonard for such a great opportunity.

I just have to figure out the best way to convince the husband .  But I will keep my fingers crossed and hope we can make it.

love,
ziffa

[beemaster]

I spoke to Bud, who is all for segrigating unaccompnied women to their own section of one of the two lodges. It will be a well planned sleeping arrangement for all according to needs and situation.

I hope however it is that you make it, that you do  and it would be nice to have you there.

I hope to hear detqils from people qs we neerer the event. I'm thinking 20 people, many families and lots of couples and singles - I don't think that leave anyone out.

Still lots of time to go, but if you can drive their in only a few hours, then start making plans.

[bailey]

unless im ill i will be there!
bailey

[hankdog1]

Hopefully barring any emergancy at the time i'll be there with bells on.  Can't wait to meet Bud, John, Dallas, Chris, Kathy, Little John, Alan, Ken, Geoff and everybody else in person.  Gonna be a rip roaring good time. 

[bud1]

baily; ant beliving it , JP said you won't travel.  shore would like to see you here    EVERY ONE WELCOME

[Irwin]

Hopefully barring any emergancy at the time i'll be there with bells on.  Can't wait to meet Bud, John, Dallas, Chris, Kathy, Little John, Alan, Ken, Geoff and everybody else in person.  Gonna be a rip roaring good time. 

What about me I see how you are

[buzzbee]

Giving that nothing takes priority,the Buzzbees are planning on making the trip to Buds!!

[kathyp]

i'm afraid i'm not going to make it.  we have a wedding to go to in the spring and hubby  has multiple trips he has to take.  i don't think he'll get the time off for buds and we also have to save for that trip to japan......

i still hold out hope, but as the calender fills, hope fades 

[bud1]

Mjss Kathy; No way you gotta be here.   sho a bunch o folks looking to meet you in person, and dont worry if you have to leave yo pistols at home, i got a coupla extra in case Mick shows up and you get the hankering to chip him litely

[MustbeeNuts]

I would love to make it, but right now its up in the air. The 17th i have a show to do, but i'll try really hard. I want to even with it being a 14hr drive.

[Nate]

I shall be at this event this year, guaranteed.

[ziffabeek]

I think we're going to make it!! If I can get the time off from work.  The hubby wants to come, maybe hit a couple of hot tamale trail places on the way.  And he's keen on learning about cut-outs, so JP be ready!

I am veerry excited!  Let's just hope my bees make it through the winter so I actually am a beekeeper when we go!

YAY!

love,
ziffa

[kathyp]

working on it bud.  just don't know..........

[JP]

I think we're going to make it!! If I can get the time off from work.  The hubby wants to come, maybe hit a couple of hot tamale trail places on the way.  And he's keen on learning about cut-outs, so JP be ready!

I am veerry excited!  Let's just hope my bees make it through the winter so I actually am a beekeeper when we go!

YAY!

love,
ziffa

Ziffa, I am hoping to perform at least two cut outs during the event. Everyone is welcome to participate. We had a great time last year and plan on having even a bigger and better time this go round.

Everyone who can attend, please try and do so. The event will be very laid back and very hands on.

Alan Bukley will be present, of Mountainvalley bees http://www.mountainvalleybees.com/

Brendhan "Understudy" made it last year & should be attending again as far as I know.

Dallas "Pd Mattox" will be there and you can meet John Clayton "The Beemaster" who we all owe an aweful lot to for running this site.

I'm really hoping Linda T "Tillie" will be able to make the event and do some demonstrations on products from the hive such as her hand lotions & lip balms.

Nate has committed to the event I'm told as well and we are expecting Sam Comfort as well of Anarchy Apiaries http://anarchyapiaries.org/hivetools/

The list goes on but we can't leave out our host with the mostest Bud "Big Daddy", heck meeting Bud is worth the trip in itself y'all, trust me on this!

Anyway, mark your calenders for the weekend of April 24th 2010 in Macon, Mississippi.


...JP

[kathyp]

which airport is closest??

[JP]

which airport is closest??

Will have to get back with you on that Kathy, will ask Bud tomorrow.


...JP

[beemaster]

which airport is closest??

Meridian, MS (about an hour from Bud's) airport code MEI

I booked my tickets already, arriving Thursday 22nd, leaving Tuesday the 27th - I watched the prices for almost 2 months, and it dropped from $488 to $279 from Philly to Atlanta to Meridian - so I saved $200 by waiting using Delta.

PS... Delta hubs thru Atlanta from nearly everywhere to Meridian, so if you choose them, you will likely see Altanta even from the West Coast, as is the searching we did for Irwin.

But I'm all paid for, picked out my window seats and I'm just waiting for the calendar to rotate through a few pages

[bailey]

well bud you might want to believe ill be there. cause i have set it already!
will be there!

look foreward to the weekend!
bailey

[kathyp]

as i told the ventilo guys, i will not be there.  something has come up that requires me to travel the weekend before and i can't do both

i hope you all will post video and pics again.  i am very disappointed.  was really looking forward to meeting some of you in person........

[buzzbee]

Here is a short list of attendees,if you need your name added,pm me and I will add you.If they are question marked,it is not a confirmation yet.
Bud 1(Bud) our most generous host
Leanord
Harry Fulton(state entomologist)
Brooklyn ??
Beemaster(John)
Alan Buckley
PD Mattox (Dallas)
Hardwood(Scott) and wife(Peggy)
Sam Comfort(Top Bar Advisor)
Buzzbee family(Ken,Jen,and Josh)
TWT
JP
Bailey
Hankdog
MustBeenuts??
Nate
CWBEES (Chris)
Lady Michelle
SCSteve
LittleJohnNC??
Riverrat
schawee(Bruce)
Gwalker314
Ted Triplet
Broke-T

[Irwin]

I have to stay home wife has a liver problem the med's are 1.000 dollars a month inc not covering them red tape thing. And some other problem's. It's a money thing.

[JP]

I wish you and your wife the very best Irwin, sorry we won't be seeing you this go round. Hopefully the next.

Take care.


...JP

[schawee]

i have the date marked and will be there.this will be my first trip there,i hope to meet alot of yall that i been talking to.

[hankdog1]

Ken i think your forgot to put Mike's name up there lol 

[gwalker314]

Thanks for adding me to the list via Ventrilo conversation.
I will be attending this year hopefully Fri. but for sure Sat.

Gene W

[aartiana]

Ah, this sounds amazing!

We are "newbees" in Western Montana and there happens to be a bee class locally (2 1/2 hour drive) that we hope to attend that weekend.  THANKS so much, if I were closer, I would go!

[buzzbee]

For those who have Google earth I have a kmz file that opens directly to buds house. You should from that point be able to switch to Google maps from in the program and print directions.
PM me with an email address and I will email you the file.

[Ted n Ms]

I'am in West Point Ms i would love to attend. I can drive back and forth. About 25 mi.

[buzzbee]

Maps to Buds
Memphis to Buds:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111878682379003883521.0004830bfd987c766d776&ll=34.09056,-89.22&spn=2.556569,5.817261&t=h&z=8
Atlanta To Buds
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111878682379003883521.0004830bc6322da6f0fc3&ll=33.390173,-86.390991&spn=2.577476,5.817261&t=h&z=8
New Orleans to Buds:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111878682379003883521.0004830bee8a570f70fb7&t=h&z=7

And this is where you should be when you arrive:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?doflg=ptm&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111878682379003883521.0004830bc6322da6f0fc3&t=h&ll=33.00748,-88.378235&spn=0,359.994319&z=18&layer=c&cbll=33.007134,-88.378804&panoid=xFgjjPDvYlYLhS-2Q8UM5w&cbp=12,25.06,,0,6.44

[Lady_Michelle]

good morrow ladies and gents... i will be attending the event and will arrive there on the 22nd of april... looking forward to meeting friends and making new ones. i also look forward to learning something new.
fare thee well...
Lady Michelle

[ziffabeek]

 

I am so sorry to say that I won't be able to make it this year.  It makes me so sad, because I was soo excited.  Turns out we have a long standing obligation on the "last Saturday in April"  which I thought was the 30th up until about a week ago.  But alas, it is the 24th.  I considered and considered, but I can't really miss our obligation.

I am gonna miss meeting all of you in person and was really looking forward to seeing some experts get into hives and the opportunity to learn soo much!  I will definitely make it next year!

Hope you all have a blast, which I'm sure you will.  Looking forward to the pics.

Gah! I am so disappointed!

love,
ziffa

[broke-t]

I live in Philadelphia which is about 45 min away. Hope to be there. Is there a schedule anywhere of what will be happining each day?

Johnny

[buzzbee]

This is Buds phone for anyone who needs it.
(662) 726-4921
There is very limited cell service at Buds house. If you need to make a cell call you may have to drive a half mile down the road for service.

[hardwood]

I just dressed the pig and threw it on ice...just add heat/smoke!

Scott

[tillie]

I wanted to be there, but can't this year.  I have to give a talk and install a beehive at the opening of a community garden - I've been committed to this project in the N Georgia mountains in Rabun County for about 6 months and didn't realize that it was this weekend - I thought there was another weekend in April, but apparently not.

Sorry, everyone, I'd love to meet in person.  Maybe next year.

Linda T in Atlanta

[bud1]

Scott got tht grill and griller coming, looking forward to meeting youall
Miss Tillie; shore gona bee some pouched liped folks here cause they wanted to put an eyeball on you lady esp. me
youall take care

[hankdog1]

Getting ready to pack up the car should see Bud early in the morning.  Looking forward to meeting everybody.  Hate to hear some of you guys aren't gonna get to make it.  We'll do our best to pass on a little bit of Bud's through the videos and pictures though.  Hope everyone that's coming has a safe trip.

[ziffabeek]

So? so?  How was it?? Where are the pics? the stories?  I need some vicarious action here!!

Hope you all had a great time and that the rain missed you.  Our event was held in pouring down rain and you can bet I kept thinking "I should've gone to alabama!"

Looking forward to the stories!  Where are they?

love,
ziffa

[iddee]

Here it is.......

http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/board,163.0.html