Post #191601 by Swanky on Mon, Oct 10, 2005 3:50 PM

Right now the date is around March-Arpil. I want to make it later in the year so it won't be tool cold on Ben's Florida bones, but I can't get the lodge cheap if we get too deep in the tourist season.

The actual location is near Townsend, TN in a lodge on the mountain down a one lane gravel road with a great view of the mountains out the giant panarama window that is one whole side of the place. A wrap around deck, jacuzzi, etc. All the amenities. Plus, the guy who built the lodge has a workshop downstairs and we can set up there and outside if you wish to get our hands-on lessons. The plan is to have 6-8 tables set up with logs so 2 or so will share a work space.

There is also a carvers shop just down the road. I am going to see if they might participate in some way. If nothing else, I'll get some supplies from them.

We will also rent a lodge nearby. I had originally thought about putting everyone up in the one place, but, that would have required people sharing beds and using the fold out bed and all. I think we can get a second lodge and make the cost reasonable.

I am going to make the price of this very reasonable. Compared to other carving classes that run $150 a day plus your supplies, this will be a steal. So long as we cover the costs, I'm happy. I just want the chance to learn from Ben and the guys and to get all that knowledge together in one place. So, once I have a firm figure about it, we'll let everyone know and it'll be first come first sold on the tickets. If we get a huge response, we'll see about doing it again on other dates so everyone has a chance to attend. We are going to limit the event to probably 15 or less. I'll have a site up soon. Email if you want on the mailing list. [email protected]

The location is near the airport and near the intersection of Interstates 40 & 75. We're very much in the middle of the East, so I hope everyone who wants can make it. We'll work out transportation for anyone flying in as well.