2017 State Pod Meet

[Trade Winds]

IT HAS BEEN DECIDED, YAY

Our 2017 state pod meet will be at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie, specifically here: http://www.joe-pool-lake.org/lynn-creek-park.html

Date: August 26 to 27

Time: normal park hours- you decide when to arrive and leave

Cost: parking is $10 for non Grand Prairie residents

Other info: ...to be added if there's any questions

[mermaid_rebby]

I'd be down to splurge and travel for clear water to swim in so we could record video and get pics without having to suffer through chlorine. I'll try to look up some clear water spots and any time from June to august would be doable for me since I'm traveling late may to Cali for two weeks.


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[Ashton]

I would be totally down! I am up in North Dallas area, Where is everyone else?

[Mary Marine]

As totally awsome as Krause Springs was I also have a trip planned this summer and can't afford two road trips, but if we did something within a few hours of DFW I could make it. Wherever we decide, since it's already getting near summer, should we try for August or September so people have time to plan? It's not like it won't still be plenty hot by then.

[Mermaid_Katyah]

I second the August date. My convention work and freelance schedule is starting to kick up this summer.

[Trade Winds]

Do we wanna try a lake then? Any naturally clear place we go is gonna get muddied up anyway due to all the fins

[Sea~Phoenix Savannah]

I'm in the Austin area and would love to meet up with fellow mers. I like the August idea and could travel as far as 2 hours away.

[Trade Winds]

What about in central texas somewhere, halfway for everyone? I get a new car in June so driving is really no prob. And August I also agree with

[NyxNightingale]

Hello I'm a new mer who is also plus size from the San Antonio area. Sadly I know have a tail yet but I would love to meet other mers. There are several clear lake in Texas that I know of.

[Mary Marine]

*fist bump for plus size mers*

Kraus Springs in 2014 was fun and pretty, but too small for a pod of mermaids plus the usual human crowd. The water wasn't that clear either, especially with a bunch of tails stirring up sand. I think we'd be better off picking a lake so we'd have swimming room. I'm not familiar with central texas lakes, but in D/FW Trade Winds and I like Joe Pool Lake. So everyone suggest your favorite lake or someplace you think might be a good location and we'll vote on it.

[Trade Winds]

If no one else will weigh in, I say let's start debating places in dfw. We haven't had a pod meet here for a while anyway. Last few years it was all down south. Now it is our turn. Joe Pool Lake is my vote because its big, has a decent beach, and a lot of us up here already go to it anyway. It isn't out of the way either, so if you want to eat, get Starbucks, etc you can do that within minutes.

For an August date, do we want to do a weekend, or maybe weekdays if it that is easier? I can get weekdays off but maybe a Sunday/Monday thing so one day there's fewer people at the lake. We were also thinking about going after school starts- which if I recall right for down here, os middle of August.

[Mermaid Alki]

I just moved a few weeks ago to the area, I haven't even gotten fully settled in yet, so I don't know anything about swimming locations other then what you guys have told me, but based on google search Joe Pool Lake looks like an excellent spot for a meetup!

[Ashton]

just out of curiosity, what kind of tails do you guys have?

[Trade Winds]

just out of curiosity, what kind of tails do you guys have?

I have 2 me and my friends made (one for the Fin Fun and the other for the Mahina), and a Fin Fun.

[Mermaid Alki]

I actually lost my tail/monofin during my relocation to Texas, and am currently in the middle of saving up for a new full tail, so most likely if i show up at the meet up, I'll be tail-less unfortunately. D:

[merwandering]

I'm in the Austin area and would be interested- thanks so much for coordinating:)

[Trade Winds]

Here is the proposed location.

http://www.joe-pool-lake.org/lynn-creek-park.htm

You can google for more info, and we have some pix from our visit a f ew weeks ago I will see id Mary Marine can post.

DATE:
Sometime in August. Is there a weekend we all wamt or should we just narrow down dates?

[LauraLWatson]

The first weekend most kids are back in school- the lakes are still open and staffed and yet not as crowded. Also, that's one of our slowest weekends of the year for bookings since not many kids have a party their first week of school, and most businesses aren't celebrating anything in August.

[Ashton]

snazzy, how are the bugs at that time?

[merwandering]

Forgot to ask, but- what do you think about age limits? I know last year when everyone was looking at getting together in Austin they were saying 18+. Might consider bringing my 16 yo- thoughts? (She has a silicone tail that she mostly made herself and runs a professional mermaid business- I promise I wouldn't just be dragging my kid...she's more a mermaid than I am, lol) but also know people have different feelings about it- let me know:)

[Trade Winds]

Considering its a public lake, literally no one can stop you from bringing children- there's going to be normal people with kids there anyway. If anyone feels the need to 'ban children' completely and without question, and doesn't agree with the right to bring kids to a public swimming area...they better find a new group of mermaids to hang with (that may make me sound like a dick but w/e)

Of course that isn't to say one should not watch their kids or be irresponsible, and I'm sure many of us don't want to play baby sitter for someone's unruly children

(However, pets are not allowed at the swimmimg area tho so PLZ leave them at home)

[LauraLWatson]

If it's the hot summer like we are expecting, the bugs are mostly dead from the heat and drought. But, if it's a mild summer (for us) and not bone dry, the mosquito are the size of birds and numerous.

I have no problem with minors coming, but they should have an adult or guardian present just in case. And parents/guardians should know it's not always a PG Disney atmosphere when folks get together.

[Ashton]

I have no problem with kids, as long as they have an adult with them.

[Trade Winds]

There's a big playground there too for the kids not as inclined to swim

[Unlimited_Betta]

I'm down for joe pool, having been once already and enjoyed it then! hopefully i will have a new tail (currently have a suntail) to swim in by then! i'm also totally okay with kids as well.

[Trade Winds]

How does August 26+27 at Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake sound?

[Mary Marine]

I checked the Grand Prarie and Arlington public school calenders and both start on the 21st, so the 26-27th shouldn't be as crowded. Sounds good to me.

[Ashton]

Woohoo! I look forward to meeting everyone!

[mermaid_rebby]

I'm for it! >:3


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[MermaidJoanna]

Exciting. I think that's near by me. I look forward to meeting more merfolk. :)

[Sea~Phoenix Savannah]

I will be there! Can't wait!

[Trade Winds]

I'll update the main post with everything at some point. Do we want to make a FB event too? That way it can be shared to wherever by any mers that see it. I am not in any FB groups so I will not be posting in them myself.

[Ashton]

A fb event sounds like a smart idea.

[Trade Winds]

I'll have a fellow pod member do a meet up on FB- then we can get a head count of sorts

[Ashton]

Also- this: http://planomagazine.com/mermaid-fin-swim-texas-pool/#
It is tomorrow (JUNE 10th)
MerFriends is doing a swimming event.
I know I posted it in another thread- but I figured I would post it here too!

[Satine]

hello my name is cassidy i live in tomball outside of houston. i have already paid for my tail. but i still need to lose some weight and have it made. would love to meet up with other texas mers. i dont think there are any in my area lol never met another mer as i am brand new lol

[Ashton]

hello welcome! Who did you get a tail from?

[Satine]

my tail is being made by mmernation! erin is awesome !!! im not artistic at all and she came up with a beautiful design !!! i still have some weight to lose before i give her my mesurments to make it tho !!!

[Ashton]

my tail is being made by mmernation! erin is awesome !!! im not artistic at all and she came up with a beautiful design !!! i still have some weight to lose before i give her my mesurments to make it tho !!! Snazzy! I hope you get in time! What colors are you going to have it be? I hope we can line up and do a fun rainbow like We did in Cali about a year ago: 41274

[merwandering]

I really appreciate everyone being open to my daughter joining- she's not really a kid, but couldn't come last time. However, such a good point, now that you mention it- as far as I know the people coordinating didn't own Krause or Barton springs, lol- it's a public place, I should've just taken her! She works as a mermaid but was banned from a mermaid meetup:( I think the two of us plan to be there- unfortunately I lost a friend very unexpectedly last week and my world is a little upside down, but would love to come if we can.

[Trade Winds]

I really appreciate everyone being open to my daughter joining- she's not really a kid, but couldn't come last time. However, such a good point, now that you mention it- as far as I know the people coordinating didn't own Krause or Barton springs, lol- it's a public place, I should've just taken her! She works as a mermaid but was banned from a mermaid meetup:( I think the two of us plan to be there- unfortunately I lost a friend very unexpectedly last week and my world is a little upside down, but would love to come if we can.

As long as we just stay chill and respect each other, we can all have fun...to that end, I personally don't feel a big group of mers should be talking about any adult stuff anyway in public where it may come back to reflect on us- especially with all the local mers in the news lately. Now anyone can tell you I tend to get LOUD but even I can contain myself. :3

I did make an FB event, but I am vacay so I will make it more proper and post the link in a few days.

[merwandering]

Whatever they said at the time seemed reasonable enough, I think they were concerned about safety or something. But look forward to it

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

I don't know what my schedule will be, but if I'm free during that weekend I'll totally come!

[MermaidSaph]

I'm out near El Paso, so my parents will say no to anything over an hour away...someday I'll be able to meet you guys though! When I can drive myself (and afford gas/ hotel room if needed lol)

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[Mermaid_Katyah]

I'm excited for this. It's been too long since I've been around fellow merfolk. Plus, I can't wait to try my new tail I've been working on. :)

[Sea~Phoenix Savannah]

BTW what time are y'all planning on getting there?

[Mermaid_Katyah]

BTW what time are y'all planning on getting there?
Normal park hours are 24 hours. I'm guessing around noon is best, I know I'll be there till about 5pm or later if my family decides to camp.

[Sea~Phoenix Savannah]

Sweet, thanks! I've never been, so having a timeline really helps XD

[Mystik_Leah]

I did make an FB event, but I am vacay so I will make it more proper and post the link in a few days.


Where can I find the facebook event?
Thanks!!!

[Trade Winds]

Its been a while since I been on here. I haven't done anything with the fb event. It's really there as a reminder and nothing else. I have no events planned or anything for it.

Idk what time we plan to get there. Probly early for me cuz I am not playing games with the sun.

[mermaid Iolanthe]

This sounds like fun, am brand new and would enjoy meeting the community.

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[Mermaid_Katyah]

As I mentioned before, I plan on getting there about Noon time to sunbath and get a few laps in with my monofin. I won't be done with my tail in time, sequins take time and a loooot of patients. I do hope to see some locals and out of towners at this event! I'll be the black girl with white/silver hair and a mermaid themed outfit. :D

[Coastal]

This'll be my first meetup! I'm trying to get more involved with the community and not be a closeted mer! (As in lurking the forums and swimming in my tail at home)

Hoping to have my top and headpiece finished by next week, can't wait to meet whoever will be there!! =)

[Mary Marine]

The weather at Joe Pool is looking overcast for Saturday, partially cloudy on Sunday, but we all know how Texas weather can change. Ft. Worth is set to have thunderstorms, so I'll be keeping an eye on the forecast to see if that storm moves Southeast. It may turn out that Saturday is stormy but Sunday okay, in which case we can either all try to swim Sunday or just hold a dry meet on Saturday (or both). Dry meet would be either a mall, restaurant, or Starbucks since we are all addicted to that magic siren juice.

[Mermaid_Katyah]

It looks like the huricane might be changing things for Saturday. If anyone is up for a dry meet, I'd love to know a location that you ladies and gentlemen would up for.

[Coastal]

Oh dang, I got work off saturday just for this!:eek: Like Katyah said, I'm up for a dry meet if I can still make it!

[Mermaid_Katyah]

It looks like the nearest mall is going to be the Parks at Arlington. There's a Starbucks inside near Dick's Sporting Goods, if I remember correctly. Did we want to try for a noon or evening gathering?
I'm not sure if making a Facebook event page for it would be better. I don't know any 'semi' active groups that would even consider it, besides friends of friends making their own private one.
What say you fellow DFW mers?

[Unlimited_Betta]

I'm cool with the parks, I actually went there for the first time about a week or so ago and really enjoyed it. As for time, I'm free at anytime on Saturday, so whatever works best for you guys.

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[Mary Marine]

So after consulting 3 different weather websites, I got 3 different forecasts: one says cloudy both days, one says scattered storms both days, and another says partially cloudy both days. So Sunday's weather doesn't look any better or worse than Saturday.

Since some people are traveling and specifically requested off for Saturday, I suggest we for sure do a dry meet on Saturday so we can at least see each other faces in person. Parks Mall at Arlington has been suggested, since it has a Starbucks and a Barnes & Noble cafe for coffee as well as an ice rink and Round 1 arcade. While at the Saturday dry meet, we could discuss trying for Joe Pool Lake on Sunday, see if the weather stays the same or gets better. Unless anyone has any better suggestions for plans??

Of course the weekend we try to do a Texas meet, we get the worse hurricane in a decade. :doh: Stay safe, south Texas mers!

[Mermaid_Katyah]

I'm up for a noon dry meet, saturday. I have plans to visit Quake Con with my little brother later.

[Mary Marine]

Noon sounds good to me! At the Starbucks for drinks while people show up?

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[Mermaid_Katyah]

Noon sounds good to me! At the Starbucks for drinks while people show up?

Sent from my SM-G930V using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032) Yeah, I'll try to get there noonish, depending on traffic. I'll be the girl in the University of Copenhagen tee and blonde/deep blue "scene kid" hair.

[Mary Marine]

I'll be at the Starbucks in a glitter seashell tank top

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[Mary Marine]

I'm upstairs in the bathrooms, about to go get a frappachino.

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[Mermaid_Katyah]

It was good to finally meet ya, Mary! Looking forward to more gatherings soon. :D

[Coastal]

I'm sad I missed this! I just now checked mernetwork :( I hope we can all meet some other time :D

[Mary Marine]

Definitely, I'm thinking next year we need to start planning in January or February. Hold the meet earlier in the summer before hurricane season, but after the college mers are out of school. Maybe for 2018 we can do somewhere in central Texas, that way the Austin/San Antonio/Houston mers don't have as far to travel.

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[Coastal]

That's a great idea, maybe someplace like hamilton pool or barton springs would be fun :)

[Mary Marine]

A few years back we did Kraus Springs in Spicewood, which was a beautiful location, but by noon is was crazy crowded, which made tail swimming difficult. I suspect Hamilton pool would be the same, it would be nice if we could find somewhere a little more off the beaten path, give us more space to swim. I have no idea how busy Barton Springs gets.

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[Mermaid Delphinidae]

A few years back we did Kraus Springs in Spicewood, which was a beautiful location, but by noon is was crazy crowded, which made tail swimming difficult. I suspect Hamilton pool would be the same, it would be nice if we could find somewhere a little more off the beaten path, give us more space to swim. I have no idea how busy Barton Springs gets.

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Barton Springs is too crowded. If you go really early it's not too bad, but the rest of the day it will be too busy.