Meet up 2014

[Dacora]

Ok we are going to start planning the meet up here. I am going to post links to polls for us to vote.

This is the first poll.
http://www.easypolls.net/poll.html?p=520d72d4e4b09938befb146f

Give me some ideas of where yall want it to be up so I can set up the next poll. Post any ideas and concerns here guys.

[Mia]

My thoughts: Spring Break in Galveston, or another coastal area.

[Mary Marine]

On the 2013 summer meet up thread there was discussion of two different meet up locations, on in Dallas and one in Galveston. That way people could go to the one closest to them or have two chances to attend.

Spring break sounds fun, but personally I'd rather not have it then or on a holiday weekend. That way the beaches will be less crowded and hotels less full.

[Mia]

At the very least, I think it would be best to have it early summer, before the heat starts to really set in. That also gives us time if we want to do multiple get-togethers to get to know each other.

[Mary Marine]

Hmm, perhaps May or June then? Public school lets out sometime in June, not sure if we want to do it before then or if it matters.

[SweeteSiren]

Looks like June is winning by a landslide. We should probably select a date, and also a "rain date" so people can block both in advance & we don't wind up with the same problem we had this year.

[Dacora]

On the 2013 summer meet up thread there was discussion of two different meet up locations, on in Dallas and one in Galveston. That way people could go to the one closest to them or have two chances to attend.


I think this will be our best bet to make everyone happy. Maybe we should have 2 location polls. One for the south and the other for the north locatons.


Looks like June is winning by a landslide. We should probably select a date, and also a "rain date" so people can block both in advance & we don't wind up with the same problem we had this year.

This is also a good idea. When do yall think we should have the rain date?


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Mary Marine]

Would the meet-ups be a one day or two day thing? Like have the main one Saturday, then a second smaller one on Sunday for those who can make it?

Here are the weekends in June:

Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th
Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd
Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th

I left out the 14th and 15th because that's Father's Day weekend. I'm thinking we plan for the 7th and/or 8th and have one of the other weekends as the backup rain date.

If we end up having two different meet ups for the north and south I don't think we should plan them too close together, that way if someone wants to attend both they can. So if one meet up is in June, when should the other one be?

[Dacora]

I agree with everything you said. It sounds like an awesome plan.

I like the two day event idea.

As fot when the other meet up should be I say we leave it up to vote.

I may have to step down in handling the planning as my parents are going through a divorce and things have gotten pretty hectic around my house. So if you or anyone else wants to step up just say so. Ill post the link to the poll maker as they seem to work well.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Seatan]

Hi Dacora,

I can help plan--at least the Dallas area meetup--if you are not able to. One suggestion for the Dallas area meetup would be Clear Springs Lake. It is a rock bottom lake with great visibility that is open to divers and snorkelers ONLY, which I would assume includes freediving (aka, mermaiding). It would make for good pictures, though there is a twenty dollar fee and minors must have the waiver (available online) signed by parents. I'm not sure how Clear Springs feels about mermaids versus normal freedivers--we would have to call and check about that--but it is one of the few lakes in DFW with good visibility, which makes it good for photo ops. It was, in fact, created with the intent of becoming a SCUBA park.

http://clearspringsscubapark.com/

Otherwise we could hit a public pool or even go to my cabin on Lake Palo Pinto, though it is on what my SCUBA shop calls a "black" lake, aka, VERY poor visibility in the murky green water, like most lakes in North Texas.

As for Galveston, I have not been there in years and would not know of the best times and/or places to meet, though the trip could be fun!

[SweeteSiren]

I suggest Austin instead of Dallas. There are a lot of parks with fairly clear water to choose from, and they are open to the public. Hamilton's Pool or Blue Hole state park would both be worth looking into.
And Blue Lagoon in Huntsville is still an option too! :)

[Seatan]

Austin would be good for me--it's a straight shot from DFW, just three hours from me. I used to drive to and from almost every weekend when I lived there. Love that city. Have to see the bats every time I go.

[Dacora]

Seavanna, would you still like to take over the planning? We more than likely wont have the money to go anywhere this year so I wont be able to go.

[Seatan]

Sure, I will be happy to plan! :)

[Firemaid]

Oh hey guys!
Me too!
I live in Austin!

[Dacora]

Thank you Seavanna! Hopefully I'll be able to go.

~The goldfish mermaid~

[Mary Marine]

Just popping back in now that it's 2014. I could definitely do Dallas, but I'll have to see about Austin since I have an expensive trip planned later in the year. The big expense would be finding a place to stay for the night, since I wouldn't want to drive to Austin and back in one day. Would anyone in the Dallas area be interested in carpooling and/or getting a hotel room together? I have a small car, a Kia Spectra, but the stickers are up to date and it runs!

[mermaid_ashes]

June is good, I personally think Austin has the best lakes/swimming holes in the texas area (or at least the prettiest) but i'm also down for Galveston or some other coastal area. in the surrounding austin area Blue hole is beautiful, so is hamilton pool, both places get crowded in the summer so arriving early is a must if you don't want to wait in your car in a line for an hour. (we've had to do that for Hamilton and blue hole) also barton springs is a nice place too, though also very crowded and not as quiet as the others because their is not a capacity limit.

[Mary Marine]

Looks like June in Austin is winning so far. We need to pick a date and a bad weather date just in case. How about June 7 - 8, the first weekend of the month? And if something happens June 21 - 22? Or plan for the 21 - 22 and have the 28 - 29 as backup?

If we end up meeting on the 21st we should call it the "Pod of Texas Fish Fry" since that's the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. ;)

[mermaid_ashes]

Im good with any of these dates. :)

[Aziara]

This would be a 6 hour drive for me, but I might have to do it. Is it ok for folks outside the pod of Texas to come?

[Dacora]

I dont see why not Aziara. :)
I wont be able to go to Austin, I might be in Port A or Corpus Christi in June. So if anyone who is down there and wants to do a meet up maybe we can make plans.

~The goldfish mermaid~

[Naufra]

Have we picked a date for Austin in June? I'd like to put in my time-off request at work as soon as possible. ^_^

[Mary Marine]

Everyone, I created a poll page for us to vote which weekend we want for the meet up. If you are planning to attend or would like to attend, help us pick a date. I'd like as many of us to be able to go as possible!

Here's the poll: http://www.easypolls.net/poll.html?p=52e9a089e4b0aa0bc59ef8ea

[MermaidBrandie]

I would like to go, I'm orginally from texas but I'm living in colorado and am going to visit in the summer anyways. Is it going to be in austin? For sure then?

[Kaila Mermaid]

I would really enjoy going and live in the San Antonio area, so either Austin or the coast are practically equidistant. Oh goody, I hope this meetup works out! *Flips fins excitedly*

[Blaze]

Just voted; I am out of town the first week of June so can only go if it's the third. Perhaps we can carpool down from Dallas?

[Mary Marine]

Just voted; I am out of town the first week of June so can only go if it's the third. Perhaps we can carpool down from Dallas?

I voted for either, but I'm leaning towards that weekend myself. Right now it's tied so if it stays that way I'll be the tie breaker and pick the 21-22. I would love to carpool! We should hang out and get to know each other better, maybe sometime this month?

[Mary Marine]

I would like to go, I'm orginally from texas but I'm living in colorado and am going to visit in the summer anyways. Is it going to be in austin? For sure then?

Looks to be that way. Most people seem to be suggesting Austin because it's centrally located and has better water visibility than most lakes in DFW. I guess unless there are major objections the meet up is unofficially in Austin...? Maybe I'll make another poll for locations, but it's only useful if you guys vote. I just want everyone who wants to come to be able to, so the sooner we pick a location and date the easier it will be to plan.

[Mary Marine]

Just to make it official, here's a poll for where to hold the 2014 summer meet up:



http://www.easypolls.net/poll.html?p=52eebcf6e4b0aa0bc59f0265



Most people have been saying Austin, so if no one votes that's where it will stay, but I wanted a chance for everyone to speak up.

Also, if you haven't already please vote for what weekend we should have the meet up here:

http://www.easypolls.net/poll.html?p=52e9a089e4b0aa0bc59ef8ea

Let's get this all figured out so people can start asking off from work and making travel plans. I'm so excited! :dance:

[Mary Marine]

Well my friends just invited me to Acon this year, which is June 6-8, so now I'm leaning towards the weekend of the 21-22, though originally when I voted I said either. Right now the votes for the meet up look like this:

June 7-8: 3
June 21-22: 3
Either: 1

If you want to go to the Meet Up, please vote or comment on the thread on which weekend it better for you! I really want as many people to be able to go as possible so we need to know what weekend people are available.

For the location Austin is winning at the moment. Odds are that's where it will be, so start suggesting good swim spots. We need a place with good water visibility that's deep enough to tail swim and not too crowded. I don't know the area, but oh my goodness there are some BEAUTIFUL places!

1835818356183541835718355

[mermaid_ashes]

I voted! Im going to say as far as location...im thinking Hamilton pool its going to have the clearest water and its plenty deep... but i'll keep thinking about it.

There's also deep eddy which is designed as a regular pool (it even has lanes for laps) but its non clorinated and spring fed.

[Naufra]

https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool Hamilton pool is gorgeous, but I'm thinking we'd have to get there quite early to all get in together. They restrict who can be in there at once and the website says it gets really crowded in the summer.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Hey all, I'd go for Austin, since I'll most likely be there this summer due to crazy family stuff. I don't drive, so I'd have to ask someone to come grab me, but I'd help pay for gas and such.

[mermaid_ashes]

Yeah i thought about that too. Bassilcly for Hamilton pool we could all plan to be there lined up by 10 am. If we arent, then whoever is late runs the risk of wating about an hour in we got there once at about 11 and only had to wait an hour to get in so it was not that bad. There is also like i said deep eddy and of course barton springs. But the water is fairly murky and theres no beach area like hamilton pool.

[Mary Marine]

This is the site I've been been looking at for locations. http://www.realtyaustin.com/austin-swimming-holes.php It lists peak hours and entry costs, but not water depth or visibility. We should probably pick a few locations in case some don't work out.

[MermaidBrandie]

Those locations looks amazing! :) Now we just gotta narrow it down to one or two, then set the date.

[Mary Marine]

Yeah i thought about that too. Bassilcly for Hamilton pool we could all plan to be there lined up by 10 am. If we arent, then whoever is late runs the risk of wating about an hour in we got there once at about 11 and only had to wait an hour to get in so it was not that bad. There is also like i said deep eddy and of course barton springs. But the water is fairly murky and theres no beach area like hamilton pool.

Hamilton pool is definitely the most beautiful, but busy. It can be our first choice and we can have some back ups. I'm not sure where else would be good or how close the back up locations need to be.

I'm REALLY hoping the meet-up turns out to be on 21-22, because I am now officially busy with A-kon on 7-8. My friends are all going so I went ahead and bought my weekend pass. I'll be cosplaying as mermaid Aquata, one of Ariel's sisters. I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be able to do both A-kon and the meet up!

[mermaid_ashes]

Mary marine - your doing aquata? Thats really cool. Im a party princesses so i get to play ariel a bit XD never in her tail tho. Im not a big con goer but all my friends that go say akon is one of the better ones.

Im thinking as far as 2nd locations if we do Hamilton pool as our first choice we should do something close as a 2nd like reimers ranch. Likewise if we choose another location as 1st choice then chose something close by as a 2nd.

Krause springs will be good too it seams. I havent been but my friends that have say its wonderful.

With Krause springs it may be less crouded and we could call ahead and make sure.

[Naufra]

After consulting with CapMetro's trip planner, I have come to the unhappy realization that I will not be able to get to any of these locations by bus on a weekend from any of the stations near were I live. Would anyone be willing to come get me in exchange for gas money? I live in Leander, just North of Austin.

[Mary Marine]

Mermaid Ashes, Krause springs looks like a good choice. It's about 20 miles away from Hamilton pool and very scenic, though I can't figure out how deep the water is. All the other places that look good are much further away, like the San Marcos river.

Zicoxite, depending on if I can make the meet up and if it's okay with whoever carpools with me I could probably swing by and pick you up. I'll get back to you on that.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Marine, you'll be at A-Kon? I'm gonna be there too! At least part of a day as a mer, so look out for me! I'll hunt for you, too! And now I have no clue where I will be in June now.

[MermaidBrandie]

Looks to be that way. Most people seem to be suggesting Austin because it's centrally located and has better water visibility than most lakes in DFW. I guess unless there are major objections the meet up is unofficially in Austin...? Maybe I'll make another poll for locations, but it's only useful if you guys vote. I just want everyone who wants to come to be able to, so the sooner we pick a location and date the easier it will be to plan.
Awesome. I'll keep checking in. When I come for a visit, my family is in the DFW area and my car gets 40mpg. I'll be able to fit two more people with me. Are we staying at a hotel then? or a motel? I think it would make it easier to all be at the same place for an overnight night stay. Then we could all watch movies and order pizza at night! lol or something. I'll be bringing my bf with me :)

[Mary Marine]

Mermaid Pickles, that is awesome! We should definitely meet up and swim in the hotel pool! I'm local so whenever you're at the con I can be there.

Coyote, that is a great suggestion. We could pick a hotel and reserve a couple of rooms on the same floor. Personally my only requirements for a hotel is that it be under $100, clean, and non-smoking! I did a quick search and found 3 that are cheap but clean and centrally located:

1. Courtyard Austin University Area on N. I-35
2. Fairfield Inn and Suite University Area on Reinli St.
3. Comfort Inn on Del Mar Ave.

I'll probably stay at one of these.

[MermaidBrandie]

Mermaid Pickles, that is awesome! We should definitely meet up and swim in the hotel pool! I'm local so whenever you're at the con I can be there.

Coyote, that is a great suggestion. We could pick a hotel and reserve a couple of rooms on the same floor. Personally my only requirements for a hotel is that it be under $100, clean, and non-smoking! I did a quick search and found 3 that are cheap but clean and centrally located:

1. Courtyard Austin University Area on N. I-35
2. Fairfield Inn and Suite University Area on Reinli St.
3. Comfort Inn on Del Mar Ave.

I'll probably stay at one of these.
I agree with the cheap/clean/non-smoking! And that it be under 100$. I'll be coming down from colorado, so the cheaper the better.

[Naufra]

Thank you for the potential ride, Mary Marine!

[Mary Marine]

I'm thinking it would be good to decide on a date by the end of the month so people have plenty of time to request time off at work and make travel arraignments. Right now we are still 3 in favor of June 7/8, 3 in favor of June 21/22, and 2 either or. Please vote and/or post in the forum which weekend is good for you! I know we have a couple mers, myself included, who already have plans for the 7/8 so personally I'm hoping the 21/22 wins out since so far no one has said they are busy then, but that could change.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Well, I'm for the 21/22 because I have A-kon on the other weekend. ..sooo. yeah.

[Naufra]

I voted initially for the 7th and 8th, but I'd like to change my vote to whatever works best for people just so we can settle on a date and everybody can request the time off work.

[Dacora]

I also voted for the 7th and 8th but now I won't be able to go so change my vote to whatever works.

Sent from my RM-915_nam_usa_228 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Pickles]

I don't know where else to say this, but I'm stuck in Austin for another weekend and desperately need to escape my grandparents' house for at least part of a day, since they're emotionally and verbally abusive. Someone help meeee! *stuck in Westlake*

[Mary Marine]

Since a few people have changed their votes, that puts the weekend of the 21/22 in the lead, so unless something drastically changes, the meet up will be at Hamilton Pool in Austin, TX on the weekend of June 21st/22nd. The back up location in case Hamilton doesn't work out is Krause Springs and if the weather is bad the make-up date is June 28th/29th.

[SweeteSiren]

It's officially in my dayplanner! I'll be there, come hell or low water!

[mermaid_ashes]

Gonna take saterday off tommrow, questions? Will the meet be both days, just saterday or....?

[Mary Marine]

Will the meet be both days, just saterday or....?

Good question. I'm planning to stay all weekend and try to get in as much tail swimming as possible, so I'll most likely be there both days, but I assume Saturday will be the big meet up day, probably as soon as the pool opens so we can all get in.

[MermaidBrandie]

i almost feel like it wouldn't be worth it for some if it were just the one day....

[mermaid_ashes]

So if were gonna do both days, why not have say a meet at Hamilton pool Saturday and krusaue springs sunday? or something like that. that way we have two locations and those that may not be able to make it to all the meet can chose which day, those that are staying for the whole weekend wont have to see the same location both days and so on. I'm going to try to get that Saturday off but i dont know. the coworker that is a friend of mine that usually covers saterday is pissed so..yeah.

[MermaidBrandie]

that could work. If i go i'll be taking the week off to visit texas since i have family there and would be coming from colorado...

[Dacora]

I'm so glad this is working out! You all must take pics so I can live vicariously through you guys!!

Sent from my RM-915_nam_usa_228 using Tapatalk

[Mary Marine]

Hey everyone! February is over and the votes are in, so that means the Pod of Texas Meet Up 2014 is officially the weekend of June 21/22, weather permitting. The countdown starts now! 111 days to go!

Personally I'm down for having the meet up be a two day event. Like Ashes said, that way if someone can't make one day they could attend the other or both if they are available. I'd also be interesting in meeting at Hamilton Pool one day and Krause Springs on the other. I don't live in Austin so I'd love the chance to visit both locations!

I know Hamilton Pool can fill up fast, so might I suggest we meet there Sunday instead of Saturday? It might cut down on some of the early morning traffic and give us a better chance of getting in without waiting in line. Then we could do Krause Springs on Saturday. Just a thought.

[mermaid_ashes]

Sounds good to me!


Hey everyone! February is over and the votes are in, so that means the Pod of Texas Meet Up 2014 is officially the weekend of June 21/22, weather permitting. The countdown starts now! 111 days to go!

Personally I'm down for having the meet up be a two day event. Like Ashes said, that way if someone can't make one day they could attend the other or both if they are available. I'd also be interesting in meeting at Hamilton Pool one day and Krause Springs on the other. I don't live in Austin so I'd love the chance to visit both locations!

I know Hamilton Pool can fill up fast, so might I suggest we meet there Sunday instead of Saturday? It might cut down on some of the early morning traffic and give us a better chance of getting in without waiting in line. Then we could do Krause Springs on Saturday. Just a thought.

[Mary Marine]

I've been reading up a little on Krause Springs. It opens at 9 am and we should try to get there when it opens or close to it since it can get pretty busy, though not quite as bad as Hamilton. Also, there is a tiny bit of a walk between the parking lot and spring, so be ready to haul stuff from the car to the water. Water shoes or non-slip shoes were recommended for around the spring, since it can be slick and is not a sand beach like Hamilton. If anyone has a Mertender, bring them!

Also, I'm going to bring my dad's underwater camera for the meet up. It takes fantastic pictures above or below water so we should be able to get some good mermaiding photos! :dance:

109 days to go!

[mermaid_ashes]

So im ordering my fabric tail this month! So I'll be ready to swim with you all by meetup time!

[Naufra]

Yay for new tail! I keep wanting to get one, but I figure I shouldn't until I'm a better swimmer.

[Kaila Mermaid]

*happy flip* Nyaa so excited! Hamilton pool on Sunday is a really good idea. It might even cut down on the amount of people that are there. If we're making it a two day event, are there going to people that are going both days? If so, are we driving both days, or camping or hotel or whatnot?

[Mary Marine]

Since I'm driving down from Dallas I plan on being there both days and getting a hotel, either for one night or two depending on if I leave Friday night or REALLY early Saturday morning.

Posting this again for anyone interested, here are 3 different hotels that are centrally located in Austin, under $100 a night, clean with non-smoking rooms, and have good reviews:

1. Courtyard Austin University Area on N. I-35
2. Fairfield Inn and Suite University Area on Reinli St.
3. Comfort Inn on Del Mar Ave.

I'll be staying at one of these, as soon as I book my room I'll tell you guys in case anyone wants to stay at the same hotel and hang out.

[Trade Winds]

I'd love to go this! Totally new to a mermaid meet tho. I live in Ft Worth and would like to carpool and/or room with someone in the area. I can help pay for gas and room, of course. I understand I'm a newbie here and that you might not trust me, so pm me if you wanna know more or anything! I ordered a tail this week, and if all goes well I should be swimming with everyone in June!

[Naufra]

Well guys, as much as I was looking forward to meeting you all, I've just gotten a new job and have to cut down on the events I was planning on attending so I won't be able to go to this year's meet up. I hope there's another one next year so I can go, and I expect all of you to have lots of fun on my behalf! ^_^

[MermaidxTalia]

I'm new and don't have a tail yet, but I'd love to go to this.

[Kaila Mermaid]

Put in my request for the days off. Thank you Mary Marine for the list of hotels ^_^ I have a gas-guzzler so I might be staying as well

[deletedaccount]

Hello everyone :3 I'm from Houston, and I'm gonna come! We should start an RSVP list, so we can know how many mers are actually going to make it! More the merrier

[deletedaccount]

Hey everyone! February is over and the votes are in, so that means the Pod of Texas Meet Up 2014 is officially the weekend of June 21/22, weather permitting. The countdown starts now! 111 days to go!

Personally I'm down for having the meet up be a two day event. Like Ashes said, that way if someone can't make one day they could attend the other or both if they are available. I'd also be interesting in meeting at Hamilton Pool one day and Krause Springs on the other. I don't live in Austin so I'd love the chance to visit both locations!

I know Hamilton Pool can fill up fast, so might I suggest we meet there Sunday instead of Saturday? It might cut down on some of the early morning traffic and give us a better chance of getting in without waiting in line. Then we could do Krause Springs on Saturday. Just a thought.

This is all so exciting!

[Mermaid Pickles]

Talia, I have a spare fabric tail if you go and I go. I'll bring it if I go, just in case. Though, I'll probably be in Austin at that point anyway. But yeeaaahhhh! I'm having swimming withdrawal. A bit too windy and not quite warm enough for swimming down here in Seabrook. For now at least.

[Mary Marine]

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't popped in lately, I've been super busy with college.

I'm been trying to get in touch with Blaze, but I don't think she's been on here in a while. We had talked briefly about carpooling together, but nothing was ever decided, so I am looking for someone from who wants to carpool and split a hotel room with me. I live in Irving, TX so anyone from the DFW area or south of it on the way would be good. :help:

I have a 2008 Kia Spectra, so it's a small car, but I can fit another person and their tail/luggage easy. It gets pretty decent gas milage too. It's got tires less than a year old, current on the inspection/registration, and I'm going to get my fluids checked before making the drive. Also I have Triple AAA, so yay for roadside assistance and hotel discounts. Probably in the next couple days I'll get them make a Triptik thingy with maps.

For the hotels, it looks like their about $100 a night for a room with 2 queen beds, so if we spend just Saturday night that's $50 each. That means getting up and driving to Austin pretty dang early in the morning unless we want to spend two nights at the hotel. Me, I love sleep, but I'm cheap so either way is good with me.

If you interested (I'm looking at you Swamptail ;) ), message me so I can give you my phone number and we can hash out the details. I'd like to meet you face-to-face prior to the trip so we can reassure each other we are not axe murders and make sure we can stand to be stuck in the car together for 4 hours.

On an unrelated note, my college newspaper wants to run an article on mermaids! I'm a contributing writer and while chatting with the student publications manager I mentioned mermaiding (I've been swimming at the school pool with my merfin). She thought it sounded perfect for a summer article, so I told her about the Meet-Up in June. Now she wants me to write about it, take photos, and interview mermaids, so I'll be doing that in Austin, too.

46 days to go!

[Kaila Mermaid]

Quick note: With the drought we're experiencing, we need to call before hand to make sure that swimming is allowed, seeing as how they sometimes prohibit swimming due to bacteria levels. The phone number is (512) 264-2740

[Trade Winds]

Mary, I'm going to shoot you a message. Hopefully I'll still be able to go! I got the days off, but my family feels the need to visit sometime in June.

[Mary Marine]

Quick note: With the drought we're experiencing, we need to call before hand to make sure that swimming is allowed, seeing as how they sometimes prohibit swimming due to bacteria levels. The phone number is (512) 264-2740

I'll be sure to call and check as we get closer to the meet-up date. The good news is that even if Hamilton Pool is closed, Krause Springs is spring fed so their water level is always the same. We could swim there for both days if we had to.

[Blaze]

Hey everyone,

I'm still around and interested in going; I've been offline most of the year as one of my pugs needed constant care leading up to his back surgery in March & then even more care after as he couldn't really walk on his own. Sadly he passed in his sleep on April 24th while I was out of town for training; broke my heart and I'm just clawing my way back to a conscious existence.

Anyways. Mary, I'd love to meet up with you soon! I have another friend who wants to come out as well :D

[LauraLWatson]

I am also good with these dates. Please keep me in the loop! Thanks! (I'm an Arlington Mermaid.)

[deletedaccount]

Any new news on the meetup?

[LokiLove]

You don't have to have a tail to go, right? I won't be able to make mine for another month or two, so I won't have one for the meet, but I still want to go and just swim and talk :)

[Kaila Mermaid]

My days off were approved and I have everything set aside to go. I'm going to be there. LokiLove, you don't need a tail to go :) You're still a mermaid!

[LokiLove]

Awesome! Okay, I thought so, but just wanted to be 100% sure. I will try and make it, but I might have something that weekend. It all just depends, and if I do have something that weekend I'll still probably go, but just won't be able to swim, unfortunately :(

[suire]

hey guys! I just saw this thread and I'm SUPER PUMPED. Not to be obnoxious or whatever (because I did read through this!) but simply to clarify, the meet up is June 21-22 at Hamilton pool the one day and Krause Springs the other? I've swam at Krause in a tail before and they're totally cool with it. It's also ridiculously beautiful there.

I can't wait to meet you all!

[Mary Marine]

Just a quick recap since we've have some new mers pop up in the thread. :group hug:

- ALL mers are welcome, tail or no tail, from Texas or out of state.

- On Saturday June 21st we will meet at Krause Springs. Admission is $7 per adult, cash or check only. The park opens at 9 a.m. and can get busy, so try to get there close to 9 as possible. There is no official meet up time, but it will be pretty much an all day thing, so bring food. Please check out the Krause Springs FAQ page so you can see their park rules: http://krausesprings.net/frequently-asked-questions/

- On Sunday June 22nd we will meet at Hamilton Pool. Admission is $15 per vehicle, cash or check only. The pool opens at 9 a.m. and fills VERY quickly, so get there as close to 9 as possible, perhaps earlier so you can be in line. They only allow a certain number of people in at a time to prevent overcrowding, so be early or you may not get in at all. Please check out the Travis County park rules for Hamilton Park: https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/about/rules-safety

- In case either Krause Springs or Hamilton Pool are closed for swimming, we will meet both days at the location that is open. If BOTH are closed, our back up date is June 28-29 the following weekend. Or we could find new locations to swim at, but hopefully this won't be an issue.

- Everyone is in charge of their own food, water, transport, and housing. Check out the member map and see if there is anyone close to you or on the way to Austin who you can carpool or room with. As soon as I book my hotel I will be posting where I am staying in case anyone else is interested in getting a room there. Swamptail and I are car pooling and splitting a hotel room.

I think that's all the "official" stuff! If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me.

Oh one more thing, I'm writing an article on mermaids for my college newspaper! They want me to cover the meet up and are giving me an entire page. I'll be getting some quotes, asking a few questions, and taking pictures, so tell me if you want to participate! Or if you don't want to be in any photos just tell me.

[Trade Winds]

Me and Mary have started making our plans for the meet and hopefully finalizing everything. Can we get a shout out for who is coming? Seems there were a lot early on and now we haven't heard from some of them. Only a couple more weeks!!!

[LokiLove]

I'll be going if I can get my mom to drive me (I don't live that far, so it shouldn't be that hard to do) :)

[LauraLWatson]

So, June 21-22 in Austin. Have we confirmed the location? (I know the drought was a consideration). I'm filming that day (human job is as an actor), so I might run down, swim, and come back to DFW. I am waiting for my call times for set. I'll come swim if at all possible- I really want to meet other MerFolk.

If anyone else wants to carpool who is NOT getting a hotel, send me a note or text 817-269-2105.

[Trade Winds]

As far as me and Mary know, that's the location. At least, that's where WE will be that weekend.

[Trade Winds]

Meeting Spot Updates

The site for Hamilton Pool says:
"Hamilton Pool is currently NOT allowing swimming due to high bacteria levels caused by recent rains. The earliest swimming might be allowed is Saturday, June 7."

Krause Springs site doesn't have any info. Someone else should call cuz the signal where I live sucks. Their number is (830) 693-4181.

If Hamilton Pool isn't open by the time of the meet, I suggest doing Krause Springs both days.

[deletedaccount]

I am for sure attending both days

[Trade Winds]

Hamilton pool is allowing swimming! Hopefully nothing will go wrong! D:<

[Mermaid Pickles]

Okay. I might be going if I can get to Austin. I'm all the way in Houston, so...... I can't drive, and may have to take a bus. If I take a bus to Austin, could I maybe hole up with someone and ask them to pick me up from the bus station? Otherwise, I may end up going to my grandparents', since they live in Westlake.

[Mermaid Pickles]

My grandparents don't take too kindly to my mermaid stuff though. They keep trying to throw it out whenever I'm there. So I'd like to avoid staying with them.

[Kaila Mermaid]

My grandparents don't take too kindly to my mermaid stuff though. They keep trying to throw it out whenever I'm there. So I'd like to avoid staying with them. That's awful!! I'm so sorry Pickles... My mertender and I are driving up from San Antonio and are trying to figure out a way to cut costs and go both days. We may just find a place to pitch a tent lol. Glad to see the bacteria issue has cooled off. I was afraid of that.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Yeah. Though, it looks like I will be staying there if I go. Poo. But yeah, it is kinda unfortunate.

[JessieMermaid]

Have you thought about putting it in a locked box in your car or something?

[Mermaid Pickles]

I don't have a car or license. I've failed the road test three times because of nerves.

[Trade Winds]

Don't take it too hard, Pickles. I failed four times before I got my license.

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Pickles]

Thanks. And all three times I was staying eith my psychologically abusive grandparents and was too nervous to eat lunch. But thanks for the vote of confidence!

[SweeteSiren]

If anyone is going from Houston, wants to carpool & doesn't mind leaving at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, let me know. I have room for a couple of passengers.

[Mermaid Pickles]

If you would do that for me I would love you forever. I would even help pay for munchies on the way up there.

[Mermaid Pickles]

I'm out about halfway between downtown Houston and Galveston.

[deletedaccount]

We're so close guys! :-)

[Trade Winds]

Someone said they had an extra tail...if anyone has an extra they would be willing to let me borrow for this weekend, in case my tail(s) don't get here in time, that'd be awesome!!! D: *cries*

See here for my bad luck: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?8266-a-hole-in-my-tail-after-first-swim-!-!

[Mermaid Pickles]

That was me. I dunno if it would fit you, but I'll bring it!

[Trade Winds]

"Hamilton Pool is currently NOT allowing swimming due to high bacteria levels caused by recent rains. The earliest we might allow swimming is Thursday, June 19."

[Mermaid Pickles]

Nyoooo! Ohwell, at least we still have the other place!

[Trade Winds]

Given they closed a couple weeks ago too, I'm not so confident they'll be open this weekend. :(

[Mermaid Pickles]

Aww. I see what you mean. But we still have the other location, so we still have a place to swim.

[Kaila Mermaid]

So, I was looking at both websites and Hamilton Pool doesn't look very promising. Perhaps we can shoot for Krause Springs both days? It's much larger and doesn't have a cap limit. The only issue is what part of the park would we be meeting? It's quite large. I was thinking either the grotto or the waterfall. I'll post a link to the map. They also have camping, which for mers going both days and commuting is $14 per adult and far cheaper than a hotel. (waited til the last minute. Hooray moving stress). Plus, we could all camp together :D

Map of Krause Springs: http://krausesprings.net/about-us/#

[SweeteSiren]

Is anyone interested in having a book swap during the meet? I have a couple of mermaid-themed books that I probably won't read again & need new homes.

[Trade Winds]

I would if anyone has some Nessie nonfic lol. (Biiiiiiig Nessie fan over here)

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Pickles]

All my fun books are in storage, waah. Goshdarnit. Oooh camping. Are we living in cars or trees? Because I doubt everyone has a tent. I certainly don't. Buuuutttt..... I can do fun eyeliner on everyone! It's waterproof, too!

[Mermaid Pickles]

I went and glued some sequins on my current tail today. Now I have e6000 on my hands.

[SweeteSiren]

Are we 100% staying at the springs both days? If so, I'll cancel the hotel & bring a tent. Or do we want to wait until Thursday & see if Hamilton is open for swimming again?

[Kaila Mermaid]

I'm worried Hamilton won't be open in time and trying to plan in case... I'm all for Krause both days and would be bringing a tent

[Mermaid Pickles]

I'd be a-okay with krause both days, it looks really pretty. Also, I can sleep in a car, provided I bring a blanket.

[deletedaccount]

I like the idea of Krause both days. Are we allowed to exchane phone numbers on here? So when we arrive we can contact each other more conveniently. I would be down to camp, if I'm not alone out there.

[Kaila Mermaid]

I'm ok with giving my number, but I'd prefer to PM it. I'll send it to you guys :)

*doge face* such excite. very mermaid. much splish splish. Wow. number 1 much fun

[Trade Winds]

The last time they closed, I checked and they opened before the date they'd suspected (it's posted a couple pages back). Myself I would wait til like Friday, but that's just me. I don't really care if we stay at Krause both days.

Me and Mary Marine reserved a hotel- it's Fairfield Inn in Austin, altho I don't know exactly WHICH Fairfield it is. (if anyone is looking for a place to stay)

[Mermaid Pickles]

Depending, I may take you up on that. I'll just commandeer the corner of the room if I do.

[Trade Winds]

Whoops, I meant if anyone is still looking for a hotel in general. I don't think there would be space for another person. We chose the cheapest, so there's one bed and I'm bringing an air mattress.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Haha! Okay. Though, as I said, I commandeer corners. Anyhoo, thanks for the advice on hotel finding!

[LokiLove]

Okay, so Krause both days?

[Mermaid Pickles]

I believe that's the plan, unless Hamilton opens back up in the next few days.

[Trade Winds]

I guess that SHOULD be the plan. If Hamilton opens up then I'd like to go there. But to avoid confusion maybe we could just all meet at Krause for both days and say the hell with Hamilton lol

[Firemaid]

I have a room for rent in my mermaid studio.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1751188

[Firemaid]

Also I am born and raised in Austin and know all the good mermaid spots :)

[Firemaid]

My email is Maria@sirenalia.com if anyone wants to get in touch.

[Mary Marine]

Opps I guess I wasn't clear Swamptail, but the hotel has two beds. Not sure how big your air mattress is, but we could probably squeeze Pickles in somewhere? It's the Fairfield Inn at 12536 North I 35 Austin, TX 78753.

[Mermaid Pickles]

Mkay! And I make wonderful pack mule. XD

[Mary Marine]

Less than 2 day and 9 hours until the meet up!

Just to recap, Hamilton Pool is currently closed for swimming. The earliest it might open is Saturday. We planned to meet there on Sunday, but it looks like everyone would rather just meet at Krause Springs both days. If we still want to try for Hamilton I'll keep checking the website for updates and we can always discuss it on Saturday at Krause Springs.

I've been informed that Krause Springs is a big place, so we need to agree where we are going to meet, either the grotto or the waterfall. I've never been, so suggestions?

If we want, we can bring mermaid or swimming stuff to trade with each other. I myself have a Fin Fun monofin pro and some regular rubber swim fins I'd like to trade or sell for cheap. So bring your mermaid books, extra shell jewelry, random craft supplies, old swim goggles, anything you want to unload and we can have a trunk swap.

[Trade Winds]

I'm not gonna bother to lug along my air mattress then. If you wanna stay with us, I am fine with that Pickles.

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Pickles]

Kewl! I'll bring some crafty stuff, then!

[Trade Winds]

For a meeting spot, from what I can make out from this crappy map, why don't we meet north from the parking lot (where it says waterfall, grotto and natural pools) and then we can move accordingly from there once more people get there?

[Blaze]

Hope you all have a blast! I'm headed up to Oklahoma for a burlesque competition so I can't come down but I've started a full time job again (actually my old one I got laid off from in 2011; they wanted me back!) and life is returning to normal so I hoped to be around a lot more now!

[deletedaccount]

Since we will have a lot of time to kill Saturday night, maybe we can meet for dinner or something as well

[Trade Winds]

And if anyone is into Pokemon or has some other popular 3ds game, we can game!!!

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Pickles]

Eh, guess I am bringing my games! Whoop!

[LokiLove]

I have a TON of cheap bead necklaces from Mardi Gras a few years ago, so I might bring some of the cooler mermaid-y looking ones to hand out :D

[Mermaid Pickles]

I'm making little clip in extensions with leftover wefts from a cosplay project and beads. Tedious, but fun at the same time. I have to go get more wig clips aaaaggh

[Trade Winds]

I want a seaweed hair clip!!!

[Trade Winds]

Me n Mary are on our way. Whoooo!!!!!!

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[deletedaccount]

Me too :D safe travels everyone!

[LokiLove]

So where at Krause are we meeting? I mean, I doubt I'll get lost, I'll just have to look for the people with the tails! lol :P But like, are we meeting at the grotto or the waterfall?

[Trade Winds]

I guess we never figured that out lol. Look for people in tails.

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[LokiLove]

Alright, that shouldn't be too hard xD

[LokiLove]

How many people are going to be going tomorrow? My mom yelled at me this morning and said I couldn't go today, but I might(?) be able to go tomorrow.

[Trade Winds]

Six of us showed up. And a teen who talked to us who said she has an h2o tail but it's at home. Whatever!!

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[LokiLove]

I'm pretty sure another person (I totally forgot her name D: ) is coming tomorrow.

[Trade Winds]

Fyi we are meeting at the springs today again

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Trade Winds]

Also, if you weren't there yesterday, basically go to the big pool where all the human scum is. The map makes it out to be a big place, but it isn't. There's basically one spot where everyone swims.

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[LokiLove]

Darn, my mom yelled at me again so I won't be able to go at all D: But I hope you all have a lot of fun :D

[Trade Winds]

That's ok, we were all tired and left around noon anyway

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Firemaid]

Are y'all out there today?
Should I come?

[Trade Winds]

We all left early today, so we are gone

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Mary Marine]

Now that's I've recovered from the nearly 6 hour drive home, here's the Pod of Texas 2014 Meet Up recap:

Swamptail aka Mystery and I arrived at Krause Springs right when it opened at 9. We were joined shortly by Camaroshelby, Pickles, SweeteSiren, Kaila, and her mertender. The springs were chilly and the water was murky, but the location was beautiful! Lots of green ferns and moss, it looked like a cross between a rainforest river and a swamp. There was even a small cave behind a tiny waterfall, although waterfall is a bit too generous a word and the cave was full of sticks that liked to float in your face. That's why mermaids are always sitting on rocks combing their hair, BTW, it's to get the sticks and seagrass out. I think there are about a million photos of us posing on those rocks under the baby waterfall.

We had a good few hours before the springs got busy. The afternoon crowd was big, so we moved around from one area to another for swimming and photos. Kaila's mertender bravely sprained/bruised/maybe broke a toe in the line of duty while the rest of us scooted around and scrapped the shiny off our tail butts. Any time someone took off a tail they were immediately pressed into service to get food from the car, take photos, apply sunscreen, ect. Occasionally innocent human bystanders were asked to toss things to us. We learned that cereal makes excellent mermaid food, like when you go to the zoo and get a cup full of pellets for .25 to feed the koi, so thanks to Mystery for bringing the big box of crunch berries!

There was a lot of cool wild life there (other than us). There was a really chill, really lazy turtle on the bank that even let Pickles pet it, an annoying bluegill fish that was attracted to my shiny tail and bit my finger, lots of dragonflies and damselflies have sex, and some giant fishing spiders by the cave. At one point while we were all on the bank a water moccasin popped out of the rocks next to us and kinda fell into the water. It was probably trying to slither, but the rocks were too steep and there were people everywhere it turned, so instead it kinda just spazzed its way to the water. It was the fastest, yet most uncoordinated snake I'd ever seen. Even the woman whose face it nearly ran into was laughing at it.

After 7 hours of swimming we left the springs and regrouped at Pickles' and SweeteSiren's hotel for, yes, more swimming...but first pizza! While waiting for the pizza I asked questions for my mermaid news article and we got fantastically off topic. We played with waterproof make-up and hair clips, gorged on pizza, then invested the hotel pool. Seriously, that water was cloudy when we got out, I think we had a gallon of silt from the springs in our tails. We took underwater photos in the (relatively) clear pool water and completed to see who could make the biggest fin splash (Pickles won, no surprise, her tail has a competitor), much to the amusement of some children watching us from the windows.

Since Krause Springs had been so awesome, we decided to meet their again the next day instead of trying to figure out of Hamilton had reopened. We met back up at the springs this morning, but the water was a little colder and we were all a bit tired from the day before. We swam for as along as we could stand the chill, then ended up beaching ourselves like seals to snack and warm up. Shelby and I wimped out pretty early, but Kaila stuck in that cold water and practically had the spring to herself. Pickles, SweeteSiren, and Mystery ended up on the other side of the springs were no one was swimming because it looks like a scary swamp full of tentacle grass. The water was MUCH clearer and a little warmer, though. We didn't stay as long as yesterday though, since the sun wasn't out and the water was colder.

All and all it was a blast, we are definitely doing this again next year! Maybe even a second meet up somewhere else before the summer ends???

[Blaze]

Cannot wait to see photos! Sadly my weekend was a bit of a bust; wish I had headed south instead of north!

[Mary Marine]

Sorry to hear that Blaze. Swamptail and I are already taking about maybe holding a second meet up before the summer's over, but in the DFW area this time, so hopefully you'll be able to make that one.

[Trade Winds]

Yes, we def need a dfw meet!!!! Even if it only a few of us.

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Blaze]

Sorry to hear that Blaze. Swamptail and I are already taking about maybe holding a second meet up before the summer's over, but in the DFW area this time, so hopefully you'll be able to make that one.

Yes please!

Actually I have a great idea!! I'm part of people organizing a benefit for one of our burlesque community who has been stricken with cancer. We actually have the FOE pool (Named THE BEST pool in Dallas by the Dallas Observer) http://www.dallasobserver.com/bestof/2010/award/best-pool-1929878/

The pool party is two days; August 16 & 17th. Not only can we all meet up at a beautiful pool it will benefit someone who really needs it!

[Trade Winds]

I like the idea!! Buuut I am not really a pool person, let alone one who likes sharing small water bodies. I need freshwater!

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Blaze]

Well I'm already going to be there so whoever wants to come can. :D I'd totally be game for another meetup too but I just don't know where there are options for freshwater.

[Trade Winds]

Sure, we could do two meets! For freshwater, even though it's murky, we have Joe Pool, Burger, Eagle Mountain, and Grapevine Lakes off the top of my head. Not sure of any spring areas in DFW.

[deletedaccount]

It was wonderful, I had an amazing time and we all made some great friends. I'm uploading pictures soon, anyone who wants the pics, send me your email!

[deletedaccount]

and Blaze, that sounds great! I'll do my best to make it

[Blaze]

and Blaze, that sounds great! I'll do my best to make it

:thumbs up:

I will post reminders as we get closer.

Now you all better post some pics soon!

[deletedaccount]

K, I am sending some pics by e-mail to those of you who have provided one. You are welcome to post the ones you like up on here :)

[Trade Winds]

We should set a date for the next meet before anything. I need to know a month in advance if I want to take off work.

[Blaze]

Looking at my calendar starting over a month out I have the weekends of July 26 & 27 and August 9 & 10 or 23 & 24 currently open. Lola's party at the FOE is the 16 & 17 of July.

[Trade Winds]

If we decide to do anything in July, I need to know by June 28 if I want a Saturday off.

[deletedaccount]

Did everyone get the pictures that wanted them?

[Blaze]

No one wants to post any photos? :(

[Trade Winds]

There are a ton of pix but I don't like posting my face online :P

[Mermaid Pickles]

I dunno why not. You're adorabubbles!

[deletedaccount]

Guess that's why she's mystery haha. Shame, we're all so cute together :)

[Mermaid Pickles]

I know, right?

[Trade Winds]

I showed my coworkers the pix. They love them!!! But one of them said we're all so pale. LOL!!!

[Blaze]

*taps fingertips on desk hoping someone has a FEW share-able pictures...* :gah:

[Trade Winds]

Give me your email and I could share my Dropbox? I don't like my face on the net and one of the other mers has stalker issues (I hope you don't mind me mentioning that o_O). I don't like posting faces without permission and no one has said anything lol (aside from the obvious ones with their faces in their profile).

Sent from my LG-D520 using Tapatalk

[Naufra]

Could I get the pictures, too? I'll pm you my email for dropbox.

[Kaila Mermaid]

I didn't get any of the pictures... I just now was able to get back on mernetwork. Yay no internet

[Trade Winds]

Kaila, did you and (ummmm, what's his name again?) your pirate take not-cell-phone camera pix?

[Kaila Mermaid]

No :/ didn't have a camera. Could you possibly email me the pictures Shelby took? I never got them. I can text you my email, but my phone won't let me PM