Bearly Live 2008

[Mimi]

Merci beaucoup Sherpa !

Everyone has said it all about this amazing gathering! You really rock Sherpa! Heard Arm was a helping hand in organizing this extra fun party weekend. Merci beaucoup pour autant de plaisir!

Saturday's hike with DaveM & Brenda on Baldfaces was a fantastic day journey!

 

[dr_wu002]

I had a bunch of fun people at my site, Stevo, Hui Yeng, JayH and many visitors.... Great to have Darren & Carmel as neighbors and meeting them for the first time along with lots of other new faces for me. Gillian, Dani, Dave Metsky, and other neighbors. Nice to meet Arm's Dad visiting from Florida.

Uh Oh. Before I start hearing about any rumors supposedly associated with me, I'd like to state -- unequivocally -- that I actually wasn't even at Bearly Live this past weekend: I sent a stand-in, the one that I usually send to "fun" events (because I am incapable of fun and am serious all the time). The arrangement is that my stand-in has the "fun" for me and then reports back, usually with a series of witty essays for me to read, so that I can live out the fun and enjoyment sort of vicariously in a second hand kind of way. Apparently he had too much "fun" and will not be employed any more by me for any future events such as this one. I have a reputation to maintain.

-Dr. Wu

 

[Mats Roing]

Neil, are you referring to the one wearing glasses & drinking lots of Heineken from a portable keg?

I think that might have been a mirage (like a few other things this weekend ). When I did an inventory Sunday afternoon, more than half the mini-keg was still there......maybe 100 people Saturday night.....looks like there is a need for switch to another brand

A couple of other comments regarding the weekend:

* Great to see Darren and Carmel for the first time. Darren - you've touched many, many peoples lives with your VFTT initiative!
* It says a lot of Sherpa's personality when all the neighbors are fully supporting this mega-party event and they all chip in and helps out with the preps etc.
* On the way back we stop by a gas station 15 miles down route 26 and I have the BL T-shirt. The cashier asks with excitement in her voice: "Did you guys go to Barely Live? I so wanted to go but I didn't know anyone there!" This is just not a hikers event - seems like it's known among the general population as well Skimom and I gave her encouragement to go to next year's event. Not sure how big of a event is desirable........for further expansion it might not be a bad idea to pool some money and buy the campground from the people-skill challenged current owners.

 

[Mad Townie]

Uh Oh. Before I start hearing about any rumors supposedly associated with me . . . -Dr. Wu

Whew! Thanks for the second post, Wu, I was afraid after reading your first that you had sarcasticized yourself all the way around to the other end of your real feelings! But I now see that the real Dr. Wu is still alive and well and with us.

Thanks so much to everyone who came and helped all the musicians have such a good time--even though I doubt anyone had as good a time as we did! The people make the show.

It was an extra "plus" for the Bluffs to be able to finish up early and be audience members for the incredibly talented, amazing Chroma. What a treat for all of us!

It was fantastic to see so many of my old VFTT friends, and just as good to meet folks I hadn't had a chance to be with yet. Views just gets better all the time.

Mats, next time you have to TELL US where the keg is!!! Oh, and like I said, after a certain point you don't care how dorky you look, as long as you're comfortable.

It's grand to see all you northerners (well, not to some of us) and westerners enjoying our Maine mountains. I was pleased to be able to introduce Abster and Derek to one of the best kept secrets in New England: a short hike to ledges covered with blueberries and revealing views from Pleasant Mountain all the way past Chocorua and many of the 4K's to a wonderful, layered presentation of the mountains of Evans Notch, with the Carter Range behind them and the Prezzies behind them. Had a fine, relaxing day and got back in plenty of time to be ready to hit the keys at 6 or so. Hikes, views, brews and muse (ic). Hard to beat a weekend like that!

First off I want to thank Sherpa Kroto for putting this event on. I realize that there are a number of people helping without whom the event wouldn't have run smoothly or not run at all. But SherpaK is the main man

Dr. Wu has it right. Sherp puts everything he has into this event, and we all owe him a huge "THANK YOU!!!" He arranged for the "facilities" (including the Man Tree ; he made it possible for Chroma to be there, and for musicians Joe Farren and Joe Rego and Otter to be there, too; he provides a practice space in his basement for the Bluffs; he makes sure there's peace up and down the lake so that we can do this without being raided by the police for too much loud music; he and Elle open their camp, as well as their hearts, to all of us; he provides all those impresario services that none of the rest of us have a clue about; he's the producer, the director, the publicist, the announcer, the singer, the drummer, the stage crew--and the cleanup crew, too. He takes all the stresses on himself so that the rest of the band can come in, plug in and play. All of us old wannabe rock musicians get to achieve our dreams thanks almost entirely to SherpaKroto, and there's no way we can ever thank him anywhere near as much as he deserves. You're the greatest, dude.

 

[HuiYeng]

Thanks Sherp and everyone who made this wonderful weekend happened!!

So good to see you all and meeting many new (to me) people, Suzanne, Danny, Nate, Jean, Ashley, Derek, Shizzy's GF, Mike, Christine, Arm senior and especially Darren and Carmel, the hottest VFTT couple! Darren, your fake Hawaiian accent was hilarious.

Saturday hike to Old Speck with the awesome fun group of people was just way over the top. The views from the fire tower was awesome, but best of all was being with this fun and carefree gang of friends. I think Rachel summed it up the best, that was "the longest short hike" ever. What's the hurry when you're having fun goofing around. Wu, sorry that we polluted your innocent mind, our bad!

 

[donna]

Ditto, Ditto for me too. Special thanks to SherpaK & Elle for hosting a great party and special thanks to Darren for VFTT....and special thanks to the entire Bluff's Band...you all rock.

That was the best time I ever had in my whole life!

 

[una_dogger]

* Great to see Darren ... for the first time. Darren - you've touched many, many peoples lives with your VFTT initiative!
* .
.

I'll second that!

This is such a great community, its no surprise that Bearly Live was an amazingly wonderful event.

Maybe the real Wu can come next year....

 

[giggy]

That was the best time I ever had in my whole life!

I gotta be honest, you might be right

- I think it was in the top 2 to 3 lifetime for partying events - maybe top 1 - and I have done some serious partying over the years.

yep - it was that good.

 

[Neil]

That was the best time I ever had in my whole life!

It was because of the Canadian hunks wasn't it?

 

[Mats Roing]

I gotta be honest, you might be right

- I think it was in the top 2 to 3 lifetime for partying events - maybe top 1 - and I have done some serious partying over the years.

yep - it was that good.

There is a reason no one dares to post any pictures from the event

 

[David Metsky]

There is a reason no one dares to post any pictures from the event

Beside the court order, you mean?

 

[Dave Bear]

Sherpa Kroto for President! Damn it, we need someone that can make things happen!!! You and Elle are the best and know how to bring out the very best in people with your magnetic charm! You even managed to get the sun to come out and play on an over all rainy vacation week. It was a great way to have some of my family come and meet this fun bunch and truly understand why we have such great comradery in the hiking community! They may have seemed low key but they honestly had a great time. It was great to see everyone, meet some new people and enjoy a excellent jam!

Even squeaked in my first Maine hike with a terrific bunch that like to enjoy the path and the peak!

Big time THANKS!!! to all that contributed to such a great time especially the ultimate host and hostess! If you folks ever need a favor or in any way we can help out please just say the word!

Got a few pics to post when I get a chance later.

 

[HikerAmiga]

This is starting to sound like a broken record, but it's true--this event was simply awesome!!

For me personally highlights were:

- the weather couldn't have been nicer!
- my tentsite was very woodsy and private!
- my tentsite mate, DaveBear, was the best company I could ask for
- the bands were just superb! So great I couldn't keep still dancing to the music!
- our Rumford White Cap hike had great views and tons of blueberries to snack on--THANKS Peakbagger and TJ!
- overall extremely relaxing and fun atmosphere
- it was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones

Thanks Sherpa and Elle!! Your generosity with this event is soooo appreciated!

Ohhhh, almost forgot... I met a very handsome gentleman from Florida named Armand that I sooo enjoyed talking to but alas...he is already taken!! (None other than Arm's very distinguished dad! )

 

[UNFROZENCAVEMAN]

Reading all of the above has me saying: Yup, yup yup, yup, yup, I agree! WICKED GOOD TIME 'K!

 

[donna]

It was because of the Canadian hunks wasn't it?

I definitely enjoyed checking out the Canadian hunks for sure.

And by the way, didn't I say, "what happens at site 6 stays at site 6"? Where are the rest of you Canadians that remember hearing that?

 

[Seeker]

While I fear this may sound redundant--THANKS SHERPAK AND ELLIE!

The Grey Knobs RULED. What a pleasure to hear you gents--being in the groove like that in such a great setting--the BEST. Croma were a real treat--when they started into A Go Go by John Scofield, I knew it was gonna be good. My BIGGEST regret was getting to the party too late to hear Funky Freddie--both nights!! This is a lesson to me to pay more attention to who is playing and when!

I couldn't have had a more wonderful day on the Baldfaces with Mimi and my best bud. Lots of great conversation; oodles of blueberries; and views from the approach, sides and tops. Perfect.

Great to see you Darren (and Carmel too!). I'd forgotten how copulating hilarious you are. I'll never be able to see the letter "L" on a piece of clothing without cracking up. The earth is now back on it's axis with you home.

I had a wonderful time at my first Bearly Live.

 

[Abster]

Thank You Sherpa and Elle!!

This was the first year I have made it to this gathering and I'm so happy I did! It was great to see so many folks that I haven't seen in a while and meet some new ones - Neil, Carmel, Darren, Leaf, Mimi, Juniper, Darl, and so on

Music was fantastic!

Thanks for everything!

Hanna

 

[Carmel]

thank you so much to the whole sherpa family (sherpa, mrs. sherpa, and sherpette)...

thanks guys! i had WAY too much fun!

it was great to meet all the new people too, I've heard a lot of the names and seen the posts, but it was great to meet you all. darren and i are pretty out of the loop between travel for work and broken legs!

i keep on hearing and reading about how funny darren is. please everyone, do me a big favor...DO NOT ENCOURAGE HIM!!!

BTW, is there a reason girls go out with guys other than the entertainment factor? (jk)

i actually can't wait to see the pictures...i'm still in the process of trying to figure out what happened all weekend...i think it might just help!

thanks again to everyone for the good time...hope to see ya soon!

carm

 

[Neil]

Dear Donna,

Do you have an in-focus picture to use for an avatar somewhere on your 'puter?

Just wondering.

-Canadian gentleman Neil.

 

[Gillian]

Thanks!!!

Thanks so much Sherpa and Elle for putting up with us again this summer! It was great to see everyone and we couldn't have asked for a better weekend of hiking and partying with awesome fun friends. Thanks to the bands for great entertainment - hope our dancin' attempts didn't put you off too much Sherpa the weather you ordered was perfect

I think some of you may have noticed I took a few pics....

Old Speck:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gillian.gould/OldSpeckBearlyLive08

The Party!:

http://picasaweb.google.com/gillian.gould/ThePartyBearlyLive08