When: Thursday, 24 July, 2008 - Sunday, July 27, 2008
Where: Lewis and Clark Environmental Learning Center, southwestern Washington
How much: $25.00/person for the entire weekend; otherwise contact Lupa or Erelin.

Company of Others is happening again! We had such a great time in 2007 that we went ahead and reserved the campground again for this year! Now, for those of you who decided you didn't want to sleep in the weeds and bugs last year, never fear--Lewis and Clark ELC features a 25-bunk large cabin with a full industrial kitchen and two refrigerators, tons of dishes, and bathrooms and showers. The cabin is heated by a woodburning stove surrounded by comfy chairs and couches. You won't be roughing it at all. However, for those who prefer the great outdoors there's plenty of room for camping in the lovely Washington state wilderness, surrounded by Douglas firs, ferns, and a local farm cat who came by to visit last year. There are some walking trails near by, and it's a lovely piece of land.

We have, as of 9 February, 2008, applied for an alcohol permit. If you bring alcohol, it must be purchased in Washington state (by state law) so make sure you have your receipt. However, this is not a get drunk and fucked up event; last year it was pretty sedate, but we had some awesome conversations. So we expect social drinking, but this isn't going to be a wild party.

Click here for the latest developments on workshops!

If you want to present a workshop, feel free to let us know!

Here are the directions to get to Lewis and Clark ELC:

From I-5 in Washington, take exit #68 and head east on 12 (left if you're coming from Seattle, right if from Portland).

Go app. 2 1/2 miles down 12 until you get to the stoplight at the Chevron station at Mary's Corner. Turn right at the light onto Jackson Highway.

Go a little over 2 miles down Jackson Highway into the park. Lewis and Clark ELC will be on your left just after the tiny park office. There's a sign there that says "Camp Lewis and Clark - Registered Guests Only Past This Point". It's a big brown wood building with green metal roofing and a bunch of picnic tables out front. Parking is around back.

Lodging details: The link up above says "No reservations". However, that's for the main part of the camp. We're having the gather at the the Lewis and Clark Environmental Learning Center, which has already been reserved by us. The ELC has indoor capacity with bunks for 24 people, and outdoor for an additional 26 people in tents (bring your own tent, of course). Earlier registrations get bunks UNLESS YOU SPECIFY YOU WANT TO CAMP OUT INSTEAD. You can always email us to find out about current availability. The ELC does have kitchen utensils and dishes; beds or cots; tables and chairs; cleaning supplies; paper towels and toilet paper. However, you will have to provide your own food, toiletries (we do have showers on site), bedding and sleeping bags (indoors or out). You'll probably also want to bring a flashlight or two (and extra batteries if necessary), and rain gear if the weather is inclement--in other words, standard camping gear. We'll bring the dishwashing supplies for folks to use and a first aid kit. Neither of us really has the room to tote an entire load of firewood (you can't take wood from the park) so if you really, really want a fire in the fire ring feel free to bring some wood with you.

Here are the official rules and regulations of Washington State Parks.

Registration and Refunds: You may preregister via Paypal. $25.00/person, click the button below (registers one person at a time):

Preregistering (paid in full) secures you a spot at the gather; please include with your payment your legal name as well as how you prefer to be known and contact information. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver form upon arrival; refusing to do so will get you removed immediately, and we will refund you when we get home. If you'd like to fill it out ahead of time and bring it with you, click here for a printable form

You may also contact us via email to find out where to mail a check or money order. Paypal also has an echeck feature which works quite nicely.

Dropping in at the last minute: If there are any spaces left, you're welcome to join us. Do contact us by Wednesday, 23 July, 2008 to find out what sort of room we have left. You will, of course, have to pay registration and provide/sign a waiver upon arrival, but after that you're good to go. The chances of us actually hitting a head count of 50 aren't that great, but hey--you never know who'll come out of the woodwork!

Minors: Folks under the age of 18 are allowed only when accompanied by written permission from a parent or legal guardian, which may be viewed and printed out here..

Need a ride? Join our Yahoo group to find folks to rideshare with. This includes anyone who wants to be here badly enough that you're willing to fly here from far-off places.

Play nice: Common sense--don't be a jackass. (Unless you're a donkey therian, of course!) If there's someone at the gather you happen to dislike, just ignore them. If you need to bitch about someone, come find Lupa, Taylor or Erelin. First offense, and everyone involved will have to sit and talk about it until we come to a resolution. Second offense, we start throwing people out--we reserve the right to have anyone removed from the premises for any reason. (However, the reasons will most likely be things like breaking park regulations or consistently harassing other attendees.)

If you have any questions, contact Lupa or Erelin

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