What?: An excuse to get together with a bunch of other beer drinkers in the great outdoors. Most of us have participated in indoor tastings; why not move things to a large group campsite with a picnic shelter and fire circle? Instead of having to get home after the tasting, you can just crawl into your sleeping bag.

Where?: Deception Pass State Park

http://www.visitwhidbey.com/camp-grounds/Deception-Pass-State-Park.html

This is one of Washington’s most popular state parks. Plenty of hiking trails, beaches, kayaking, boat tours, fishing, old growth forest and scenery to keep you busy during the day. Anacortes Brewery, Flyers Brewery, La Conner Brewery, Skagit River Brewing and Diamond Knot are all easy visits on a trip up to Deception Pass as well.

When?: Saturday, September 19, 2009. We could also rent the group site for Friday night if people are interested in going up a day early.

What to Bring?: Whatever you want. I’ll reserve the campsite, but after that everyone is on their own as to what gear, food and beer they bring. Please bring some bottles/growlers to share (kegs aren’t allowed…but if you bring one I’m sure no one will tell). Everyone obviously won’t be able to taste every beer that is opened if we have a good amount of people. Bring your favorite beers, great camping beers, something special, or some good homebrew. Lanterns, coolers, cups and firewood would also be useful. If you play a campfire instrument, feel free to bring it along and play for us all. I’ll be bringing my set of bocce balls. Any other drinking sports (horse shoes, bags, washers, etc…) are encouraged.

What Will the Weather Be Like?: Average high of 64 degrees and low of 47 degrees that time of year. Great camping weather, if it stays dry. If it rains, we will have the picnic shelter to use. I’ll also have a canopy tent, and I’m guessing others might as well.

Who Will Be There?: Whoever enjoys good beer. It might be 5 of us, or it might be 50 of us. First come, first serve basis. Feel free to invite friends, family, beer geeks and significant others.

Campsite Details: I have Group Campsite #1 reserved.
Max of 50 people.

At least one fire pit

2 barbeques for charcoal use

Picnic shelter and tables

5 tent pads

2 adirondacks – three sided sleeping shelters that sleep 16 people total

15 car parking spots (more parking available away from the site)

Vault toilet (full service toilet in general campgrounds)

No amplified music (probably fine if someone brings a small battery powered radio and cds/IPOD etc...)

Pets allowed, but must remain on leash.

+21 only

How Much Will It Cost?: The cost to reserve the campsite was $133. We will split the cost evenly between those of us that attend.

How to Reserve a Spot?: Register at http://beergeekcampout09.eventbrite.com and email me at geoff.kaiser@brewingnews.com with the number of spots you’d like to reserve and names of people. Max 50 people.