SUSTAINING MEMBERS ONLY: GayOutdoors Gathering Weekend

If you missed it, then you missed the passion, camaraderie and magic of another great GO Gathering in southern New Hampshire, held August 3-5, 2018.

I think I enjoyed this GO Gathering more than any of the others! Admittedly, this is fresh in my mind but the past few have been held at Branch Brook so perhaps it’s because it was a new campground. I think having a GO Gathering at a men’s only campground makes for a better time.

The gathering, a reunion and homecoming event for gay outdoor enthusiasts everywhere, is held to celebrate the holistic benefits of gay men being active in the natural world. Just the fact that we're still having GO Gatherings and having so much fun after 19 years speaks for itself!  

We all came from distant points, hurrying along to arrive as soon as possible to enjoy the surroundings of southwestern New Hampshire and to meet new and familiar faces once more. Jon and I have never been to MountainSide before and found the entire campground FABULOUS!!! From the open fields providing views extending for miles to the cute accommodations in cottages, bunkhouse, vintage campers, cabins, screen houses, horse trailers and lean-to’s, the campground was perfect for GayOutdoors members. Dave was so charming greeting everyone and personally walking everyone to their site. We give a bug hug to both Dave and Mike for helping us have the GO Gathering run so smoothly! SMOOCHES!!!  

Everyone began arriving in mid-afternoon to late evening. Waves of thunderstorms arrived after 4PM. After checking in with Dave and Mike, and setting up their gear, guys chatted by the canteen. Some of the guys who were planning on tenting asked if there were any indoor accommodations and Dave gladly assisted to find something suitable.

MountainSide was our base. The campground was beautifully maintained, bathrooms clean with highly pressurized showers, and offered many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Sustaining members brought over snacks to share at the Canteen and then the GO Gathering got into full swing with the start of the Beer Blast Friday evening. At the Beer Blast, we brought a six-pack of our favorite local craft brew to share with others. Some of us pitched in a bottle of wine. Out of all the local brews I tasted, Plum Island was my favorite. We had so much beer that it lasted all weekend!

Mike turned on some background music. At the start, there was a downpour so we lit up the Tiki Torches that provided a soft, ambient light. The evening was a mix of socializing, entertaining and meeting other GO members. I noticed a lot of new faces as well as a great many GO Gathering veterans. I take that as a sign of a healthy and vibrant community that is developing its own tradition and history while looking outward and evolving.

Around 9PM, the rain had stopped so Dave said, “Let’s try a campfire?” We stocked up the fire pit with wood Jon and I brought and Dave skillfully lit up the fire. Mike tended the campfire during the night.

Saturday early morning was overcast and very hot and humid. After a relaxing breakfast in camp, everyone joined Jon and me to a Kilburn Pond Hike/Swim. Click Here For Trip Report.  

I particularly enjoyed Saturday’s Potluck where the culinary outdoor talents of our members were in full display! I was just amazed how great all the dishes were...and this was put together in a campground. This rivaled any of the potlucks I've been at that were cooked indoors! Dishes included grilled chicken sausage with onions/peppers, salmon, Italian pasta dish with mussels, chicken pot pie, chicken breasts/wings, delicious pasta dishes, summer salads, and desserts. Gay men sure know how to cook!

In all the excitement, we forgot to take a group picture. Next year!

We enjoyed gazing at a beautiful sunset. Jon and I lit up a couple of Sky Lanterns that stayed afloat high into the sky for easily 5 minutes. Mike set up this huge bonfire while we looked up at thousands of stars above. Later in the evening, Jon and I shot off a bunch of fireworks that everyone enjoyed.

Sunday we focused on packing and heading home however some of us went to Rock River since it was such a beautiful day! This was a fun weekend with an amenable group of GO members.  Most of us had never met before. Some kindled new friendships.

Great ideas were exchanged by our sustaining members during the weekend to improve the Gay Outdoors network. The GO Gathering certainly lived up to the GayOutdoors slogan, "Making New Gay Outdoorzy Buddies in a Safe and Comfortable Atmosphere!" It provided a fun and safe venue for a group of strangers to bond together, share their passion for the outdoors, and meet others to plan/run future outdoor activities for the gay community in their local area. From the feedback I received, it appears that almost everyone will be returning at next year’s GO Gathering.

Mark your calendar! It will be held the first weekend in August in 2019!

The 19 year-old Gay Outdoors network has been dedicated to helping gay, bisexual and straight male outdoor enthusiasts meet each other online to participate in outdoor activities run by volunteers who post them in its activities calendar, find the latest news of interest to the gay outdoors community, learn about where to go, what gear to buy and how to get started in outdoor activities. It all leads to a safe, healthy and positive lifestyle!

Thanks to all of us that signed up and participated! We had extra money and will be donating $125 to GayOutdoors. We had a fun and relaxing time. Hope to see you on our other trips real soon!

Mike and Jon                 

Join us for a weekend retreat at MountainSide campground in Hinsdale, NH; a private natural setting nestled in the hills of Southern New Hampshire!

MountainSide is perfect to spend a leisurely weekend without having to break the bank! We have special pricing for this weekend. Tenting is $20 per night for singles and $35 for couples; plus a $10 event fee to pay for the social events held during the weekend. How’s that for a deal!  

MountainSide offers a variety of lodging options, from campsites and campers, to a bunk house and cabins. RV’s are also welcome, without hook ups. For tenting, we’ll be given a choice of tent sites to share with other members: Indian Pipe, Site #12, Site #11 Tres Bon, Orchard, Hillside and Back 40. Additional charges will apply if you choose another option besides tenting.

MountainSide is a men's only campground in beautiful Hinsdale, NH, just across the river from Brattleboro, VT. The campground will be closed for the weekend for our exclusive use! Please note that the campground will NOT be clothing-optional this weekend.

The campground is a small horse farm with rolling hay fields, a large wooded area, a house, a barn and several buildings, including a guest house and bunkhouse.  A large grassy tent area overlooks the southern mountains of Vermont and offers colorful sunsets.  The owners, Dave and Mike, have been longtime GO members and are excited about having our camping weekend at their campground. ONLY SUSTAINING MEMBERS WHO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE CLUB CAN JOIN US.

The campground has private restrooms with hot showers. Everyone is responsible for their own trash so don’t forget to bring your trash bags. The campground will take your recyclables, glass and cans only.

The Canteen is the ideal location for meals and our Saturday night potluck. It’s a covered area with 6 or 7 picnic tables, gas grill, gas stove/oven, wood pellet smoker, sink, and small refrigerator. Coffee [with cream/sugar] will be provided Saturday and Sunday at 7AM but you’ll need your own coffee mug.

Meals: You are on your own with regard to meals. There is a gas grill at the canteen; however it cannot accommodate everyone so bring your own camping stove/grill. There are many reasonably-priced restaurants in the Hinsdale/Brattleboro area should you wish to dine out.  

MountainSide is very “dog friendly” so bring your pet! Please let the owner know when you register that you are bringing your dog.

The popular gay nude swimming areas Rock River and Ledges/Harriman Reservoir is a short half hour ride which is perfect on a warm summer day!

Many trails are located on the property, as well as adjoining State Forest preserves. You can hike many locations from MountainSide. Activities in the area includes hiking/swimming at nearby Kilburn Pond and Pisgah State Park, a climb up to Wantastiquet or hike up to Daniels Mountain from the campground; a 2.5 hour hike. Madame Sherri Forest is nearby with a variety of hiking trails to explore. You can hang out at the campground playing bocce ball with other campers, throwing a Frisbee, or relax in the sun. Mountain bikes are welcome – they have many mountain biking trails. There is a ‘rec-hall’ with a pool table and table tennis.

There will be several outdoor activities posted for the weekend – and they will be posted as separate events on the website. Jon and I plan on running an easy hike/swim excursion to pristine Kilburn Pond at Pisgah State Park on Saturday. We encourage members to lead an outdoor activity. We have some trip ideas. You may have an activity that you would love to share with other members such as hiking & swimming excursions, biking, paddling, bocce ball tournament, morning yoga sessions, etc. We can help you organize it or pair you off with an experienced trip leader to co-lead the trip if you are a little nervous about doing it yourself. Please post your event at the website and make note that it is part of the NH GO Gathering.

Social Events:

Evening activities is where members can relax and socialize with everyone else.

Friday Night Beer Blast at the Canteen 7PM: We’ll start off the weekend on Friday night with our traditional Beer Blast beside a communal bonfire. Bring a six pack of your favorite local craft beer to share in our communal coolers and sample what everyone else brought! We’ll have name badges and it’s a great way to meet the gang.

Saturday Night Potluck at the Canteen 6:30PM: On Saturday night, bring something tasty to the potluck to share with all campers. Please focus on main dishes since we usually have so many appetizers and dessert that it gets thrown away; packaged food usually does not eaten.

Saturday Night Fireworks: After the potluck, it's relax time watching the sunset into the breathtaking hills of Vermont, party with a bonfire and later on, FIREWORKS!!!

Reservations:

You must be a SUSTAINING MEMBER and first RSVP on this page. You will have to pay a $10 event fee separately. Make your check payable to GO and mail it to 676 Upper Mad River Road, Thornton, NH.  This fee is for the ice in the Beer Blast coolers, firewood, potluck accessories and fireworks; any unspent money will be donated to GayOutdoors.

In order to reserve your camping site, book directly with Dave the owner, by calling 603-398-7871 or through their website. Be sure to mention GO Gathering. Before accepting your RSVP, he will first verify that you have signed up on this page and that you are a SUSTAINING MEMBER. You can let Dave know your preference for a tenting site or he can choose one for you. If you prefer to upgrade to one of the campers/cabins or in the bunk house; or you have an RV, discuss this with Dave when you register. A deposit is not required but you will be asked to pay onsite when registering with either cash, check or PayPal; credit cards not accepted.

Check in on Friday is between 2-10PM. You must check in at the campground no later than 10:00PM Friday night. Dave and Mike will make sure you get checked-in at registration and find the perfect site for your camping needs. These guys do a fantastic job and deserve a nice pat on the butt!

You are encouraged to reserve as soon as possible since the weekend is limited to 40 people.

Never been camping? Never been to a GO Gathering? Have any questions? Post a comment and a fellow member will be happy to reply!

This is such a great event and we look forward to being with our GO sustaining members this August!