KansasFest 2012 Report

[Kirk Mitchell <kirkmitchell@gmail.com>]

Yesterday was check-in for KansasFest 2012, and it was a great start!  I'd driven to Wichita to visit  my grandkids, so instead of a 10 hr drive, I arrived fresh after only 3 hrs.  I'm going to plan to do it this way from now on.  

At noon, there were already a lot of folks here, and Ken Gagne handing out T-shirts and program schedules.  The login information for the venues network worked first time, so of course there were a dozen Geeks in the lobby on their computers, or examining the wonders that other participants were hauling into their rooms.  I actually saw 4 Bell & Howell Apple II's!

Of course, it was 103 F, and I've learned to pack light, so I unloaded quickly.  

Since I'm responsible for the Kookout, I had to make a shopping trip to get the perishables that I didn't bring with me, and strange Luddite that I am, I actually trusted the GPS on my iPhone to get me to the store.  Technology is wonderful!

Our resident Aussie, Alex Lukacz helped me haul the goodies back to my room (Thanks!), and I felt free to finally wander the halls, and greeting old and new friends.  Lots of new faces this year!  Podcast celebrities abound, as well as a few I recognize from csa2, and some major players from the Apple IIs prime.

There are a lot of grins shining round the place today!

The highlight of the evening was the trek to Jack Stack for some wonderful BBQ, and since we learned our lesson about attempting to show up there on a weekend and waiting for hours to get in, we scheduled it for a quieter evening, and got right in.  Great food and company.

The more ambitious among us have be decorating their doors (and I have the same total lack of artistic ability as always), or showing off their setups.  

Things will be more active soon, as I get the joy of the Kookout, and standing over the grills in 100 F.  I hope someone remembers to bring me a beer or two while I slave away. B)

Later!