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Want to join a Rail Fest? Here's how


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#1 KevinKorell

KevinKorell

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Posted 14 June 2016 - 11:28 AM

Since 2001 we have had at least 2 RailFests a year, sometimes as many as 3 or 4. In this time we have met many people along the way who have joined our travels on the rails and many have then become regular members of the group on subsequent outings. Each time, I announce the Fest many months ahead of time, which is the green light for potential participants to being making their own travel and hotel plans. For these events I keep several documents to keep track of who is attending, and I also make charts to show where people are positioned in Amtrak sleepers relative to one another, as well as a confidential contact list that includes phone numbers and hotels in the cities we visit. While we always do welcome anybody who wishes to attend all or part of these events, or even show up unannounced as some have done, it is still imperative if you plan ahead to attend a Fest to let me know you are coming. This helps me know how many people we have on each segment of the trip, and it also helps those who give their time to help out with planning meals together in the places we visit so we can give an accurate count to the restaurant.

On our Fests we do not have registration forms, or "committees". Most of the planning is done by me, but then aspects of the trip are brought out to the group and refined as needed based on what the majority of us wish to do. A few select core members also are a big help with planning our dinners. I ask, therefore, that if you wish to join the group at any Fest, you do the following:

1. When the Fest is announced (by this board and by e-mail to those who have participated before), you should e-mail me with your intentions to come, and which of the total days during the span of the Fest you wish to participate (if not all of them).

2. Closer to the time of the trip, when asked for it, and if it applies to you, please e-mail me your Amtrak room information based on the reservations you should have made by that time.

3. About a month before the Fest, I also do a confidential contact listing with hotel choices and phone numbers. This is in case of emergency in the event something unforeseen happens. When asked for it, please e-mail this to me as well.

4. Finally, participate in the discussions about what we will do. Early in the process when Fests are announced, an itinerary is presented that serves merely as an outline what we can do. Then throughout the subsequent process, the itinerary can be taken apart and re-worked to fit the best needs of the group and make things as convenient as possible for everyone. So your input is crucial. Again you can e-mail me; however since this is an online discussion group it is much better that you be a registered member and thus offer your thoughts as to what would work best for us. This includes not only where and when we will ride trains but also our discussions about meals and possibly other activities.

My e-mail address, for those who don't already have it, can be derived simply by clicking on my profile. If you are not a member of this board and cannot see the profiles, it costs nothing to register and join the board.


Kevin Korell


OTOL Board Leader


Lakewood, NJ





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