HarryWeezer

COD4 came out 8 1/2 years ago. Before that, we were all playing COD2.

What?

What?

Hope your birthday wish comes true and you get a pair. Have a happy...

As will Mrs. Weezer.

Thanks Mule. Have at it!! Appreciate it.

Thanks for sharing buddy. XI became real for me again when you came back!!

Joe Canadian has been removed from the clan on general principles, the welfare of the clan requiring it. Edited: After a 10-minute ban as a member, the XI board voted with 7-6 to return him as a member, on a 5-year probationary status, the welfare of Mrs. Canadian requiring it.

That sucks!

Folks... First motel bombed with incorrect information given by Choice Hotels. But we've done much, much better. How about across the street from the Smoky Mt. Brewery where we're going to get trashed Saturday night? And how about $287.48, out the door, for three nights? You get smashed, and walk 20 feet to your bed. The motel is the Quality Inn Creekside, at 125 Leconte Creek Rd., Gatlinburg, 37738. As per the map below, it's right beside the bar. It's a 4-star by Trip Advisor. Here are the rates: night of Oct. 20 is $74.99; next two nights are $89.99 for a total of $287.48 including tax for Oct. 20-24. If you wish to arrive earlier that week, it will be $74.99 for each night before Thursday, and the same rate should you choose to stay an extra night on Sunday and not leave until Monday. To reserve, call the motel at 865-436-4865, and tell them you're reserving at the XI rate for that weekend. They've booked a block of 40 rooms. But we have until Sept. 17 to get one guaranteed, and at that rate. After Sept. 17, you're on your own. Best bet: don't wait. Book it now. You won't be charged until you check in.

Folks... First motel bombed with incorrect information given by Choice Hotels. But we've done much, much better. How about across the street from the Smoky Mt. Brewery where we're going to get trashed Saturday night? And how about $287.48, out the door, for three nights? You get smashed, and walk 20 feet to your bed. The motel is the Quality Inn Creekside, at 125 Leconte Creek Rd., Gatlinburg, 37738. As per the map below, it's right beside the bar. It's a 4-star by Trip Advisor. Here are the rates: night of Oct. 20 is $74.99; next two nights are $89.99 for a total of $287.48 including tax for Oct. 20-24. If you wish to arrive earlier that week, it will be $74.99 for each night before Thursday, and the same rate should you choose to stay an extra night on Sunday and not leave until Monday. To reserve, call the motel at 865-436-4865, and tell them you're reserving at the XI rate for that weekend. They've booked a block of 40 rooms. But we have until Sept. 17 to get one guaranteed, and at that rate. After Sept. 17, you're on your own. Best bet: don't wait. Book it now. You won't be charged until you check in.

We need someone who has attended other Fests to plan activities. Typical are Go Karts, a gun range, paintball, rope course, etc. and you'll find those at Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. But there's much, much more and folks might like something different. Who wants to take charge of this?

AngryJohnny has also nailed down the River Terrace Resort, also four stars and not that much further away, for $81: https://www.westgatedestinations.com/tennessee/gatlinburg/river-terrace-convention-center

I just reserved and they charged $99 a night. So that's a drink or two.

Folks: The official hotel for XI Fest 2016 is the Econolodge Inn & Suites at the Convention Center, Gatlinburg. It's rated 4 1/2 stars by Trip Advisor: http://tinyurl.com/hc743zx . This is especially useful because for the month of October, the Convention Center right beside it is hosting the Gatlinburg Carftsmen's Fair which features more than 200 artisans from throughout the country. It's been voted one of the most popular events in the Southeastern U.S.: http://www.craftsmenfair.com/ October is the busiest month of the year in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and although they have a minimum 30 rooms available for us, you should get your reservation in as soon as possible. The rooms are $101 per night for either one king, or two queens. This is a very good rate for the busiest month of the year in a major tourist area. Here's how to make your reservation: Call the motel directly at 865-436-7991 and tell them you're reserving under membership number TXC13607. If you don't give them this number, you won't get the rate. As you can see by the following map, the motel is very near the Smoky Mountain Brewery where we'll party the night of Saturday, Oct. 22. The Brewery is a unique venue in that it actually is a brewery, plus a restaurant and premier bar. So you won't have far to crawl. The Brewery will not make a reservation for us - or anyone else. They suggest that several folks arrive early, say about 3 p.m. if the party starts at 5 p.m., and "hold" the space for the rest of us. So we'll need two volunteers to get smashed for the benefit of the rest of us.

We have nailed down the Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg for the Fest 2016 Booze & Crawl: http://tinyurl.com/h3rhveg Now checking ratings and getting group rates for motels in the immediate area. October is the busiest month of the year in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and so room rates are the highest. Nonetheless, we've negotiated some good prices including $100 a night at a four-star. Hope to announce the motel by next week. There will be a primary motel where we'll have 25 rooms available and possibly more if you get reservations in soon, and, a secondary where we'll also have negotiated lower rates for those who wish to wait until later in the year to reserve. Stay tuned; more to come!!!

In some past life you have pissed off a demon who is screwing with you. Keep the faith; you will overcome!!!

If you're familiar with Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and would like to help with finding where we'll stay and party, please have at it and post your recommendations here. We want the motel to be somewhat close to where we'll wine and dine Saturday night so folks can walk back and forth without have to drive (you do NOT want to get a DUI in Tennessee.) And it would be useful if we can walk to most of the attractions - here's an attractions map: http://www.attractions-gatlinburg.com/public/maps/attractions_map/index.cfm We need to make a final determination soon so folks can reserve. For all motels we might consider, you need to check with them to see if they will have a block of rooms available for the specified dates; 23 said they'd like to come and we may have more, so figure around 30 rooms.

Thanks Laszlo. That's my opinion as well. I'm looking at Gatlinburg for the motel and Sat. night beer bash. Gatlinburg's main drag is one attraction after another after another and everything will be within walking distance. Have you been to the Smoky Mountain Brewery? Looking at that as a strong possibility for Sat. night. To All: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are both tourist towns loaded with attractions and about 8 miles apart. There is cheap public transportation back and forth and to Dollywood. What there IS NOT is any cheap way to get from the Knoxville airport to this area. It's about 40 miles and a taxi is $65 and up. The best way is to simply rent a car at the airport.

"We will be investigating room rates and will determine an official XI motel/hotel but you may wish to book a cabin for the week."