Sheryl wrote: >> George and I considered going, but we aren't NSS members and I found the >> cost prohibitive and couldn't really figure out what I was getting for that >> kind of money. <<
Well, I am an NSS member, and have been since I was 16 years old (40 years). I continue to be a member because caving is the primary interest in my life, but for others their interests include traveling to places other than Alabama, their jobs, hunting, golf, the beach, whatever. I went to the NSS convention, and I consider it money very well spent. For me, it would have been a bargain for more than they charged. Here's what I got for my $130: 6 nights of camping with toilets, hot showers, and security. I left expensive caving gear laying out and it stayed put. An evening at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, which for me included an IMAX movie. For others it included some space-type rides which I heard them talking excitedly about the rest of the week. Bus service from the campground to the school where the sessions were held and to the Spaced and Rocket Center, and back again. You didn't need to drive from the campground. Three good meals: Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. All the beer I could drink two nights. Three different bands. More educational and interesting sessions than I could hope to attend, in an air conditioned facility. A convention guidebook, which would cost at least $15 by itself. A speleo camp which was free, which gave access to some of the finest caves in the USA. A nice banquet in a banquet hall, the likes of which with my job often costs as much as $130 alone. Rubbing elbows with top speleologists from around the world, such as those I met from Ukraine and China. Seeing friends from throughout my life, who I could only see there. Speleo vendors, which gave us the opportunity to spend lots more money. I did so because I like good caving gear and I read caving literature. And much, much more. It was a very good deal for me, but then again, I'm really into caving. Bill Steele TSA Chairman To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to mailto:[email protected] with the following message--unsubscribe cavetex. For help and information go to www.cavetex.net. List administrator: mailto:[email protected]
