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River Rally FAQs
You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
The following questions and answers have been compiled based upon our experience of organizing this national event. If you are in need of an answer not found on this page, please contact Katherine Luscher. She may not have the answer, but she'll do her best to find it for you, or make up a really good one.
Transportation | General | Lodging/Roommates | Meals | Field Trips/On-Site Activities & Facilities | Business Center/InternetTransportation
Q: What is the closest airport to River Rally 2007?A: Portland International Airport (PDX) is the closest airport to Stevenson; assuming you don't get lost (which is pretty hard to do in a gorge), it is approximately 42 miles from point to point.
Q: Do you have directions to Skamania?A: Located just 45 minutes from Portland, Oregon, Skamania Lodge is easily accessible. For detailed directions, visit Directions to Skamania Lodge.
Q: Will shuttles from the Portland airport be available?A: All Rally attendees who need a shuttle from the Portland airport to the Rally site must make shuttle reservations.
Shuttle costs are not covered by River Rally registration. The cost for the shuttle is $45 per person each way. If you recruit a group of twelve and make the reservation under one name, the fare will be discounted to $40. We've set up an online bulletin board to help you find eleven others interested in joining you on the scenic shuttle ride. Once you have a group of twelve, one of the twelve needs to contact the shuttle company to make the reservation.
River Rally participants can reserve a shuttle to Skamania Lodge by emailing Cascade Executive Services at casexecservices@aol.com or calling (360) 856-6653 (9AM-5PM Pacific only). They request that all bookings be made 48 hours in advance of flight arrival, but will accept the reservation 24 hours in advance. Last minute reservations may entail a long wait for the shuttle.
Q: Will there be shuttles between Bonneville and Skamania?A: Yes, River Network will provide shuttle service between the two facilities. But the schedule won't be every 10 minutes, so Bonneville Hot Springs Resort is particularly suited for people with their own transportation.
General
Q: How can my office or my family reach me at Skamania?A: Skamania has both a toll-free and a direct number to call – (800) 221-7117 or (509) 427-7700.
Q: How should I dress for the conference?A: Dress for the conference is casual - very much so. Some folks to chose to "dress up" (i.e., "River Formal") for the River Heroes' Banquet on Monday evening, but there is no dress-code for any River Rally-related event.
Q: What kind of weather can I expect?A: Plan for rain, but hope for sun. You can expect a wide variety of weather, completely unpredictable or sensible; welcome to the northwest. Average highs in May are 67 degrees; lows are 47 degrees. Average rainfall in May is 4". River Network staff can not be held responsible for any weather that takes place during the conference ... unless it is sunny ... we'll take credit for that.
Q: Should I bring an instrument?A: Yes - if you know how to play it. There are numerous planned and spontaneous opportunities to play music with fellow Rally-goers. And if you have drums or percussion intruments, you'll definitely want to bring them to the Banquet on Monday evening.
Q: Do I have to go to the workshops I selected when registering?A: No - you can go to any workshop you like, regardless of what you may have indicated with your registration. Using a complex mathematical equation - and a very simple process of luck - we use your preliminary selections to gauge interest and place the workshop in the appropriately-sized room.
Q: Can I bring information to display?A: Yes, River Network Partners are each allotted shared table space to display organizational information. However -- folks on average tend to bring too many materials; every year it is embarrassing the amount of paper we throw into the recycling bins. So, please, please plan accordingly. Though your materials are likely very beautiful and informative, not everyone will take them home. If there are materials left over Monday night, pick them up before you leave and take them back home with you. Reduce, reuse recycle. Save some trees. Bring less stuff.
Lodging/Roommates
A: I snore - do I have to pay extra if I need a single room?Q: If you cannot - or are not willing to - share a room, you will be asked to pay for the extra expense.
Q: How are roommates determined?A: Stochastically. If you list a roommate and that roommate lists you, you will be placed together. If not, you'll be placed with another River Rally attendee, and most likely leave with a new friend.
Q: Are there camping or other lodging options nearby?A: The closest camping option is Beacon Rock State Park, 4.8 miles from Stevenson, WA. Cascade Locks, OR and Hood River, OR also offer some alternative lodging options.
Meals
Q: I have dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate me?A: Of course, assuming you give us advanced warning. If you have restrictions beyond those noted with the registration, please contact Susan Schwartz at 503.542.8394.
Q: What's up with Sunday Dinner?A: Sunday dinner is the only meal not included with your River Rally registration; it is "on your own" (meaning you must pay for it, not that you must eat it alone). There are multiple on-site eating options and Stevenson, WA - just a short walk from Skamania Lodge - offers numerous eating options. If you have access to a car, Vancouver, WA, Hood River, OR and Portland, OR offer a wonderful selection of the Northwest's culinary delights. Also, please note that some field trips - but not all - have dinner options built into them. Fear not - you'll be eating!
Q: Is there breakfast on Tuesday morning?A: The last meal covered by your River Rally Registration is Monday's banquet (and oh what a meal it will be). You can, however, purchase breakfast and/or snacks at Skamania on Tuesday morning (afternoon and evening, too.)
Q: What is available for my snacking needs?A: The Gift Shop is open 9 AM-8PM on Friday and Saturday, 9AM-6PM on Sunday –Tuesday. There are also vending machines for candy, snacks and soft drinks on every floor, as well as ice machines. Just a half-mile stroll on sidewalk is the town of Stevenson, where you can choose among a bakery, grocery store, deli and several restaurants.
Q: Where do I go for my morning caffeine fix?A: Each room has a coffee machine, there is a coffee/tea station in the lobby and breakfast is served every day at 7 AM.
Field Trips/On-Site Activities & Facilities
Q: What are the recreational opportunities like?A: Phenomenal. Rafting, hiking, shopping, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, wine-tasting, beer sampling, wildflower walks, waterfall tours, skiing, arts and culture and oh so much more. For a sampling of activities, visit Hood River's webpage.
Q: Can I bring a guest on a field trip?A: Yes. At the time you register online for the River Rally, you may chose to register (and pay for) a guest's attendance on a field trip. Note that your guest's registration - like yours - is also non-refundable. If you would like to add a guest after you have registered, please contact Katherine Luscher at 503.542.8384 or kluscher@rivernetwork.org.
Q: Is there an on-site exercise/spa facility?A: Skamania Lodge offers a full service spa and fitness center. There is also extensive property with lovely walking trails and places to run. Bonneville Hot Springs also offers luxury amenities including pools and a day spa.
Business Center/Internet
Q: Can faxes reach me during the conference?A: Yes, faxes can be sent to the hotel’s Front Desk @ (509) 427-2547 at any time or to the Business Center fax @ (509) 427-2578 during weekday hours from 7 AM-5 PM.
Q: What about Internet access?A: Every guest room has Internet access. The Business Center also has a laptop you may use free for 15 minutes to check your email.
Is there an onsite photocopying service?A: Yes, the Business Center will make copies at $.15/copy for the 1st 100 and $.10/copy over 100.
