Planning Fossil Rim Wildlife Safari Trip - Texas

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

01/24/2004 12:28:21 AM · #1

I mentioned this in another thread (//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=65776) and I thought it may be a good idea to post it separate.

We are planning a safari shoot to Fossil Rim in the spring.

We would like to schedule the guided tour in an open jeep (Hopefully) and the cost is $35.00 a person.

I plan on renting the big lens again for this shoot.

Let me know if you are interested.

//www.fossilrim.com/visiting/guided_tours.php

Possibles so far:

Calvus
Crabappl3
DeafWolf
Glen King

crabappl3

01/24/2004 12:32:05 AM · #2

I'm in! I have my 70-200 VR with 2x teleconverter all ready to go!

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/24/2004 12:46:37 AM · #3

Would love to go but Texas is too far! Hope you guys post pics of it sp we can vicarious live thru them!

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/24/2004 01:04:12 AM · #4

Just could not wait could you :) LOL
That is great!
I will rent the Canon series L 100-400mm IS USM lens again.
We will have a great time!

Originally posted by crabappl3:

I'm in! I have my 70-200 VR with 2x teleconverter all ready to go!

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/24/2004 07:48:31 AM · #5

Keep me informed - it's only a 3 hour drive (I think I've gone native...)

jab119

01/24/2004 08:44:04 AM · #6

I could be interested also. Only about 3 to 4 hour drive for me.

James

Flash

Nikon D700

01/24/2004 11:38:25 AM · #7

Is this related to the other thread regarding the "Spring Meet", and/or could these be incorporated together as part of a 2-3 day event?

01/24/2004 12:12:15 PM · #8

The Spring Texas Meet is being handled by Gordon.

I'm not sure if the two can be handled together or not.

The Safari is going to have to be scheduled well ahead of time I'm sure.
I was planning on calling next week to see what the schedules looked like.

The safari's extended hours (close at 7:30pm) starts in March.
The cafe and stores close at 6:30pm.

Originally posted by Flash:

Is this related to the other thread regarding the "Spring Meet", and/or could these be incorporated together as part of a 2-3 day event?

Brent_Ward

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

01/24/2004 12:56:13 PM · #9

I'm interested. Where exactly is it located? How far from dallas?

I could bring my 300 2.8 and my 500f4 "IS"...I'd share of coarse. ;D

01/24/2004 01:17:28 PM · #10

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth and 75 miles southwest of Dallas, near Glen Rose.

From Dallas:
1. Follow US 67 approximately 3 miles southwest of Glen Rose.
2. Turn south onto County Road 2008 at the Fossil Rim sign.
3. Go 2 miles to the stonework entrance to the Scenic Wildlife Drive which is on the right.

Originally posted by MeThoS:

I'm interested. Where exactly is it located? How far from dallas?

I could bring my 300 2.8 and my 500f4 "IS"...I'd share of coarse. ;D

Glen King

Nikon Coolpix 3100

01/25/2004 06:13:21 PM · #11

Count me in, but let me know dates etc asap. I can't always arrange my work schedule.

01/25/2004 08:14:01 PM · #12

Okay how do we want to try this?
Do we want to try for a weekday or weekend in March?

I like Saturday morning personally. I can rent the large lens and have it back on Monday.

I will call this week and check to see how far we have to schedule this in advance and etc.

crabappl3

01/25/2004 09:21:13 PM · #13

Gates open on a Saturday would be great. Should have good lighting then.

Should be a good group of photographers!

-danny

Originally posted by Calvus:

01/25/2004 11:25:19 PM · #14

I will check on available Saturday mornings in March.
I will figure on the list of names below unless informed otherwise.
If you think you may bring along another guest I will need to know ASAP.
I would not want to crowd the vehicles what with camera equipment and etc. I will check on storage requirements also.

//www.fossilrim.com/visiting/guided_tours.php

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is located 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth and 75 miles southwest of Dallas, near Glen Rose.

From Dallas:
1. Follow US 67 approximately 3 miles southwest of Glen Rose.
2. Turn south onto County Road 2008 at the Fossil Rim sign.
3. Go 2 miles to the stonework entrance to the Scenic Wildlife Drive which is on the right.

List of possible members so far:

DPC Username - Real Name
Calvus-Robin & Penny Holden, Sr
Crabappl3-Danny Shaw
DeafWolf-T.E. Crumpley
Glen King-Glen King
Gordon-Gordon McGregor
jab119-James Benton
MeThoS-Brent Ward

Glen King

Nikon Coolpix 3100

01/26/2004 02:54:23 AM · #15

In March, I can be there on the 20th or the 27th. I will be on vacation and might be in Las Vegas though.

01/26/2004 06:01:00 PM · #16

I sent all of the members listed a PM detailing the infromation I got from Fossil Rim Wildlife Park. Please check you Emails for the PM and reply to me at your earlist convenience.

Edit: I hope all of your PM email addresses are working :)

Details are:

I called Fossil Rim Wildlife Park today and got the following information:

The open van/jeep will hold about 8 people Camera gear would set on the floor next to you.

Tour is rain or shine. They have canvas tops in case of rain (Sides Remain open).

If we need to cancel we have to cancel one day in advance.

The tours cost $35.00 a person
The personal guide/driver costs $50.00 per vehicle - Extra $6.25 per person (8 members).

Costing - counting 8 members, splitting the cost of the driver(s) $50.00 :

$35.00
$06.25
-----------
$41.25 for one vehicle

I had a concern that it may be crowded with camera bags and etc. so I checked on the use of 2 vehicles. We can rent 2 vehicles (4 photographers per vehicle) for an additional $50.00 fee for the 2nd tour guide.

Costing - counting 8 members, splitting the cost of the driver(s) $100.00 :

$35.00
$12.50
-----------
$47.50 per person

March is a very busy time for the wildlife park, April was recommended. All Saturdays in April are available at this time but we need to schedule ASAP:

April 3rd - Palm Sunday is the 4th
April 10th - Easter Sunday iis the 11th
April 17th
April 24th

The list of possible members I have right now is:

Calvus - Robin & Penny Holden, Sr
Crabappl3 - Danny Shaw
DeafWolf - T.E. Crumpley
Glen King - Glen King
Gordon - Gordon McGregor
jab119 - James Benton
MeThoS - Brent Ward

Please Email me and let me know if you still are interested and what Saturday in April you would like to go.

I need an exact count on members and guests ASAP.

Calvus
-Robin

Message edited by author 2004-01-26 18:05:12.

01/27/2004 01:54:40 PM · #17

Presently we have six members confirmed for this trip and it is going to be on Saturday April 24, 2004.

List of members so far:

DPC Username (# on Tour) - Real Name
Calvus (x2)-Robin & Penny Holden, Sr
Crabappl3(x1)-Danny Shaw
Glen King (x1)-Glen King
jab119 (x1)-James Benton
MeThoS (x1)-Brent Ward

Waiting to hear from:
DeafWolf (x1)-T.E. Crumpley
Flash (x2)- Daniel Fegan
Edit - Put Gordon back on the island :)
Gordon (x1)-Gordon McGregor

I want to try to keep this under $50.00 per person.

For six members I will only reserve one van/jeep ($50.00 extra).
Unless everyone decides otherwise.
If we get eight members or more, I will reserve the second van/jeep additional ($50.00)

I opted for the additional $50.00 van/jeep charge to make this private.
I did not feel safe leaving this open to the public with all the camera gear we will be carrying.

The tour will take about 2 hours.

There is a free (same day)pass included in this to allow you to drive through before or after the guided tour on your own.

Last details

I need to confirm a meet/tour start time for this day.
The park opens at 9:00am.
I know some have to drive a ways so please let me know ASAP.

We will have to pay in advance so as soon as I have the number of members and cost finalized I will inform everyone with a Private Email on where to send your payment.

The info on the trip is as follows:

Fossil Rim Wildlife Park:
We protect and preserve endangered species through research, cooperative management, and increasing public awareness. We give you the opportunity to see these remarkable creatures running wild in Texas.

The first facility of its kind to have been accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Fossil Rim participates in a worldwide network of wildlife conservation organizations working to restore the delicate balance between people, animals, and the environment. Over 1000 animals, representing 50 species of native and non-native animals live peacefully at the 1500-acre center.

Behind the Scenes
Adults (12 and up) $35

*Guided Tours by Reservation Only.

Go Behind the Scenes the behind the Scenes Tour offers the best of Fossil Rim to a small group. Ride with one of our trained naturalists in an open-air vehicle. We'll answer all your questions, offer in-depth information, and take you through the Fossil Rim protected areas not open to the general public to encounter wolves, black rhino and other animals. The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours. A free Scenic Wildlife Drive pass is included.

The list of animals at the park:
//www.fossilrim.com/animals/index.php

Again the map and url:

Message edited by author 2004-01-27 14:27:38.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

01/27/2004 02:22:35 PM · #18

Have I been voted off the island ?

When do you need a confirmed yes or no ?

Message edited by author 2004-01-27 14:23:31.

01/27/2004 02:25:43 PM · #19

I'm sorry Gordon, you said you weren't sure and to keep you informed?
I truly appoligize.

I thought if you were still interested you would let me know :)

I will add your name back to the waiting to hear from.

Originally posted by Gordon:

Have I been voted off the island ?

When do you need a confirmed yes or no ?

01/27/2004 02:30:44 PM · #20

Gordon

I'm sorry I can not tell you that, they simply said the schedules fill up fast?

So if we want Saturday April 24th we need to be the first to schedule.

Originally posted by Gordon:

When do you need a confirmed yes or no ?

01/27/2004 02:39:00 PM · #21

Originally posted by Gordon:

When do you need a confirmed yes or no ?

If we get a 7th or 8th member to join we could rent the second van/jeep and leave it open for you to jump in?

I just want too keep the cost under $50. per member if I can and not have the van/jeep over crowded.

jab119

01/27/2004 03:07:20 PM · #22

who is going to be the bait, err ummm... I mean the person who is going to feed the animals??? I cant operate a camera and throw food pellets at the same time

James

crabappl3

01/27/2004 03:32:10 PM · #23

I like the idea of being there at 9am. Provides lower light and less hard shadows. So I vote for 9am.

-danny

01/27/2004 03:37:29 PM · #24

LOL

We don't have to feed them but we can keep a couple bags handy on the seats :)

When you feed them it brings them up close to the jeep and if you are using a 100-400mm lens or greater, I found they don't work very well at close range :)

My wife Penny will be there she can always feed the animals that she is not afraid of. She does not like the Ostriches, they pinch :)

Originally posted by jab119:

who is going to be the bait, err ummm... I mean the person who is going to feed the animals??? I cant operate a camera and throw food pellets at the same time

James