GATECON

2004

So the adventure began anew.

 K and G came to my home for three days before the convention.  We spent one day sight seeing as they have never been to this state.  It was so nice to share the things I am most proud of with new friends.  The rest of the time we drove my poor spouse mad with constant Gate chatter.  We watched videos and several episodes including the personal faves of K and myself, Forever in a Day and Abyss respectively.  G has yet to pick a fave and I can understand the difficulty there!  We saved Heroes for a group viewing with the rest of our friends when we got to Vancouver.  Lost City was skipped for lack of time, not lack of wanting. 

 Can you tell we love Stargate A LOT!

 Wednesday:

 4 a.m. came bright and early on July 14.  It’s an hour drive to the airport so we were on the road by 4:50 and arrived just about 6 a.m. for an 7:57 flight.  We were tired but very excited.  After a leisurely breakfast at an airport coffee shop we wandered down and passed through Gate security only a few minutes before boarding time.  The flight left on time and we were finally on our way after ten long months of anticipation.

 The people on both flights must have thought we were a bit touched.  We would go for long periods of time just relaxing, trying to sleep and then suddenly one of us would say something and we were off. Laughing like teenagers in anticipation of where we were going and what and who we were going to see.  Our arrival in Vancouver was a bit late due to a weather delay but we finally landed safe and sound and checked into the hotel just past 5 p.m.  Mal and Scary were waiting in the lobby.  We were joined by Belinda and Gateslacker’s friends shortly thereafter and encountered Feli and some of the other Gateworld crew over the course of the early evening.  Including Marimba, an RDA fanatic and a wonderful new friend who was attending her first Gatecon.  It was so awesome to see people you had met and shared with the year before.  Felt like returning home in so many ways!

 Unfortunately Star and Merlie could not join our group this year for financial reasons so the Chevron Seven was sans two.  I know they were there in spirit and we spoke of them often over the course of the weekend.

 Wednesday night we went to Steveston and ate at “Charthouse”, the same restaurant we all ate at last year.  It was so cool to be going back and we reminisced as we strolled along the boardwalk and through the streets.  It’s a beautiful little fishing village that still feels small town despite its close proximity to Richmond and Vancouver.

 Thursday:

 My room contained myself, K, Scary, and Mal.  We rose around 7 a.m. and took our time.  Scary was traveling with G on a bus tour of Vancouver and K, Marimba, Mal, and myself were renting a car and doing our own private tour of some of the filming sites for Gate.

 We went and ate breakfast at the Wayfaring tree and I met up with some of the HW crowd.  We exchanged hellos and then made our way to the airport to pick up our rental.  Our little group wound up touring the city in a Ford Explorer loaded to the gills with leather seats, front and back AC and all the extras. 

 We went to the Law Courts and the Art gallery.  The former has been used in the Stargate Episode Secrets and in several MacGyver episodes as the front of the L.A. courthouse.  The Art Gallery is part of an elaborate facility containing a series of stepped waterfalls.  I couldn’t figure out how to take a proper picture of such a unique structure, it was truly beautiful.  The Art Gallery has a small open courtyard that became the café where alien Jack and Daniel met up with Sam and Colonel Maybourne in the episode entitled Foothold.

From there we left downtown Vancouver and headed for the coast and beautiful Stanley Park.  Unlike last year the flowers were in full bloom.  The rose garden was spectacular and the grass was green and growing.  We parked the truck and rode the free trolley around the park. 

 The Plaza of Nations, or the B.C. Pavilion, was our next stop.  The facility served as the alien city for the episode Bane and one of the outdoor locations for the episode 2010, as well as the inside of the Gate facility in the future parts of that episode. Unfortunately it was being renovated so we were unable to go inside and walk around in the area where the Gate was set up and where Richard Dean Anderson made his two story drop hanging from a cable.  However the escalator and the walkway where Daniel was standing and waving to Janet was visible through the glass.  Last year it was raining during my bus tour so I took the opportunity to get a better, cleaner shot of the facility.

 Per Marimba’s suggestion and much to my personal delight we decided to drive out to Burnaby and stop by the Bridge Studios.  Nice to see the place without a haze of raindrops.  We took pictures under the sign and moseyed around for a few minutes before heading back to drop off the car.

 Marimba, K, and Mal

 We spent the evening engaged in various activities.  Marimba, Scary and Mal attended the Gateworld get together, K and myself had supper together.  One of the lounges in the hotel was showing Stargate Season six on a big screen TV.  We strolled in and out through various episodes and made a showing at the disco, though to be honest I can’t dance and I hate 70s music by and large!

 Friday:

 Now the real craziness begins.  We decided as a group that we didn’t need to get up really early as we had seen the people in the panels before.  Even so we got decent seats and settled in for the opening ceremonies.  The video to the song “Absolutely Everybody” contains pictures of stars and past Gatecon attendees.  Scary had submitted a picture of five of the seven for use in the vid.  I screamed with excitement when it flashed across the screen.  It made things somehow more official and certainly all the more cool to be a part of that vid.

 Collin Cunningham was the biggest scheduled guest for the morning, unfortunately he was filming a movie and unable to attend.  We saw a variety of stars, some of them totally unrelated to Stargate.  I was a bit annoyed at this.  After all I didn’t travel thousands of miles to see people like Virginia Hey.  I’m sure she’s lovely and if I liked Farscape I would be impressed, but I don’t and I wasn’t.

 Bruce W. from Rainmaker productions came on stage mid morning and he was quite funny.  He showed a short film giving us all an idea of what scenes using real people and objects look like before and after the special effects are added.  I’m glad I sat through his panel.

 The afternoon started to roll when Gary Jones, Chevron Man, hit the stage.  Gary is a very funny man in person.  I must admit his ramblings on the DVD commentaries often annoy me, but in person it’s a whole different ballgame.  He had the audience in stitches when describing his scenes and the way Peter DeLuise especially tends to direct.  He informed us that he now has an official name, Walter Harriman.  Gary himself is at a loss to explain where on earth Harriman came from and we all had a good laugh while he tried on different scenarios. 

 The last panel of the day was with Teryl Rothery.  She is a very special lady and I was so pleased to see both her panels this year.  She remembers people and she just loves the fans.  She came out into the audience and ran around with a microphone, much to the chagrin of her security I’m sure.  She was up and bouncy and a ball of energy.  I asked her if she had any special memories from Heroes and she answered with humor.  Saying that she had gotten burned by accident with a piece of equipment.  Still it was all smiles and she was just a pleasure.

 As we were all exiting the hall I caught sight of her walking.  I’m not usually that bold but the Chevron Seven had sent her a package and I had never heard back one way or the other.  So I called out to her and she paused long enough to grab my fingers.  She did remember me from a con I attended in Montreal last fall and when she found out about the package she was so apologetic.  We walked down the hall with her holding my fingers. 

 “If I had received it you know I would have sent something.”

 “Yes I know you would have.”

 I said I would try and find a different address and resend the package.  Some of the Seven thought we should have brought a copy to Gatecon, they were right and I wish I would have. *sigh*  I do plan to resend at least the letters and stories.  Teryl is a dear, sweet human being and having seen her again I just know she would be touched by the effort that went into the fic and the letters.

 Friday evening was Erik Avari’s one man show.  After we went and found dinner our group wandered in and sat through part of it.  The first auction started afterwards.  I ducked out with K and went back to the room before the show was done. Some of the group stayed for part of the auction.  As I understand the usual silliness occurred.  Someone paid over a thousand dollars for a tour of the Stargate set.  I guess I got off cheap at $350.00, but I digress…

 Saturday:

 Con attendees have to be a touch insane.  I was up and in the hallway by 4:15 a.m. G, Mal, K, and Marimba followed shortly thereafter.  We spent the five hours visiting, watching vids on Marimba’s laptop and swapping out of line to stretch our legs, get food, and go to the bathroom.

 The first panel was Don S Davis and Teryl Rothery.  It was worth every lost Z.  They are wonderful together.  Don looks great having lost about 30 lbs.  It was a true pleasure to listen to him talk about his future projects, including a proposed one man art show in Paris. I hope he is very successful.  A mixed panel followed them, including Alex Zahara (Micheal 1969 and Eggar from Metamorphosis among others) and John Novak (Colonel William Ronson). Then our group split up in an effort to get a decent place in line in order to get seats for the “Big three”.

 I won’t sully this report with all the gory details of the line experience.  Suffice it to say we were very upset that some of us missed Corin and JR Bourne’s panel and one of us missed Collin Cunningham’s panel as well.  It was unfair to us and to the wonderful guests.  It had to be disconcerting to these people to look out and discover huge gaps in the seating because so many people were out in the hallway.

 After a hasty lunch of a sandwich and for reasons I won’t elaborate on; G, Mal, K, and myself were seated in row two.  By far some of the best seats in the house.  Why we got there is both blessing and curse and I know there is a good chance that some of the people who were there will read this report and draw their own conclusions.  We followed the rules and the Gatecon staff have admitted that there was a decided breakdown in the way things were handled on Saturday afternoon.  It’s a shame and I hope that if they choose to do a Gatecon 2005 that they will be able to find a more suitable solution to the issues that tainted the day’s events.

 The photo sessions began shortly after and were done by ticket number like last year.  This was a great relief given the earlier stress.  I was #75 and within an hour I was inside the photo room.  I chose to have five photos done this year, one more than I planned because I won’t be coming back again and I decided to go for broke.

 Some of you may know about the HW lemmings. They are basically beanie baby gerbils dressed up in costumes to represent Stargate characters.  Of course Jack was long ago picked so last year when I received my lemming I had to pick a lesser known character.  I chose Ishta, the female Jaffa leader from Birthright.  During their panel Chris Judge had stated that Jolene Blaloch was a great kisser.  I had planned to make Ishta a part of my picture with him, and the opening was just too perfect.  I walked up and introduced myself and repeated what he had said ending with “…This is Ishta.”  He gave a great rumbling laugh and exclaimed “That’s cool!”  I told him that my wonderful husband had made the costume which seemed to tickle him no end.  I love my picture with Chris and Ishta. 

My youngest child is enamored of Daniel as he wears glasses just like her.  My mom loves his acting.  So I approached Michael with pictures of my mom and daughter printed on paper taped to cardboard.  I introduced myself and explained really quickly about the pictures.  He said that was great and I held up the picture while our photo was taken.  Afterwards he leaned in, tipped the picture up, and said.  “Hmmm, let me see here.” Upon viewing my child he smiled and said “Aww, she’s adorable.”  I thanked him and went on my way.

 Amanda was the quickest photo unfortunately.  I wanted to tell her how much I have enjoyed her portrayal of a strong, competent woman on TV, but I didn’t have enough time.  I was wearing my Shipper badges in the picture and as the photographer was getting ready to snap the picture she said, “What do you have here?” and she tilted up the badges.  I smiled and said, “Yes, I’m a shipper.”  She smiled back and said. “I like Shippers.”  Gods I can only hope so, Amanda!  As I was leaving I did manage to tell her how much I enjoyed her performance in Grace.

 As one of my friends so succinctly put it, JR Bourne is a beautiful man.  He is lithe and finely boned like a dancer and he has the most sensual voice you can imagine.  I said hello and that I was so pleased to see him again as we had met last year but I hadn’t taken a picture with him.  He smiled and said. “I remember, you have the most beautiful eyes.”  I’m sure it was a bald faced lie but the man could charm the legs off of a marathoner.  I smiled and he gave me a lovely one armed hug.  Hey I’ll take it!

 John Novak played a neo nazi on MacGyver back in the late 80s or early 90s.  I remembered him from that role because it is actually a favorite episode of mine.  When he walked up I introduced myself and told him that.  His response.  “Really?  You remember that?”  I nodded and actually quoted back a line he had said.  He shook his head and seemed very pleased that someone remembered him from a long time ago.  He was very sweet and the picture I had taken with him is a definite fave of mine.  It felt great to give a complete stranger a smile.

 Having a low number was more advantageous this year than last year.  Everyone after #200 lost the opportunity for individual pictures.  They got a picture with everyone in the room for a flat fee of $50.00.  Some of our friends fell in that category and while they weren’t nasty as I heard others were, they were very disappointed.  There just wasn’t enough time to do everyone individually given the late start, the meal breaks and other odd reasons. 

 The Saturday auction was also late due to the picture session.  Several of us went in and sat for some of it but having gotten up so early we were exhausted and returned to the room.  I must say I was beyond tired at this point and was simply punch drunk as was dear K.  We talked and giggled till 1:30 a.m. before finally giving up the ghost and falling into twin comas.

 Sunday:

 Two words, SET TOUR!

 Four of us had tours, two on each bus, so we slept in and had a leisurely breakfast at the Wayfaring Tree.  G and I were on the 9:30 bus, we were in the lobby by 9, tired but very excited.  We arrived at the studios just past 10 a.m. and spent an hour there.

 I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to be there.  I touched everything, the walls the blinking light units, the Stargate.  I even touched a glowing Chevron! 

We entered through a room that is behind the Gate.  The Iris was in place and we could see the back of it.  There was a M.A.L.P. parked in the entryway.  Through a short hallway and hang a left and there it was; THE GATEROOM!!!!!  The room itself is smaller than I imagined and the Gate ramp is shorter and steeper than it ever appears on film.  The metal grating is very heavy and I now know for sure that they don’t need to augment the heavy thump and rattle of boots coming down it.  Even my sneakers sounded loud!  The following links are a small selection of the pictures I took. It was very hard to choose as I took half of my weekend pictures at the studio.   I didn’t want to miss anything!

Gateslacker opening the Iris
One of the hallways
SGC symbol in the comference room
Glowing Chevron
Cabinet and wall in Jack's office
Jack's desk and the shelves in back

 From there we went up into the control room.  Again I touched everything.  I wanted to absorb the place, every nuance.  Pictures will never be the same, only a reminder of this tremendous experience.  We looked at the controls and G pretended to open the iris while I typed on the computer, heh, what else is new!

 Then it was upstairs to the conference room and Brigadier General Jack O’Neill’s office.  We took pictures of the table and the security station, this is another room that appears much bigger onscreen than it actually is.  I was amazed at how high up we were when looking through the observation window and down into the Gateroom.  I knew factually that the set is two stories tall, but seeing it is another matter!  I just stood and stared in disbelief.  Scenes from the show ran through my mind and I pictured all of our heroes at different times in that room that is so often used.  It was the neatest feeling!

 Again I touched the walls, the lit SGC symbol, the security station.  I examined the graphics on the wall and of course the star map leading into Jack’s office-then I went in the office.

 As anyone who reads material on this site can tell you I am an unabashed Jack Fanatic and a huge RDA fan.  I’ve watched that man for over half my life onscreen.  When the man who met us at the studio doors said he was RDA’s personal assistant I piped up and said; “Can I shake your hand, it’s the closest I’ll ever come to Richard Dean Anderson.”  Needless to say entering that office and standing where he stood, sitting where he sat, seeing the personal touches he no doubt authorized: it was an unforgettable feeling.  I ranged from the surreal to the silly in my emotions.  I studied the pictures on the walls and looked at the items on the desk and then I went and draped myself over the back of this wonderful man’s chair and smelled the leather.  Yes I admit to hoping for aftershave DAMN!!! But I’ve no complaints.  Then I sat down in his seat and just soaked up the fact that I was sitting where he sits while filming scenes as the general.  I know others were waiting and if any of you saw this RDA nut in her Stargate team shirt sitting there ooing and ahhing then I thank you publicly for your patience.  I moved on as fast I could and I didn’t make it back to the office unfortunately.  But for a few brief minutes I was in that room and I know RDA has been and will be again.

 *sigh*

 To coin Belinda’s phrase “I’m taking a moment….”

 Where was I?

 So we moved on and took pictures of various corridors.  The Infirmary was not set up, it is in fact a corridor that is closed off and dressed.  I heard from others that Daniel’s office was set up, somehow I missed it thought.  I know K and Mal saw it on the next tour and I’m extremely glad for K as Daniel is truly her favorite.  Though she is infinitely patient with all my Jack/RDA blather. 

 We made sure to get pictures in what we called the ‘ass corridor’.  The name refers to the line in Heroes when Jack turns to Bregman and says; “I hope shots of my ass serve you well.”  I took more pictures of the halls and parts of the Gateroom, including a neat shot of one of the Chevrons.  Too soon it was time to leave. 

 Touring that set is an experience I will never, ever forget.  I have never been so involved in a television show and I never intend to get this far in again.  But knowing what I know and having met everyone now except RDA made the tour that much more special.  What an extraordinary place.

 We returned to the hotel and caught the end of Corin’s panel and all of JR Bourne’s.  Then we sat through the thank yous and the repeat of the official video and the con came to its official close.  The autograph sessions followed. 

 There were some very tense moments during the autos.  Gatecon staff and attendees found out at the last minute that some of the guests were charging for autographs.  Many of us were caught unawares and I was very embarrassed to approach Gary Jones and find out, after I was standing in front of him with no one but K beside me, that he was charging.  I apologized profusely and said I had not budgeted for autographs.  Last year they were free.  It was obviously uncomfortable for Gary and I’m very glad I will never see him again.  I was mortified. 

 I wish to be clear in my opinions here.  I DO NOT begrudge the actors for charging, it’s their signature and their face after all.  Nor do I blame the Gatecon staff, they didn’t know what was happening until the very last minute.  It was simply a lousy situation and I hope that the organizers of the event can find a more amicable solution in the future.

 Some of the autos were free and most of the people who had pictures taken with you the day before did not charge to personalize the picture.  Don S. Davis and John Novak were so sweet.  Again John seemed pleased to be remembered and Don is just the consummate gentleman.  JR. Bourne was very gracious and Corin Nemec, who seemed off the whole weekend, gave me a sweet smile and thanked me for coming.

 It has to take a lot of patience and restraint to meet and greet so many people all the while keeping your composure.  I commend all the actors for trying so hard and making us feel so welcome.

 After the autographs were over we began to gather in my room for an evening of Stargate.  We rented a VCR and watched several episodes while eating take out pizza.  Over the course of the evening our group gradually dwindled.  I never went to sleep, K slept for about half an hour.  There didn’t seem to be much point in sleeping, we had to get up between 3 and 3:30 am to catch the 4:60 shuttle over to the airport for our 6:30 flight.  Besides no one wanted to sleep.  It will be literally years before some of us can see one another again and we all wanted the night to last forever.

 Too soon it was time to leave.  We called Marimba and she rode over with G, K, and myself.  Mal, Mary and all the others had later flights.  It was tough saying good-bye.  There is email and phone calls, but it’s not the same as being with one another.  We all wish we could make Gatecon an annual event, a true gathering of friends.  Financially it’s impossible however for most of us. 

 Marimba separated from us after customs and G, K, and I boarded a plane for Chicago where we would split off for our separate destinations.  We spent the flight dozing and talking occasionally.  G and K watched the movie. We said our good-byes in Chicago and I know I’ll miss them so very much.  I hope it’s not too long before we can get together again.

 Stargate fandom has been a whirlwind of ups and downs over the last two plus years.  There are times when I wish I had never become involved.  Too much nitpicking and backstabbing, too many people taking things way too seriously.  When I feel that way I think about the wonderful friends I’ve made, the places I’ve gone, and the awesome things I’ve gotten to see.  I wouldn’t give up those experiences and I’m truly blessed to have such extraordinary women as a part of my life now.

 Gatecon 2004 was filled with highs and lows but spending time with so many wonderful people made it truly special.