2014 Get Together

[cynthia23]

I"m open to all the above suggestions. I think, Perry, that you should say what works best for you, because you've got a baby and it will be hardest for you to make it. So what's your preference?

Sally--the Alps!! I"m so jealous. But in a good way.

[Cy Kaicener]

The bottom of the tramway sounds like a good place or
Somewhere near the ranger station on Mill Creek road or Vivian Creek trailhead or
Las Consuelas restuarant

[bluerail]

Tailgate party in the museum parkinglot

[Florian]

Tailgate party in the museum parkinglot

I just might be able to get that approved actually.

-Florian

[zippetydude]

When everyone is doing Skyline anyway, the top of the tram seems to draw really well, but since it's too hot for Skyline to be a good option, the top of the tram doesn't make much sense. I should have thought of that. I'm in agreement totally.

So...

If we set up plans for a restaurant or meeting at a park, that can be fine. It will have a lower turnout since it's not tied in with a normal part of people's routine, but that's not necessarily bad. Florian, I really enjoyed the time at SF campground as well. And when my family came up and joined us all after the hike, it was even more fun for me, and my girls fell in love with Joyce. I'm real busy at work right now so I couldn't set it up, but if someone else goes to the trouble I'd be up for at least the hike and maybe the camping.

A thought that occurs to me is that it does not necessarily have to be tied in with a hike since the heat right now means the hike would have to be at altitude, so either Idyllwild or San Gorgonio, both of which are a bit of a drive from the place where we usually see each other (on Skyline, or at least on some portion of San Jacinto). If it were at someone's home who is close by, that might work out, especially if little people like Lily and Joyce are going to attend. I'd also be okay with a park, but I don't mind the heat. I realize not everyone is that way, and it would be tough on tiny ones.

One other thought: I come out and stay in Palm Springs from time to time during the summer just because I love the area. I often bring my family, and we stay at one of the little, older hotels for next to nothing. If a weekend were picked, we could always do something like that, maybe stay at the Curve, and relax around the pool, then go out and do Karaoke in the evening.

If that seems like a totally crazy idea, I'm just tryin' to think outside the box, okay!

Anyway, if we keep talking til October we'll have the weather in our favor. But if we want to get something together in, say, a month, say just after those spoiled rich kids get back from Europe (!) we'd be able to see some pics and hear stories of their adventures.

Thoughts?

z

[Perry]

There's probably less people going on vacations in October and definitely more Skyline hikers. A restaurant in Palm Springs is the most convenient, but I think Whitewater would be the most pleasant and Lily would have a lot of fun and room to run around the picnic area and things to explore. Restaurants are unpredictable with her. Last summer she was fussing at CPK and we had to leave early. This winter she made a huge mess at Thai Smile and we had to leave an unusually large tip. But a picnic in a large outdoor area....that would be enjoyable for her and everybody.

[cynthia23]

I"m on board with Whitewater, Grandmaster. When do you think would be a good day/time? Do you want to do it now or wait for cooler weather? It's a little bit cooler at Whitewater but only by a degree or two. However there's lots of shade. I'm okay with whatever you think would be best for your family. I definitely remember fleeing from some restaurants after my kids made a mess. I'll never forget an enormous circle of rice my son threw around his chair at a Chinese restaurant in Palm Desert. I"m sure the waiters never forgot it too.

Although for grown-ups, Zip's idea of karoake and bluerail's idea about the tailgate picnic both sound quite appealing too

[bluerail]

Mine was just poking fun at us having been booted out of the parking lot.

[HH8]

Probably best stories to share after summer

[cynthia23]

Well, we could all go take a tour of the Museum, then have the tailgate party. What could they do?