Get together pics?

[Marknhj]

Nice pics Alan!

I forgot to mention Kathryn's Michael Jackson tribute performance half way up the trail. Who knew she had such talent?

[bluerail]

Ivette, Zip and girls,

Thanks so much for having us in your home, I really can't remember when I've had a better time. The food was great and getting to know the family was wonderful. Zip you have four wonderful girls there.

I too am guilty of having too much fun and not using the camera enough, So many shots were left out simply because I was way more interested in the company on the hike and at your house to bother with the camera.
Cat, thanks for picking up the camera and contributing pictures.

It was a great time Zip and I can't say thank you enough for all that you guys did.

Ivette, Lauren, Nat and Cat, thank you for letting us into your home and for being so much fun.

p.s. The hike was really nice too but didn't compare to the gathering. The photos that I'm really sorry I missed were of the tailgate party at the end of the trail. We went through almost a case of beer just hanging out in the parking lot.

Thanks to everybody that was there, it was really nice getting to meet those of you, that until yesterday, I had only known online. Lots of fun with you all.

Zip, your the best, thanks again friend.

http://bluerail.smugmug.com/gallery/871 ... 0710_daLZC

nice pictures Alan. catching that mirror flash was amazing

[AlanK]

I was glad to have caught one of the mirror flashes from Z's house to the Limber Pine Bench. That's how I knew where the party would be later on!

bluerail -- I really enjoyed your pix -- you managed to catch Eric up a tree and upside down.

It was very nice to meet everyone yesterday. As blurail indicated, it was an especially good time all the way.

[Florian]

Enjoyed your pics Alan! What was the survey about at the trailhead?

-Florian

[Ellen]

Howdy All

A heart-felt thanks to Z and family for organizing and hosting the "crazy hiking fools" get together. It was wonderful to meet forum members who I've only known virtually

Dave and I got an early start so we could hop on the back of the pellaton as they flew by. We met each other at the stone bench and chatted with a scoutt troup doing the 9 peaks as a three day backpacking trip. On the way down we ran into our group and hiked back up to the bench.

It was great to descend to the trail head for the post-hike tailgate celebration. I broke out my peanut butter chcocolate chip cookies to enhance muscle glycogen restoration Fortuntely there were also anesthetic beverages available

The company and party at Chez Z was definately the highlght of the day. Thanks again to everyone for the fabulous fellowship and food.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[AlanK]

Enjoyed your pics Alan! What was the survey about at the trailhead?

It was a Forest Service survey about National Forest use. Hikin Jim was the interviewee for our group and he answered a long list of questions.

[Zé]

wait, there was a trampoline?! damnit!

[bluerail]

sure was...and a three foot tall person doing flips! ya missed it.

[zippetydude]

Zé: When I heard you wouldn't be able to make it this time, I knew I had to take emergency measures to make sure you came to the next one...hence, the trampoline! So, you got your front tuck and back layout down?

Everyone: I didn't bring a camera on the hike, but here's the pics we took at the house. Not all are flattering...

http://s977.photobucket.com/albums/ae25 ... =slideshow

Cat (my youngest daughter) was trying to bring out the gangster in everyone. Note the signs being flashed by one and all...

Ellen surprised us with a double back flip on the trampoline, sorry I missed the action shot. Also, note the picture of Steve being chased by Cat. That was most of his afternoon, poor soul.

z

[Kathryn]

First, to the "Z" family: Thank you so much for inviting all of us to your home and hosting such a wonderful and fun get together! It was really great to meet and get to know all of you! Next, to all the "hikin' fools" who attended: I'm so glad that you all came because you, along with Zip and his family, made the event absolutely fantastic.

The hiking location was a great choice- just the right length and the surroundings were really beautiful. The faster hikers, who ran down the mountain, used their time wisely while waiting for the rest of us who walked, by getting the party launched in the parking lot. It was quite evident when we discovered them that they had been having a blast during their pre-party! And it was a real treat coming off the last part of the trail, which was hot and dusty, and finding such a happy and energized group of friends.

This was followed by the get together at the Z house, where we were served an incredible amount of delicious food and beverages. Of everything, I think I had the most fun playing like a little kid on the trampoline with Tina and the three Z girls. I'd like to thank Cat, an excellent teacher, who patiently talked me through several tricks.

I honestly can't think of any way that the day could have been better!
It was a great time and I just want to thank all of you for your lively conversation, your laughter and wonderful camaraderie!

I hope to see you all again soon!

Kathryn