Towards the end of this year's Swank Camp, talk inevitably turned to next year's Swank Camp. There was talk of a Morro Bay area swank camp with a side swanking to San Simeon (Hearst Castle). Perhaps that could coincide with the Lashpair visit?

Most votes were for Big Sur as the 2009 Swank Camp location ... perhaps that (and even, yes, a side swanking to San Simeon) could be coordinated with an April Lashpair visit.




What I'm not sure can be coordinated with an April timeframe or a SwankCamp anytime is, le sigh, Yosemite.

In fact, we pretty much came to the conclusion that, popular as it is, a large group thing is pretty much unlikely in Yosemite. Oh, perhaps campsites would be more easily available that early in the season ... since nothing but the most sedentary and touristy sightseeing is available.

I have no problems making a Lodge Swanking with the LashPair in April at Yosemite ... but actually making it the 2009 Swank Camp is something I have more than a few issues with.




And I want to go to Japan, dammit!

Yeah, I don't think the Lashsemite thing will work as Swank Camp. But, if we're ever going to have a group of people in Yosemite at the same time, this is how it's going to happen. A date has been set. If you can make it, go. If you can't, you'll be missed. I'm certainly considering it.

They got their ass handed to them in WWII and have been rather pacifist ever since.

You've got some non-water folks in your camping group. I would think a water location like Big Sur would be a automatic no go.

I'm thinking this might be a good time to check out the lodging situation in Yosemite. It certainly would be very nice to have warm fireplaces and hot showers in mid-April.

We'd consider lodge swanking! (A must with CPAP.)

http://jrabold.net/bigsur/roadpt0950.htm

This is a camp ground we checked out on our last trip down Hwy 1. It was pretty nice, some locations out right by the water, others set inside the grove areas.

Eh, Yosemite sedentary? It depends upon what you decide to do with yourself. Touristy? Well, if you are a tourist. :D

We spend our time riding bikes, doing whatever hikes are available, and walking. The trails that are closed, eh, I guess if you go a lot, that doesn't really matter. I know the Lashes' will love what they see, they won't over do it, and, they will see everything.

What I have done, over the years, is to set goals for myself, this trip maybe not do this trail but next time, I will. Some hikes need training for.

Does anyone know if the San Simeon state park has camping? I never really looked at anything so close to the Hearst Castle, we have a couple of hotels we frequent that are nice and not too expensive. It is usually pretty cold when we are there and the rooms with a hot shower and DVD player, nice.

iSm, I hope you think about it in a more 'yes' way, you have a nice knowledge of the park that would benefit the group, especially first timers.

I was checking out the rates, the best right now, in Curry Village. I have been playing with the dates, seeing what is available, so far, already, limited. If the dates are for certain, I wouldn't mind making a reservation. But, I guess I need to check with the school schedule. And, when is Easter next year? That could have some effect. But, being during the week, I think that will help.

How come? It is not as if we are sleeping on a boat.

A) Big Sur was a leading candidate because it's got ocean and mountain adventures, and a groovy town to boot. I'm mostly interested in the moutain stuff, and so Big Sur is not deterring me at all. The coast there is absolutely gorgeous, and I look forward to enjoying it more intimately ... but it doesn't mean I'll be going in the ocean (though I might).


B) Lodging in Yosemite in April. Hmm, though I deeply regret there will be little to do at that time of year, the most reasonable and quite comfy lodging is at the Yosemite Lodge near the base of Death Falls. And, of course, the most swanky lodging is at the Ahwanee. Maybe we should rent a bungalow there???



This whole thing is very upsetting to me. I was looking forward to Japan very much. And, as most of you know, I have long been anticipating a LoT excursion and/or Lashpair visit to Yosemite. To have that happen at a time of year where none of my favorite things to do and see in Yosemite will be possible is a crushing disappointment.


I'm happy to have the Lashpair visit. Ecstatic, in fact. But maybe I'll join them in Vancouver (always wanted to go back there), tour San Simeon with them, and hang with them when they're in So Cal. The Yosemite thing in April just breaks my heart.

BTW: I am still routing for Chino Hills State Park for Camp Swank 2009