Camp Swank Poll - Reply ASAP
 

The time for salvaging this year's edition of Swank Camp is growing short.

We are looking at a time frame of late June, early July ... just like last year.

The options are:

Yosemite Valley - 2 sets of double campsites that would not likely be exactly adjacent to each other. But they'd be in Yosemite Valley, Ma Nature's Most Glorious Temple and the place that every Californian must visit or renounce their citizenship.


Yosemite Park, but outside the Valley - the best candidate for this option would be Crane Flat Campground, about an hour's driving distance from Curry Village (the Valley's main day-use parking). It's also about an hour from Tulomne Meadows. This would be an ok location for basic Yosemite exploring, but not real good for the prime attractions and adventures of Yosemite Valley.


King's Canyon - ditching Yosemite altogether, and opting for the reletive calm, serenity of the canyon we day-tripped to during last year's Swank Camp. It's gorgeous, and a future edition of Swank Camp is contemplated for this location. Should we do it this year? (The problems of Swank Camping in Yosemite will not be going away though.)


Angeles Crest - to hell with going to the Sierra's. Let's just pitch tents in the scrappy forest in our own back yard, and hope that more people will join us if we camp so close to home.



Pick now. Camping Ressies need to be made this coming Friday, February 15.

Shoulda made it multiple choice. :p

I'm fine with the Angeles Crest option too.

Can we just do the Awahnee? :) It's soooooo pretty.

I'm fine with any of the options.

I agree. Kings sounds really good too. although in that particular case I might abandon ship for a day and head off fishing somewhere

Sorry, but multiple choice just makes it too confusing. Time is short. (No Body Image Thread jokes, please.)

Everyone pick their top choice only ... and the winner will be the winner.

I say Yosemite.
I must experience it with those who love it so.
I've been as far as Bridal Veil Falls and that's it.

Either there or nefarious Widow's Peak.

What is Widow's Peak? I've already visited your hairline, GC.


And yes, um, you have to get further than Bridalveil Fall.



OMG, Brad and I can give the Calamity Falls Tour of Yosemite Waterfalls. First up, Brad's Brokeback Bridalveil site of harrowing heroism ... followed by Steve's gruesome expedition to Death Falls.

What fun!!

I voted before I read the details in the other thread. Please consider my vote changed from Yosemite Park, Outside the Valley to King's Canyon

I figure we can always do the Valley next year, if the group site gets rebuilt, and then jump on reserving it as soon as the window opens.

Wish it was multiple choice. Of course camping in the Valley sounds nice, but I know how these things go and if everyone's not in a camp site together, there's always going to be one group feeling like it's missing out on stuff by not being near the other group. So I gave my vote to outside. But I'm also okay with inside OR Kings Canyon.

I did the same thing - sorry to confuse - can you change me from in Yosemite to Kings Canyon. It's been nutty here today and I just now got caught up on everything.

Copycat :p

I frankly just don't get this. Swank Camp was so far from Shade Camp that they might as well have been on different planets.

Since all but one group at a time travels to a single campsite for meals and campfire fun, I don't see what the difference is if that travel is a few yards further, or if there are other people camped along the way.

Yes, not as convenient. The other options are, however, NOT IN YOSEMITE VALLEY.

(And sorry, but hoping the Group Camp gets rebuilt is not a reasonable expectations. I still waiting for Happy Isles to reappear. It's been a decade or so.)




Oh, and if we change two votes to Kings Canyon, the voting is currently tied between Yosemite Valley and Kings Canyon.


Here's an issue that I hope makes no difference ... but it is a logistical matter to deal with depending on how the vote comes out. My excitement for the camping trip extends to fronting the $600 (or +) if it's a camping trip to Yosemite. Otherwise, since I did that last year, too ... and waited months to get paid back ... I will leave it to someone else to fund a King's Canyon camp trip.

My offer to (wo)man the phones on Friday still stands, though as a non-camping participant, I ask that someone else give me money infoz. Privately, for sure.

Anyhow, just throwing it out there if services are still needed.

Then why even have a poll? Pardon me if I'm misinterpreting this, but I just read it as, "I'll front it if everyone does what I want, but if I get outvoted then you're on your own!" or "My way or the highway!" :rolleyes: Why not just have a poll asking for show of hands of who wants to come to your campout then? I suppose there will also be a daily schedule of activities that everyone will be required to attend as well, lest they be ridiculed for wanting to do their own things at that moment.

Sorry, but man, that post came across as petty.

No, the poll is to determine the location of Swank Camp. I will still get up at crack of dawn to help make reservations.

Frankly, I don't think it should come to me to lay out the money this year at all. But it seemed to me that the drop-dead reservation deadline was fast approaching, and so I revived the camping thread. I don't mind taking the bull by the horns on this effort, but it's a stretch for me to advance the $600 until late June ... and yeah, I'm only inspired to lay out that kind of money for the camping trip I wanted to take.

Sorry if that comes off like a threat, but it's the way I feel considering my personal financial situation.

I'd like to participate in Swank Camp either way. And you can be sure I'll be one of the guys to pay up immediately if someone else fronts the money.


But I'm really only giddy enough to lay out $600 for the next 5 months if we're taking newbies to Yosemite. That's a personal passion of mine, completely separate and apart from Swank Camp.


Can participants pledge to repay the advance by the end of February? If so, I'll lay out the money to camp at the Anaheim RV Park for all I care. But five months is a long time.

I can at at least help spread out the upfront cash - if not all.

Ken and I can pay our share right away.

ditto

Actually, I think that all participants SHOULD repay moneys as they are laid out. That anyone waited five months for repayment of funds is very generous (and not something I would have done).

Let's assume that the $600 (or whatever it works out to be) be paid back within 30 days to whoever fronts it. I don't think anyone will have an issue with that.

And conversely, if someone is in a position where they want to go but don't have the money now, just talk to me (or anyone) now: I would be happy to front the money for individuals who need assistance. I know asking for help is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but I am available and happy to do so!

Ok, that's more than fair.

BTW, $600 was for 5 sites. Are we getting that many this time? If so, it presents the same problem in Kings Canyon as it does in Yosemite (though, natch, much more easily solved) ... i.e., two separate transactions hoping for adjacent campsites.

But if the concept of pay within 30 days is generally accepted, I have no problem laying out the funds.


And sorry, but I did indeed get cranky when the wind was taken out of my sails. I'd been looking forward to Yosemite Swank Camp for a year.

That gets my vote. :D

So, are we completely shooting down the whole group site concept then?

I'll be sure to keep my lame ideas to myself from now on and just show up wherever and whenever I'm told to. ;)

On second thought, let us know where you're all going, and Ken and I will make our own reservations and then join you all for hikes and gatherings. Keeps it simpler. :) In fact, we'll be at the nearest KOA, since they have cushy grassy spots for tents. ;) :p

My choice isn't in the poll- the sporting goods department of the local Kmart :D

No, no. Kmart is lame-o. I suggest Big Lots or Wal-Mart. Much less tacky. ;)

But did you see the funny pics thread? There was a guy who had all kinds of fun at Kmart :D

Now, REI... that would be some awesome in-store campage. :snap:

It's got style.

So, scratch me and Ken at the nearest KOA. We'll be at the nearest REI.

Now, I just need to find a battery-operated campfire, since I'm sure they'd frown on open flame.

In no way do I mean this to be a part of any voting, decision-making, whatnot... but the whole idea of Yosemite has been in my brain since the last swanking which I had to miss out on. It's been a dream of my own, and though I would have been completely jealous, I was hoping to hear the tales of Yosemite (which has prompted my visions of Yellowstone in my near future... with a few things falling into place, it will happen this summer or the next..)

No matter what you guys do, I know you'll have an amazing time - it's how the LoT rolls. :)

I apologize for my two cents, but I just had to say it... at least out of total jealousy.

And why can't you go, blueerica?
Utah's not that far...
:)

I think we should go to Yellowstone / Grand Tetons for Camp Swank. There couldn't be a place more perfect unless it was called Grand Bacon or Grand Tacos.

Mainly because I don't have a job solidified and I don't know what will be. This general uneasiness is what's keeping me from buying some tix to fly home at the moment. But, who knows? I am not signing up for the trip, though I'd love to go, only because I hate signing up for stuff when the future remains relatively uncertain.

I love you.

But on a serious note - that would be something amazing for the nearby future, if anyone else is willing to go along for it.

Yellowstone has grizzly bears. I don't want to die in Wyoming...

Awww, it would be so Brokeback!

I'd go to Y/GT in a heartbeat. I've only been twice, many years ago. It's magnificent!

Yosemite is my second home and, while I love it, it doesn't pull me like something nearly new does.

Tetons!

You're right! I'm there. I've never been. I mean, I've been to paradise but I've never been to me...
:D

I know I replied in the original thread that I wanted to go swanking camping. Unfortunately, at this time I can't commit. We're launching software this summer and no vacation requests can be approved until the dates are set. This lovely software is also messing with a potential trip to Crete.

I grok this.

New to others, however, is my second-best stimulant.


Alas, Yellowstone /Grand Teton would not be new to me. I want to go back someday. But it's so old-person oriented (Yellowstone anyway) that I'm not planning to return for a long, long time.


King's Canyon is gorgeous ... and I know we only spent an afternoon there last year ... but I feel like we were just there last year, and the "newness" factor would be completely missing, imo.


Let's see where the poll leads by tomorrow.


And Disneyphile, I'm not king of the world and I don't get to shoot down anyone's ideas. I have my own, personal, mine-only opinions. And I stated that my opinion of group camps is based on rather limited experience of walking thru them at a handful of national parks. They were - IN MY OPINION - gross. Sorry.

But, as far as I was aware, a Group Camp at King's Canyon was an open option. (Of course, I have to point out that four of us spent some time and effort last time scoping out the best campsites at a regular campground in King's Canyon for the eventual and inevitable Kings Canyon Swank Camp.)

How about a Grand Tetons Swanking in 2009? I'd be totally up for that since I'm a camping virgin.

If I am Boy-Free on the weekend in question, I may drive up for the day.


*Is this where I can "neener-neener" about living within a nice day-drive?*

I think this would be the time you could 'neener neener', Mousey Girl. ;)

I won't vote because I can't go. But. It has never been my ability to keep my mouth {or fingers} shut {still}.

I totally agree with the taking newbies to Yosemite. And, perhaps it won't be as perfect a campground as the one at Kings Canyon but gawd almighty, you'll be in Yosmite!!

I think that issues should be worked out, and, I think that obstacles should be jumped over. Hell, if some people don't get a campground, get a room! The time spent on the floor, on the trails, being able to see how the light effect Half Dome & El Cap throughout the day, the shadows falling on the water, along the paths, and yes, the coyotes strolling through the meadows and the deer munching away, all so lovely.

The sunsets, the moon rising.

Perhaps it is so lovely because I have never seen a bear.

Inywho. I wish I could go because I am a newbie to a lot of the things that you guys will probably share, sort of like going to Disneyland with the LoT of you, new things are always there to learn! But, happily, we are going next month. A lot of things will not be open, but, enough to keep us content will.

I hope you guys can work something out.

No need for apologies. I'm just giving you a hard time. Unless you really think I'd go camping at KOA or REI... ;)

Well, REI yes ... KOA? never!

swanie had the good idea of the Friday morning phone bank volunteers keeping in touch by I.M.

Yahoo I.M. works best for me, but I suppose I can sign up for something else, if we arrange it soon enough. My moniker there is psychenautics. Feel free to friend me or whatever, and we can stay in touch no matter which way it ends up going.

As of now, if I've counted the vote-change requests correctly ... it's a tie.


In the case of a tie, I think we should try Yosemite first and see what happens.

Oh, I suppose since we're getting down to the wire, we should pick some dates.

The first dates available come Friday will be June 15. But Disneyphile and Frodo Potter can't make it that mid-June weekend. We also don't want to run into the 4th of July holiday. And we've figured that starting on Thursday night gives us a heads-up on most folks book beginning on a Friday ... and that 6 nights is ideal even if we don't plan on sleeping there the 6th night (because we, um, tend to strike camp in a race with the sun on the last evening, not fun.)


SO .... that leaves, if my calculations are correct: Thursday, June 26 through and including Tuesday, July 1.

:blush: (which would, alas, be just one day short of a second birthday at Swank Camp for me.)

that works for me, but Im also pretty flexible as far as 'time off'

Here's the link again to the general reservations info page.

The reservations phone line number is (877) 444-6777.

This is the site for booking Lower Pines sites.

BUT ... I just found out only 2 sites can be booked under one name. So, even if we can snag 4 or 5 sites, we need a different person's credit card for each transaction. Any volunteers?

At 4 people per site, 4 sites will allow for 16 people. A 5th site would be required for a capacity of 20 people.

Looks good to me - and sounds good to try Yosemite first then Kings Canyon if that isn't panning out.

I don't know if Yahoo IM has this feature but AIM has a chat feature - where you can invite all the people you want to talk to into one session. That way everyone can read what's going at the same time opposed to individually IMing. Hopefully that makes sense.

We can definately use my name/card for a second set of sites.

Hmmm, I had an AIM account. Wonder if I can revive it.


Oh, and thanks Katiesue, you're the bee's knees!

Right now, I am seeing:

• Yosemite: 7
• Outside Valley: 2
• Kings: 3
• Angeles Crest: 0 (which is a mistake IMO)

I voted Outside Valley but wanted to switch to Kings. Katiesue voted Yosemite but wanted to switch to Kings. And while he voted (for Kings Canyon), something tells me that Lashbear will not be making it. These three changes puts he vote at:

• Yosemite: 6
• Outside Valley: 1
• Kings: 4
• Angeles Crest: 0 (which is STILL a mistake IMO)

So, Yosemite is still ahead in straight voting.

Works for us. I might even try to get some days off so I can better enjoy this trip!
We know you do this on purpose!

Doing a quick head count based on the respondees to the list, here is what I am seeing for count:

1. Bornieo
2. Captain Jack
3. Gemini Cricket
4. Ghoulish Delight
5. Cadaverous Pallor (presumably)
6. innerspaceman
7. katiesue
8. Kevy Baby
9. GusGus
10. Morrigoon
11. Disneyphile
12. Frodo Potter (presumably)
13. Not Afraid
14. Alt-0128uromeinke

While Lashbear has voted, I again doubt that he will be able to make it. Some others I can think of that maybe should be included:

1. Chernabog
2. Nirvanaman
3. Lesbians?

Anybody else? Based on this, I suggest getting the fifth site. If it comes to it, couldn't we cancel one site?

Yahoo IM does have a conference feature.

You click on conference in a messenger window and then invite peoples.

Put me down as a very tentative maybe with a +1 IF it doesn't mean getting an extra site and losing money. Trying to find out what is going on with this software release. But if it's easier to get a site and cancel/refund then it is to book a 2nd site I'd say the extra site is going to be a better safe then sorry back-up.

Now there is a completely useless bit of information.

Hahah I love how "lesbians" are one collective group.

Unfortunately I think I'm a no-go on camping. I love you guys, but I do not love camping lol.... Hiking I'm good with. I like hikes. Camping, not so much.

aw, that would be cool to see them again. they were nice folks. hopefully arriving with better luck in tow this time. loved havin that big yella dog around too. :snap:

I'm a tentative. Getting that weekend off from the Mouse could be tricky

Perfect - then we can just use yahoo IM.

After taking off most of April, I don't think work'll let me loose until after summer...

Since only 2 can be booked together anyway, why take 6 days on all sites? Why not stagger them, and take the full number of days on one pair, but only the weekend on the others. Lots of people would only need 3-4 days.

Well, if we luck out and get them, I'm keeping one site for 7 days (because I'm not about to leave the glory of Yosemite the day before my birthday).

But I think getting the other(s) for less than 6 nights is asking for trouble down the line.

As for getting a fifth site ... we can shoot for it, but that would require a third transaction, and a third credit card (so far, only Katiesue and I have volunteered out plastic.)

The chances of getting a fifth site nearby are astronomical, btw.

It just seems like we had a lot of sites for an awfully long time last time just so a handful of people could be there longer. Since it's not necessary to book all sites together this time (in fact, not possible), I was thinking we could save a few, maybe only reserve the second pair Friday through Monday. That allows for Friday arrivals AND Monday departures.

But it does not allow for freeflowing population of campsites dependent only on what's available when any particular campers arrive. We'd have to figure out who's staying exactly when, and assign spots accordingly.

This would also not allow for people to spontaneously extend their stay if they're having a grand time, which two people did last year.


Flexibility is worth the few extra dollars. I know money is tight with some, but you can't get cheaper than campsites.

I can call in the AM and use my CC.

Wait. What time do I have to be up?

Just tell me what I am doing and, as long a I have a cup of coffee handy, I'll do it.

We will probably NOT stay the entire time. Thurston will be with us and we'll probably hang with my Bro for part of the stay. I can't wait for CJ to meet my Bro!

I can't volunteer the time, but I will volunteer my plastic. I thought I mentioned that earlier, but maybe not.

I can volunteer to spend your plastic on clothes and stuff. But I won't be able to call. I bet BE will be happy to take your plastic and call though :)

But, ya see, it wouldn't be me you had to answer to on this, it would be Susan.

Oh, can I borrow your plastic?

I might still make it.... Rumour has it that if enough alcohol is supplied, Obama puts in an appearance... (or bits of him, at least) :evil: That's enough to entice visiting bears....


Sooo, which venue is ahead in Gay voting ?:p

Camping is the ONLY time we don't want to entice visiting bears.

Although, we were quite successful at it last time.

"Guys! ... BEAR!!"

from your description, Im most curious myself :snap:

Ok, so it looks like Katiesue and I will be trying out luck at Yosemite campsites in Lower Pines campground bright and early tomorrow morning.

If there's a third volunteer, with plastic at the ready, please let us know.

Otherwise, heheh, i don't think we need a conference, Katiesue ... just approve my Yahoo friends reply and we can simply I.M. our hearts out.

Oh, but since tonight is Valentines, I won't be home till morning to see if that works. We'll just cross our fingers.

I'm gonna try ressies by both phone and interweb. Think Bonita! (that's willpowered and positive-thinking good luck, especially in the area of reservations.)

If anyone wants to volunteer time manning the phones, I will volunteer my plastic.




Hmm... Let me restate that:

If anyone BESIDES BarTopDancer wants to volunteer time manning the phones, I will volunteer my plastic.

Kevy, why don't you PM me your credit card info. I will only use it for one or two big group dinners, but it might also come in handy if we do manage to snag 4 reasonably close campsites to try for a 5th.



Ok, one last time so the links and information are handy:

Here's the link again to the general reservations info page.

The reservations phone line number is (877) 444-6777.

This is the site for booking Lower Pines sites.

Here's a map of Lower Pines Camground. The best sites, and those that will go most quickly, are the ones on the outer edges of a loop, near the Merced River. From the looks of it, 36, 37, 38 and 39 would be the prime 4 sites.

17, 18, 19, 20 also look good, though farther apart from each other.

So let's try for the 30's group first, then the teens. Otherwise, let's use the campground map for best guesses, and anything nearer the river is likely better.

Arrival date is June 26, 2008 for a six-night stay.


Let's keep in touch by Yahoo IM while the madness is going on. I'm going to keep trying from promptly 7am to after 8. (For some reason, I think there will be better luck on the phone, but I dunno).

I'll try to log onto Yahoo at about 10 of 7.



May The BONITA Be With Us! :iSm:

I will call you with it. I don't think PM would be secure enough.

Didn't I say I was available?

nope, can you I.M. with us tomorrow? 'twould be nice.


Kevy, you can't call me. I'm heading out for a date, won't be back till morning. I will be driving, and after that ... well, i won't have a pen ... if you get my drift.

you can text the info to my cell if you like. that might work. Otherwise, if Lisa is going to join us, we don't really need your plastic (except for the next big group dinner, of course)

And of course, you can always call lisa and interrupt her valentine's with the info.

Just got home - was at an offisite all day. I'll be up and maning my phone/internet starting at 6:30AM - so just IM me and we'll get this baby moving.

I have Kevin's card # and info. I will SOMEHOW get up at 6:30. I have no idea what dates we are looking at, so if someone could give me a summary in the AM, that would be great.

Do you have my IM people?

I just gave my credit card number to some woman I met in the internet.

NA I just added you to IM

Which program?

Katie, IM me. My Yahoo is being wonky.

I will assume all is well and that my services are not needed.

Best of luck getting the sites!!! :)

The summary - AGAIN (ugh, why do people keep posting in this thread ... oh well, it'll soon be over now)



Here's the link again to the general reservations info page.

The reservations phone line number is (877) 444-6777.

This is the site for booking Lower Pines sites.

Here's a map of Lower Pines Camground. The best sites, and those that will go most quickly, are the ones on the outer edges of a loop, near the Merced River. From the looks of it, 36, 37, 38 and 39 would be the prime 4 sites.

17, 18, 19, 20 also look good, though farther apart from each other.

So let's try for the 30's group first, then the teens. Otherwise, let's use the campground map for best guesses, and anything nearer the river is likely better.

Arrival date is June 26, 2008 for a six-night stay.


Yes, let's IM Right nOw! We need a conference after all. Um, tech saavy anyone of you?

So how did it go this morning? How much money did I spend?

Everything was gone in minutes. I have just faxed for a group reservation in Kings Canyon. Cross your fingers.

But we did do a little shopping since we had your number ;)

So many restaurants were overcrowded yesterday. I expect we'll have much better luck with your credit card number tonight!

:D

Hahaha... Yeah, don't mind those extra charges, Kevy, it's all in the interest of the greater good ;)

Was I the only one that got through? I was talking to the reservations lady at 7:01 and they entire site was booked already. :(

I'm sorry choice #1 didn't work out...

swanie

No matter, I'm sure we'll still have the swankiest of times :)

Myself, I will be having the swankiest of times shopping at Anthropologie with Kevy's CC.

:eek:

Wow. Yosemite is more popular than most bands.

I'm sure we'll have a fun time no matter where. I'll look up the address to the nearest REI though, in case we want to try that in-store camping thing. ;)

Oooh, Big Lots has that mattress/couch thing on sale for $25. I think I must have it now!

Can't you camp out in WalMart parking lots for free or do you need an RV to do that?

It's probably safer in an RV. You can camp out in many WalMart parking lots, but you are supposed to check with the manager first.

I think the band equivalent of Yosemite is like U2 playing one night at the House of Blues.





Oh, and I just checked my CC balance. I didn't know my limit was that high :eek:

You know, I bet I could make something happen in Utah, somehow... or...

We could go camping at my apartment.

zapppop and i are still planning on Utah National Parking with you someday!




* * * *

Can some mod or admin please either close this thread, or the other camping thread or merge them? Since we have a little more planning to do ... the two threads on the same subject is just confusing.

:confused: :( :confused::iSm: :confused:

I say we just stop posting in this one as it is no longer relevant.

But by my post above, I am breaking my own suggestion.

Damn... did it again

Aaaiiiyyyaaaahhhhhhh....

Heheh, yes, you have arrived at why that won't work. ;)

We did :p

I will go ahead and lock it up. Or something. Sometimes it shows I can still post in things that are actually under some sort of lock down, or at least I remember that from the past. Or not.

Moderators and admins can still post in closed threads.

For example...

Yeah, I checked after the fact.

My regular habit of posting in quick reply, couple with my bad habit of not paying much attention to stuff like a "closed" button has fooled with me in the past.