The LashTour - Yosemite Portion - Lodging poll
 

We know the LashPair are going to come to the US in April 2009. They are setting up their schedule and have marked the following dates for their Yosemite portion:


(check-in) Monday, April 13 - (check-out) Friday, April 17

IF we have enough people to commit to this adventure, we can get a pretty swanky cabin that will hold up to 16 people(option 1). However, we need some initial commitments to make it financially feasible. If we can't swing that, we can go for Option 2, which holds fewer people. I've outlined the options below, but the outcome will depend on how many people can commit:

Option 1
(and this also)
2 connected properties

Cabin in Yosemite West which is about 15-20 minutes drive from the Valley. It is near the road to Badger Pass and Glacier Point.

The total price is $525 per night for up to 12 people. After that, it is $25 per person from 13 to 16 people.

The breakdown per person per night based on the number of people is this:
# people/price pp
10 $52.50
11 $47.73
12 $43.75
13 $42.31
14 $41.07
15 $40.00
16 $39.06


Option 2

Cabin in Forester which is about 7 miles from Yosemite Valley.
# people/price pp
2 $175.00
3 $125.00
4 $93.75
5 $80.00
6 $70.83
7 $64.29
8 $59.38
9 $55.56
10 $55.00


If we get enough people that are willing to commit enough money to make it affordable for the small group, we can go ahead and book it. It gets cheaper as we add more people.

They are looking for a 50% deposit up front and I also need someone who is able to front this on a CC initially and handle to cash flow.


Please post yes in the poll of you can commit.

I voted yes, but include another yes for Susan (until I can get her online to vote).

Alas, I must vote NO. I simply cannot commit to this so far in advance.

I would only be able to show up for a day or two anyway. I would have taken 10 days or so for Japan, but I can't spend all my vacation time ... well you know the rest. I'm a curmudgeon.

If we don't get enough people for these cabins, there are smaller ones that we can get that are also fantastic.

Awwww crap I chose "maybe yes" thinking that it was a Fri-Mon (which is do-able), and it is a Mon-Fri, which is a "no" :( Sorry bout that, if an admin can change as to not screw up the poll that'd be great.

I have no money to front, so I guess I'm a no :( Not that I don't want to go, or wouldn't try to go, but can't help on the reservation. Maybe closer to, I'll see what opportunities there are to join.

Eric said he'd be interested, but I think he'd probably want a small cabin. Any info on those? (I think he could be persuaded to the large cabin idea, but if any of you want to get any sleep you probably want us as far away as possible- he snores like a grizzly bear.)

If Bill and I say yes, can we call dibs on a queen or king bed? We don't do bunks! ;)

There are many options available. We just need the number of people that can go and then we can choose a place that will fit all of our needs.

Wouldn't a Queen be more fitting ??





....sorry, someone had to say it.

Ditto!! I have no idea what my plans are for next april (besides Disneyland:D )

I know that, for both Chris and I, it is MUCH easier to carve out a chunk of time in advance then it is to arrange things with only a bit of notice. I allready have things on my calendar this far in advance.

(re-posted from the 2009 USA trip thread)

Now, Y'all need to understand that the Stoat is away in Forster at the moment, and he has to get the time to read all these posts and the 100 or so PM's and then discuss stuff with me, so we're looking at another 24 hours (or so) before we make any changes to our concrete statue of Yosamite BUT......

...One of the proposals I have put to him involves extending our Spokane / Suisun stays by a day or two, then doing Yosemite on the Thursday, Friday, Sat, Sun (the 16th-19th April). This might make it easier for folks to join us.

It would mean, however, that we would have to cancel the Hearst Castle tours. We shall see - Maybe those thinking Hearst can join us for the Winchester house instead ?!?

We're mixing another batch of Concrete. Watch this space.

In terms of numbers, I note that (with partners) there's 8 definites already, and another 5 that are 95% sure - there's a cabin of 13 already !!!

Well, we may be filled up before you know it!

This sounds like a pretty fabulous way to spend my birthday, and also a way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite but not sleep on an air mattress!

I'm not sure LB remembers, but we did meet on April 1, 2007. I saved the Vegemite for such a long time, but never had the nerve to try it.

I can't vote yet though, because I am starting a new job and not sure how soon I can request time off. It's definitely a M-F gig. I'm also like M-goon and can't help with deposit. I'm of little use, actually, other than to say I really would love to go. :(

I agree. As much as I want to go, between still pending software releases and uncertain finances I can't commit financially. However, as I was typing this out, I realized that I will not be in school!!!!

I noticed that as well, Lash- and I think no schedule is going to work for everyone, especially since so many of the naysayers cite it being too early to commit as the reason they can't. We're good with whatever, but let's not let this thing get more complicated than it needs be. If someone thinks they might go but don't have the money right now for the deposit, maybe someone who is definitely going can cover it, and if the other doesn't show it can be applied to the person who's paid total charges when the time comes.

I think we should go for it now, before they are booked by someone else. I can pay the 50% for Bill and I right now, no problem.

(I like option #1 best, btw.)

Count me in for this.

Let's get the dates confirmed first, then we can move ahead. There are pros and cons to both places (including the option of another adjacent cabin for additional people).

So, do bear want to visit other bears or do bear stay away when there are lots of bears in residence?

We're 95% in for this. Probably closer to 100, but we're just hedging our bets. Please include us in the head count.

Yay, Jesse! So, do you have any info on smaller cabins, NA, or should we just plan on sleeping in the room next to you and your hubby?:evil:

WB, im me please.

We've got 15 people.

OK, this is our current count for the current dates:

Teresa and Ken
Greg and Rob
John and Bill
Chris and Lisa
Kevin and Susan
Jesse and Heather
Donna
Wendy and Eric and Tori

That's 16 and that fills up that cabin.



Now, I can look into another neighboring cabin if there are more people, but, depending on what Stoat says, we're good to go for these dates. I know the weekend dates are out for a couple of folks who can go during the week.

Make sure you do your taxes before going on this trip.

Just to reiterate what I said above... there are other cabins nearby to this cabin if we needed to get an additional cabin for more people. So, if you really wanted to go but couldn't confirm this quickly, but think you could do so within the next month or so, there may still be hope. Or you can go ahed and reserve and cancel if needed.

Are you kidding, Brad? That's what will be financing a good portion of it.:D

If it moves to the weekend I will almost certainly come out (unless that is MouseAdventure weekend) but accommodations aren't a priority -- as I'm sure I've mentioned and demonstrated, I can sleep anywhere comfortably -- so I won't commit to any unless the money is needed.

The verdict is in - we're going with the 13th to 17th plan.

...I hope that some more can join us if they can manage it.... :D

I'm still working on that. Since it is Easter, that means the Boy won't be in school....prices will be higher but, really, it may be when we would be going anyways. All depends upon the Boys break.

I am so excited that this is all coming through! And, the cabin, that is lovely, Lisa! I didn't see, does it have a hot tub? :D

Sadly, no hot tub, but I do know where there are some secret hot springs not very far away.......

Really?........;)

You know, while I love the 'nothingness' of the Valley, I do sometimes wish that the Awahnee had more to offer, like a spa or something. I don't think they do, right?

No, they don't have that option, but if that was really a desire I believe the Tenaya has that option.

Aww, have fun you guys! We don't have a lot of vacation time (technically, Tom doesn't get ANY, only unpaid days or hiatus - such is the life of a TV editor!) And since things aren't constant in the world of "that's entertainment!" it's extremely hard to project that far ahead (particularly if it involves more than, say, one or two days of vacation.)

I know you'll have a blast, anyway. But maybe we can catch you at Xanadu the weekend immediately following! I've always wanted to visit. Rosebud....

I have no idea what my vacation acquiring ability will be in April, but assuming I can get some.....

I'm so excited! Instead of being sad when the Lashpair complete their Spokane Swanking, I'll be looking forward to seeing them again in a few days! Thanks for coming here again, guys, and thanks to Lisa for making this happen!



(Geesh- could I use any more exclamation points?)

Wheeeeee!! Chateau de Swank! :snap:

(cross posting)

OK!!! We are reserved!!!!

What I did was reserve right now for 10 people because it is easier to add on and charge for the additional 6 people 30 days out. The only wanted one night's deposit up front and the balance will be charged on March 14.

SOOOOOO, the originl 16......your deposit is 1/6 of $527.25 which comes out to $32.95 per person

$32.95!!!! such a deal for paradise!!!!


Mark your calendars because the balance will be due on March 14, 2009.

As for an additional cabin.....

Strawberry Creek is right next door.

The other nearby properties are Yosemite Summit (next door to Strawberry Creek) and Yosemite Pines - across the street.

Kathy is the person I talked to and her number is 888-967-3648.

NA, how would you like $$ for the deposit? A check, paypal?

I should be able to pony up the entire balance I would owe next month. If not before. Or should we just wait until when March 2009 approaches to get $$ to you in advance for the whole shooting match?

You know......the amazon link at the bottom of the page of LoT goes to my person paypal account. Why doesn't everyone use that? Just make a note that it is for Yosemite.

PayPal started taking hefty fees out recently for transactions over a certain amount or frequency.

You may want to double check on that - I'd hate to see them take a big chunk of this money.

I was just about to go pay. Let us know if you still want this option NA. I can just as easily send a check out today via Snail Mail

Snail mail is fine then.

Same here. I'm sending you a check right now.

Amazon also did not have an option to add a note regarding Yosemite.

I've had several requests for a waiting list, so I will start one of those based on order received.

I just checked the PayPal site and found that they supposedly charge 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. However, they did not charge me anything on the recent money I received for helping out my friends (house fire).

Wow!! $32.95?!?! Ken's gonna be really happy when I tell him. :) Thanks for setting this up, NA!!! :snap:

O ... K ... so, um, how do I place an "order" to be on the waiting list?

23. How about outdoor jacuzzis?
Only in rentals: Yosemite Vista, Scenic Wonders, Sport Chalet and Alpine View.

I voted before reading the thread. I plan to be available. Though 90% sure is more like it for me. Add me to the waiting list.

oh how I want to say yes, but this far in advance, all I can do is a 50/50 maybe at best

Haha, get to the back of the waiting list, baby!

There's just no way we can commit this far out.

So, is this going to count as swank camp next year or not?

I've got a waiting list started based on requests. I might suggest that some of you that are interested get together and rent one of the other cabins I suggested.

As for swank cam....I don't know. Maybe we should think about Joshua Tree or Death Valley in January or February.

Or Chino State Park!

Joshua Tree is teh awesome.


But ... if it's Death Valley ... I can give everyone the STAR WARS TOUR!!!






Not to be confused with Star Tours TM









And ... if Swank Camp gets earlier and earlier each year, pretty soon it will be right back where it started in late June!

Well, I believe we are only talking about dates for 2009 not setting in stone something that needs to be flexible.

Christmas camping - now there's a thought!

done that. its....cold

Our $65.90 is going out to you in the mail tomorrow!

If swank camp happens in feb, then I could come out to that and do hearst castle instead of Yosemite. Hmmmm...

Yes, let's Christmas camp somewhere with real snow!!!!

Absolutely not!
Me hates snow.
:D:p

VERMONT!

Snow!

Hot Chocolate.

Reindeer.


Santa Claus and Camping!!! What more can we ask???!

For something closer? :D

For something warmer

Pfft, Alex will come snow camping with me.

Curmudgeon-Fest 2010©. It might be worth coming just to enjoy the Curmudgeon-Off™.

Yeah, usually you have to pay-per-view or wait for Skinemax After Dark.

I voted yes. Is there a second cabin group? Or just a waiting list for undecideds?

I get you iSm but my money is on Alex. :p

sorry, we're already doing that at Yosemite ! :p

Considering how many people we have on the waiting list, I wold highly suggest that you guys get one of the other cabins nearby.

Hey, that's actually close to ME!

I am so in for snow camping! (But not xmas day...kids and all.)

Snow?? Do you really expect any of us to have snow gear, or know how to even deal with snow? :p If we're talking snow, we're talking Cabin. And since you guys are already doing a cabin thing I guess that's out.

Is Big Sur really out the window due to this?

I don't see these as mutually exclusive

We've got quite the wait list going at the moment. Plenty to fill up an additional cabin. I would highly suggest that these people get themselves together and rent one of the nearby cabins.

I hope Swank Camp and LashPair Mountain Retreat are not mutually exclusive. I note there are common swankers to both, but not all campers are retreaters and not all retreaters are campers. Hopefully there will the appetite (and the will) for both.

I certainly anticipate having the personal appetite and will for both.



As for a third cabin .... i'm on the picket fence about that. One of the points of a waiting list is the assumption that some people will have to change plans come ten months from now. And I think more than a few people on the waiting list are on there because they cannot commit to next April right now.

Therer are a few on the waiting list that are willing to commit now. Of course, they will get priority over those who cannot currently commit. I'm just offering a suggestion for those who want to go but don't have a place to stay currently. A second cabin would assure that those who would like to confirm have a place to stay. Those who cannot or will not confirm are on their own anyways.

Nine months, one week and 4 days... but who's counting? :cheers:

Does Put Me On the Waiting List consitute a committment? Because I intended it to. As in, if a spot opens and comes available, I will take it, paying for the 4 days of which I would use only 2.

I'll send our part of the deposit right away, NA- and thanks again for the research and booking. I think that if enough people express a semi-committed commitment then it might be wise of them to hedge bets and place a deposit on another cabin. The deposit isn't that much, and it would guarantee a spot rather than having to pull a standby- what if no one cancels and you decide you really do want to be there? I'd feel bad, and I know everyone else would as well. I'd much rather have a reservation and not have to worry about it. I'd also really miss a lot of you if you weren't there!

Since a cabin is not, in fact, camping, I would presume that Yosemite and Swank Camp III are not mutually exclusive. So I'm still presuming Big Sur for some time around early June-ish until an actual date is set.

Totally wish I could commit for Yosemite, but I just can't :(

And if anyone on the enormous wait list want to arrange for a second (or is it third?) cabin, I'll buy in right now. I just don't have the wherewithal to arrange it.

Otherwise, i'm content to wait and see.

We'll probably not join Swank Camp next year, because Ken's already taking a week off for this, and I'm taking an additional week immediately after for my conference, and then we're both tentatively taking another week-long trip with a couple friends in September 2009. So, those pretty much eat all of our 2009 vacation time. If Swank Camp ends up being earlier in the year closer to home (like Joshua Tree), then we might show Friday-Sunday for that.

I'll miss camping, but to me, the Lashpair visit wins the decision without contest.

I don't know how it slipped my mind but my vacation time next year is being used by a trip to PA for graduation and NY for vacation.

It's really hard to get more than a day or two off without it being on the end of a weekend so I need to take it in one shot.

LashTour in Yosemite falls over my dad's bday I'll most likely miss Swank Camp too.

Bummer!

Hmmmm, I should probably be shot for floating this. But how about a much smaller Swank Camp in .... wait for it .... Yosemite?

During the season when the wonders of the Valley are open and waiting.


At the recent Swank Camp we talked about how Yosemite was impractical for large groups of campers. And it is. Um, it's looking like a much smaller group of campers this year, so though I hate to say it ... it would perhaps be the perfect year to tackle Yosemite on a much smaller Swank scale.

You can only reserve two adjacent campsites in the Valley. They are snapped up within seconds, so the chances of getting even them are slim. But Wolf Creek, just outside the Valley, is a no-reservation campground, with chances reasonable for getting 3 or so adjacent sites on a Thursday arrival.



Yes, I must be out of my mind to suggest this. By now you folks know how I can't get Yosemite Swank Camp out of my system until we have a Yosemite Swank Camp. NA and GC's day trip there to kick off the last Swank Camp and the planned LashPair cabin retreat there that threatens to supplant next Swank Camp do nothing to tamp down my Yosemite fever.




Fewer people are higher on my love list than Lash and Stoat. So it's no reflection on them, and what I'm about to say is of a piddling level in comparison to how happy I am they'll be visiting again ... but I'm beginning to resent an event that's replaced the trip to Japan and threatens to scuttle next year's Swank Camp.

:(

Well, we're going to be going to Cambria after Yosemite with the Lashpair, so I'm not interested to doing a swank camp in Yosemite following our SwankCabin experience. But, if you'd like to organize a swank camp excursion of your own, please feel free to start a thread to discuss it.

Personally, I will be looking at other possible dates for a Swank Camp in Big Sur sometime later in the year.

That's good to hear... now stop Hijacking MY thread, you Curmudgeon !!
:p

...And Lisa has a list of people to fill the next cabin - you should get together and do it so you can get the one close by. :cheers:

i'm too lazy to organize anything.



But if someone arranges a second cabin, that would be swell.

Well, I just booked a cabin with a bath in Curry. The Lodge is about $70 more per night and I can survive in a cabin. I only worry that we may get rock-slid out but we shall see.

The rate with tax was $155.40 for two adults. I was checking my records and I haven't paid quite so much at the Lodge in quite some time. I can't find what I paid last 4th of July weekend but I that may have been high.

If I get a chance, I am going to make reservations for San Simeon. If I do, I'll come back with some prices.

The camping along the coast, Big Sur, that sure sounds wonderful.

Me, too, in general. But I'd really like to go. NA, I don't have your current cell number, could you give me a call? Or PM? Or smoke signals?

All right, Lindy!:snap:

I really believe the third cabin is going to be needed, so I hope it gets reserved. I know this is going to be tons of fun, but iSM's posts only bolster that conviction: anything he is cranky about usually ends up being the most fun he ever had.:D

I agree with jumping on that 3rd cabin. While I booked CV, it is mostly because my family is probably coming and that could be awkward. Don't want to cramp anyones' style.

But, what I failed to mention, that price for the CV cabin is just for two people, so, it goes up per person, including children. They made sure I knew this. When they asked how many I said two for now and they said to tell them the others upon arrival because they are not free. Wow. They said that I could rent the cabin, though, with only two people.

So, cost wise, jump on it. That may be the second half of spring break and that means families/groups/etc.

I posted a link to the next door cabin. It is called Strawberry Creek.

Here's the main site and here's the cabin next door to ours.

Lazy or not, its time to get off your duff and do something or you're bound to lose out.

Yeah, yeah, well maybe with Monday morning will come some business sense.

And some sense in general. Wendy's right. The more cranky I am the more fun it turns out to be. Oh, and I have no doubt this will be oodles of fun. I'm sorry I've had such a hard time, but within a week of getting back from heavenly Swank Camp, our Nipponese odyssey has morphed into a week outside Yosemite Valley and sundry other events up and down the west coast ... and it's all been a little bit fast for me.




I'll catch up.

Yay ! I'm so excited - I'm litening to a wonderful Disneyland 50 limited edition 4-CD set given to me by someone special, and I'm so full of longing to get over the the USA I could burst !!

All it takes is a call and a credit card.

But, what if aliens come and take over earth while the credit card is being processed and then its denied?

And, what if there's a massive avalanche next month in Yosemite that buries the cabin? What if they don't give us a refund in that case?

And, what if the we watch hours of anime and make bento-box lunches while we're there. Would it still count as being cool as going to Japan?

If a couple of someones have Fondue sets we COULD have a japanese night with Shabu-shabu - and an electric skillet for the table could provide all the sukiyaki action we could want !! - and I have tons of Japanese music on my iPod..... And I would wear my Golden Dragon Kimono !! :snap:

Ah, so desu ne?

I'll bring the sake.:cheers:

Oh, we are SO planning a Japanese group dinner one night. ;)

Sigh, I don't think I'm going to be able to reserve the overflow cabin. I'm in a bit of a financial crisis right now (I could barely afford the camping trip) and I can't really front a week's worth of cabin for people who, by definition, can't commit financially right now.

Actually, I believe that it has been scaled back to Medium-Large Sur.

Just let me know which night so I can make alternate plans.

Oi, and there's a 10% cancellation fee ... based on the entire reservation, not the one night's deposit. Strawberry Creek is $225 for two people (not sure what it goes up to for 6), so if there's not enough interest I'd be stuck with a hundred dollars cancellation fee ... and no place to stay on top of that.

But help me out here. There were 16 people in the original reservation, but the Scenic Wonders cabin is reserved for only 10. Are there enough bedrooms there for 10, much less for 16?

I'm wondering because if I could get a feel that some of the original 16 would be willing to shift over to any availabilities at the overflow cabin in order to, ya know, sleep in a bed ... I'd be willing to make the ressie and assume the (oh hell this scares me) financial liability.

BTW, I like the Yosemite Summit way better than the Strawberry Creek. It's two doors down, same price as Strawberry Creek ... but way nicer, imo. Anyway the rate for either goes up to $375/night at the max occupancy of 8 - - which would mean a cancellation charge of $150. Yikes.


I dun't know what to do.

Well, it seems like you're not going to do anything.

Let me get this straight.

You want to mess with the people confirmed with the original cabin and have those 16 people, who were willing to step up to the plate in the first place, assume additional financial responsibility because you didn't step up to the plate when we were making the plans?


I have to say that that completely rubs me the WRONG way and I don't appreciate your suggestion.

Where in Cambria are you planning on staying?

Where I want to stay is The Pickford House, but I am not sure I can afford it. The Valentino room, naturally. Maybe we should consult!?

I have never heard of it. The Old People stayed at the Lodge during my Grandma's memorial...her house was just a few feet away. There are also some neat places on the cliffs... We will def consult. I will look up The Pickford House. I don't really have my heart set on anything, so I feel free to roll with the flow (for a change).

Well, I am up for anything really. But, since I think Yosemite will be a bit more on the expensive side, I would not mind saving some $$ on lodging.

Cliff views, cool!

I've stayed in Pickford house. It's sort of, ummm, tacky? I wasn't thrilled.

NA, I'm trying to get together a second cabin. No one else who said they wanted to be on the waiting list has stepped up. So I'm putting out feelers to see whether I would be able to salvage anything if I end up with a cabin that sleeps 8 with only 2 residents. Keep in mind that I'm willing to do this, even though I'm only going to be there 2 nights of 4, and will pay my share for all 4.


I'm doing this, frankly, at YOUR constant instigating ... because you seem to think, and are perhaps correct, that there's so many people on the waiting list that we should just get a second cabin.

But I believe the waiting list consists mostly of people who can't commit to next April this June. That's why they're on the waiting list and not part of the original 16.


I'm NOT asking if anyone wants to take on more financial responsibility for an extra nothing. I'm merely WONDERING if all those original 16 people have a bed to sleep in, or if they'd be willing to pitch in a bit more for a bed to sleep in - - in the event there's an extra cabin with extra beds.



I have no idea if there are beds for 16 people in the original cabin. I was merely asking if there were, and I didn't get an answer. I have no idea what any of the 16 think about this or that ... perhaps some of them will post. I have no idea what any of the people on the waiting list think about reserving a second cabin, and whether anyone would be willing to be responsbile for that money come next April. Perhaps some of them will post.


So for instance: If I'm pitching in $30 per night for a spot on the floor with my sleeping bag ... I would personally love the opportunity to pay $40 per night for a bed. But YES, I see your point that it leaves the other people to pay a larger share if anybody jumps ship, so to speak, to move next door where there are comfy beds waiting ... with pillows and sugarcanes.


But I'm not trying to sabotage anything. I'm just trying to work out the suggestion of renting a second cabin that won't cost me money I can't afford to lose if there's no need for a second cabin in the end, and the waiting list would have worked just fine.

Drama drama drama. Take it to PM or something you guys!

In my opinion, I think it would be a huge gamble to get another cabin for the reasons specified: too many people cannot make commitments right now.

For example: for this year's Camp Swank, (if I recall correctly), over 20 people were "committed", but in the end, we only had 16 (including Alex, who was only there one night).

Anyone who was not willing to commit is just going to have to wait. IMHO, the people (whoever they are) at the top of the list have a pretty good chance of being involved.

Well, that's how I felt about it. (Um, especially since I would supposedly be at the top of any waiting list, being the first person who expressed interest.)

So I'm perfectly willing to be on the waiting list .. and so many other people jumped in that Lisa reasonably felt a second cabin might be in order.


And thus I can't take it to PM, BTD, because I'd like to hear from some people of the original 10 or 16 or the proposed waiting list before I commit to losing $150 if a second cabin doesn't pan out.


It was Lisa's suggestion that we rent a second cabin. She posted it more times that I posted about JapanDisappointment. Hehehe. But I didn't know about the cancellation fee - and for that $150 fee, I can get 3 nights at a cabin in Curry Village. So, some questions are in order. Feel free to put me on Ignore.

Steve, I'm frankly not willing to participate in your crazymaking mania. The cabin for 16 is reserved. I've posted information about additional cabins should anyone be interested. It is your choice if you or anyone else wants to take it further.

Perhaps, if there wasn't so much mania, I would be willing to lend my assistance in more of the planning process, but I simply don't have the time to do so when it involves so much unnecessary blather. Unfortunantely, that a choice I need to make.

I really think we should start meal planning and deciding who is sleeping where (and with who!) in the first cabin. ;) Oh, and we also should really do some research on the exact amount of water that will be seen at each of the falls so we can plan our hikes accordingly to avoid any disappointment, in case one is more majestic than another, and we completely miss it, because we spent too much time looking at the less-majestic falls. I also think we need to conduct fitness-level tests of everyone involved in the hikes, so we can plan on how much time it will take to get to each fall, so that we can time it perfectly with the position of the sun to make the water the most sparkly. ;)

But DP... There's nothing to do in Yosemite in April. Remember?

That's good Lisa, 'cause I've heard from you ad infinitum. Rent a second cabin, Rent a second cabin, Rent a second cabin. It's been your mantra.

No mention of a 10% length-of-stay cancellation fee from the only person here who's actually rented one of the cabins. yeah, that causes me pause for a bunch of people who cannot commit to something next April.



Who exactly is being made crazy by my simple quesitons ... that again you refuse to answer?



I'll put it in easy, non-bedlam language: IS ANYONE REALLY INTERESTED IN GETTING A SECOND CABIN? I WILL RENT ONE IF THERE'S INTEREST, AND WON'T IF THERE IS NOT.



I hope that doesn't make anyone insane. Sheesh.

Maybe a wiki-thingy would help (you can put a spreadsheet of who's interested, and what date they would know for sure by..

and if there were 8 people interested, and the booking was cancelled for whatever reason, 1/8 of $150 is only a loss of $18.75 per person - I don't think anyone sharing the booking would leave you all alone to bear the cancellation fee if it came to that.

How do you create those sWizzle stIKI things ?

Then, we'll schedule drives to places that we can do something! Besides, it'll be more scenic elsewhere anyway. Have you seen that wretched shade of brown in some of those early-season Yosemite photos? Bleh! Bleh, I say! It's just not natural!

Or, I've got a better idea - let's print large posters of Yosemite during late spring and then cover the windows with them. We'll make our own damn scenic views!

Oh oh, now I'm in trouble.

....I'm fit enough to stir a pot of Glühwein :blush:

I've answered the questions I am able to answer. I have given suggestions for further action for those who are willing to take further action. Beyond that, there's not much more I can or am willing to do. If I can take a day out of my time to plan things thus far, surely others can step up to the plate and make additional plans if necessary. I'm not really sure there is any more for me to do at this point.

Yes there is !! You have to teach me how to make Smores. :D

I can teach you how to make S'mores AND I can show you all of the wonders of the Yosemite area. How's that for a deal?

BACON S'MORES!

How far is Curry Village from where the cabins are?

My only Yosemite experience was in the 8th grade. We stayed in two places. One had dorm like cabins (rooms with beds and shared bathrooms in the hallways) and one had tents with a hard floor. I think the later is Curry Village.

Does the former sound familar to anyone?

Okay Steve, how much would a person have to pony up to secure a spot in the second cabin? Sounds like the cancellation risk of $19 isn't all that bad.

The latter may be Curry Village (if you were on the valley floor) but there are other place in Yosemite that have tent cabins.

Here's a map showing the route from the rented cabin location to Curry Village. It is about a 30 minute drive. On the one hand that is probably farther away than you'll want to be if you're going to hang out until 3 am and then try to drive back to your tent cabin.

On the other hand, Curry Cabin in smack in the middle of most of the things and places that will likely be visited during the three days there.

Sorin' flies over the tent cabins that we stayed in. I recognized the scenery.

Thank you for the info Alex.

I wish this stupid software release would just hurry up and be done with. It's screwing with anything I want to do for longer than 2 days.

Yeah, staying in the Valley proper will keep you from a lot of the more personal fun but figure that a lot of time will be spent right there in the valley. Nice location to take off from on bikes.

LOL Does everyone have their bike legs? It took me a while to get back in to riding a bike. First off I was like a moth to a flame, but it was a bike to a pedestrian!!!!

{luckily I've passed that....}

I think that sounds fair, booking and then if it fails, sharing the cost of the deposit. I think that is how the first cabin went, right? Everyone sent in their first nights portion, that is equal to/is the deposit?

Just make sure and pick the one you want right off!!! And, the ones I saw, it doesn't go up too much as you add people, to their limit.

Good luck with that!

BTD~ yep, I think you are right! I love that part of Soarin'!!!

Are we riding bikes? Awesome!

Wouldn't that be nice? Although, it takes carting them around or renting them.

I have become so comfortable riding bikes in the Valley, it reminds me of when I was a kid and used to ride bikes all of the time. It has become fun again and I have missed that feeling.

That time of year, I think, it is even better because some of the roads are one way traffic instead of two.

How challenging is the ride? Can one do it with coasting brakes or do you really need a bike with hand brakes?

If you are riding from the cabins that are being rented up in Yosemite, I forget what it is called, probably really damn good brakes!

But, riding in the valley, I think the first year I had a regular bike with coaster brakes and no gears! There are a few slight grades, nothing too bad, really. Unless you want to ride to Mirror Lake. But, if you can get your bike all of the way to the point where you can't ride any more, it is a fun as hell ride back down!!! {meaning, that is a hard hill to do...even with gears!}

I think I'll stay in the cabin that day...

Like Chino State Park?

You Got it !
OMG, we may have to try that.....
I'd love to have you help make those Bacon Smores, ya know...

Something we need to try next year are Bacon Smorgasms. Imagine the caramel swirl Plush Puffs with that...

You can talk to my boss...

Unfortunately I think that out of the two of us (me and da boss) I'm the only one that swoons over male Australian accents.

How far from the cabin is the Wawona Hotel?

We're about 15 miles from the Wawona.

And here, I thought you lived in Long Beach!

So, this is the waiting list for the cabin, constructed as requests came in via posts, PMs, IMs, Phone calls, or smoke signals.


Brad
Isaac
Joseph
Steve
Traci
Debra
Cindy (expressed interest)

I dearly hope I haven't left anyone out.

iSm: I am potentially very interested, but my commitment hinges on a few things:

1. When/where will swank camp be happening? Will it happen at all? There's the possibility I can make both, but I'm not sure which I would choose if I have to choose one.

2. What will the total cost be for four nights?

3. How far is Yosemite from Arizona?

YIPPEE!!!

I just got our confirmation in the mail for Scenic Wonders and Little Scenic as well as my first deposit check.

It is April yet?

Dah! Lisa, it will feel like forever to get here!

But, on the other hand, I had a moment where I freaked and thought I would not be up to the rides...then I realized all of the time I have to work on my riding. {hint to anyone else worried about being able to ride well....}

If anyone does ride, take locks! You will want to park them and get off to hike here and there. We wear Camelpacks {backs?} and Hubsters' bike has a rack.

So, are you, like, thinking of going outside the cabin or something?

LOL But of course!! You guys will have so much fun in the big house. At night, it is fun to go for walks, and at the Lodge they have lectures/talks/something like that. And, those of you who love photography, from somewhere they do photo walks.

AND they give tours of the Awahnee.

I say you guys will have fun because in talking with the family...we realized that we need to head up earlier and will instead be there for our anniversary and the Boys' school break.

Dear Not Afraid,

OMG, OMG, OMG !!!

Bear and I just had a look at the place you booked in Yosemite. OMFG, it has a jacuzzi, and a huge open fireplace, and views of a pine forest with the rockfaces in the distance. I'm beside myself with joy !!!

You folks probably won't like me for it, but I hope it snows just for a bit while we are there (as I've only experienced snow in Texas one Christmas Eve - it fell on my nose and eyelashes).

...and there could be a tree, and lights and eggnog and smores, and some more smores (if only I knew what they were).

NA - You done good !!! Except I'm still picking white angora threads off my charcoal-gray jacket from last year - but I'll forgive you.

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

I am unanimous in this when I say I bags the Master Bedroom. :cheers:

.....I mean, there's gotta be some advantage to being the foreigner....

As does Hubster's wife ;)

* Hmmm, with this many people potentially wanting another (is it third?) cabin, I'm leaning towards taking the risk ... and hoping, but not necessariy counting on, those people splitting the cancellation fee if it should doubtfully come to that. (Based on 6 people, the cancellation fee would be about $120, or $20 per person.)

Even though there's seven on that list, I'd initially reserve the cabin for 6. The website doesn't quote the price for 6 ... but 2 people is $225/night and 8 people is $350/night, so I'm guessing 6 would be in the neighborhood of $300/night, or $50 per person per night. Not ultra cheap. Approximately $200 per person for the whole deal.


* Um, Yosemite is significantly further from Arizona than Los Angeles, I'd say. If I'm remembering correctly, the northernmost route out of Arizona is the 10 - - which I'd guestimate makes a trip from Phoenix to Yosemite something like 10 hours, since you'd practically have to drive to L.A. and then north to Yosemite.


* As for whether Swank Camp would be happening, I have no way of knowing. There's a certain contingent that is going to the Yosemite retreat, and so I can't say for certain whether those people would also have the wherewithal to do Swank Camp soon before or afterwards.

However, there's a second contingent (and to me a rather significant one, since they are the ones who often go on out-of-camp excursions) who are not - as of yet - planning on attending the Yosemite retreat.

In other words ... Swank Camp 3 is, imo, totally up in the air. I wouldn't advise making any plans based on it happening or not.

I don't understand this talk of 3 cabins... aren't we still trying to pull together cabin #2?

I'm pretty confused myself, but it sounds like Lisa reserved two cabins so far:
So next would be, I presume, a third cabin. And I'm leaning towards the Yosemite Summit over the Strawberry Creek (the link to the website is page or two back).

Well... Really only one cabin. She rented both halves of a duplex.

And is that the full 16, or is that 16 plus more?

Good luck with that one.

The unit/s that Lisa has reserved hold a total of 16 people, it's a duplex with one half that holds 10 and a smaller unit that holds 6 but they open into each other ...think connecting rooms at any hotel. The set up gives the group two full kitchens to deal with meals and several common rooms for activities.

So to clear up confusion, it's one building/two halves both of which have been reserved for the Lashpair tour '09.

The wait list to be included in that housing situation has been posted with recommendations that if the wait list grew/grows that the people on the wait list consider making a reservation for another unit or risk not being able to participate.

It's up to each person to decide which they are more willing to risk....a loss of a deposit in the event that they can't make it, unknown total cost since the cabin that iSm looked at changes rates based on occupancy or of course just not having space at all and not being included in the event.

With the fact that the Lashpair will end their meandering down the state with various stops to end up in the Anaheim area for about 2 weeks there will be other opportunities to hug them but I can see the dilemma in trying to decide how much risk each person is willing to assume.

I've sent out some PM feelers to the people on the "wait" list. If I hear back with enough positives, I'll go ahead and rent the second-and-a-halfed cabin. :)

Okay, for the sake of ease, let's talk about the two halves as Cabin 1, and the proposed iSm rental as Cabin 2.

I need to know how much of a deposit I'd need to pony up for Cabin 2, but consider me tentatively interested, dependent on my ability to participate financially. I'm certainly willing to risk the $20 cancellation.

That Strawberry Creek cabin has an awesome kitchen!

I so love our first one though - gotta love the bunk beds! :D

Oh, yes, I should mention that I'm the kind of guy who fronts a deposit and asks for nada until the event is upon us. Ya know, tickets purchased a month or so in advance, and pay me on the date of the show.

I've never before laid out monies 10 months in advance, so of course I'd accept any deposit payments at any time ... but wouldn't require anything until payment in full was due mid-March 2009.


Since I don't have an exact price quote for 6-person occupancy, I'm assuming $300 per night, i.e., an approximate $300 deposit. That would be a $50 deposit (my estimate) per person. Due now or later, at your choice.

Whoever takes on the financial responsibility of Cabin part two needs to be willing to take on the full cost of the rental for 2 or accept that they may have to cancel even if they can afford the vacation time/cost of 'their share' on the unlikely event that folks 'tentatively commit' on the basis that they're willing to forfeit their deposit/cancellation fees.

If I were iSm at this point I would seriously consider making the financial responsibility be every ones share of one night being nonrefundable unless the entire cabin gets cancelled.

I can see folks making the commitment based on expectations of individual costs being x... but then having one or two folks cancel. At that point the cost per person has to go up significantly....that now creates new issues for people who commited based on a different financial commitment.

I can see a domino effect taking over as people who could afford x but cant afford xxx have to cancel leaving others to assume the financial load required to afford the 2nd cabin. Unless iSm has a second person 100 percent commited to sharing by 50/50 the cost of the cabin for the 4 days I would be hesitant to jump off on that commitment.

Thanks for the advice ... but the whole reason this has been so dicey is that it's a gamble ... a cabin for those who simply cannot "COMMIT" at this time.


So, I'm willing to take that risk if I hear back from some of the 7 people on the "wait" list if they would like go next year and will share the cancellation fee if we have to cancel.


Of course, there's the possiblity that only, say, 4 people end up being able to go. Perhaps Cabin 2.5 would be more expensive per person at that stage. Hmmm, perhaps 3 spots will open at Cabin 1.5. Who knows? It's a gamble. And a risk I'm willing to take if I get a thumbs-up from a majority of the wait-list peeps.

You guys are going to have a blast....and I'm sure the boys will appreciate all the effort going into making their vacation so swanky!

Hey, where's my PM feeler?

Are you sure you wouldn't rather have a different kind?



(Actually, since I addressed your specific and might I add Arizona-centric questions in this thread, I used the PM limit of 5 to send it to the other 5 people on the wait list. I haven't heard back from any of them yet, but Morrigoon has been participating in this thread, and lindyhop PM'd me last night.)

I thought my public response sufficient to indicate interest :)

LOL Sadly, not quite as nice. :blush:

All boobs are good boobs!

Ooops...totally missed that. :blush:

So, let me get this straight. If I say "definite yes" right now and then come January it changes to "um, probably not," then I'm only out $50, right? If so, put me down for definite yes.

My definite yes depends largely upon finding someone to carpool with. I am A-ok to drive solo to LA, but all the way to Yosemite is more than I'm interested in. Plus, it's greener. Plus, more people in a car = less gas $$$ per person. Anyone interested? We can drive my car, I just don't love driving enough to do that much of it alone.

As for Swank Camp, I won't base my Yosemite decision on it, as it's bound to happen again in 2010 anyways, right?

Actually, if we have to cancel because too many Cabin 2.5 people drop out, we would each owe $20 (the cancellation fee).

$50 is a deposit for the first night's stay, which you are free to send me if we get the Cabin (or which, at your option, you can withhold until next March).

Ok, then I'm in!

Spoken like a true {gentle} man!!!! :p

Is there still room on the wait list? I'm still trying to figure out whether this is something I could do or not.

I don't know anything about the waiting list, but there's room at Cabin 2.5 for anyone who's willing to bear an equal share of any cancellation fee.


But speaking of the waiting list, who's "Joseph?" I thought it must have been Chernabog, but he says he's not on the waiting list and can't go to Yosemite. I wanted to contact everyone on the list about the potential for Cabin 2.5, so knowing who he is would be a big help.

I think I'm gonna skip this in favor of Hearst Castle, so I can use my vacation time for another trip.

Sorry.

And Cabin 2.5 teeters on the edge.

It does?! Awesome!!! I say when we're up there we run into the walls as fast as we can to see if we can get it to fall off. Wheeeeeeeee!

He's the guy with the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Jesus, just ask Mary.

I'm pretty sure that Joseph wasn't Jesus. That is way too Oedipal and we'd best stick with a single mythology.

Where's the fun in that?

It's in using the word "mythology" within five mental steps of the subject of Christianity.

And I know this is a complete derail but I figures you start a trip related thread nearly a year before the trip and either it dies or it becomes a Sooooooclone.

Please do not derail this thread until we have determined the following:

• Whether we are using disposable or washable plates and utensils
• What color the paper towels should be
• EXACT bedding assignments
• How exactly we are going to get out watches in synch with a +/- of 2 seconds
• Which radio frequency we all will be on
  • For arrival
  • For days 1 and 2
  • For days 3 and 4
• Which vehicle NirvanaMan should drive
• Whether the Lashes should drive on the right or left side of the road on a one-way street
• Which brand of bottled water is preferred by everyone (or at least the majority) and whether we should get 16 or 24 oz. bottles
  • Which alternate brand of water to have for those who do not like the first choice

That is just a partial list to carry us through the next 72 hours (+/- 90 minutes). This list will be updated at 5:15 p.m. on 6/19/08 AD.

Geeze, you forgot a bunch of stuff.

Preemptive feminine supplies (in case there is a flood and the store is closed and...)
What time should people arrive
What are you (Kevy) going to use to get people to flash you
Will Alex actually show up?
Where will the bodies be hidden
What if the ice melts
What if there snow
What if there is a bear that isn't the Lashes or one of the LoT psuedo-Bears?
What type of bacon who is bringing and exactly how much
Meal assignments people!

And what flavor lube... strawberry or rootbeer?

I've got dibs on top! :D








We are referring to the bunk beds, right?

Thank you for thei list of things to put in the Wiki. :D

And Alex, I was trying to use Jesus, Mary & Joseph in a sentence.. using Jesus as an expletive, not as a proper first name.

A bit like using "Beatles" in a sentence: "By George, said John, I think Paul's lost his Ringoes"

I suck at word games (for now). I shall hone my skills before we cross brains [if and when it happens].

I know what you were doing, I was just taking it to the next step.

Hoping to get a riser out of me, I expect.

Well, not this quickly. I was hoping for Friday.

I'll bring the sourdoughs!

I like pancakes.

After you've had my sourdough pancakes, you'll be ruined for regular pancakes!

[Homer Simpson] *Droool* Aughghghghgh Pancakes... [/Homer Simpson]

Provided I, too, am able to go, I'll be happy to share a ride.

Fun stuff!

Hmmm. Of the 6 people on the waiting list, I was able to identify only 5. The mysterious Joseph being neither the biblical icon nor the Hyper Chernabog. Oh, and one dropped off the waiting list (zapppop).

That leaves 4 people on the waiting list. I kinda think that's reasonable for a waiting list, and not so indicative of the need for another cabin.


(i never heard back from Gemini Cricket, so i've no confirmation that he was on the waiting list.)

Anyways, a four-person cabin would run run approx. $69 per night. That's a little pricey.

I think my sourdough pancakes can take your sourdough pancakes. :evil: For great sourdough pancakes you have to have a great starter and my starter has been passed down from 1790 when someone in my sister-in-law’s family received the original starter from an old goat herder in Utah. I am sorry that I will not be able to join you in Yosemite but if anyone would like some great sourdough starter for them elves PM me and we will work something out.

Hands-down, this is the cutest typo ever, coming from one of Santa's notorious helpers. :snap:

Does Margaret have some of that starter ?? I sense Sourdough Pancakes for breakfast.....

I don't 'yet' but I know that I'll be seeing our own Santa Ron at least once or twice before the Lashpair arrive...I have never dealt with sourdough starter but I'm willing to learn the ropes and I'm sure the big guy would be more than happy to share the secrets.

I think some of my starter is going down under in 2009.
It transports real nice, the old goat herder used a goat ball sac that he kept on his belt.
Margaret it is a real simple pancake recipe and a whole lot of fun in your mouth to eat

Well not to derail but when we visit in December we might need to bring it back with us so I can treat the lashpair to delish pancakes Easter morn!

Sorry, but Utah did not exist in 1790.

I'm picking up a jar to store my starter this weekend. There shall be bread in our house next week! Woohoo!

But people were there, I used that as a graphical location it was the information that was passed to me along with the starter and recipe on a card.

Here is some information from the Utah Government site.
Ok so give or take 50 years, It sill is a great starter! :snap::cakes: :evil:

or ya know, a geographical location.


I think 'graphical' is slang used by them elves at the north pole when they differentiate their ilk from their kin at the south pole.

The first Europeans to visit the area didn't arrive until the 1770s (the Spanish Dominguez-Escalante Expedition). The first European settlers were the Mormons in the 1840's.

Sourdough first came to the west in the early 1800's; brought by settler families. It first became associated with miners, prospectors, and the like during the California gold rush.

Utah in 1890, I can see.

I admit that sometimes I get my words mixed up but play nice or you will get some coal in you stocking! :p

Are those real facts, JW? Or DCA exhibit facts??

Now I remember why I don't post over here much it's coal for you!

So much for the curmudgeon-off and meadow-off. It's now time for Sourdough-Off! Let's get ready to kneed and rumble!!! ;)

Real. Feel free to do the research yourself if you don't believe me!

I belive in Santa. :)

I believe the argument over sourdough starter and Utah history is kinda silly.

I believe that people who make outrageous claims shouldn't be surprised when they are called on it. (Especially on this board!)

So do I [to Kevy], but I am having visions of the people on Antiques Roadshow learning that the Chinese table saved by a great-grandfather during the Boxer Rebellion was actually purchased from the J.C. Pennys catalog in 1967.

Served 'em right for not doing their research.

Was that Kevy who asked if some tangent of talk here was silly. Um, Pot and Kettle ever go out on a date?


JW, I hope you don't think I was impuning your research or integrity. I just couldn't resist making some crack about the DCA sourdough exhibit ... from wence I, for one, gleaned all the sourdough knowledge I have.



* * * *

On a more pertinent note. I have decided not to rent a Cabin 2.5. The responses I got from the waiting list people were about 50/50, but it didn't seem to me reliable enough that a cabin would be cost effective.

Granted, even at $70/night, that's still roughly half of what decent Valley accomodations are running. But I can't afford either. I was a dope for not jumping in to the original cabin with the thought of paying for 4 nights and staying only two.


Well, being that two of the people ahead of me on the waiting list have dropped out, I'm just going to trust to providence. One way or the other, I intend to be there on the LashPair's first day in Yosemite Valley ... after all, I'm the one who nudged them endlessly to go there.

So if I have to stay at a Motel 6 in Fresno, I'll be there for that day. But I can't afford $300 to stay a couple of nights in Yosemite. Of course, I could be in better financial shape come next April ... but considering what April 15 is going to mean to my finances next year, I seriously doubt it.

:(

Maybe closer to the date something will make itself known.

I'd like to offer this as an idea for the "leftovers."

http://www.koa.com/where/ca/05195/

Hmmmm... My .05

I have an antique silver pitcher from the 1800's, with a dent in it. The story that it came with is that the dent happened when a woman threw it at an Indian (feathers not dots), who barged into her cabin, and it bounced off his head and hit the floor.

I like the story, because it makes it interesting than just being an antique on my shelf. I remember the story well from when I was a kid, and found it interesting then too.

It might be outrageous though, so if someone would like to do the research on it, please feel free to call me out. I know the first person's name who gave it to my mother a long time ago - Rebecca. So, there's the lead. Be it bread, antiques or anything, all stories should be verified and researched before told, dammit! Truth is important here, people! ;)

And, if anyone even remotely starts to tell campfire ghost stories while we're at Yosemite, I'm so disproving you, just because I can! ;)

And in closing, I leave one of my fave cartoons:

The difference is that your family's story is completely plausible - even if one cannot prove or disprove it. The story about the sourdough (a term, btw, that was not coined until the 1850's) instantly set off my BS alarm; as it was obviously impossible and easy to disprove.

Charming family stories are one thing, outrageous claims trying to prove something of yours is better than someone else's is another.

My ultimate point from my post:

Who the hell really cares? No matter how you slice it, it's just bread. ;)

So, it's not historically accurate. Most legends aren't.

Or in this case, :cakes: ... ;)

Just like Aunt Jemima herself used to make. :p

Whew, fortunately my alarmingness has been verified by outside sources. :rolleyes:

I think that happens all the time with penis sizes. I could be wrong though. ;)

I made no outrageous claims, it is a family story of how the starter came into our family and oral history is sometimes flawed now bug off.

I wouldn't care if you said it came directly from outer space and accidentally dropped by martians who kidnapped your great great aunt who then became the first cross-bred alien and opened up her own bakery that's extremely popular across the Andromeda galaxy.

I will enjoy making and eating it, and that's pretty much all that matters. I thought it very nice of you to offer to share. :)

Hey DP, I love your imagination!!!

And, that is right. I think that, perhaps, if there was some issue with the date, it should have maybe came out/been questioned differently, as I know that Promo Man as not trying to make outlandish claims and snowball us all.

Being the internet sometimes things don't come out just right.....

I think the sample should be analyzed in a laboratory to see if it is actually sourdough starter or some kind of imitation.

(I get some when I get down there, right? Because I was just having a conversation last weekend that involved me wanting to get some sourdough starter.)

Thanks. I think it actually scares most people. :blush:

Are you saying your mom's recipes come out better than mine?

Oh, it is so ON now!!! ;)

LOL Oh, no, my mother never even made sourdough bread! LOL I mean words somehow don't come out the way we mean them to.

Oh no, your imagination is right up my alley....perhaps that is scary?

Yeah, right. You've just tried declaring yourself the master baker around here.

I think we should all have a bake-off and decide the winner.

(I will sabotage MouseWife's batch by adding a lot of bacon extract.)

(Oh, wait, that'd make it win with these folks. Damn... need new nefarious plan...)

(Crap, I think I've stated these thoughts out loud...)


;)

Did you say, master baker? :p

I may have, yes... :evil:

I once declared my daughter the 'master baker' of the house and her then boyfriend almost died laughing. I think he may have misunderstood what I said.....

I think, sadly, I would lose at a bake off. Haven't you ever heard the stories of my cooking? :eek:

I'm sorry if I misinterpreted you, but your post came across to me like you were making an outrageous claim to try and "prove" how much better your sourdough is. In other words: a silly attempt at one-upsmanship.

No two starters are the same, and determining who has the better starter is a matter of taste, nothing more. IMO, age does not guarantee a better flavor. Flavor comes from the particular combination of yeast and bacteria in the starter. (And that can change over time.)

For what it's worth, I thought Promo-Man's post to be a rather cute and flip 'history' of his starter- and I think his family lore would probably fit in quite well with mine, which tends to blur and outright ignore the historically factual lines of demarcation. Were he a member of my family, Gen. Pershing's great-grandmother's sister-in-law would have initiated the starter. (Or Daniel Boone's wife).

Sweet Baby Jaysus,

Remind me never to give you LoT a box of matches - if sourdough can ignite this length of thread, you folk could fair burn down the barn !!!

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX. :rolleyes:

Not Afraid's sourdough starter came over on the Mayflower.





She wins. :)

That's not how it read to me.

Tell you what let's expand our starters and exchange them then we can both try both of them in our own homes.

Or we could arrange to have a sourdough pancake taste off :)

Dude!! It's like the Pepsi vs. Coke of bread products! :D

It's like Betty Crocker vs. Duncan Hines!

One was a real person, and one wasn't. The question is, which is the real person on here who makes sourdough, or are they both imposters? :confused: Any idea, Scooby?

How do you start a Pancake Taste-off ?... Sago !

I think both should be infused with Vegemite and then judged. ;)

You get two colors of plates and stack them full of pancakes then the judges taste a pancake from each plate. Then they write the color of the plate for their favorite pancake down on the ballot and deposit it in the ballot box.
Then the crowed gets to devour the remanding pancakes.
After much adult beverage is served the ballot’s are counted but by then who cares. :cheers:

You don’t put the Vegemite in the pancakes you spread it on top like jelly! :D

Stop it, Ron, you're making me hungry !! :cheers:

Reminder. The final balance will be due March 1st. I just want to give everyone the chance to save given the Holidays and such. I'd like to have everyone's portion before I have to pay them, if possible. Also, if you think you can't make it, soon would be the time to make that decision.

She did it again!

Yes, and I love her for it !! :snap:

I think the reminder should have been posted in a new thread.

Are Bill & I paid up?

Hell; have we paid ANYTHING?

damn, you guys are gonna force me to do accounting.

I would offer to help, but I don't know what you've received.

The important question is, does she?

You've met NA: do you really have to ask?

Well that was a different experience from last year.

I saw my self-email reminder that today is Yosemite reservation start date for the LashPair period, oh, about an hour after the lines were already open.

LaLaLa, I called. Got thru immediately. Reservation for a site at Lower Pines during the LashWeek was a breeze.


So .... I will be a'camping in the Valley while the vast LoT contingent is at West Yosemite. I hope to host a giant weenie roast that you all will attend one evening for outdoor nature camping fun.


And I've room for another tent and car at my site. Hmmm, SuPeR K! expressed interest at one time. He's got first dibs ... but potentially anyone on the (dare I speak it?) wait list could opt for camping in the Valley ... relatively roughing it.


Apply via this thread or PM. Boy Scout knowledge will get you to the front of the line. It would be nice if someone at our campsite could, ya know, light a fire. ;)

*rushes off to look at the Yosemite Map that iSm slipped to me last trip*

Lower Pines.. there it is. Yay !!!

See Steve, your Map-Slipping paid off.

I like the sound of a Giant Weenie Roast - and you know it. You had one last time, right? this one could be called "Girthologica II"

iSm is a pretty slippery character.

I had a moment of panic. I just received notification that the next MS Walk Orange County is on April 25th. I had to check the dates of this trip. Thankfully, I can do both.

To help set the mood, here is a picture I took last weekend.

The wintry transformation has begun (though rain on the 20th melted all the snow that was there).

nice picture!

I like the deer.

Not Fair! (as I grumble about really wanting to go camping - but this Christmas thing and the assocaited expense are making that impossible for the moment.)

Great Pic, Alex. Are we still anticipating you on our verandah?

He'd better be there- I've never met Alex irl, and would very much like to.


I just want to say how very glad I am to have this trip to look forward to- it's going to be fun! I've taken nearly two weeks off, partly for the Lashpair PNW visit, and then the drive down to Yosemite, etc. I can't remember the last time I took so much time off of work at once was- probably during maternity leave, which was 13 years ago.

No, unfortunately the odds of me being around for this shindig are pretty slim.

Why? Who gave you a silver pass?

.

Gosh, if that's how big the rabbits are, I hate to see the bears !!!

Welcome to YosemiTexas National Park, where everything's bigger & better !!

I'm not an expert here, but I would say that JWBear is an average sized bear.

Thank you... (I think).

And how about un-stickying just one more, for good measure?

I disagree. I think more threads should be stickified! Make them all sticky!

Bwahahahaha!

gooey yes, sticky no.




(how about slimey threads?)