Lashpair Grand USA & Canada Tour 2009

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by lashbear

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 ?!?

As cool as Winchester is, if you have to choose between Winchester and Hearst; take Hearst. In a heartbeat. Don't lose the chance to accommodate others: this is YOUR vacation.

Originally Posted by LashStoat

Some of you are worried about the dates:

Well, you have to understand that we can't please all the people all the time - we could slide dates up, down and sideways forever and still not please everyone. But you must understand, it's not personal...the only other choice is to not come at all, so no-one sees anyone...and as I'm a cup-half-full guy, here's looking at you kid!

Great attitude! As I mentioned above, this is YOUR vacation. Everyone else needs to plan around that.

Originally Posted by LashStoat

Secondly - Is a Coachella a:

Since you didn't get a straight answer: Coachella is a three-day music festival with (mostly) new and emerging bands (with a couple of big names thrown in to push ticket sales). I understand it is a GREAT event (if you don't mind standing out in 40 degree Celsius weather).

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Kevy Baby

As cool as Winchester is, if you have to choose between Winchester and Hearst; take Hearst. In a heartbeat. Don't lose the chance to accommodate others: this is YOUR vacation.

Not to deny the Bay Area peeps, Kevy is correct, Hearst over Winchester anyday. But I know you've wanted to do Winchester and we did not do it last year.

Looks like I need to book my vacation with the firm very soon (as soon as I pass my 90 days)

Months away, I confess, I am already giddy with excitement, not only spending time with the LashPair, but finally meeting WenchyBeth & Co., MS, Deebs (I hope sooner rather than later) the LibraryVixen (ditto, sooner rather than later) and seeing some other swankers it's been too long.

not to mention, Yosemite, a trip with the pros so I can experience it in real style. And one with a cabin, so no need for uber expensive camping gear, yet (unless there is another Camp Swank happening, too).

[~MS~]

The neat thing, that the boys were never in a position to have to choose Winchester vs Hearst.....there were back up plans being put together should they decide to shift the yosemite portion of their trip. Thankfully things worked out well and those who can be there will, those who can't will live viacriously and the bottom line is that this is the boys vacation that they are graciously sharing with all of us....I can't wait for 'my turn'

Gilroy would be a detour in the wrong direction from here to Yosemite...it's just beyond San Jose.

[MouseWife]

LOL Good thing I am just the co-pilot.

I just thought of something as I was checking the availability of lodging at Yosemite....

There are still rooms available pretty much everywhere {limited but still some}. The prices are better at Curry Village. But. Last year I booked the cabin as that is all that there was and shortly before our trip, there were rockslides. They then offered us a cabin without a bath. I had to take it but I was luckily able to find a room at the Lodge.

Just something to think about. Might be less expensive to get a cabin but might be better just to stay at the lodge, I've never {myself} heard of any problems like that.

[~MS~]

If there were time for me to take them to Monterey then we could swing by Gilroy...alas so many wonderful places and so little time....

[MouseWife]

Originally Posted by ~MS~

If there were time for me to take them to Monterey then we could swing by Gilroy...alas so many wonderful places and so little time....

Okay, that is where we were headed when we went through Gilroy!!! Then onto San Simeon.

The time we went through Gilroy it was hot and humid and we were following behind a garlic truck!!!!

GAG ME!!! Now, I love garlic, but this was smothering. We had to stop in town for gas and a potty break and I almost passed out.

[Snowflake]

You can never have too much garlic MW. ymmv, obviously

[MouseWife]

Oh, I'd love to see the Bears at Coachella!!! The gang that goes already rocks so add these two and Bamm!!

It looks like things have been straightened out....all looks great!!!

I like that the Yosemite visit leads into the Hearst Castle visit....more doable. Miss just a couple of weekdays and then you have the weekend.

Now, I doubt everyone would do this, but, we were short on time and we wanted to be in the valley first thing in the a.m. and have the whole day. We left San Diego late in the afternoon, drove powered by highly caffienated coffee beverages, made it all of the way to the Chukchansi casino, bet a bit, then went back and slept in the car for a few hours. This abled us to get to Yosemite for the full days we wanted. Just an idea for those who are short on time. It is doable.

And, I wonder what Gilroy will be like {um, I am confusing myself, it won't be time for their festivals, right?}? Is that the way to go from Yosemite, past Gilroy? Do Bears like garlic?

Those prices are awesome for that big cabin, but, if anyone wants to book with the DNC, they only require one nights stay as a deposit. Then, you can either pay upon arrival or make payments, I've done this.

I keep checking for the family room....not yet.....