Sierra Rendezvous 2005

“SH, I am in columbia, SC”

“Now that explains why she doesn't mind taking 7 days instead of 6! LOL!!! Sorry Gem, I'm from upstate SC so I'm allowed.”

“huh? what you mean? u are allowed what? to drink?? lol...you really think I won't drink? okay.....”

“WLD - Thanks for helping with people in group 1 coming into Ontario! (Like I said, I can help with airport pick up and overnight accommodations if the need arises.)

I forgot about the REI in Rancho Cucamonga. Also, my son works at Sport Chalet near us. I can pick up canisters for Group 1a people if I just know in advance.

This is going to rock!”

“I don't know what options you have flying out of Columbia. Does Delta fly out of there? Here's one of my Delta options flying out of GSP (Greenville/Spartanburg SC)
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Going Out
14 Jul 2005 Delta 842 GSP 6:10pm ATL 7:10pm
14 Jul 2005 Delta 391 ATL 10:16pm ONT 11:56pm
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Coming back
24 Jul 2005 Delta 460 ONT 10:30pm ATL 5:30am
25 Jul 2005 Delta 285 ATL 8:23am GSP 9:27am
last edited: 12/28/04 11:51:50 AM”

“i'll be flying out of charlotte, NC I think.
i think we may in the same plane though if it works out like I want it to.

Hmm...so the 25th as a return flight would be okay then right?? PHIL!!!!! or later?

someone fast please....i am on the booking page.”

“Gemini,
You would fly out Sunday late afternoon or night. Since you have to be at the airport several hours early I think one of our fine Californian TTers would help us get there. The main thing is to NOT book a flight out of any place before say 4:00PM on Sunday.
last edited: 12/28/04 12:06:55 PM”

“so then we still can party right?? LMAO....
hey...I have never hiked on the west coast...trust me I am going wacko here...”

“I can return you to Ontario Airport.”

“ahhhh the west coast drinking expiditions..... :) Gotta love em. Gosh..I'll have to try to tget the chicago area peoples out for a drink sometime :D”

“so now I am checking for a flight sunday night huh? okay...doing it now

spirit...i will never understand why you moved to this end of the US”

“About a half hour ago I spoke with Sylvia over at the Dow Villa in Lone Pine. BTW it's snowing hard there right now. As far as reservations go, earlier is better. You can check the place out at:
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www.dowvillamotel.com
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Be sure to look at the reservation page. There are tons of options for room/bed combinations. As someone said before, the hotel is cheaper than the motel, but the motel is very reasonable. Dirt cheap in fact! If you are a member of AAA you get what amounts to about a 10 % discount on rates.
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If you book a room be sure to mention that you are part of the 2005 Weezers & Geezers Reunion.
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They will put up a sign on the motel marque that says something like:
"Welcome 2005 Weezers & Geezers Reunion" if we request. I will!
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No glass out by the pool. I would presume that alcohol consumption around other motel guests should be discreet.
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If we want to we can have their "convention" room for the set up of a refreshment oasis.
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That's about all. Looks like just the place for us.
last edited: 12/28/04 12:26:29 PM”

“well, I am booking to fligh back on monday because it's much cheaper for whatever reason. Not a biggy though, I'll either stay at the hotel or at the airport.

it would cost me over $300 if I fly out on Sunday. only cost me $199 if I fly out monday.
last edited: 12/28/04 12:26:45 PM”

“okay, I did check again, and yes, it would cost me $381 if I fly back on Sunday, so nope! I'll be flying Monday. Like I said, it's not a problem though, I can drive with whomever drives us to the airport sunday and then just stay at the airport until my flight monday.

I am not paying $200 more because this one day. tss... must be a weekend thing. booking now.”

“The Dow Villa is a nice place. I have stayed there before. Hmmm, of course I had been on the trail for almost a month. So maybe most places would have been nice.....
Seriously, it is a good place to stay. Just do not eat at the Whitney Portal Resturant across the street. IT SUCKS!”

“okay, i booked the #&%!$in' flight. This is it, if I wanted to back out earlier or didn't know what trip to join, not I can't go back.

trekkngirl, stovy...all of you...where are you?”

“Gemini - I can get you to the Airport on Monday if necessary, and place to stay on Sunday night. So between WLD and I am sure you are covered.”

“thanks phil. it wouldn't be a problem to stay at the airport if needed. I did book, $199 for me. not bad.
last edited: 12/28/04 1:44:09 PM”

“Gemini that is an excellent ticket price. What airline? The Delta flight from GSP was quoted at $513.XX. That's their "deeply discounted" coach rate. I'm going to do some checking around. I could buy my daughter a ticket for those kind of savings. To heck with their Frequent Flyer Miles.”

“solitary hiker, that's the reason why I fly from charlotte, nc.

i am flying with united. $199 round trip, 6 hours 28 minutes in the air.

if I would've booked the flight back on a sunday...well u know... like i posted above alreaday.”

“It's sounding like only creekjumper will be flying into Sac-o-tomatos! I am still leaning toward driving back on Saturday evening but the party does sound like fun....”

“Pepper, "them there pilgrams" will be coming to the mountains. And Windwalker will be talking up the Jeremiah Johnson qoutes the entire trip! If you are not around to qoute too, it will take a lot of steam out of our sails.

Gemini and solitary hiker, do not sweat the small stuff, Phil and I have your backs!
We are of course the Vivian Creek bandits! And we will get you to the mountains, put a smile on your face, head to the top of the Continental United States, hike the 11 miles down to the portal, then down to the Dow Villa, after mucho rehydration/dehydration we will make sure you get back to the airport when ever your flight is scheduled.
Those who want can join me, in picking up a few peaks along the way. Starting with those closest to Kearsarge Pass. And if we do Whitney, we should do Muir as well. Tyndall could be a good aggressive side trip. Once all the plans are prepared, I will see how many, which Peaks, and what days fit the schedule.”

“this silly man (WLD) just won't understand that i am always a pain in the behind about every single trip I take.”

“WLD - I will have to watch JJ again to see if I can memorize all 5 lines before the trip. Prepare to be impressed.”

“5 Lines..... Hmmm, is that all there is?”

“You read my post back about ten or so posts ago and you're still planning to drive back on Saturday??!!! ..... Oh are we going to have fun with you on this hike. Well do what you want pDog ..... but wimps who leave early will probably never hear the end of it on TT.

Gemini,
Do you know what is the daily parking lot rate is at the Charlotte airport? For that kind of plane ticket savings I'll drive up and park.

WLD and Phil,
Thanks guys. I know it sounds like overplanning but I, and I'm sure the other East Coasters, don't want to have you guys driving to airport 4 or 5 times. If we work it out now we can minimize your trips back and forth.
last edited: 12/28/04 4:37:12 PM”

“I don't know yet...but it can't be that much!
I'll have to pay too, so I'll have to check it out anyway. u are coming from where? we could car pool and split the cost... if you are flying at the exact same times that is.
i think I may even take a rental...depends on the cost.
last edited: 12/28/04 4:37:58 PM”

“Daily Parking

Cost: $4.00 maximum per 24 hours

Location: The Daily Parking entrance is located left of the airport entrance road, as passengers approach the terminal. Overhead signs indicate designated entrances.

Accessibility: Complimentary shuttle services are available at the shelters immediately adjacent to each lot.

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Parking/home.htm


Not bad huh?
last edited: 12/28/04 4:49:08 PM”

“Dow Villa reservations are made. Thanks for the link, Solitary Hiker.”

“I would be driving up I-85 from Greenville. I think you would be driving up I-77 from Columbia. It wouldn't be feasible to carpool. But the parking lot rate is cheap. Not sure you could rent a car twice for $45. Another less desirable option might be a shuttle bus from Greenville or Columbia to the Charlotte airport.
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I went to the United site to check some flight options. For $194.40 this is what I found.
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Going Out
United Airlines 509 Jul 14 5:45 pm CLT 7:10 pm DEN Non-stop
United Airlines 1443 Jul 14 8:05 pm DEN 9:13 pm ONT Non-stop
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Coming Back
United Airlines 1436 Jul 25 6:00 am ONT 9:05 am DEN Non-stop
United Airlines 410 Jul 25 10:20 am DEN 3:25 pm CLT Non-stop

Is this the schedule you have? It sounds hard to beat money wise.”

“i think that's either the exact same or similar.
awww.. you make me check now...wait...

Thu 14-Jul-05
Charlotte (CLT)
Depart 5:45 pm to Denver (DEN)
Arrive 7:10 pm
1334 mile(s)
(2147 km)
Duration: 3hr 25mn
United Airlines
Flight: 509
Economy/Coach Class ( 11A ), Boeing 737-300, 90% on time
Denver (DEN)
Depart 8:05 pm to Ontario (ONT)
Arrive 9:13 pm
Terminal 2
818 mile(s)
(1316 km)
Duration: 2hr 8mn
United Airlines
Flight: 1443
Operated by: /UNITED
Economy/Coach Class ( 12A ), Airbus A319-321, 80% on time
Total distance: 2152 mile(s) (3463 km)
Total duration: 5hr 33mn (6hr 28mn with connections)


Mon 25-Jul-05
Ontario (ONT)
Depart 11:50 am
Terminal 2 to Denver (DEN)
Arrive 2:53 pm
818 mile(s)
(1316 km)
Duration: 2hr 3mn
United Airlines
Flight: 1440
Operated by: /UNITED
Economy/Coach Class ( 12F ), Airbus A319-321, 90% on time
Denver (DEN)
Depart 3:40 pm to Charlotte (CLT)
Arrive 8:45 pm
1334 mile(s)
(2147 km)
Duration: 3hr 5mn
United Airlines
Flight: 652
Economy/Coach Class ( 11F ), Boeing 737-300, 70% on time

yupp looks like the same flight. Well, your flight back is earlier then mine...but that's it. i thougth after partying all night I ain't getting up that early. lol
great deal...i mean what are you waiting for.
yeah...car pooling wouldn't work out, but the price is great anyway.
last edited: 12/28/04 5:23:16 PM”

“sooo...everyone has reservations for what now?

Dow Villa

or

Comfort Inn Lone Pine


which one is it??


Opps!!!! :P
last edited: 12/28/04 5:30:56 PM”

“uhh ... the party is Saturday night in Lone Pine. We'll all be riding down towards LA on Sunday afternoon. Sober I hope! I guess you could party Sunday night. Me I'm way too old for that sort of thing. Getting to the airport early Monday puts you back in Charlotte by 3:25PM Monday. The drive home another 1.5 hours if the traffic is tolerable.”

“oh i know that SH...didn't realize it though... duhhh!!!

it's okay, I just booked a flight later then 6AM, don't want to get up that early anyway. I mean if we fly out at 6AM...we would have to get up at 3am?? naaa....that is too early for even me.”

“Regarding Dow Villa or Comfort Inn, it appears from posts above that there are much better rates and reasonable enough accommodations at Dow Villa.

People can stay where they want, but it appears that the party will be somewhere at the Dow Villa!!!”

“Well I just cast my lot with the Dow Villa TTers. I have a non-smoking room with 2 queen sized beds and private bath right next to the conference room.
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WLD you have a free place to crash as long as you can stand the snoring.
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The conference room is not free as I first thought. They wanted $117.00. Once we get there I'm going to work on them though. If we have ten to fifteen rooms rented though Wheezers & Geezers Reunion '05 (spelled it right this time) they should give us the conference room for nothing. Be sure to mention that you are with the Wheezers & Geezers if you book the Dow.
last edited: 12/29/04 12:27:58 PM”

“Add one more to the Dow Villa Party... I'm booked !”

“I am booked at the Dow Villa HOTEL with 2 full size beds and a private bath. Can share my room.”

“so that are the exact dates to book at a room at the dow villa? the night from the 23rd to the 24th of july? is that correct?
does it make a difference if hotel or motel?
are they in the same area??
last edited: 12/29/04 5:01:14 PM”

“I stay at the Dow Villa now and then, it's cool. It was John Wayne's favorite digs when he was in town. If you see some faint stains on your sheets, those were mine. I apologize in advance, but still, it's cool knowing we shared the same sheets together.”

“You want to book the night of Saturday, July 23rd. The Hotel has very cheap rates. They have a room with three single beds but a shared bathroom down the hall for $42. The motel is higher but has private baths and split between several people it's reasonable.

www.dowvillamotel.com”

“thanks :) I will give them a call tomorrow.”

“Buck,
That didn't sound quite right.”

“it's not suppose to sound right when buck posts. right?”

“SIMPLIFICATION!!! NOTICE!!! SIMPLIFICATION!!!

OK, now that I've got your attention.
Because of the Whitney Exit Visa Quota and the fact that this was billed as a Wheezers & Geezers trip:
There is no change to Groups 1 or 1a. We enter on Sat. or Sun. as planned.
NOW!!! At Wright Lk. we break into two Groups. Group 1w will continue to Mt. Whitney (see the "w")as planned. Group 1s will hang out at Wright Lk. for 2 days of fishing, peak bagging, day hikes, or...then exit over Shepherd Pass (see the "s").

This way those that want to do Whitney (can't blame you, the bragging rights are great) will have a better chance of getting an Exit Visa.
Those that have "been there, done that" or don't care to do Whitney and want the LUXURY of 2, count them 2, lay over days in the back country can have that too.
This will also make the car shuttle a lot easier. Group 1 will leave all the cars that we can at the Shepherd trailhead. Group 1a can go straight to Onion Valley and start hiking. At Wright Lk. Group 1s will collect car keys from Group 1w, hike out and get as many cars as we can and drive to Whitney Portal to pick up Group 1w.
Just think of the Tall Tails we'll have to tell at the party. We did this... You missed that... He did what?

So, let Phil know which Group you want to be in. We have just over 2 weeks to put this together so we can get the permits.
This trip is going to ROCK!! Whitney or 2 lay over days!
E-mail Phil now! 2 lay over days!
Don't wait! Fishing, peaks, day hikes!


WOOHOO!!”

“Yes, the Wheezer and Geezer option of hiking out via Shepherds Pass is probably the solution to the low quota problem at Whitney. In fact, it really makes Sierra Rendezvous 2005 a trip with something for everyone.

The more people that take that option will make it easier for the others to get permits for Whitney. The layover days in Wrights Lake Basin will really make this trip special. Lots of options for fishing, exploring, peak bagging, or just plain kicking back! It makes it a much easier hike also...the true wheezer option.

The Shepherd Pass Trail is a great exit trail. Very scenic and Anvil Camp is very pretty with lots of water and trees.

If you have already climbed Mt. Whitney and/or would enjoy the Wheezer and Geezer option, please consider the Shepherds Pass exit.

This trip is going to rock!”

“Everyone who said they were interested in this trip needs to check in. Many people have not sent Phil the information he requested several weeks ago. If you read this be sure to make contact with him. It would be a big help.”

“Sooooo! Looks like nobody else is doing the Shepherd pass trailhead. I will opt for Shepherd out tho as I've already done Whitney(bragging rights ticket being used). Will there still be room on the Sat. or Sun. Kearsarge permit. I don't really want to go in by myself.
By the way: I have chinese handcuffs, half a jar of honey and a pillow case! Are they from last years Palooza initiation..I mean party.”

“I went east over Baxter a few years ago. Its very wooded and scenic. On the west side going down to Rae Lakes the trail is not definable in spots but a map helps a lot on how to follow the drainage down. Baxter Lakes are cool. Going west from trailhead is very well defined. A couple of miles of sage and then into the treeline. Over the pass and then stay north side of Baxter Lake.”

“me too jvz...:)
layovers...a beautiful thing AND get to go thru Shepards pass too.
still gonna let phil tell me 1 or 1a

see? unfold~unfold~~~unfold~~~~~”