We’d be doing it differently than in the past. Our notion: find a cheap motel where people can stay, within striking distance of the heart of Spokane, go for some good but not ferociously pricey eateries for the duration, go ride the carousel in the park, ride the gondolas across the falls, and otherwise hang out and have a good time. We’d be joining the party over in the motel venue, like any con, for hanging out and having refreshments from a cooler in some lucky person’s room; and then have a finish-up barbecue over at our place beside the pond, granted the number of attendees isn’t crazy. We’re not up to arranging kayaking, and some of our folk don’t like the water, but there are still some nice things to do. Any interest out there? Spokane, for those of you who’ve never been here, is easily accessible from its airport, or from I-90, which runs through town. We know the I-90, I-40 and I-25 routes, and we somewhat know I-80. It’s 2 nights on the road, Dallas to Spokane; pretty well the same from OKC, though some crazy people do it in one: the leg from Buffalo WY to Spokane is a very long drive.
The whole I-90/I-25 route is very scenic, passing Yellowstone by two separate entrances; and it’s generally beautiful, through several very tame mountain passes and piney woods. What we call an inexpensive motel is Motel 6, or its equivalent.
Depending on the date, I’d be interested! I’ll probably drive out, since it’s just across the state. Might be willing to carpool with anyone else from Seattle area who can put up with my soundtrack.
Mind, this would be next summer, probably July.
Mark this one down as interested. My major concern is in the planning as I have to schedule All of next years vacations in early October; it makes spur-of-the-moment trips and plans tough. I know witchyg would like to come up as well, but her recent relocation to Illinois and job issues may keep her from participating.
I hoped to make the last one but was unable. It would depend on how early in July (My MFA program residency runs into the beginning of July) and ticket rates, since I’ll have to fly. I would be interested theoretically. =)
What a marvelous idea. Unfortunately budgetary constraints won’t allow attendance by this New Zealander and hubby. Not without winning a lottery. Big grin.
Oh, this sounds like fun. Maybe Russ and I can make it, though it is hard to say.
I have no idea if my budget will be recovered enough by then. — A trip cross-country (flight) and then into another city would be a big deal for me. (But I’d managed this, with relatives at the destination, before.) Gosh, I’d love to, if I could afford to. I may be lucky if I can attend a con here next summer. So, unlikely that I’d get to attend, but oh, that sounds like a heckuva lot of fun. I’ve never been west of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
It’s highly likely I’ll have my credit card balance down by then, mainly because I believe I shredded the card so don’t have any idea what the numbers on the front (or the back) are.
I’ve got a commitment from July 23 – July 29, though.
I would definitely be interested. I think I have enough frequent flier miles to take care of the travel. Hopefully the piggy bank will help the other expenses.
I thought a long lead time would help.
BTW, not just the server, but the server *farm* is having issues: they’re chasing a glitchy relay or the like; so be patient. We will be here and not-here as they keep trying to locate it.
I figured that was the problem, I’d connect one time, and then when I’d go to another thread, it would tell me that it couldn’t connect.
My husband and I would be interested.
Oh, that’s very tempting. And if our son does land a job in the general Seattle area, as he hopes, we would have two reasons to drive in that direction. We’ll see what next summer looks like.
We’re interested, pending vacation, health and finances.
readyGuy and I are definitely interested. Have you invited Shejidanis yet?
If I have the funds, I’m THERE!
I would very much like to come, depending on a number of factors. DH might send me off on my own, although Seattle has an excellent science fiction museum which we would both enjoy. We shall see how things break down closer to time.
Count me in! Looking forward to seeing Shejidani brothers and sisters again, and would gladly help out in whatever way *cough gardens house cough* you need to prepare.
I would definitely be interested. I’d fly in, since driving from Illinois is just not that viable of an option.
I’d love to, but in two weeks a carpenter is coming to strip the south-side siding and bottom 3′ of the west side, and the windows/patio door, then replacing it all. If no “issues” are found, it’ll run about $4K, minimum. Yes, you’re talking next summer, but on social security and a small company pension, my poke may still be somewhat emaciated. 🙁 I’ll be thinkin’ of ye though.
This proposal comes at a bad time. I’m aready tempted by a used Lotus Espirit in my area which is being sold at a very reasonable price(for a car its age). And now, there’s a con sort of thing at the end of exactly the kind of road trip the thing was buit for.
OTOH, there’s a sweet touring bike I’ve had my eye on and my wife and I have talked about doing a very long bicycle tour.
Heck, even if we travel in a more conventional form, this sounds like a good time.