plix (imported) wrote: Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:08 pm
OK, I am thinking the dates will be Oct 18th and 19th.
I am not quite sure on the location yet. I am sure it will be in Southern California, and I am fairly sure it will either be in the San Diego area or the Inland Empire area (where Mac lives).
I have looked at a location in the IE, not far at all from Mac. I am still not sure on whether that location allows alcohol, or whether a reservation would be required for a group our size. The lowest reservation rate they offer is $100 (probably per day) for a "mid-size" group. With that we would get an area of our own with shelter. If we choose no reservation (assuming we can), we will have to take what we can find on a weekend. I haven't been to this park in years, and I have no idea how easy it is to find a good space on a weekend.
There are also some options in the San Diego area, and I would be more familiar with the options available in that area. However, those locations would be less likely to allow alcohol (meaning none of Jesus' wine), and I am also not sure about whether reservations would be required or desired. If they are, they appear to be significantly more expensive then the IE location.
The advantages to a San Diego area location would be as follows:
1. You could fly in at an airport closer to the event. For the IE there is the Ontario Airport, but it is likely to be more expensive to fly into versus Los Angeles or San Diego. If the event were in the IE and you didn't want to fly into Ontario, you would have a longer drive from LA to the IE. I know nothing about LA area accomodations, so I can't help anyone there. There are decent hotels near the Ontario Airport if you flew into there or wanted to stay there. Mac's town is not known for its hotels, and I'd strongly recommend against staying there.
2. I mentioned the lack of decent hotels in the IE (with the exception of near the Ontario Airport), and in the San Diego area there would be a much better selection of accomodations available.
3. A couple of members mentioned wanting to see the local sights. I can tell you right now the IE is nothing exciting, and there is virtually nothing to do there. The San Diego area will have a much better selection of activities available.
The Advantages to the IE location would be as follows:
1. The location I have in mind is a very large regional park, and chances are we can get a spot without a reservation. There is a nominal per vehicle entry fee, but nothing most of us cannot handle. I see no restrictions on alcohol, but I would need to call to be certain.
2. The event would be much closer to Mac, meaning he could attend both days easier. If it were in the San Diego area, someone would need to go up and get him, then take him back, then come back down, all in the same day, each day. Of course this is assuming he is not able to get a hotel room. If he can, the above mentioned actions can be spread over two days.
3. If you are willing to drive from LA, you'll probably get the best deal on a flight. Technically you could drive from LA to San Diego, but it's an even longer drive and not something I would recommend. Also, if Ontario Airport isn't as expensive as I think it is, you would be within a half hour's drive from the location.
Feel free to share any thoughts and ideas. Do not buy your tickets until we are sure of a more specific location
Maybe take Amtrack all the way from norcal.