2006: post shooutout

[Nikolai]

I'm starting this thread to gather participants/recon/info/etc on the possible POST shooutout trip.

My current plans are to go to the main event first (so I can learn), and then use this knowldege on nearby wonders of the world - Antelope Canyon, Lake Powel Dam, Rainbow Bridge, other Great Arches, Monuments Valley. I woudl skip Grand Canyon since I already been there, although I may consider a North Rim detour(South Rim would take too long).
I'm thinking of an extra week or so.

Possible venues are: rent RVs or 4WDs, design the rout (maybe get some tours) and have another blast!
$-wise: RW rent is about $600 per week, if we get 2-3 paying entries per vehicle it becomes very reasonable..

Tell me what you think!

[Jan 14 2006: Updated detailed schedule: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=12147&page=10]

[kudbegud]

sounds terrific Nik. that whole area is packed with wonders just begging to be Smug-Muged. count me in for Shoot-Out 2006, part two.

[Nikolai]

sounds terrific Nik. that whole area is packed with wonders just begging to be Smug-Muged. count me in for Shoot-Out 2006, part two.
I believe 4Labs and WxWax were thinking in the same direction, as well, as Jwear and DavidTO. It can be quite a party:-)

[wxwax]

I think it's a great idea. Be nice if we can coordinate schedules and all get the time off.

[Nikolai]

I think it's a great idea. Be nice if we can coordinate schedules and all get the time off.But if i learned anything from this past trip (in addition to *not* taking my own car:-) it is this extra should be AFTER the main event. I learned so much during it that I now feel stupid about the way I was shooting before.. :-(
So, guys, it's GOTTA be AFTER. Which kinda makes it perfect. Main event ends on Sunday, and we can have the whole extra week!

[Skippy]

:D I'm starting this thread to gather participants/recon/info/etc on the possible POST shooutout trip.

My current plans are to go to the main event first (so I can learn), and then use this knowldege on nearby wonders of the world - Antelope Canyon, Lake Powel Dam, Rainbow Bridge, other Great Arches, Monuments Valley. I woudl skip Grand Canyon since I already been there, although I may consider a North Rim detour(South Rim would take too long).
I'm thinking of an extra week or so.

Possible venues are: rent RVs or 4WDs, design the rout (maybe get some tours) and have another blast!
$-wise: RW rent is about $600 per week, if we get 2-3 paying entries per vehicle it becomes very reasonable..

Tell me what you think!
Funny you should suggest something like this........I was saying to Andy it's a long way to go to USA from Australia for just 4 days....... I'd like to do something like your planning, if anyone is willing to let me join the group.

I'd like to be counted in if possible too :D :D Skippy (Australia)

[Nikolai]

:D
Funny you should suggest something like this........I was saying to Andy it's a long way to go to USA from Australia for just 4 days....... I'd like to do something like your planning, if anyone is willing to let me join the group.

I'd like to be counted in if possible too :D :D Skippy (Australia)
We simply need to come out with a basic plan and start making reservations (otherwise I doubt will find enough RVs/4WDs for everybody to rent, and the camping may be reserved)

[Bodley]

I'm starting this thread to gather participants/recon/info/etc on the possible POST shooutout trip.


What is the POST shootout?

[Nikolai]

What is the POST shootout?Post-shootout is a shootout that is gonna happen AFTER the main shootout (as opposed to a PRE shootout thay happens BEFORE the main event (which I did this year and not gonna do next year).
HTH

[BridgeCity]

Nik I could probably stay around for the rest of the week. I will have my Jeep down there, so that is one less car you would have to rent. Hard for me to plan that far in advance... but I am 80% sure I could make it happen :)

[Bodley]

Post-shootout is a shootout that is gonna happen AFTER the main shootout (as opposed to a PRE shootout thay happens BEFORE the main event (which I did this year and not gonna do next year).
HTHI know this will make me look stupid (what's new) but what is the Shootout?:scratch

[Nikolai]

I know this will make me look stupid (what's new) but what is the Shootout?:scratchI guess it's a jargon term used to describe a bunch of photo geeks and geeketts getting together and shooting out all they possibly can. Usually takes places where beautiful landscapes are readily availalbe (CA, Utah, etc). Often involves food (http://www.moonriverphotography.com/).
HTH

[Bodley]

I guess it's a jargon term used to describe a bunch of photo geeks and geeketts getting together and shooting out all they possibly can. Usually takes places where beautiful landscapes are readily availalbe (CA, Utah, etc). Often involves food (http://www.moonriverphotography.com/).
HTHSo I take it there is not a program per-say or training seminars etc... Just a somewhat impromptu get-together not sponsored by any company or organization.

[kudbegud]

here's a couple links i got for antelope canyon:

a map: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/map.html
general info: http://www.blackrabbit.com/antelope.htm
one, of several tour guides, which is required: http://www.jeeptour.com/
more info, including slot canyons at zion, some pics: http://www.americansouthwest.net/slot_canyons/antelope_canyon/
and some photos, i also posted this link in the main Bryce/Zion thread: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/photos.html

[dragon300zx]

bodley,

It is sponsored by Smugmug.com. Hoever let me warn you unlike the name states your not actually allowed to shoot anything out (windows, doors, mirrors, etc) your only allowed to take pictures (talk about a dissapointment :uhoh). Its an organized impromtu workshop without any rules or guildines. Does that help.

[Bodley]

bodley,

It is sponsored by Smugmug.com. Hoever let me warn you unlike the name states your not actually allowed to shoot anything out (windows, doors, mirrors, etc) your only allowed to take pictures (talk about a dissapointment :uhoh). Its an organized impromtu workshop without any rules or guildines. Does that help.Yes, that helps allot :thumb but I haven't quite filled my daily stupid-question-quota for the day, so here's one more.

I'm sure it staring me in the face - but where's the information on the outing?

[dragon300zx]

Yes, that helps allot :thumb but I haven't quite filled my daily stupid-question-quota for the day, so here's one more.

I'm sure it staring me in the face - but where's the information on the outing?
in the thread titled

smugmug shootout 2006 - bryce canyon and zion national park (showthread.php?t=11787)

[Bodley]

in the thread titled

smugmug shootout 2006 - bryce canyon and zion national park (http://showthread.php/?t=11787)Cleverly disguised :rofl

Beep - Quota filled

Thanks fir the link. If I couldn't find the link I guess finding Bryce Canyon is out of the question.

[dragon300zx]

lol nah things move fast here stuff gets lost. Hell I keep misplacing my rubber band balls.

[wxwax]

Cleverly disguised :rofl

:lol3 Cunning, that. :evil

[kudbegud]

i know it's almost a year away and it may be hard to say for sure if you'd like to continue after the 2006 shootout to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powel Dam, Rainbow Bridge, other Great Arches and Monuments Valley. i would like to get a real preliminary idea of how many are concidering it. which places you really want to shoot at? will you need a motel room? i will call area motels as well as required tour guides and try to get us a group rate. any other suggestions or ideas are welcome.

thanks!

[Nikolai]

i know it's almost a year away and it may be hard to say for sure if you'd like to continue after the 2006 shootout to Antelope Canyon, Lake Powel Dam, Rainbow Bridge, other Great Arches and Monuments Valley. i would like to get a real preliminary idea of how many are concidering it. which places you really want to shoot at? will you need a motel room? i will call area motels as well as required tour guides and try to get us a group rate. any other suggestions or ideas are welcome.
thanks!I talked to a guy at work who used to live not far away from there and he mentioned that those campgrounds can fill up quickly.

We would have to plan our trip anyway, so why don't we do it sometime soon? We are already commiting to be at the Bryce/Zion parks anyway, so additional commiting should not break our backs:-)

My current idea is:
* fly to St.George/Las Vegas (first is closer, second maybe cheeper airfare wise, and it's a huge international airport, so our european/aussie friends would not have extra troubles getting there)
* together with smbdy (2-3-4 ppl?) rent a decent car/van to get an easy/cheap transport to the Canyons and back
* shoot our souls out in the Canyons
* get back to the rental place on Sunday
* submit car/van
* together with the post-shooters get at least one RV and maybe some extra jeeps/cars. RV is needed for the shower and easy meal storage/cooking, since many campsites do not showers and it is HOT out there, so having your own fridge/shower/stove would ease things up alot. It is nice to get not only RVs since we could take some radial trips without the hassle of hauling those behemoths.

I would like to spent the all next week and Mon+Tue on the road. Get back to rental/airport on Wednesday midday/afternoon, fly home, back to work on Thursday - easy two day week:-)

We can setup an online meeting (messenger? icq?) and discuss the details.

Waddayathink?

[Nikolai]

Any thoughts?:dunno I know we all hate to plan year ahead, but since have we already started...

[Michiel de Brieder]

Okay, I think I'm going in too :D so if we're going to communicate over this LMK :D

[Nikolai]

Okay, I think I'm going in too :D so if we're going to communicate over this LMK :D
U da man!

Ok, guys/gals, here's the deal. I'm willing to plan, arrange and do the logistics on the whole thing, but I would really like to see 2 more ppl commiting. This will give me enough assurance that we can rent an RV for 10 days and that would not cost us an arm and a leg.
Again, the plan is to get to from Zion to Las Vegas on Sunday, spend the afternoon/evening, hit the Strip, get some action (dancing fountains, not the other action:-), get some nice dinner/drinks, spend the night - and the next morning get the reserved RV and hit the road. Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, Arches... and whatever else we'll decide/manage to go to.
Get back to Vegas next Wednesday (i.e. in 10 days) - and then proceed with our individual plans...
If the reservations require some major advance payments (like in the main shootout case) - hotels, RV, campsites, tours - I will ask for your portions in advance, too.

I'm eager to hear your comments/suggestions/snide remarks/etc.

[wxwax]

Nikolai, let me give it some thought.

[Nikolai]

Nikolai, let me give it some thought.
Another idea: few guys at work mentioned a possibility to rent a houseboat (http://www.powellguide.com/lake_powell_houseboats/index.html) on Lake Powell. They said that's the only way to get to some otherwise unreachable locations. It's essentially a barge with a nice cabin, 3-4 bedroom, patio on the roof, you can do BBQ, it has shower, etc.

But guys - I' keep hearing these places can get really packed. We need to start making reservations soon. So far it's only me and Michiel, we need two more to commit (and hopefully 4-6 more tentatively), so we can be sure.

It's gonna be a blast, come on, pitch in!:thumb

[Nikolai]

Come on, guys and gals, look at what you will be missing (http://images.google.com/images?q=antelope%20canyon&num=30&hl=en&lr=lang_en%7Clang_ru&safe=off&sa=N&tab=wi) if you don't join the post-shootout:):

[4labs]

Hey Nik,
I have to wait just a bit to commit. The baby is due in October and I just have to straighten the help situation out.

[Nikolai]

Hey Nik,
I have to wait just a bit to commit. The baby is due in October and I just have to straighten the help situation out.
Hope everything is ok with the mother thus far..

Is anybody else expecting a baby anytime soon:-)? If not - what's *your* excuse?:D

[gluwater]

I'm seriously considering this. My problem is that I only get 2 weeks vacation a year, the post trip will really drain that. But it would probably be worth it. I'll let you know.

[Nikolai]

I'm seriously considering this. My problem is that I only get 2 weeks vacation a year, the post trip will really drain that. But it would probably be worth it. I'll let you know.
But you're right - it WILL be worth it:-)
Cheers!:1drink

[gluwater]

My sister just got engaged over the weekend. Vacation time quickly dwindling. She wants a "destination wedding" better start saveing now. But I still want to go on the post-trip. Decisions decisions.......

[Dixie]

Nik, is this still in the works? If so, I would be interested and can offer up a 4WD.

[gluwater]

I'm in for this if it's still happening. Let me know.

Nick

[Nikolai]

OK, it seems that we're geeting the minimal quorum:


Michiel
Kudbegud
Gluwater
Dixie (has a car)
Nik (me:)
With this amount of people sharing local transportation/lodging expenses becomes possible. Also, it hopefully will be possible to accomodate a few (but only a few) late comers.

Now, the plot.

I'm planning to make the whole trip (including the official shootout) a two-week adventure. Meaning, the first - official - part ends Saturday night, and our, unofficial but nonethelss even more exciting post-shootout starts Sunday morning, lasts the whole next week and a half and ends the *next* Wednesday, most likely in LAs Vegas international airport.

Is everybody OK on the time?

If yes - please take time to specify your goals.
I would ask you to split them in 3 lists: A, B and C.

A-list is basically a sine qua non one. If any of its goals is missing - it's no-go for you.

B-list constists of the goals which you think would greatly improve your (and our mutual) experience from the trip, but if, for some reason, any of its items confilts with somebody else's A target (or simply cannot be executed for whatever reason) it can be skipped without compromising your participation.

Finally, C-list consists of "would be nice to have, too" goals, which we would try to accomodate if the time, elements and gods of the deserts allow.

Please try to keep A and B lists (especially A list) as short as possible. Ten days is not enough to cover everything in UT and AZ, even though it's a totally magestic area..

I start with mine:

Nik:

A-list

Antelope Canyon (Box Canyons) (http://www.navajonationparks.org/antelopecanyon.htm) - 1-2 days
The Monument Valley National Park (http://www.nps.gov/nava/) - 1-2 days
Arches National Park, UT (http://www.nps.gov/arch/) - 1-2 days
B-list

Lake Powel Houseboat Trip (http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/glencanyon/houseboat.htm) - 3-4 days
C-list

Grand Canyon, North Rim (http://www.eastziontourismcouncil.org/vacgrand.htm) (one night, sunrise/sunset) - 1 night
Red Canyon (http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/red_canyon/photographs.html) (it's fairly close to Bryce anyway) - 1/2 day
more later...:-)
Guys - your thought?

Once we agree on A-lists (and hopefully on solid portions of B ones) I will start making schgedules and reservations. I will also ask for the funds, as far as my availalble reserves are reeeeeeeally scraping the bottom...

Hope to hear from ya'll soon!

[Nikolai]

I'm waiting for your ABC lists...

[Michiel de Brieder]

take your lists for me :D I've done some research on your links and I can really agree to it :D

[gluwater]

I have to agree with Michiel. I have never been there so I don't really know what I want to see and what I "have" to see. I'm really interested in Antelope and Arches. So I guess my list would mirror yours. I think the Lake Powel Houseboat trip is a great idea also. We just printed some posters at work of Antelope and everytime I walk past them I think of the trip.

Thanks for getting all this great info together Nik.

Nick

[Nikolai]

Kudbegud, Dixie - your thoughts? Are you OK on time and on lists?

[Skippy]

Kudbegud, Dixie - your thoughts? Are you OK on time and on lists?
Hmmmmmm so you've only got 5 guys so far is that right?
Awwwwww surely there's got to be another female who wants to go?? :huh
I wanna go but don't want to be the only female.
Skippy (Australia)

[Nikolai]

Hmmmmmm so you've only got 5 guys so far is that right?
Awwwwww surely there's got to be another female who wants to go?? :huh
I wanna go but don't want to be the only female.
Skippy (Australia)
You're more than welcome to join us if you want to. I would join 5 females on a trip like that in a heartbeat:D
Seriously, we're all goog guys, what's to be afraid of? :dunno

[Michiel de Brieder]

Hmmmmmm so you've only got 5 guys so far is that right?
Awwwwww surely there's got to be another female who wants to go?? :huh
I wanna go but don't want to be the only female.
Skippy (Australia) I'm trying to get in touch with my feminine side, does that help? :rofl

[kudbegud]

i've had some dsl problems, back on...for now :dunno

a list: yours looks good
i'll have a car too. would we be staying in page az. while doing the other places on this list? i have contacted a hotel and jeep guide for antelope...we can have a block of rooms and a private longer jeep tour to antelope if we have enough people.

b/c list: could be burned out by this time :wink

[Nikolai]

i've had some dsl problems, back on...for now :dunno

a list: yours looks good
i'll have a car too. would we be staying in page az. while doing the other places on this list? i have contacted a hotel and jeep guide for antelope...we can have a block of rooms and a private longer jeep tour to antelope if we have enough people.

b/c list: could be burned out by this time :wink
Awesome, two cars already..:thumb
How many ppl is "enough" to get that longer toor on Antelope?

[kudbegud]

nik-
its a 2 ½ hour photographers tour, leaves at 11:30, 12 max. so if we are a lot under 12 we may have to share depending the reservations they get.

ps....did you get the emails i sent a couple weeks ago?

[Nikolai]

nik-
its a 2 ½ hour photographers tour, leaves at 11:30, 12 max. so if we are a lot under 12 we may have to share depending the reservations they get.

ps....did you get the emails i sent a couple weeks ago?
I didn't think 2.5 hours is enough for all of us, but.. maybe it's just a small canyon..:dunno

Email with rates on motes and houseboats? Yeah, I got it, thx..

[kudbegud]

the normal tour of antelope is 1½ hours...the extended tour is 2 hours at the canyon.

heres the link: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/extended_tour.html

[Nikolai]

the normal tour of antelope is 1½ hours...the extended tour is 2 hours at the canyon.

heres the link: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/extended_tour.html
Thanks for scouting!

Dixie, Skippy - we're waiting for your lists/thoughts/etc.

[Michiel de Brieder]

Lets not forget!!!!!

[Nikolai]

Lets not forget!!!!!
I guess I need to start making reservations now, even for those us few who have already packed thier bags and are ready to empty their wallets.

And those who are weak in their hearts would have stay behind and weep.
Keep to the code! :fish

[awfulsara]

Well hallo :)

So where's this stand?? I'm thinking about heading out that way (have already been to Zion but love it madly) in the spring and might well coordinate my trip with the "workshop" and thusly, your offshoot as well.

Money is tight. I do much more campin than hotellin, so I'd need to know how much my expenses would be before I can start sending moolah about. (Have gotten burned on such things in the past by costs doubling once I was out there due to poor planning or people backing out, and can't do that again.)

Lemme know what's up! I'd likely be driving out from California in my Subaru (I seriously crave independence when shooting) but the RV thang sounds like a blast. Home base with some mobile vehicles would be ideal.

And I'm a wo-man.

[Andy]

And I'm a wo-man.


we have several of your ilk signed up for the trip already :D

[Nikolai]

Well hallo :)

So where's this stand?? I'm thinking about heading out that way (have already been to Zion but love it madly) in the spring and might well coordinate my trip with the "workshop" and thusly, your offshoot as well.

Money is tight. I do much more campin than hotellin, so I'd need to know how much my expenses would be before I can start sending moolah about. (Have gotten burned on such things in the past by costs doubling once I was out there due to poor planning or people backing out, and can't do that again.)

Lemme know what's up! I'd likely be driving out from California in my Subaru (I seriously crave independence when shooting) but the RV thang sounds like a blast. Home base with some mobile vehicles would be ideal.

And I'm a wo-man.
OK, currently we have the following status:

Michiel (Netherlands)
Kudbegud
Gluwater
Dixie (has a car)
Nik (me:)
Skippy (Oz) - tentative
AwfulSara - tentative
This, actually, gives us enough people to do both the boat thingie and the RV thingie (with a couple of extra 4wd vehicles tagging along for "mobility").

The biggest issue is that some of us prefer more civilized lodging, while the other would prefere much less expensive and much more romantic/adventure-like camping by the fire (or at least boat/RV sleeping facilities).
I'm not sure if we can always find places that would feature both motels and RV camps located nearby.

However, we're going to discuss it in more details with Kudbegud and then come out with more precise plans/options.

Link to the existing plans: http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=155608&postcount=36

Cheers!

[DavidTO]

And I'm a wo-man.


Wo.

[Skippy]

Hi there...........well I made it home after 7 weeks in USA :):
I would still like to go with you folks for the post trip, but I have a little itty bitty problem :D I will be stretching this trip out to around 7-8 weeks where I will spend most of my time in OHIO.......and this means I will have heaps of luggage :rofl ha ha ha..... as do most women :D

What I need to figure out is where to start and finish this trip.
I know my longest flight will be from Australia to LA, and I know that the changing time zones thing will knock me around as it usually does for several days.

So I guess what I need to know is exactly where is it that you plan on starting and finishing the post trip??? cause I need to end up in OHIO :D

I don't have a problem with camping, but there is no way I can pack camping gear as part of my luggage, and I don't mind hotels either as long as it's not tooooooo expensive..........I'm flexible.

I'd like the expense kept down a bit as the airfares alone for me is already going to be over $3,500 and thats not including any kind of accommodation.

Thank you for the message Nik, and please keep me posted if you think I have not seen any messages..........these next few weeks I will not be around the forum much at all due to work commitments with the actual "Go-Live" date for our new computer system happening this weekend.

Things should be back to normal for me in about 2 weeks time, but until the system is working properly I will required to work till all ungodly hours of the day, night, and morning....... ohhh what fun "NOT!!"

Skippy (Australia)


OK, currently we have the following status:

Michiel (Netherlands)
Kudbegud
Gluwater
Dixie (has a car)
Nik (me:)
Skippy (Oz) - tentative
AwfulSara - tentative
This, actually, gives us enough people to do both the boat thingie and the RV thingie (with a couple of extra 4wd vehicles tagging along for "mobility").

The biggest issue is that some of us prefer more civilized lodging, while the other would prefere much less expensive and much more romantic/adventure-like camping by the fire (or at least boat/RV sleeping facilities).
I'm not sure if we can always find places that would feature both motels and RV camps located nearby.

However, we're going to discuss it in more details with Kudbegud and then come out with more precise plans/options.

Link to the existing plans: http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=155608&postcount=36

Cheers!

[Nikolai]

We had a nice phone conversation with Kudbegud the other day. We laid out a sketch for the trip and now are doing more detailed research. Once we have some solid details (hopefully very soon) we'll publish the trip plans.

In the mean time:
Those who already subscribed - please start getting your funds ready.:wink We don't have exact numbers yet, but you can imagine that 10 days travel-tour intensive trip can not possible be free:-). I'd say $100/day is a good ballpark, hopefully less. If more people sings up - it'll be cheaper..:-)

Those who not - due to the various reasons the team size is absolutely limited by 12 (twelve) people. It may even go down to 11 (eleven)..:dunno

Thus far we have 5 solid entrees and 2 tentatives (Skippy, AwfulSara: ladies, make up your minds!:-).

You still have a chance to reserve your place, otherwise you'd have to rely on somebody's falling off..

More l8r

[Nikolai]

Kudbegud suggested that 10 extra days Kud Be Too Gud (in his own words, "you would need another vacation after this one").
So inasmuch I'd love to take the lake trip, it seems to be an overkill both financially and logistically. So we trimmed our appetite, made it 7 days long (flying out Sunday May 28th from Las Vegas, NV) and soil-only.

Here is Da Plan:
(Kudbegud did all the research work, I only PS-ed the path on the map:-)

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/38763341-L.jpg

Official Smugmug Shootout (for the reference)
Day 1 Wednesday, May 17, 2006 Bryce
Day 2 Thursday, May 18, 2006 Bryce
Day 3 Friday, May 19, 2006 Zion
Day 4 Saturday, May 20, 2006 Zion (half moon)
<< Post shootout >>
: Day 5 Sunday, May 21, 2006
Drive to Page, AZ. Meet at a camp/motel.
It should be possible to rent an RV in St.George, UT, which is only couple of hours or less from Zion. Since it's a decent airport, it should be also possible to rent one way to or from Las Vegas.
from St.George ot Page it's 156 miles (4 hours)
Still plenty of time to get around LakePowell and have some rest.
: Day 6 Monday, May 22, 2006
Sunrise?
Antelope canyon trip :clap (12 ppl max!), starts 11 am
Rest of the day - have fun around lake Powel, prolly try to have some sunset shots, or moonlight on the water since the moon should be still bright enough
: Day 7 Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Try sunrise on the lake:-)
Breakfast
Drive to Monument Valley:lust
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/monument_valley/index.html
It's about 100 miles, should be done in 2 hours. Checkin to some motel/camp, shoot/drive around. Try to find a good spot for sunset and for moonlight, have dinner, shoot moonview, go sleep
: Day 8 Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Try sunrise.
Breakfast.
Short drive to Mexican Hat: 15-20 miles
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/index.html
Try Valley of gods near by (10 miles)
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/valley_of_the_gods.html
Proceed to Natural Bridges: about 40 miles
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/natural_bridges/national_monument.html
Stay overnight, do some shooting
: Day 9 Thursday, May 25, 2006
Morning shooting if possible.
Proceed to Canyonlands - about 60-70 miles
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/canyonlands/national_park.html
Shoot around
: Day 10 Friday, May 26, 2006
Proceed to Arches:clap , which is about another 60-70 miles.
Shoot our cards out
: Day 11 Saturday, May 27, 2006 (new moon)
"Drive, baby, drive"
Get some morning shot - and go back.
341 miles from Moab to St.George (6-7 hours)
turn back RV, get something smaller
119 miles to LV (2 hours)
Night on the town :beer (but we need to start early boys and girls to get to LV early enough)
: Day 12 Sunday, May 28, 2006
Some rest (nothing to shoot in the morning except some crack:-), some nice breakfast in one of the famous LV's buffees - and then - whenever your flight is...

Driving Distances:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/driving_distances.html
Bryce- Zion: 91 mile
Zion - Page: 119 miles (could be a bit longer if going through St.George)
Page - Monument Valley: 99 miles
Monument valley - Natural Bridges: 66 miles
Natural Bridges - Canyonlands: about 60-70 miles
CL - Arches: about 60-70 mile
Arches - St.George: 341 miles
St. George - Las Vegas 119 miles

-------------------
As you can see, this plot is essentially a huge CCW loop with a one-way leg to Las Vegas.

What is needed currently:
* Would you prefer to ride in RV or in a car/suv?
* Would you prefer to stay in RV (or tent or two next to it) or a motel/hotel?

I can get some extra camping gear. I also think it's possible to rent some in St.George/Page. but that's needed to be verified.

We need to start making final calls to come out with the approximate amount of $$ needed. Once we are settled (hopefully within next week), I'll start asking for the transfers..:dunno

Please confirm asap!

Thanks!

[Nikolai]

I checked flights from LAX to Las Vegas and back.
Departure morning Wed 17, return afternoon Sunday May 28:
from $123 to $155 roundtrip. Thus far plenty of flights and seats.

[gluwater]

I have no complaints so far. You guys are doing a great job planning this so I give you props. I actually think the slightly shortened trip works out better for me anyways. As for your questions:

I have no preference on driving in a RV/car/SUV/tie me to the hood, well as long as it's not raining.

Sleep accomodations - I could sleep in a tent but don't have to. If we could save some driving time I would gladly sleep in a tent. But we should probably get a hotel/motel at some point along the way for showers and such.

Another thing to consider is food. Are we going to be eating out every meal or are we going to have to stop and pick up groceries along the way. If we do need to stop, where are grocery stores out there? I have never been there so I don't know, thought it may be something to consider though.

I'm going to Mackinaw Island in the morning with Dragon300zx, Pathfinder and his wife so I won't be on here till Monday. Talk to ya then.

[Nikolai]

As for your questions:

Sleep accomodations - I could sleep in a tent but don't have to. If we could save some driving time I would gladly sleep in a tent. But we should probably get a hotel/motel at some point along the way for showers and such.

With RV we will ALWAYS have shower, fridge, oven, microwave, TV, even power for your laptops, so you can post-process while driving..:-)


Another thing to consider is food. Are we going to be eating out every meal or are we going to have to stop and pick up groceries along the way. If we do need to stop, where are grocery stores out there? I have never been there so I don't know, thought it may be something to consider though.
Since we gonna have a full-size fridge in RV, this is not a problem. I am only afraid it will be mostly used for keeping the beer cool:-)

I'm going to Mackinaw Island in the morning with Dragon300zx, Pathfinder and his wife so I won't be on here till Monday. Talk to ya then.
Have fun, and share some pikchas!:thumb

[Nikolai]

As KudbeGud confirmed, there is an RV place in St.George (which is only about 40 min from Zion) with the weekly rates = $750 (class c 24' ) to $1225 (30' - 36' class a) with 5% discount for 3 month in advance reservation (which makes it $712 and $1163 resp.).
If we have 4 people for RV $712/4 makes it $178ea. If we have 6 (or more) we'll get $1163/6=$193ea or less.
In any case we'll get a week worth of BOTH transport and lodging for under $200! Of course, gas, camp fees would add to that amount, but they would do that anyway. But comparing to renting a car (SUV) for a week (50 per day min) and staying in motels (again $50 per night min if you lucky) - we're saving hundreds of dollars on thins thingie!:clap
Let's experience Utah the American way!!

PS
AND - they have shuttle service to LV, so the final leg of the journey becomes a no-brainer also:-):thumb

[Nikolai]

Trust me, those availalbe campsites and those RVs will be all reserved if we do not act fast. It's an extremely popular location and with the memorial day being that close we can end up with nothing if we don't nail it soon.:dunno
Please, we need you RSVPs!

[Nikolai]

Trust me, those availalbe campsites and those RVs will be all reserved if we do not act fast. It's an extremely popular location and with the memorial day being that close we can end up with nothing if we don't nail it soon.:dunno
Please, we need you RSVPs!Hello, anybody???:dunno

[Skippy]

Hello, anybody???:dunno
Hi Nikolai......... I am happy to go with the flow, you guys will know more about these things than I would since I don't live in USA.

I'm happy to let you guys decide what you want to do, and how many days you spend at any location, .......and if you guys really want the thrill of a life time.......let me drive :rofl

Let me know what you decide, I am definitely going okay :D
Skippy (Australia)

[Michiel de Brieder]

No objection to the cheapest of sleeping places :D

I'll go with the flow!

Oh and my sincere apologies for acting this late!

[Andy]

nik,

how about making a summary post here about the current status of the post shootout stuff (locations, route, options, costs, dates, who's coming, etc)

i'll reference the summary info in the main thread.

:deal thanks

[Nikolai]

nik,

how about making a summary post here about the current status of the post shootout stuff (locations, route, options, costs, dates, who's coming, etc)

i'll reference the summary info in the main thread.

:deal thanks
I will make one tonight!:thumb

[Nikolai]

Hi Nikolai......... I am happy to go with the flow, you guys will know more about these things than I would since I don't live in USA.

I'm happy to let you guys decide what you want to do, and how many days you spend at any location, .......and if you guys really want the thrill of a life time.......let me drive :rofl

Let me know what you decide, I am definitely going okay :D
Skippy (Australia)
Maxine in!:clap

[Nikolai]

No objection to the cheapest of sleeping places :D

I'll go with the flow!

Oh and my sincere apologies for acting this late!
So now we have at least 4 - we can start with RV:-)!

[Michiel de Brieder]

So now we have at least 4 - we can start with RV:-)!
If you don't mind me saying:

yeeeeeee-hawwww :clap

[Nikolai]

If you don't mind me saying:

yeeeeeee-hawwww :clap
We will probably be targeting a bigger one, so initial payment would be slightly higher. When the late birds join-in (which I'm totally posisive about) we'll get more funds and reimburse the initial extras.

[gluwater]

So now we have at least 4 - we can start with RV:-)!
Including you isn't that 5?

Nikolai
gluwater
Michiel de Brieder
Skippy
Maxine

[Nikolai]

Including you isn't that 5?
Kudbegud (you forgot da man)
Nikolai
gluwater
Michiel de Brieder
Skippy=Maxine:-)
Sorry, man, I was only counting who recently confirmed after the updated plan has been posted! The thing is - we're gonna start making reservations and we need to secure some funds for that, hence my being cautions...
NOW it's five of us:-):clap

Dixie - are you in?

[Andy]

I will make one tonight!:thumb

a-hem... koff koff...

[Nikolai]

a-hem... koff koff...Got something going on, family and stuff, could not make it..
Soon:-)
Cheers!

[Andy]

Got something going on, family and stuff, could not make it..
Soon:-)
Cheers!
no worries. pm me when you have it done and i'll update the threads.

[awfulsara]

Here's the dealio - I'm in, but not in. Oh yeah, that's right. ;)

I'm coming (95% sure) but I'm driving out in my Subaru, so I will not need to sleep etc with y'all. (And you can take that however ya like.) ;) However, I would love to intersect with your plans, love to hang out, love to pack people in my car for the occasional day trip, off-shoot, or Place Where RVs Cannot Go. I'm thinkin that I'll contribute wheels and gas for said wheels, as needed, and I'll be camping with you, near you, or on my own depending on space and how the wind takes me. Love to share a beer or 6. Love to have company in me Suby though I might stop suddenly with a squawk.

So I will be seeing you there, and can/will pony up some cash on a lesser level to help secure reservations etc if needed, though I'd rather not do it up front since I don't know if/how much I will use that stuff and I'm broke as hell.

Hope that works for you!

[Nikolai]

Since nobody had any objections v.s. Da Drfat#1 (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=174371&postcount=58), it is now has been promoted to Da Plan.
Since RV is gonna be about $1200 and we definitely would need some more monay for gas and camps, I suggest each five of us (who already signed in) chip in $300 now ($100 for people using their own vehicles - we still need reserve campgrounds).

This is NOT gonna be our final amount. The latter, I'd would think, will be closer to $500-$700 per person (i.e. $80-100 per person per day), but it will help to solidify our plans and let us do actual reservations, etc.
If more people sign up later, our shares will simply drop and we'll have less to cover in the end..:-)

We're also going to have an "early birds" discount system. As it was mentioned before, our top capacity is going to be 12 people total, RV or not.
Each month there will be a fee of $20 added to those who sing up late, due upon sign up. So those of you who pay in October will pay $120 less total compared to those who sign up in May 2006.
Here's the signup fee chart
Month RV Own wheels
Oct 2005 $300 $100
Nov 2005 $320 $120
Dec 2005 $340

[Nikolai]

Since nobody had any objections v.s. Da Drfat#1 (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=174371&postcount=58), it is now has been promoted to Da Plan.

As of now we have 6 total, 5 in RV and one (Sara) in her Suby. Didn't hear from Dixie and his SUV..

Since RV is gonna be about $1200 and we definitely would need some more money for gas and camps, I suggest each five of us (who already signed in) chip in $300 now ($100 for people using their own vehicles - we still need reserve campgrounds).

This is NOT gonna be our final amount. The latter, I'd would think, will be closer to $500-$700 per person (i.e. $80-100 per person per day), but it will help to solidify our plans and let us do actual reservations, etc.
If more people sign up later, our shares will simply drop and we'll have less to cover in the end..:-)

We're also going to have an "early birds" discount system. Those who fail to sign up in this calendar year of 2005 will pay a "beer/gas" penalty of $50, so you better pay fast:-)

If you gonna send you portion via paypal (please send to paypal@photosocal.com, that's my account) please add 3%, i.e. please send $309/$103. MOs or cashier's checks - please PM/email for the address.

The sooner we get the money the sooner we can actually start reserving things.

Thanks!

[gluwater]

I will paypal you on Monday, gotta wait for this weeks check to clear first. I'm still recuperating from the trip to Mackinaw that I haven't processed any pics from yet.

[Nikolai]

I will paypal you on Monday, gotta wait for this weeks check to clear first. I'm still recuperating from the trip to Mackinaw that I haven't processed any pics from yet.
Both Nicks are down:clap
Do I hear more ka-ching?:wink

[tlittleton]

I'm possibly in for this, but won't find out until next week. If I make it, I might be able to provide a tent if it's too crowded in the RV.

[Nikolai]

I'm possibly in for this, but won't find out until next week. If I make it, I might be able to provide a tent if it's too crowded in the RV.
When it come closer we'll check the tents, too. I, for one, have a very compact and lightweight tent that can shelter 4 easily (it's 6'x8'). I have other camping gear for 4 (bags and foam mats), but I won't be able to fly with all that stuff all by myself. However, maybe Sara would agree to transport some on her Suby:-)

Anyway, it's too early for that. The main thing - gear is not a problem:-)

Anybody else want to join?:wink

[tlittleton]

When it come closer we'll check the tents, too. I, for one, have a very compact and lightweight tent that can shelter 4 easily (it's 6'x8'). I have other camping gear for 4 (bags and foam mats), but I won't be able to fly with all that stuff all by myself. However, maybe Sara would agree to transport some on her Suby:-)

Anyway, it's too early for that. The main thing - gear is not a problem:-)

Anybody else want to join?:wink I've got an office in Vegas that I can ship stuff to. I figured I'd just FedEx my gear out there and pick it up from my guys when I get out there, then ship it back home. If anyone else didn't have room to fly stuff in, I could provide a staging area there for you to send it to and then I could get it shipped back out for you.

[Nikolai]

Ladies and gentlemen,
we DO need your pledges...
Reserving trips, camps and $1,200 RV is an enterprise we can't afford going into without being 100% you're going. You also may need to start flight reservations.

If not sure - please post your questions/concerns here, or send me an email, or better yet - BE sure and send the money!
It's gonna be a trip of your life!

(All the pictures below are quoted from the public websites, they are not mine, I put a link to the originating website next to each picture)

Antelope canyon (www.valerieandjoe.com (http://www.valerieandjoe.com/)):
http://www.valerieandjoe.com/archives2/CRW_7485.jpg

Monument Valley (http://www.fiorentino-photography.com (http://www.fiorentino-photography.com/)):

http://www.fiorentino-photography.com/jpegs/Monument_Valley_015.jpg

Mexican Hat: (Edward Schumci, http://www.utahpictures.net/ewald-schumci):

http://www.utahpictures.net/ewald-schumci/mexican-hat-1.jpg

Valley Of Gods (Dan Teller: http://www.danheller.com/images/Arizona/MonumentValley):

http://www.danheller.com/images/Arizona/MonumentValley/valley-of-gods-02-big.jpg

Arches (http://www.so-utah.com/archcany/arches):

http://www.so-utah.com/archcany/arches/delicate.jpg

If you don't sign up you're gonna miss it!!!

HTH

[Nikolai]

Folks, I can't believe you're all wanna ignore this trip. Zion and Bryce are sure gems, but you can't simply ditch the rest of the necklace:-)
Utah is B-E-A -UTAH - FUL!!:D

[DavidTO]

Nik, I really wish I could join you, sounds like fun.

But hey, I found someone else to take my place. We just have to get him registered on dgrin so he can reply to this thread!

[Nikolai]

Nik, I really wish I could join you, sounds like fun.

But hey, I found someone else to take my place. We just have to get him registered on dgrin so he can reply to this thread!Yeah, sure, bring him in..
Or is it "her"?:wink In this case I'd like to be aware of her mating-eating habits:-)

[Nikolai]

Folks, we reserved all campsites for RV (yay, Kudbegud! :thumb ),
but we *DO* need to put a few hundred bucks down for the RV itself.

The bad news is:
the biggest RV we can get can hold six (!) people only.
So sitting is very limited, unless we're going to get another RV - which means another deposit, another camp reservation, etc.

I don't feel like putting down a lot of cash without having a $olid confirmation from all the interested parties.

So, guys and gals, ladies and gents, if you're are seriously thinking of going to this trip - please send the your dineros, liras, yens, roubles, rupees and pounds asap. US dollars will be fine, too.

I know many of you have already expressed the desire to go, but we just came to the point when we need to support that desire with some funds..:dunno

Me and Kudbegud are locked in, which leaves only FOUR (4!) spots in our bea-utah-ful shiny RV (two tvs, dvd, shower, full kitchen, the whole shebang!)
First come - first served.
Please hurry, I'd like to lock that RV for as ASAP.

If we get more than 6 people we may need to get another RV - with all the consequences (additional vamping spots, etc.). As, as before, 12 is our top limit since they don't let more than 12 inside the antelope canyon, and there is only one photo-tour per day.. And especially in that case we need a participation confirmed with funds..

I'm standing by for your transfer! :thumb

[Nikolai]

Detailed info will follow soon, tonight or tomorrow, need to compile it all in a easy-to-read form:-)

Several hundred dollars have been *already* spent by Kudbegud and me in the process, so PLEASE hurry with your transfers! :deal

Bottom line - we still have 4 vacant slots in RV and 10 slots in the Antelope tour. Slots are assigned as money arrives on "first come first served" basis, $300 deposit please. If we have more than 6 ppl in this trip, we better know it sooner, since it would require additional RV and additional camping slots.

Those with your own wheels - we need $100 deposit and we'll discuss your sleeping/lodging arrangements options.

Complete detailed info will follow...
"Show me the money"!

[Nikolai]

Nikolai, Kudbegud, Michiel de Brieder are locked in!:clap
Skippy is pending
Essentially only two slots in the first RV are left. :dunno
Hurry up while you still can make it.
Second RV crew (if any) will entail more logistical issues.

Dixie, Sara - even if you want to use your own wheels there are some things we have to do as a group, so please - your portions are required asap! :deal

[Nikolai]

Nikolai, Kudbegud, Michiel de Brieder and Gluwater are locked in!:clap
Skippy is pending (those Aussies are troubles:-), but looking solid:-)

For the rest of the dgrinners: you can still make it to the flagship RV!:wink
This one spot still can be yours: just paypal $309 to paypal@photosocal.com - and you're in! :deal

HTH

[Nikolai]

Here the info as of Oct 23 2005
[Updated: Jan 14 2006, some extra info, like phone numbers, etc].

Many thanks to Doug (Kudbegud) for the camps/tours reservations and research! :bow

Map :
http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/38763341-L.jpg

Since the only people for confirmed in hard currency are the "RV-ers", we deem the first phase of planning complete (and we still have one spot left!).
All the reservations made for a single RV.

If you're going to drive your own vehicle, please submit your contribution of $100 to paypal@photosocal.com ASAP and we'll take care of your well-being during the trip.

If you want to participate in the trip, but can't commit that early - you can still join the group later, but you'd have to do all the reservations yourself...
In this case please contact the camps and arrange for your own lodging. For all the camps you can mention "smugmug" group.
Also you'd need to contact the Antelope tours (info below) asap and reserve a spot in the tour. We have made a reservation for 6, max is 12.

Now the final schedule, with the camp info and days.

Secondary day numbers are wrt the official shooutout, i.e. displaying the total time starting from Bryce.

: Day 1(5) Sunday, May 21, 2006
Drive to Page, AZ. Meet at a camp/motel.
Camping / RV info: Wahweap Village, 100 Lake Shore Dr., Page, AZ.
928-645-1004, conf#13F8JM

http://www.powellguide.com/lakepowell/maps.html
Rent an RV in St.George, UT, which is only couple of hours or less from Zion. Since it's a decent airport, it should be also possible to rent one way to or from Las Vegas.
from St.George ot Page it's 156 miles (4 hours)
Still plenty of time to get around LakePowell and have some rest.

: Day 2(6) Monday, May 22, 2006
Sunrise?
Antelope canyon trip (12 ppl max!), starts 11 am
Antelope canyon tours, 866-645-9102, 6 ppl reservation, conf. # ACT00408 (which anybody else can use to call and make an addition to our 6 places already reserved; 12 people max) cost per person payable at the time of the tour: $45.38 all fees & taxes included.
home page: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/index.html
photographers tour: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/extended_tour.html
map to the tour base: http://www.antelopecanyon.com/map.html
Rest of the day - have fun around lake Powel, prolly try to have some sunset shots, or moonlight on the water since the moon should be still bright enough
Same place for the night.

: Day 3(7) Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Try sunrise on the lake:-)
Breakfast
Drive to Monument Valley
http://www.americansouthwest.net/ut...lley/index.html
It's about 100 miles, should be done in 2 hours
Camping / RV info: Cadilac Ranch, Bluff, UT, 800-538-6195, 30 ft wide.
http://www.bluffutah.org/cadillacranch/
Shoot/drive around. Try to find a good spot for sunset and for moonlight, have dinner, shoot moonview, go sleep

: Day 4(8) Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Try sunrise.
Breakfast.
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/index.html
Try Valley of gods near by (10 miles)
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/mexican_hat/valley_of_the_gods.html
Proceed to Natural Bridges: about 40 miles
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/natural_bridges/national_monument.html
Stay overnight, do some shooting

: Day 5(9) Thursday, May 25, 2006
Morning shooting if possible.
Proceed to Canyonlands - about 60-70 miles
Camping RV info: Canyonlands Campgrounds, Moab, UT
http://www.canyonlandsrv.com/ 800-522-6848, Cheryl
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/canyonlands/national_park.html
Shoot around

: Day 6(10) Friday, May 26, 2006
Proceed to Arches
Shoot our cards out

: Day 7(11) Saturday, May 27, 2006 (new moon)
"Drive, baby, drive"
Get some morning shot - and go back.
341 miles from Moab to St.George (6-7 hours)
We need to get back by 11 am, noon the latest, after that it's $25 per hour.
Turn back RV, get something smaller or RV shuttle service.
119 miles to LV (2 hours). Those in hurry can flight off right away..
For the rest - night on the town
Kudbegud, Michiel, Jack and me are playing to stay overnight in Motel 6 (it's not on the strip, but it's cheap, nice, and it's a walking distance:-):
motel 6: http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1324&state=NV&full=Las%20Vegas%20-%20I-15&city=Las%20Vegas. If interested - call and reserve a room.
702-739-6747
I-15 at W Tropicana Avenue, Exit #37
5085 S Dean Martin Drive

Important: Doug and Michiel are gonna stay at the same place a night BEFORE the official shootout. I'm flying in LV early morning Wednesday (landing 7:30 am) and take a rental with the intention to drop it off at St. George later. Then I pick up Doug and Michiel (and Mike) and we're going to Bryce.
If somebody else from the post-shooutout group is interested to join us on the way in (and thus save on a transportation to canyons:-) please let me know, the sooner the better. Even if all 5 or 6 decide to be in that car - we can rent a big van and save a lot.
If you don't - please arrange for your own transportation to St.George or to Page for the beginning of the post-shootout.

: Day 8(12) Sunday, May 28, 2006
Whatever your plans could be...

Driving Distances:
http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/driving_distances.html
Bryce- Zion: 91 mile
Zion - Page: 119 miles (could be a bit longer if going through St.George)
Page - Monument Valley: 99 miles
Monument valley - Natural Bridges: 66 miles
Natural Bridges - Canyonlands: about 60-70 miles
CL - Arches: about 60-70 mile
Arches - St.George: 341 miles
St. George - Las Vegas 119 miles

[Nikolai]

Maxine
Gluwater
Michiel
Kudbegud
Nik
---- vacant ! -----
That for a nice A-class RV.

Nobody from a free-roaming people has yet confirmed.:dunno
Guys, time is passing by! :deal

[awfulsara]

I regret that I can't commit financially to anything at this point. Not to poo on fun times, but I've recently been diagnosed with skin cancer and am scrambling (http://www.saraheinrichsphotography.com/printdrive.htm) like a mad thing to find ways to afford the bare basics on top of evil US health care costs. So no more fun for me. I might still make it in the spring, but I don't have $100 to toss in the pot anyway I squeeze it.

Still sounds delightful. Still might show up with a big smile and a Subaru, but I can't make any promises that involve the green stuff, sadly. Too precious a commodity for the next few months. Anyway, I'll poke me head in here to see how it shapes up and let you know as the dates approach whether I'll come play!

[Nikolai]

I regret that I can't commit financially to anything at this point. Not to poo on fun times, but I've recently been diagnosed with skin cancer and am scrambling (http://www.saraheinrichsphotography.com/printdrive.htm) like a mad thing to find ways to afford the bare basics on top of evil US health care costs. So no more fun for me. I might still make it in the spring, but I don't have $100 to toss in the pot anyway I squeeze it.

Still sounds delightful. Still might show up with a big smile and a Subaru, but I can't make any promises that involve the green stuff, sadly. Too precious a commodity for the next few months. Anyway, I'll poke me head in here to see how it shapes up and let you know as the dates approach whether I'll come play!
Truly sorry to hear this!
I wish you the best of luck and the soonest possible recovery.
Hope to see you and your Subaru in May!
Get well soon!

[awfulsara]

Thanks much, Nikolai!

I'll be sure to pop in and update people if I do end up making out there.

[Nikolai]

We're currently considering a possibility to spice up our first Sunday with what is believed to be one of the most beautiful (and quite hidden) rock formations - The Wave. You can Google for it, but here's a start: http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/wave.htm
Check the Slides.

It's quite a hike (6 hours), but I think it could be well worth it.
It's kinda in between Zion and Page, so we can make it a long lunch hike:-)

Whaddayathink?

[Mike Lane]

Okay, I'm in. I'll have a car with 4 empty seats. I'll also bring camping equipment so the lodging costs will be minimal for me. Where do I sign up? This is going to be quite a trip for me! :D

[Nikolai]

Okay, I'm in. I'll have a car with 4 empty seats. I'll also bring camping equipment so the lodging costs will be minimal for me. Where do I sign up? This is going to be quite a trip for me! :D
Glad to hear you're in!:clap Now it's six of us!:thumb

Thus far we still have a - last! - empty slot in our RV, so you may consider taking it.
Otherwise it may become a logistical problem to arrange a spot for an extra car in all the parking spaces. I think you'll be able to leave your car at RV place for a week, although it remains to be checked and confirmed.

Let us know what you think, and me and Kudbegud will try to accomodate you..

Happy Holidays!:1drink

[Mike Lane]

Glad to hear you're in!:clap Now it's six of us!:thumb

Thus far we still have a - last! - empty slot in our RV, so you may consider taking it.
Otherwise it may become a logistical problem to arrange a spot for an extra car in all the parking spaces. I think you'll be able to leave your car at RV place for a week, although it remains to be checked and confirmed.

Let us know what you think, and me and Kudbegud will try to accomodate you..

Happy Holidays!:1drink

Hmmm... No chance I'm leaving my car parked in an RV park for a week. If we're going to be by vegas at any point I can leave it at nellis AFB (I'll still technically be in the Air Force at the time). Otherwise I can call and try to reserve spots on my own at the various places. Has the itenerary been set? Which post is it if so?

[kudbegud]

yer gittin out!!!!! good for you!!! i did the same back in 1975 after a much shorter hitch i'm sure. glad your comming along on the post grand tour too. nik is picking me up on wednesday morning, may 17, at a motel 6 in vegas...i fly in the night before. then we are comming back to the same motel 6 on saturday may 27 to stay the night and sunday. maybe you would concider jumpin in with us for the whole thing?
to see the prelim itinerary, just go back one page in this post.

[Mike Lane]

yer gittin out!!!!! good for you!!! i did the same back in 1975 after a much shorter hitch i'm sure. glad your comming along on the post grand tour too. nik is picking me up on wednesday morning, may 17, at a motel 6 in vegas...i fly in the night before. then we are comming back to the same motel 6 on saturday may 27 to stay the night and sunday. maybe you would concider jumpin in with us for the whole thing?
to see the prelim itinerary, just go back one page in this post.

That's a definite possibility. What are the details for the RV?

[kudbegud]

after the main shoot out on sunday may 21 st, pickin it up in st. george utah...returning it saturday may 27 and getting the rv co. shuttle back to vegas.

[Mike Lane]

after the main shoot out on sunday may 21 st, pickin it up in st. george utah...returning it saturday may 27 and getting the rv co. shuttle back to vegas.

It wasn't clear, what are the charges for RV versus Car? If I did choose to go in my car / tent do you have the numbers where I can call to make reservations at the campgrounds / RV parks?

[kudbegud]

nik can be more specific as far as charges for the rv, but i sent him $309 as a deposit...the final figure will vary depending on the total number of people using the rv. my savings came in not renting a car for the week and motel costs. since you have your own car, that part isnt a factor. let me rustle up my reservations info and email it to you. look for a pm from me.

[Nikolai]

It wasn't clear, what are the charges for RV versus Car? If I did choose to go in my car / tent do you have the numbers where I can call to make reservations at the campgrounds / RV parks?

Sorry for not responding earlier, last day at work before the new year:-)

The most recent schedule I believe is here (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=185163&postcount=94). My plan, as Kudbegud said, is to fly in early morning Wednesday, get a vehicle (two-seat convertible, car, suv, van - depending on our needs:-), pick up those who ride with me (at this point I have Kudbegud and Michiel, who also doing the post) in LV and then go straight to Bryce. We'd use the same vehicle to get to Zion and finally, to St.George, we we'll simply drop it off (at the airport, or smth). There we man our RV and do the post thingie, return to St.George, and then use the shuttle or whatever to get us back to LV.
I'd say splitting an RV would cost you way less comparing campgrounds/motels alone, and everybody has more time to relax, chat shoot, etc.
Let us know. The only urgent thing is to make sure Doug can get you in our Antelope tour, since it's *very* limited time and sitting-wise.
Please stay in touch with me and Doug. You can use our emails, too:-)
Happy Holidays!

[CalfeeRider]

Sorry for not responding earlier, last day at work before the new year:-)

The most recent schedule I believe is here (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=185163&postcount=94). My plan, as Kudbegud said, is to fly in early morning Wednesday, get a vehicle (two-seat convertible, car, suv, van - depending on our needs:-), pick up those who ride with me (at this point I have Kudbegud and Michiel, who also doing the post) in LV and then go straight to Bryce. We'd use the same vehicle to get to Zion and finally, to St.George, we we'll simply drop it off (at the airport, or smth). There we man our RV and do the post thingie, return to St.George, and then use the shuttle or whatever to get us back to LV.
I'd say splitting an RV would cost you way less comparing campgrounds/motels alone, and everybody has more time to relax, chat shoot, etc.
Let us know. The only urgent thing is to make sure Doug can get you in our Antelope tour, since it's *very* limited time and sitting-wise.
Please stay in touch with me and Doug. You can use our emails, too:-)
Happy Holidays!

Hey Nik and Happy New Year everyone!

I'm in! Just not sure how "in" that is. I'm planning on leaving Fresno the weekend before the Shootout and making some stops along the way. Per Mapquest it's about 850 miles from Arches back which should work out quite well with heading back that Saturday.

Question is whether to leave my suv for the post-trip and hop on the RV wagon if there's still a spot, or keep my suv for additional mobility? I can take 4 with camera gear pretty well and the MDX has decent ground clearance and traction - although I'm not planning to really do a lot of off-roading in it.

Nik, what's the latest on availability?

And, if anyone's in my area and wants a ride or to meet along the way let me know. I don't have a plan yet so I can be flexible at this point. :D

Jack

[Nikolai]

With Jack "Calfeerider" just in (got his RV "advance":-), we got the full house:-):clap
Now, if anyone else is gonna join (Mike?), we either need to start another RV (we need at least 3 ppl for that), or we can count on an extra car, BUT we need to make all the parking/sleeping accomodations.
Our trip schedule is posted. Please contact me or Doug "Kudegud" if you're interested.

As of now plan is that we have 6 ppl in RV.
I fly in to LV Wednesday morning, rent a vehicle, pick up Doug and Michiel (more if need be, I just need to be aware of that), use this vehicle as our main transport for the primary shootout, and then drop it at St.George, where we get into RV.
I'd like to hear from the rest of RV-ers what are thier initial trasportation needs before the St. George. I can easily rent a big van to fit all six, or even seven..

Cheers!

[Nikolai]

Now, if anyone else is gonna join (Mike?), we either need to start another RV (we need at least 3 ppl for that), or we can count on an extra car, BUT we need to make all the parking/sleeping accomodations.
Our trip schedule is posted. Please contact me or Doug "Kudegud" if you're interested.

If anyone is gonna join the group, even with their own vehicle, we'd still need some sort of financial participation advance, which in case of non-RV would be $100. ($103 if paypaled). Doug and me have already incurred certain reservation-related charges, and there will be more on the way - tours, parkings, passes, food, etc. Rest assured all of it (and then some:-)will be eventually used for the trip :-)

Thanks!

[CalfeeRider]

With Jack "Calfeerider" just in (got his RV "advance":-), we got the full house:-):clap


I also just made reservations at the Motel6 where you, Michiel and Doug will be for that Saturday night (5/27). I went ahead and reserved it for two queen beds non-smoking in case anyone else in our group want to share. Rate is $75 plus tax so it should be somewhere around $40 each.

Jack

[CalfeeRider]

We're currently considering a possibility to spice up our first Sunday with what is believed to be one of the most beautiful (and quite hidden) rock formations - The Wave. You can Google for it, but here's a start: http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/wave.htm
Check the Slides.

It's quite a hike (6 hours), but I think it could be well worth it.
It's kinda in between Zion and Page, so we can make it a long lunch hike:-)

Whaddayathink?

Nik, is this still an option? If I'm reading that link correctly, the 3 hrs they list is round-trip not one way which is certainly doable!

Here's a snip from the end...

Stay in this shallow gully as the slope eases, and it will lead you directly to the bare rock entrance to "The Wave" at an elevation of 5200ft. You should arrive there about 1hr 20min after leaving the trailhead.

[Nikolai]

Nik, is this still an option? If I'm reading that link correctly, the 3 hrs they list is round-trip not one way which is certainly doable!

Here's a snip from the end...

Stay in this shallow gully as the slope eases, and it will lead you directly to the bare rock entrance to "The Wave" at an elevation of 5200ft. You should arrive there about 1hr 20min after leaving the trailhead.





Thank you for the correction! Thus far it's in the plans!:-) But we better start training our legs now:-)

[Nikolai]

I also just made reservations at the Motel6 where you, Michiel and Doug will be for that Saturday night (5/27). I went ahead and reserved it for two queen beds non-smoking in case anyone else in our group want to share. Rate is $75 plus tax so it should be somewhere around $40 each.

Jack

Great, I have reservation there for that night, too (also dual queens, we're sharing with Michiel per prior agreement), so we gonna have quite a party for that night. :beer

[CalfeeRider]

Great, I have reservation there for that night, too (also dual queens, we're sharing with Michiel per prior agreement), so we gonna have quite a party for that night. :beer

Yep, I got that and no worries. I was just putting it out there for Gluwater, Skippy and anyone else that may be with us at that point - even if it's a last minute thing.

Jack

[Nikolai]

Guys,
we DO need an exact headcount for The Wave Hike. It's very limited (10-11 people per *day* per unit). If you already signed up for RV but don't want to go on the hike (it may be strenuous), please let me or Kudbegud know asap.
Since we gonna make the reservation anyway, we can add some more people, even if you're not the part of the whole post-shootout trip and "just here for the Wave" :-)
In any case, please let us know where are you stand on this Wave issue..
Thanks!

[Michiel de Brieder]

lemme be 'surfing' that wave with ya :D Sorry it took me this long to reply, just got a new girlfriend after 3 bachelor years :wink :lust

[Nikolai]

lemme be 'surfing' that wave with ya :D Sorry it took me this long to reply, just got a new girlfriend after 3 bachelor years :wink :lust
Maxine would be thrilled to have a female companion:-):clap
And this way you can stay with Jack, and your GF can take your former spot in my room :wink

[Skippy]

Maxine would be thrilled to have a female companion:-):clap
And this way you can stay with Jack, and your GF can take your former spot in my room :wink

I need accomadation for that last night :)
So I am happy to share with anyone......... could someone tell me the exact date it will be for the last night I want to book all my flights this week

May will be here before we know it........also how far from the Hotel 6 is it to the Airport, is there like a shuttle service to the airport or do I need to get a taxi??? .....this is what I need to know for getting another flight back to California.

Take Care folks............ Skippy (Australia)

[Nikolai]

I need accomadation for that last night :)
So I am happy to share with anyone......... could someone tell me the exact date it will be for the last night I want to book all my flights this week

May will be here before we know it........also how far from the Hotel 6 is it to the Airport, is there like a shuttle service to the airport or do I need to get a taxi??? .....this is what I need to know for getting another flight back to California.

Take Care folks............ Skippy (Australia)

Jack has a spare bed at this time, but you better check with him directly:-)

Everything in Vegas is close to airport, you don't have to worry about it. Shuttle, taxi.. who cares..:-)

The Night is Saturday 5/27/2006

Cheers!:1drink

[CalfeeRider]

I need accomadation for that last night :)
So I am happy to share with anyone......... could someone tell me the exact date it will be for the last night I want to book all my flights this week

May will be here before we know it........also how far from the Hotel 6 is it to the Airport, is there like a shuttle service to the airport or do I need to get a taxi??? .....this is what I need to know for getting another flight back to California.

Take Care folks............ Skippy (Australia)

Hey Skippy, as I mentioned in an earlier post I got a room with two queens in case you or one of our other "post-shootout" travelers needed a place to share. Should be around $40 if we split it, or less if we get another roomie by the end of the trip. :D

Jack

[Michiel de Brieder]

Maxine would be thrilled to have a female companion:-):clap
And this way you can stay with Jack, and your GF can take your former spot in my room :wink I doubt if she'll come along though, she's got a big trip planned already and it's not as if we're having rivers of money... so you've got to share the room with me still :rofl

[Nikolai]

I doubt if she'll come along though, she's got a big trip planned already and it's not as if we're having rivers of money... so you've got to share the room with me still :rofl

Now you need to get an experience of sitting in a broken RV in a middle of absolutely nowhere :D

[4labs]

lemme be 'surfing' that wave with ya :D Sorry it took me this long to reply, just got a new girlfriend after 3 bachelor years :wink :lust

Hey Mich! Glad ya got to ditch the blow up doll! Looking foward to seeing ya in May

[Nikolai]

Hey Mich! Glad ya got to ditch the blow up doll! Looking foward to seeing ya in May

Are you going with us, too? I mean, for the wave, the arches and the whole nine yards?

[4labs]

Nik,

Doesn't look like it. My wife was in the hospital for 8 weeks prior to the baby and she can't get the extra time off of work. My mom may be able to watch Sam and than I can try and hook up with you guys. Will be last minute for me.

[Nikolai]

Nik,

Doesn't look like it. My wife was in the hospital for 8 weeks prior to the baby and she can't get the extra time off of work. My mom may be able to watch Sam and than I can try and hook up with you guys. Will be last minute for me.

Well, we'll try to do what we can to accomodate you..:lust

[Mike Lane]

Guys,
we DO need an exact headcount for The Wave Hike. It's very limited (10-11 people per *day* per unit). If you already signed up for RV but don't want to go on the hike (it may be strenuous), please let me or Kudbegud know asap.
Since we gonna make the reservation anyway, we can add some more people, even if you're not the part of the whole post-shootout trip and "just here for the Wave" :-)
In any case, please let us know where are you stand on this Wave issue..
Thanks!
I'm in for the wave!

[Nikolai]

I'm in for the wave!

Bad news: Nick Gluwater cannot go to the post-shootout :-( We hope he'll be able to make it to the primary event at least..

Good news: with Mike Lane in (along with his initial RV payment:-) it's six of us again, so everybody has a sleeping slot:-)

So, the current list of post-shootout participants:

Mike Lane
Jack "Calfeerider"
Maxine "Skippy" (Oz)
Michiel "Mick" de Brieder (NL)
Doug "Kudbegud"
Nikolai "Nik"More later

[DanielB]

Bad news: Nick Gluwater cannot go to the post-shootout :-( We hope he'll be able to make it to the primary event at least..

Good news: with Mike Lane in (along with his initial RV payment:-) it's six of us again, so everybody has a sleeping slot:-)

So, the current list of post-shootout participants:

Mike Lane
Jack "Calfeerider"
Maxine "Skippy" (Oz)
Michiel "Mick" de Brieder (NL)
Doug "Kudbegud"
Nikolai "Nik"More later

damn the age factor.:cry i wanna go sooo bad. i even have an RV we could have used....but i doubt you guys would even allow a noisy teenager in your midst.:giggle

but seriously. if there was any way i could....

[CalfeeRider]

damn the age factor.:cry i wanna go sooo bad. i even have an RV we could have used....but i doubt you guys would even allow a noisy teenager in your midst.:giggle

but seriously. if there was any way i could....

Noisy? Daniel, you've *obviously* not been around this group! :rofl

[Nikolai]

damn the age factor.:cry i wanna go sooo bad. i even have an RV we could have used....but i doubt you guys would even allow a noisy teenager in your midst.:giggle

but seriously. if there was any way i could....

Seriously.. it's an open thing.. to a degree.. There is a limit to "The Wave" hike (10 ppl per day max) and Antelope tour (12 ppl per day max). There are also considerations for the number of the vehicles on the parking places - thus far we reserved one spot only, so any additional vehicle would require some extra logistics.

BUT - it's all doable. So if you're serious about joining - let's discuss it...:thumb

[Nikolai]

I finally reserved the flight:-)
I'm arriving to Las Vegas airport about 7:30 am Wednesday May 17th, so chances are I'll be on the road about 8 am. So whoever stays in that Motel6 (thus far it's Kudbegud and Michiel, maybe Mike, too?) should be getting ready about 8:30 am.:-)

That is unless Jack decides to be our transportation fairy and agrees to give us all a ride from LV to canyons and then to St.George.:-) (can you fit 5 ppl with luggage?). Another option is only to get transport from LV to St. George direct. meet with Jack over there and then use his Acura for the rest of the primary. However, this leaves absolutely no room for Skippy..:-(

The point of the message: we need to solidify our initial transportaion (pre-RV) plans. Thus far it looks like that Doug, Michiel, Mike and me sharing the transport all the way from LV to St.George throught he main event. Jack's gonna have his Acura MDX during that part - and I haven't heard from Skippy about this part at all.:dunno

[CalfeeRider]

I finally reserved the flight:-)
I'm arriving to Las Vegas airport about 7:30 am Wednesday May 17th, so chances are I'll be on the road about 8 am. So whoever stays in that Motel6 (thus far it's Kudbegud and Michiel, maybe Mike, too?) should be getting ready about 8:30 am.:-)

That is unless Jack decides to be our transportation fairy and agrees to give us all a ride from LV to canyons and then to St.George.:-) (can you fit 5 ppl with luggage?). Another option is only to get transport from LV to St. George direct. meet with Jack over there and then use his Acura for the rest of the primary. However, this leaves absolutely no room for Skippy..:-(

The point of the message: we need to solidify our initial transportaion (pre-RV) plans. Thus far it looks like that Doug, Michiel, Mike and me sharing the transport all the way from LV to St.George throught he main event. Jack's gonna have his Acura MDX during that part - and I haven't heard from Skippy about this part at all.:dunno

I hate to sound non-commital, but I really can't commit. :D

You may recall from our conversation that my "plan" is to leave Fresno either the Sat or Sun before the shootout. Depending on the weather conditions I may either swing up through Tahoe, or Tioga Pass and come down the Eastern Sierras and Death Valley. Or, come from the south and hit the Mohave and the Grand Canyon south-rim and the Painted Dessert area.

Long story... but I won't know until a couple of days before where I'll be Tuesday night/Wed morning. :dunno

If its possible, I'd be more than glad to keep it as an option though. The MDX can seat 5, but with the luggage/gear for nearly two-weeks, unless I get a roof-rack mountable thingy, it could be tight.

Jack

[Nikolai]

I hate to sound non-commital, but I really can't commit. :D
Jack

Not a problem. I just need to hear from Skippy then, so I'd know if I need to rent a van or a sedan would be ok. Maybe end up in a van anyway, since splitting the cost even between 4 ppl, let alone 5, does not hurt that much:-)

Cheers!:1drink

[CalfeeRider]

Not a problem. I just need to hear from Skippy then, so I'd know if I need to rent a van or a sedan would be ok. Maybe end up in a van anyway, since splitting the cost even between 4 ppl, let alone 5, does not hurt that much:-)

Cheers!:1drink

Ney Nik,

Not sure is this is a factor, but after the post-shootout I'll be heading to LV and spending the night at that Motel6 so depending on how many other vehicles we may have transportation for the trip back covered? I know we have 6 locked in for the RV, but not sure how many others are "probables".

Jack

[Nikolai]

Ney Nik,

Not sure is this is a factor, but after the post-shootout I'll be heading to LV and spending the night at that Motel6 so depending on how many other vehicles we may have transportation for the trip back covered? I know we have 6 locked in for the RV, but not sure how many others are "probables".

Jack

Jack, once we know who's exactly going we'll either reserve the shuttle or will try all fit into your MDX:-)

Thank you for your considerations!:thumb

[Skippy]

Hi Nik..... I will be arriving in Las Vegas on May 14 and staying with a fellow female Dgrinner in Las Vegas for 3 nights........ I am driving out to the Canyon with her.

Hope this helps you decide what your doing okay....... sorry for the delay.
Skippy (Australia)

I finally reserved the flight:-)
I'm arriving to Las Vegas airport about 7:30 am Wednesday May 17th, so chances are I'll be on the road about 8 am. So whoever stays in that Motel6 (thus far it's Kudbegud and Michiel, maybe Mike, too?) should be getting ready about 8:30 am.:-)

That is unless Jack decides to be our transportation fairy and agrees to give us all a ride from LV to canyons and then to St.George.:-) (can you fit 5 ppl with luggage?). Another option is only to get transport from LV to St. George direct. meet with Jack over there and then use his Acura for the rest of the primary. However, this leaves absolutely no room for Skippy..:-(

The point of the message: we need to solidify our initial transportaion (pre-RV) plans. Thus far it looks like that Doug, Michiel, Mike and me sharing the transport all the way from LV to St.George throught he main event. Jack's gonna have his Acura MDX during that part - and I haven't heard from Skippy about this part at all.:dunno

[Nikolai]

Hi Nik..... I will be arriving in Las Vegas on May 14 and staying with a fellow female Dgrinner in Las Vegas for 3 nights........ I am driving out to the Canyon with her.

Hope this helps you decide what your doing okay....... sorry for the delay.
Skippy (Australia)

This means our pre-RV transportation layout is as follows:

Jack has his MDX all the way
Maxine is getting a ride from her friend to the canyons, and, possibly, back to St.George.
If not, I'm pretty sure Jack will be able to accomodate her for that last leg from Zion to St.George, since his Acura will be almost empty, right Jack? :-)
The rest four of us (Mike, Michiel, Doug and me) using the rental car that I rent at LV airport and drop off at St.GeorgeI guess we're pretty much set.:-)

Thanks everyone!:thumb

[Nikolai]

http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=185163&postcount=94 (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=12147&page=10)

Some minor updates: phone numbers, etc.
Thanks Doug!:thumb

[Skippy]

This means our pre-RV transportation layout is as follows:

Jack has his MDX all the way
Maxine is getting a ride from her friend to the canyons, and, possibly, back to St.George.
If not, I'm pretty sure Jack will be able to accomodate her for that last leg from Zion to St.George, since his Acura will be almost empty, right Jack? :-)
The rest four of us (Mike, Michiel, Doug and me) using the rental car that I rent at LV airport and drop off at St.GeorgeI guess we're pretty much set.:-)

Thanks everyone!:thumb

Hi Nik...... I don't have a ride back I will be with you guys the rest of the time ..... Maxine (Skippy)

[Nikolai]

Hi Nik...... I don't have a ride back I will be with you guys the rest of the time ..... Maxine (Skippy)

Jack just confirmed, he will give you a ride to St.George. And after the post-shotout is done we'll need a shuttle to LV anyway.
So I guess we're all set transportation-wise...

[Skippy]

Jack just confirmed, he will give you a ride to St.George. And after the post-shotout is done we'll need a shuttle to LV anyway.
So I guess we're all set transportation-wise...


Alllllllllrighty....... I see the travel agent again today......so hopefully it will be all booked before this coming weekend.....thanks you guys :D
Maxine (Skippy)

[Skippy]

I have a question :D

What's the go with sleeping arrangements? like do we need sleeping bags, pillows etc??

Now if the answer is yes, then I would like to ask anyone who is travelling by car in post shoot group if they are able to offer me a lend of a sleeping bag and pillow for the trip ??

Skippy (Australia)

[Nikolai]

I have a question :D

What's the go with sleeping arrangements? like do we need sleeping bags, pillows etc??

Now if the answer is yes, then I would like to ask anyone who is travelling by car in post shoot group if they are able to offer me a lend of a sleeping bag and pillow for the trip ??

Skippy (Australia)

As a proud member of our "gang of six", you are entitled to a full-blown RV slot, which, as the plan goes, should include sheets, pillows, blankets and other usefull household items, all this for a meager $40 per person on top of the rental price. I think we should use this offer, I'm going to, anyway.

Note: same goes to all of us:-)

HTH

[Skippy]

As a proud member of our "gang of six", you are entitled to a full-blown RV slot, which, as the plan goes, should include sheets, pillows, blankets and other usefull household items, all this for a meager $40 per person on top of the rental price. I think we should use this offer, I'm going to, anyway.

Note: same goes to all of us:-)

HTH

Sounds good to me :D ....... whoohooo!! all my flights are confirmed and I got my flights to and from LasVegas at a much more reasonalbe hour of the day too :clap ........ take Care Nikolai ........ Skippy (Australia)

[kudbegud]

if you can get it, there is a program on OLN cable channel about RV Today that features Monument Valley on March 7 and 9 at 2:00 pm. check your listings for local times.
check here for OLN listings, select March 7 or 9 and day time listing:

http://ww2.olntv.com/tvlistings/default.asp?nm=2

or better yet, try this one:

http://www.olntv.com/nw/article/mdview/?tf=TonightOnOLN_show.tpl&Limit=1&mt=3&f1=UserDef3&UserDef=true&d1=6

the first 10 or so minutes are the best.

it looks great ... cant wait to be there in person!!!!! :clap

[Nikolai]

if you can get it, there is a program on OLN cable channel about RV Today that features Monument Valley on March 7 and 9 at 2:00 pm. check your listings for local times.
check here for OLN listings, select March 7 or 9 and day time listing:

http://ww2.olntv.com/tvlistings/default.asp?nm=2

or better yet, try this one:

http://www.olntv.com/nw/article/mdview/?tf=TonightOnOLN_show.tpl&Limit=1&mt=3&f1=UserDef3&UserDef=true&d1=6

the first 10 or so minutes are the best.

it looks great ... cant wait to be there in person!!!!! :clap

BTW, I have an idea... Why don't each of us spend some time during the what left before the trip, and dig some extra info about certain area along the way. Does not really matter which one. The goal is to turn ourselves to some sort of "guides", so if not all then most (or at least some) of the trip areas are covered. Sources could be different: Internet, TV, local library, AAA, B&N - whatever helps...
To avoid everybody jumping on the same area let's simply post your choices once you pick them up. This way we would know who's digging what.

[kudbegud]

i'll take photo ops around page arizona

[SecondHand]

Hey, you guys. You don't know me, I'm fairly new here. I live in Utah and have seen the places you are going to to shoot and must say, I can't wait to see the fantastic pictures that you bring back. I'm very, VERY new to photography and I'm just excited to see what you all, that have been involved with it for so long, come back with. Zion and Brice Canyon, in my opinion are a couple of the most beautiful places in the world, in their own way. Of course, I can see the beauty in the Utah West Desert, where others can see nothing but a land of salt. Anyway, I'm excited for you and I hope that you have a great time and look forward to seeing your photographs. Have a great time!!!

[kudbegud]

great to hear from you :thumb any chance of meeting up with you and maybe going along with us for a day, a few days or the whole thing? the official shoot out or the post safari? we could learn from each other.

[Mike Lane]

I'll study up on Monument Valley:thumb

[Nikolai]

great to hear from you :thumb any chance of meeting up with you and maybe going along with us for a day, a few days or the whole thing? the official shoot out or the post safari? we could learn from each other.

The more the merrier, :clap and we can defineitely use your knowledge and guidance:-). Think of it, at least!

[Nikolai]

I'll study up on Monument Valley:thumb


Kudbegud - Page viscinity
Mike Lane - Monuments valley.
There are many other places on our route we need a detailed photo intel for.
Jack, Maxine, Michiel, wanna pitch in?
I'll take the leftovers..

[Nikolai]

Since the moment I got my 20D last August, and especially since we decided to visit slot canyons and such in the post-shootout, I was planning to get EF 24mm f3.5L TILT/SHIFT lens for this trip. However, after getting further involved in all dslr game of interchangeable glass I realized that this lens is such a specialty item, that even if I get it, I would probably use it only for this trip and after that it will be simply taking space on my shelf or in my backpack.
So I'm currently considering simply renting it for the trip. If I fall in love with it - I can always buy it later, but at least I'd have solid two weeks of the hands-on experience.
This place (http://www.lensrepro.com/RENTAL/canon.html) has it at $75 per week ($25 per day), so renting it for two weeks would be $150 + some s/h.
And then I thought: since there will be 6 of us on this post-trip, may be we can split/share? Since we'll be pretty much all together in all those places, each of us will have a honestly paid chance to try it out and play with it. And at $25.. $40 per share it would be almost nothing. :deal

Anybody wants in?:wink

[DanielB]

arghhhhhhh alll these posts are making me wanna go even more...:cry i'll be looking forward to the flood of photos from all of you:thumb

[Nikolai]

arghhhhhhh alll these posts are making me wanna go even more...:cry i'll be looking forward to the flood of photos from all of you:thumb

We'll be very glad to provide :):

[kudbegud]

dont have a dslr Nic

[Nikolai]

dont have a dslr Nic
30D comes out in April, just in time for you to get one:-):D

[kudbegud]

:rofl
just got the R1 first of december :wink

[Nikolai]

:rofl
just got the R1 first of december :wink
It means you can sell it almost for the same price, ante some $300-$400 and get brand new 30D:): .. Or get a nice used 20D with no extra cash..:D

[CalfeeRider]

Kudbegud - Page viscinity
Mike Lane - Monuments valley.There are many other places on our route we need a detailed photo intel for.
Jack, Maxine, Michiel, wanna pitch in?
I'll take the leftovers..

I'll be glad to! I'll take Canyonlands and if there aren't any other takers, also Natural Bridges. - Jack

[CalfeeRider]

Since the moment I got my 20D last August, and especially since we decided to visit slot canyons and such in the post-shootout, I was planning to get EF 24mm f3.5L TILT/SHIFT lens for this trip. However, after getting further involved in all dslr game of interchangeable glass I realized that this lens is such a specialty item, that even if I get it, I would probably use it only for this trip and after that it will be simply taking space on my shelf or in my backpack.
So I'm currently considering simply renting it for the trip. If I fall in love with it - I can always buy it later, but at least I'd have solid two weeks of the hands-on experience.
This place (http://www.lensrepro.com/RENTAL/canon.html) has it at $75 per week ($25 per day), so renting it for two weeks would be $150 + some s/h.
And then I thought: since there will be 6 of us on this post-trip, may be we can split/share? Since we'll be pretty much all together in all those places, each of us will have a honestly paid chance to try it out and play with it. And at $25.. $40 per share it would be almost nothing. :deal

Anybody wants in?:wink

Nik, that sounds good on the surface and I'm thinking YES, but (not to be naysayer) how do we know how we'll be paired for the actualy Shootout since we may be in separate groups. And everybody would have to play nice to share it for those limited photo-ops. Can WE actually do that!? :D

Jack

[Nikolai]

I'll be glad to! I'll take Canyonlands and if there aren't any other takers, also Natural Bridges. - Jack

They are yours:-):thumb

So, here are our land grants:

Kudbegud - Page viscinity
Mike Lane - Monuments valley
CalfeeRider - Canyonlands and Natural Bridges

Skippy, Michiel?

[Nikolai]

Nik, that sounds good on the surface and I'm thinking YES, but (not to be naysayer) how do we know how we'll be paired for the actualy Shootout since we may be in separate groups. And everybody would have to play nice to share it for those limited photo-ops. Can WE actually do that!? :D

Jack

We'll try to arrange with official shotout that all of us who'd share this lens would be in the same group. And on the post-shootout (for which I think this lens will be the most precious addition) we ARE the one group, since we will all be in one RV and in one tour.
So I don't see any real problems with sharing. :dunno
Cheers!:1drink

[pathfinder]

Nick,

Nightingale and I, and Rutt, plan on hanging around after the shootout at Bryce and Zion for the following week or so also. Rutt does need to be near a major airport at some point, which has not been precisely defined yet. We will be driving from the east to the shootout, and do not plan to make the getogether in Las Vegas before the shootout as it would involve 300 more miles west and then back east for us. Instead we are going to meander down Highway 12 in Utah on the way to Bryce.

We would enjoy hanging around with your group after the shootout if that is welcome. We prefer to stay in a motel since we already have a vehicle, so I would like to know your route plans to set up accomodations in advance if possible.

I will be driving a Honda Ridgeline with three passengers and gear, but could carry another if their gear is in waterproof bags or could be left in the RV during the day. It is four wheel drive and I want to explore some of the back routes if possible, where the RV may not be as usefull.

Kathy and I shot out of Page Arizona a year ago at one of Alan Briot's workshops so I know a tiny bit about the area. I would love to shoot sunrise at Horseshoe Bend again.
http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/4468152-M.jpg
And Antelope Canyon also. The time of day is critical for shooting Antelope Canyon as the sun NEEDS to be very high in the sky. It is also very sandy and dusty. Not a place to be changing lenses - Plan what lens you want to use in advance. I used the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 Di and was satisfied. A 17-40 or a 24-20 would also work. I suspect a 24-70 would be ideal. But do not plan on changing lenses in the Canyon.

I hope to meander easterly so that I am near the western Colorado- New Mexico border by Thursday the following week, to allow me ample time for the drive back to Indiana which is a hard two days drive from there.


I want to shoot Monument Valley for two sunrises if possible also. And I definitely want to return to El Morro Nat Monument in New Mexico in the late afternoon if possible.

I am hoping that we can share at least some of your post shoot endeavors Nick. Let me know if any of this will coordinate with your plans.

[Nikolai]

Nick,

Nightingale and I, and Rutt, plan on hanging around after the shootout at Bryce and Zion for the following week or so also. Rutt does need to be near a major air port at some point, which has not been precisely defined yet. We will be driving from the east to the shootout, and do not plan to make the getogether in Las Vegas before the shootout as it would involve 300 more miles west and then back east for us. Instead we are going to meander down Highway 12 in Utah on the way to Bryce.

We would enjoy hanging around with your group after the shootout if that is welcome. We prefer to stay in a motel since we already have a vehicle, so I would like to know your route plans to set up accomodations in advance if possible.


Our rather detailed schedule can be found here:
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=12147&page=10, post #94

I know this thread is rather large, but I'd recommend to read it through, at least starting from that post.

If you wanna do Antelope with us, you may need to check with Kudbegud asap, since he made original reservation. Thus far we reserved six spots in this special photo-tour, and the max number is twelve, if I'm not mistaken..

All spots in our RV are taken, and we did not specifically plan to have motels around our camping points. However it should be possible to park a car next to RV (if you want to set a camp, for instance).

Thanks for the advices! I'm looking forward to talk more about it, and, most of all, to see you joining us on what's gotta be a great one-week trip!

Cheers!:1drink

[kudbegud]

Path...

if you want to go to Antelope with us, call 866-645-9102, the one we made the 6 reservations with. you can tell them you are with the Smugmug group and want to be added to the list. our reservation # is ACT00408 so you can refferance us exactly if needed. set up for monday may 22nd, the 2 hour photographers tour, 11am - 2pm.
and horseshoe bend is deffinatly on the list...thanks for the sunrise tip.

[Nikolai]

Path...

if you want to go to Antelope with us, call 866-645-9102, the one we made the 6 reservations with. you can tell them you are with the Smugmug group and want to be added to the list. our reservation # is ACT00408 so you can refferance us exactly if needed. set up for monday may 22nd, the 2 hour photographers tour, 11am - 2pm.
and horseshoe bend is deffinatly on the list...thanks for the sunrise tip.

Path, Rutt: what he said:-)

BTW, guys, if you decide to join all all the way, it would be nice if you could pick up some "area guide" assignments (see a few posts above). Thanks!

Cheers!:1drink

[pathfinder]

Thanks guys. I have stayed in Page before at the Marriott Courtyard and if they have room will stay there again. They had great WiFi and great food. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are both within 15-20 minutes by car.

Your route map on the link you listed was a great help.

I will try for reservations for the Antelope shoot in the morning.

I will begin looking for reservations in the Desert Rose Inn in Bluff Utah also. Gettting a room in Moab should not be difficult at that time of year unless there is an event occurring I think.

As for things to research, let me read about Moki Dugway and the areas around Monument Valley. I like backroads and 4WD trails - easy ones anyway.

I would also suggest not missing Dead Horse State Park when you are in Moab - it easily rivals the Federal Parks around there.

Here is a pano shot with a 10D from 2004 at Dead Horse State Park I threw together

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/59356954-M.jpg

[Nikolai]

Great, so you guys are on your way:-)
Magnificent shot! And, yes, Dead Horse Park was on our list, at least tentatively.

Hope to hear from you when you confirm Antelope and other things.

So, Guiding Assignments currently look like this:

Kudbegud - Page viscinity
Mike Lane - Monuments valley
CalfeeRider - Canyonlands and Natural Bridges
Pathfinder - Moki Dugway and the areas around Monument ValleyMichiel, Skippy, Nightingale, Rutt - wann join the crowd on some homework? :wink I'll waiting on you to pick the leftovers...

[kudbegud]

spectacular shot Path...even at this small size...bet its terriffffffic original size

[Michiel de Brieder]

Michiel, Skippy, Nightingale, Rutt - wann join the crowd on some homework? :wink I'll waiting on you to pick the leftovers...

I'll see what I can do.... A new GF, a helluva project in the office and working with a band and finding myself a house has been eating away my time disastrously! (don't even know if that's english or not :D) I'll see what I can do though! Maybe I'll pick up a book on the area and inform you of all the goodies inside :D

Cheers mates!

[Nikolai]

I'll see what I can do.... A new GF, a helluva project in the office and working with a band and finding myself a house has been eating away my time disastrously! (don't even know if that's english or not :D) I'll see what I can do though! Maybe I'll pick up a book on the area and inform you of all the goodies inside :D

Cheers mates!

Good to hear from you!
Just let us know what the book's title, so we know what area is yours:-)

PS
Don't forget to bring the CDs/mp3s of that band with you.. We will have a long time on the road, so we need a lot of music...:):

PPS
And take a good care of that GF, will ya:wink ?

[kudbegud]

here's the books i have already:
Moon Handbooks, zion & bryce
Photographers Guide to the Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona
Vol 1, Photographing the Southwest
Rand McNally Road Map, Utah

on order, shipped already, Land of the Canyons, Photographers Guide to Utah & Arizona
link: http://sidecanyon.com/acb1/showdetl.cfm??&User_ID=1130603&St=3939&St2=58717743&St3=35114505&DS_ID=32&DID=111&Product_ID=5187

lots more at this site:
http://www.sidecanyon.com/

[Nikolai]

here's the books i have already:
Moon Handbooks, zion & bryce
Photographers Guide to the Grand Canyon & Northern Arizona
Vol 1, Photographing the Southwest
Rand McNally Road Map, Utah

on order, shipped already, Land of the Canyons, Photographers Guide to Utah & Arizona
link: http://sidecanyon.com/acb1/showdetl.cfm??&User_ID=1130603&St=3939&St2=58717743&St3=35114505&DS_ID=32&DID=111&Product_ID=5187

lots more at this site:
http://www.sidecanyon.com/

Thanks for the info, Doug!

Also, little birdie told me that Path, Nightingale and Rutt are locked in for the Antelope tour and some other major points! That makes us officially nine!:thumb
Man, what a great trip this gonna be!:clap

[kudbegud]

time is actually getting close, so......
we should start to get the annual pass for National Parks, link below:
http://www.nationalparks.org/Home.asp

and they ahve a photo contest for their magazine!!!
http://www.nationalparks.org/PlanYourParkTrip/PhotoContest-Home.shtml

i just purchased one, and reading the FAQ's, we might be allowed in as a group in a car or RV. please read and see what you think.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=contenttitle vAlign=top align=right>Q.</TD><TD class=contenttitle vAlign=top align=left>Does this get everyone in my vehicle into the park?</TD></TR><TR><TD class=content vAlign=top align=right>A.</TD><TD class=content vAlign=top align=left>Yes, at Parks that charge a Per Vehicle entrance fee, everyone in your single, private non-commercial vehicle (motorcycle, car, van). No, at Parks where a Per Person entrance fee is charged, the National Parks Pass admits the owner, spouse, children and parents.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

so, is an RV concidered a commercial vehicle? i just sent an email to thier question address asking about RV's so we will know as soon as i get a response.

reading further, i see this foot note:

*A private vehicle is defined as a noncommercial vehicle that is being used for private recreational purposes. This includes passenger automobiles, vans, campers, and company-owned vehicles that are leased or rented for private recreation purposes.

but clarifacation from the email question wouldnt hurt.

that was fast!!! got a response allready!!!

It would depend on the use of the RV. Typically, they are used for private purposes. If this is the case, it is considered a private non-commercial vehicle. The pass grants entry to anyone in the vehicle at national parks that have a per vehicle entrance fee. At parks that charge per person, the pass grants entry to the pass holder, their spouse, children, and parents.

Evan McGlaughlin
National Park Foundation
11 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036

[kudbegud]

here's the list of parks and fees:

Bryce
Fees
$20 - 7 Days
http://www.nps.gov/parkgraphics/spacer.gif
Details
This fee covers all occupants of a private vehicle (non-commercial).

my pass should cover us in Nik's vehicle


Zion
Entrance
$20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.

my pass will cover us

Canyonlands
Passes
Fee varies
Use your National Parks Pass or Golden Pass (Age, Eagle and Access) for park entry!

we're covered!!!

Arches
Entrance
$20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.

they show the annual pass link so i assume we are covered

[Nikolai]

So you got one, correct?
Great!
We need another one for PFs/Rutt. PF, would you please get a pass for your car, too?
We'll merge/split/share those mutual expenses at the end..
Cheers!:1drink

[kudbegud]

yes...i ordered a pass this morning and got confirmation of order receipt email almost
immediately.

while getting the entrance fee's i found this clickable map of all Utah National Parks and National Monuments:
http://www.nps.gov/applications/parksearch/state.cfm?st=ut

i hope we have time to make it to Natural Bridges...its just a little jog to the west of our intended hiway path from Monument Valley to Canyonlands (Islands in the Sky Region) east enterance. from the official site:

Getting There
Car
The entrance to Natural Bridges is at the end of Highway 275, which is roughly 35 miles west of Blanding on Highway 95. Driving time is roughly 45 minutes.

Getting Around
http://www.nps.gov/parkgraphics/spacer.gif
Visitors usually tour the scenic drive by car or bicycle

Most visitors spend at least two to three hours exploring Natural Bridges. Plan on stopping at the visitor center and touring the scenic drive, with stops at each overlook to view the bridges.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
and from another site:

The Bridges: A 9 mile one-way loop road has several overlooks of the three bridges, currently known as Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomu after their names were changed to reflect the Hopi Indian history of the area. The last of these three is probably the most spectacular, and also the easiest to hike to - the path into the canyon underneath the bridge is only a few hundred metres. It is the oldest bridge in the park, and rock falls have reduced the thickness to only 9 feet, so it may not be here much longer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://kudbegud.smugmug.com/photos/60833926-M.jpg
--------------------------------------------------------------------
some photos:
http://edwardjohnson.com/gallery/natural_bridges.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
and it close to an intended trip to Valley of the Gods
http://www.amwest-travel.com/awt_valleyofgods.html
http://www.danheller.com/valley-of-gods.html
http://utahpictures.com/ValleyOgods.html
http://virtualguidebooks.com/Utah/Canyonlands/SanJuanRiver/ValleyOfTheGods.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
and more of those super virtual reality panorams for every where we are going. this is worth checking out!!!
http://virtualguidebooks.com/Utah/Canyonlands.html

[pathfinder]

So you got one, correct?
Great!
We need another one for PFs/Rutt. PF, would you please get a pass for your car, too?
We'll merge/split/share those mutual expenses at the end..
Cheers!:1drink
I had planned to buy one on the way out, or at Bryce when I arrived there. I always tryto purchase an annual pass - If you are going to spend any time in Southern Utah, and annual pass will pay for itself easily.

I had thought rutt might neede one also, maybe not it seems.

[pathfinder]

Any one thought of trying to get a slot to the Wave?? My understanding is that you need reservations weeks in advance to get access to the Wave.

http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/wave.htm

http://www.zionnational-park.com/paria-wave-blm.htm

[Mike Lane]

Any one thought of trying to get a slot to the Wave?? My understanding is that you need reservations weeks in advance to get access to the Wave.

http://www.dankat.com/swhikes/wave.htm

http://www.zionnational-park.com/paria-wave-blm.htm

Andy got some reservations and is going to draw names from a hat last I heard.

[pathfinder]

Cool. I had not heard that.

[Michiel de Brieder]

I've ordered an "arches national park" guide, so we've got that area covered too!!

[Nikolai]

I've ordered an "arches national park" guide, so we've got that area covered too!!
OK, so, what's left uncovered?:huh :wink :rofl

[Nikolai]

I reserved a *full size* car from Hertz one-way from Las Vegas to St.George, starting Wed May 17 and dropping off Sun May 21.
The guy quoted me about $385 total (weekly rate). The minivan would be ~$510.
Just to make sure: who's riding with me? Doug, Michiel, Mike? Anybody else?

[pathfinder]

I definitely want to spend one morning and one eavening shooting from Moki Dugway or Muley Point.

Any one else interested?

It may be a bit of a rough road for and RV though.

[Nikolai]

I definitely want to spend one morning and one eavening shooting from Moki Dugway or Muley Point.

Any one else interested?

It may be a bit of a rough road for and RV though.
More info, plz... :dunno

[pathfinder]

Moki Dugway is a dirt road about 6 miles north of Mexican Hat on 261. It rises over 1100 feet in a switch back pattern along the cliff wall.

http://www.midwestroads.com/otherstates/mokidugway/

http://imagesoftheworld.org/GrandCircle/mokidugway.html

http://freespace.virgin.net/john.cletheroe/usa_can/pictures/90011.htm

http://web.inter.nl.net/users/projection3/english/america/moki_dugway/moki_dugway.htm

I love exploring roads like this - It faces Valley of the Gods to the east.

Or you can go down the Muley Point cutoff to Muley Point

http://virtualguidebooks.com/Utah/Canyonlands/MuleyPointGoosenecks/MuleyPointEnd.html

http://www.terragalleria.com/america/utah/cedar-mesa/picture.usut9004.html

Interested now??:):

[Nikolai]

Interested now??:):
You're damn right I am:-):thumb
I don't see a problem getting a bit off course while we're at the viscinity.. The only question is will we have enough transportation power?:dunno

[Michiel de Brieder]

I reserved a *full size* car from Hertz one-way from Las Vegas to St.George, starting Wed May 17 and dropping off Sun May 21.
The guy quoted me about $385 total (weekly rate). The minivan would be ~$510.
Just to make sure: who's riding with me? Doug, Michiel, Mike? Anybody else?
I'll definitely be joining your vehicle :D

[CalfeeRider]

OK, so, what's left uncovered?:huh :wink :rofl

Not sure what we've missed, but I've just ordered these books - some of them duplicates of others, but they look like keepers anyway. :D

Land of the Canyons, 2nd Edition (Paperback) by Laurent R. Martres (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Laurent%20R.%20Martres&rank=-relevance%2C%2Bavailability%2C-daterank/102-4769050-9087323)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0916189074/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4769050-9087323?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155

Stone Canyons of the Colorado Plateau (Paperback) by Charles Bowden (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Charles%20Bowden&rank=-relevance%2C%2Bavailability%2C-daterank/102-4769050-9087323)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810929929/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4769050-9087323?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155

The Photographer's Guide to Canyon Country: Where to Find Perfect Shots and How to Take Them (Paperback) by John Annerino (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=John%20Annerino&rank=-relevance%2C%2Bavailability%2C-daterank/102-4769050-9087323)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/088150663X/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4769050-9087323?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155

Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1--Southern Utah (2nd Ed.) (Paperback) by Laurent Martres (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Laurent%20Martres&rank=-relevance%2C%2Bavailability%2C-daterank/102-4769050-9087323)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0916189120/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4769050-9087323?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155

Hiking Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, 2nd (Hiking Guide Series) (Paperback) by Bill Schneider (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author-exact=Bill%20Schneider&rank=-relevance%2C%2Bavailability%2C-daterank/102-4769050-9087323)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762725400/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4769050-9087323?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance&n=283155

Counting down... 28-days before I hit the road (leaving that Saturday as part of the "Pre-Shootout")

[Nikolai]

Not sure what we've missed, but I've just ordered these books - some of them duplicates of others, but they look like keepers anyway. :D



BTW: any chances for you to meet us at St.George and give us a ride from there (and through the canyons, until the RV)? This way we can rent the car only for one day (to get from LV to St.George) instead of five?

The riders are (as far as I know): Kudbegud, Michiel, Mike Lane and yours truly, i.e. 4 passengers for your Acura. We'll cover the gas :-)
We hope to be at St.George about 10 am Wed May 17th.

If not for whatever reason - not a problem, I already reserved the full size sedan for a week..

[kudbegud]

here's the books i have:
--Moon Handbooks - Zion & Bryce
--Photographer's Guide To - The Grand canyon & Northern Arizona
--Volume 1, Photographing The Southwest
--PhotoTripUSA - Land of the Canyons, a photographers guide to Utah & Arizona

[CalfeeRider]

BTW: any chances for you to meet us at St.George and give us a ride from there (and through the canyons, until the RV)? This way we can rent the car only for one day (to get from LV to St.George) instead of five?

The riders are (as far as I know): Kudbegud, Michiel, Mike Lane and yours truly, i.e. 4 passengers for your Acura. We'll cover the gas :-)
We hope to be at St.George about 10 am Wed May 17th.

If not for whatever reason - not a problem, I already reserved the full size sedan for a week..

Hey Nik,

If you're referring to meeting you in St George that Wed morning I doubt I can since I'll already be in Bryce arriving on Tues. It looks like it's about a 2 1/2 hr trip to St. George (5 hrs round trip) and that'd just be a lot of driving - unless you get in a bind though. So do let me know!

During the shootout, I don't have anyone that I've committed seats to so if y'all want to "reserve" a spot let me know! I should be able to handle four with camera gear. It may get tight when we change locations to Zion with the additional luggage, but will probably still be doable.

Is Skippy covered?

Jack

[Nikolai]

Hey Nik,

If you're referring to meeting you in St George that Wed morning I doubt I can since I'll already be in Bryce arriving on Tues. It looks like it's about a 2 1/2 hr trip to St. George (5 hrs round trip) and that'd just be a lot of driving - unless you get in a bind though. So do let me know!

During the shootout, I don't have anyone that I've committed seats to so if y'all want to "reserve" a spot let me know! I should be able to handle four with camera gear. It may get tight when we change locations to Zion with the additional luggage, but will probably still be doable.

Is Skippy covered?

Jack

I see. Of course, it does not make sense to ask you to drive all the way back. For some reason I thought you will be in St.George Wed morning, but since you're not going to, case is closed :):

Unless I'm mistaken, Maxine is hitching her own ride from LV (Maxine, please inform us ASAP if it ain't so...).

Cheers!:1drink

[CalfeeRider]

Unless I'm mistaken, Maxine is hitching her own ride from LV (Maxine, please inform us ASAP if it ain't so...).


I was also thinking about once we met up in Bryce since I am limited to four passengers.

Hey Andy, have you also started some sort of carpool roster and allocated people? I don't want to foul things up for you in that respect either.

[CalfeeRider]

I'm trying to confirm, but I just heard this weekend that the water level in the Glenn Canyon area is at a 30-year low. The Glenn Canyon office is already closed so I'll try again tomorrow, but does anyone have any news about this and is it worth seeing? If these are "once in a lifetime" photo-ops, we'll be in the neighborhood. :D

[Nikolai]

I'm trying to confirm, but I just heard this weekend that the water level in the Glenn Canyon area is at a 30-year low. The Glenn Canyon office is already closed so I'll try again tomorrow, but does anyone have any news about this and is it worth seeing? If these are "once in a lifetime" photo-ops, we'll be in the neighborhood. :D

Small world... The "Outdoor Photography" just arrived and it has few things covered along our path, including this rare photo ops for Glenn Canyon :-)

[pathfinder]

I'm trying to confirm, but I just heard this weekend that the water level in the Glenn Canyon area is at a 30-year low. The Glenn Canyon office is already closed so I'll try again tomorrow, but does anyone have any news about this and is it worth seeing? If these are "once in a lifetime" photo-ops, we'll be in the neighborhood. :D


Lake Powell is about 100 feet below pool I believe. It was about 80 or 90 feet below pool when I was there in spring 2004. But there was still a lot of water in Lake Powell. Lake Powell has been slowly not mainttaining its pool level for a number of years.

[David_S85]

Wasn't it Outdoor Photography that featured Marc Muench a couple months back??? (he'll be there with us for Bryce and Zion).


Small world... The "Outdoor Photography" just arrived and it has few things covered along our path, including this rare photo ops for Glenn Canyon :-)

[Nikolai]

Wasn't it Outdoor Photography that featured Marc Muench a couple months back??? (he'll be there with us for Bryce and Zion).

And in this issue they mentioned his dad, I think.. :wink

And yes, he's gonna be with us in Bryce and Zion...:clap

[kudbegud]

today i called all our reserved places and confirmed them.

camping in page, az - sunday & monday may 21 & 22
antelope photographers tour, 9 people - monday 11:00am
camping in bluff, utah tuesday & wednesday may 23 & 24
camping in moab, utah - thursday & friday may 25 & 26

and of course my flights and motel6 dates in vegas LOL

[pathfinder]

Joe and Mary Farace are attending the shootout at Bryce and Zion also - More great pros!!

Joe Farace (http://joefarace.com/) and his wife Mary Farace (http://maryfarace.com/)

[Nikolai]

today i called all our reserved places and confirmed them.

camping in page, az - sunday & monday may 21 & 22
antelope photographers tour, 9 people - monday 11:00am
camping in bluff, utah tuesday & wednesday may 23 & 24
camping in moab, utah - thursday & friday may 25 & 26

and of course my flights and motel6 dates in vegas LOL

Great! Thank you very much!

Man, am I counting the days....

[Nikolai]

Joe and Mary Farace are attending the shootout at Bryce and Zion also - More great pros!!

Joe Farace (http://joefarace.com/) and his wife Mary Farace (http://maryfarace.com/)

If it goes like that, next shootout will be a red carpet event, and we mere mortals won't get a slimest chance to attend...:wink

[Nikolai]

Guess what: two of my favorite topics gonna be covered in HD next Friday: Bikiny Destinations is shooting around Lake Powell. :clap
Here's a teaser shot from this week's episode:

http://nik.smugmug.com/photos/65844956-L.jpg

I'm grieving we wont' have such models with us on the post-shootout trip, but at least we'll get the arches :rofl

[pathfinder]

WOW, Now, that's a landscape, Nikolai!!:):

[Nikolai]

WOW, Now, that's a landscape, Nikolai!!:):

Tell me about it:-) I wonder if somebody would like to model for us there, TFP style :):

[DanielB]

Tell me about it:-) I wonder if somebody would like to model for us there, TFP style :):

i would but there are laws:uhoh



:rofl

[Nikolai]

i would but there are laws:uhoh
:rofl

Skippy would have fun with you posing, wouldn't ya, Maxine? :wink
Cheers!:1drink

[David_S85]

Guess what: two of my favorite topics gonna be covered in HD next Friday: Bikiny Destinations is shooting around Lake Powell. :clap
Here's a teaser shot from this week's episode:
I'm grieving we wont' have such models with us on the post-shootout trip, but at least we'll get the arches :rofl

Look at those arches!

[Nikolai]

Look at those arches!

In fact, this is one of the misterious optical illusions: if you stare at it for 5 minutes, you will see a huge stone arch in the background. I have no idea how it works, but it's there...
:D

[Skippy]

Skippy would have fun with you posing, wouldn't ya, Maxine? :wink
Cheers!:1drink

Well considering I'm old enough to be his Grandmother :rofl it wouldn't be right to take advantage of him hehehehehe :rolleyes Skippy (Australia)

[Nikolai]

Well considering I'm old enough to be his Grandmother :rofl it wouldn't be right to take advantage of him hehehehehe :rolleyes Skippy (Australia)

Don't listen to this, lemme tell ya: grannies are *h-h-h-hhot* :wink

[Michiel de Brieder]

owwwkay, *somehow*, don't ask me how.. I was under the impression that I would be sharing a room with someone on the 16th in motel 6, but I can't find it anywhere :(, is there any confirmation on this that anyone knows of? Doug? Nik? I'm kinda helpless as is... I needed to give up my credit card for a few weeks to get a mortgage :( I'll have to bring a lot of cash....

To be short: Am I already sleeping at motel 6 on the 16th in LV? :D If not then I'll have to reserve it somehow...

Nik, I believe we had the 27th covered, right? Also with motel 6 if I'm correct, could you confirm this for me? (I'll have to book for the 28th anyhow as my flight leaves on the 29th at 9 AM)

Thanks!

[Nikolai]

owwwkay, *somehow*, don't ask me how.. I was under the impression that I would be sharing a room with someone on the 16th in motel 6, but I can't find it anywhere :(, is there any confirmation on this that anyone knows of? Doug? Nik? I'm kinda helpless as is... I needed to give up my credit card for a few weeks to get a mortgage :( I'll have to bring a lot of cash....

To be short: Am I already sleeping at motel 6 on the 16th in LV? :D If not then I'll have to reserve it somehow...

Nik, I believe we had the 27th covered, right? Also with motel 6 if I'm correct, could you confirm this for me? (I'll have to book for the 28th anyhow as my flight leaves on the 29th at 9 AM)

Thanks!

I'm flying in to LV early morning on 17th and picking up you, Kudbegud and Mike Lane at the Motel 6.
When we done after the shootout I got you covered on 27th. :lust
The rest is up to you, I guess...:dunno

HTH

[Michiel de Brieder]

okay, thanks for clearing that up Nik!

Doug, do you happen to have a queensbed free for the night that I can 'rent' for half of the rental price of the room?

(I'll PM you just in case)

[Skippy]

Hi ya folks.......... I will have no internet access as of from my Saturday which will be your Friday, so if you need to tell me anything tell me :D

I tried packing my bag and shoot I cant make it all fit hahahahaha :rofl
I'll be in Las Vegas as of from Sunday 14th of May and staying with Virginia in the Luxor Hotel....and I'll be meeting you guys at Bryce, unless some of you are staying in Vegas I guess ?? :D

Wow....its finally arrived.....doesn't feel real still ... it's my last day of work today....... shoot I've been working 7 days a week since September last year and had 5 days off in total since then, I'm looking forward to this break.

Take Care Everyone see you soon :D Skippy (Maxine)

[Mike Lane]

Okay, I'll be leaving on Saturday to head down to Vegas for the trip. I feel woefully behind the power curve here. For the post shootout, where exactly are we meeting to get on the RV for the post shootout? I am assuming Las Vegas on the morning of the 20th. But where exactly? (Sorry for not wanting to comb through the thread :rolleyes)

I'll pass on my cell phone number via email or pm to anyone who wants it. Nik, I'd like to get your cell phone number if you have one. I just want to try to stay connected is all.

[Nikolai]

Okay, I'll be leaving on Saturday to head down to Vegas for the trip. I feel woefully behind the power curve here. For the post shootout, where exactly are we meeting to get on the RV for the post shootout? I am assuming Las Vegas on the morning of the 20th. But where exactly? (Sorry for not wanting to comb through the thread :rolleyes)

I'll pass on my cell phone number via email or pm to anyone who wants it. Nik, I'd like to get your cell phone number if you have one. I just want to try to stay connected is all.

I'm confused. I thought we agreed that you'd park your car at the AF base to keep it safe and then get together with Michiel and Kudbegud at Motel 6 early morning Wed May 17th (taxicab?). I plan to be at that motel with a rental car about 8:15 am.
If you're not going to do so, please advise asap, I pm-ed you my cell.

As to the post-shotout: we using the same rental to navigate in-between Bryce and Zion and finally to get to St.George (where RV is waiting for us) Sunday morning. We get the RV, drop the rental at St.George airport and head out to Page (maybe with a few shooting stops down the road:-). Driving to LV from St.George only to go back to Page via, essentially, the same road is a total waste of time and gas, hence we didn't plan for it.:dunno

Gimme a call if you need a clarification..

HTH

[Mike Lane]

We've got 2 threads going at once. I'm clear in the other thread and I'm in for the rental etc. As long as we begin in Vegas and end up in Vegas I'm good to go :D

[Nikolai]

We've got 2 threads going at once. I'm clear in the other thread and I'm in for the rental etc. As long as we begin in Vegas and end up in Vegas I'm good to go :D

So everything is as we've planned:-) Just make sure you have some cash or checks on ya:-)

[Mike Lane]

Getting to an from nellis is going to be kind of a pain for me (take the car up there, walk to the main gate, call a taxi, wait there for the taxi, drive 18 miles to motel 6, pay $40 to the driver ... all before 0830 :huh). The Nellis AFB main gate is 4 miles east of I-15 on Craig Road (see here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=36.240587+-115.054250+%28Nellis+AFB+Main+Gate%29&ll=36.243166,-115.078955&spn=0.047626,0.10849&t=h&om=1)). Can you guys make a short detour to pick me up from Nellis as you're heading North out of town on I-15? That'd save me a lot of hassle.

And hey, there are better things to spend $40 or $50 on than a cab ...
:beer

[Nikolai]

Getting to an from nellis is going to be kind of a pain for me (take the car up there, walk to the main gate, call a taxi, wait there for the taxi, drive 18 miles to motel 6, pay $40 to the driver ... all before 0830 :huh). The Nellis AFB main gate is 4 miles east of I-15 on Craig Road (see here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=36.240587+-115.054250+%28Nellis+AFB+Main+Gate%29&ll=36.243166,-115.078955&spn=0.047626,0.10849&t=h&om=1)). Can you guys make a short detour to pick me up from Nellis as you're heading North out of town on I-15? That'd save me a lot of hassle.

And hey, there are better things to spend $40 or $50 on than a cab ...
:beer

As I mentioned before, that gate is on our way, we'll sure pick you up.. Just have you cellphone (and credit card:-) charged :rofl

[Michiel de Brieder]

Nik,

about funds, do you have an estimate of how much we will need for the 'collective' stuff that has yet to be payed?

Cheers

[Mike Lane]

yeah, how much cash should we have for all the gas, rental, etc etc etc???

[Nikolai]

Nik,
about funds, do you have an estimate of how much we will need for the 'collective' stuff that has yet to be payed?

yeah, how much cash should we have for all the gas, rental, etc etc etc???


Guys, I'd say - just to be on a safe side - that we may need to have about $600 on each of us. Me most likely would not need all that money ($300 is more or less accurate projected budget), but with the travel it's always better to play safe.

[Mike Lane]

Guys, I'd say - just to be on a safe side - that we may need to have about $600 on each of us. Me most likely would not need all that money ($300 is more or less accurate projected budget), but with the travel it's always better to play safe.


:huh Good thing I just sold some framed pics!

[Nikolai]

:huh Good thing I just sold some framed pics!

Again, hopefully we don't need that much. But from my past experience ATMs are not as dense there as they are in the streets of Denver or SF, and local people often look at credit cards as if they were funny money.. :dunno
It should not be the problem with Bryce/Zioin, since it's a high-traffic touristy places, but for the post shootout...

"Praemunitas, praemonitas"... :deal

[kudbegud]

i figure Page and Moab have to have some ATM's...they're fairly big cities/towns and big tourist destinations.

[Nikolai]

i figure Page and Moab have to have some ATM's...they're fairly big cities/towns and big tourist destinations.

However, there are ATM charges, and looking for them can be a hassle when all you need is a glass of :beer

Anyway - whatever makes more sense to you. As long as the funds are readily available, I totally cool with any solution :D

Cheers!:1drink

[Michiel de Brieder]

Anyway - whatever makes more sense to you. As long as the funds are readily available, I totally cool with any solution :D
As I said, I'm without credit card right now, so cash will be my way to go... And I prefer getting some extra cash out of an ATM along the way instead of getting a load of cash to start the holidays with... (and the 20th is payday :D)

[Nikolai]

As I said, I'm without credit card right now, so cash will be my way to go... And I prefer getting some extra cash out of an ATM along the way instead of getting a load of cash to start the holidays with... (and the 20th is payday :D)

Whatever works, my brother, whatever works.. :-)

[Michiel de Brieder]

oooooooo just packed most of my stuff :D so exciting all!!!!!!!!

3 nights before take-off to LV :clap

[Nikolai]

oooooooo just packed most of my stuff :D so exciting all!!!!!!!!

3 nights before take-off to LV :clap

Gonna pack most of the things this weekend:-)

[Bob Bell]

There is a wells fargo in moab. I have a few mountain bike friends that race / ride in moab from phoenix. There are a couple AZ banks in page, I haven't been through there in a long time.

You might have better luck in kanab. ut with banks but I haven't been there.

[Mike Lane]

Okay, FYI. I'll be waiting either at the gate at Nellis or somewhere right next to the gate. Nik you have my celly number and I've got yours. Call me when you guys exit at Craig Road off of 15 N and I'll let you know where I am. Unless I hear differently, I'll expect to see you guys between 0830 and 0845 depending on traffic. If you're going to be a lot earlier or later, please let me know.

I have my stuff in a crumpler karachi outpost and I've got another bag with clothes and such that is a bit larger than that. I'd call it a medium sized rolling duffel. I'm just telling you because that may influence what car you guys get if everyone has a couple of bags.

I'm heading out. I will probably have access to the internets much later today.

[Bob Bell]

Okay, FYI. I'll be waiting either at the gate at Nellis or somewhere right next to the gate. Nik you have my celly number and I've got yours. Call me when you guys exit at Craig Road off of 15 N and I'll let you know where I am. Unless I hear differently, I'll expect to see you guys between 0830 and 0845 depending on traffic. If you're going to be a lot earlier or later, please let me know.

I have my stuff in a crumpler karachi outpost and I've got another bag with clothes and such that is a bit larger than that. I'd call it a medium sized rolling duffel. I'm just telling you because that may influence what car you guys get if everyone has a couple of bags.

I'm heading out. I will probably have access to the internets much later today.

Thats cool you are going to Nellis. Isn't area 51 supposed to be on Nellis property? Can you arrange a portrait session with some aliens or maybe a product shot of their ship? :rofl:rofl:rofl

[Mike Lane]

Thats cool you are going to Nellis. Isn't area 51 supposed to be on Nellis property? Can you arrange a portrait session with some aliens or maybe a product shot of their ship? :rofl:rofl:rofl

:lol3 Area 51 is in the nellis *ranges* which are NW of Vegas. If I could get in there myself I would get you guys in there. Anyone who is landing at Las Vegas should look to see some 737s with plain red and white paint jobs sitting at McCarren. You don't think people who work at Area 51 live up there do you? They get shuttled in from Vegas. That's about as close to Area 51 as you're likely to get :deal

[Nikolai]

Recompiled the map (once again, many thanks to Kudbegud!) just to make sure we didn't miss anything.

LV - Bryce - Zion - St.George - Page - Monument Valley (Bluffs) - Arches (Moab) - St.George - LV (http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=37.736144~-111.948521&style=r&lvl=7&scene=266968&rtp=pos.37.109073_-113.568438_58%20N%20700%20E%2c%20Saint%20George%2c %20UT%2084770~pos.36.098291_-115.181640_5085%20Dean%20Martin%20Dr%2c%20Las%20Ve gas%2c%20NV%2089118&sp=yp.9248974~yp.2423989~yp.63366089~adr.Lake%20Sh ore%20Dr%2c%20Marble%20Canyon%2c%20AZ%2086036~yp.6 3249195~yp.63249984~aN.37.681027_-112.154719_Rubys%20Inn_~aN.37.217932_-112.974123_Zion%20Canyon%20Entrance_~aN.37.120819_-111.867661_The%20Wave)

[Nikolai]

After much considerations and few phone conversations with the fellow riders about the size of their luggage, I made an executive decision and upgraded our rental for the main shootout part up to a minivan (at only ~$25 per person more, this seemed a lesser evil than a necessity to hold a large camera bag on your laps for 300 miles).

So I guess we all well be comphy on our ride from Vegas via Nellis to Bryce, and so on, until St.George, where we will exchange it for the biggest and poshiest RV they make and rent out:-) :):

HTH

[Mike Lane]

Perfect! I was a bit concerned about the car situation. Excellent choice Nik:thumb

[Bob Bell]

After much considerations and few phone conversations with the fellow riders about the size of their luggage, I made an executive decision and upgraded our rental for the main shootout part up to a minivan (at only ~$25 per person more, this seemed a lesser evil than a necessity to hold a large camera bag on your laps for 300 miles).

So I guess we all well be comphy on our ride from Vegas via Nellis to Bryce, and so on, until St.George, where we will exchange it for the biggest and poshiest RV they make and rent out:-) :):

HTH

I want to ride in the biggest and poshiext RX they make and rent out. Are the roads wide enough in Bryce to drive it around?

[Mike Lane]

I want to ride in the biggest and poshiext RX they make and rent out. Are the roads wide enough in Bryce to drive it around?


:lol3