smugmug shoot-out at yosemite

[Andy]

announcing the first in what we hope to have as a continuing series of fun, photography and learning!

the smugmug - dgrin spring shootout at yosemite

when: spring 2005
where: yosemite national park

here's the deal: there's no fee for this event. you get yourself to yosemite. i'll arrange for a special deal at a local hotel. we're going to have some landscape photography experts, and a guide. baldy's picking up the drinks and dinner tab for all of us :lol3 (really, he is, i've hacked into the smugmug bank account :deal)

i figure we shoot for a saturday afternoon, party saturday night, we might get lucky and have a moon or other celestial activity for nightshots, and of course we shoot the next morning's sweet light as well.

we'll have experts on hand to help improve your landscape photography techniques.

i need some experienced yosemite shooters to pm or email me, so i can pick your brains for some of the details.

to summarize - there's no fee for this event, but you are responsible for your own travel, accomodations (i'll be arranging the hotel & negotiate a rate) and meals (except for saturday night). exact date tbd - but will be deciding soon, probably before end of january 2005.

anyone can participate, regardless of skill level. and, all ideas welcome! so, who's in?

[dkapp]

I'm in! Looks like I should have bought the Yosemite book yesterday.

I live in San Francisco and can bring 2-3 more with me. We could rent a big SUV or van if there are enough people from the area.

Dave

[John Mueller]

Um,where is the nearest airport?

Sounds like a blast.Would take some planning on my part,cause I would get lost on the other side of the world :1drink

[ian408]

The nearest international airport is San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO).

From either, it's about a 4.5 hour drive to the park.

I'm in!

Ian

[Dee]

Let's hope my clients get some funding so I can afford to go. It will depend on what the accomodations will cost -- or I may be able to negotiate staying with a friend who's 2 hours away. Remember I'm not a morning person. Of course Ed wouldn't pass up a trip to Yosemite, and probably even Rayna might be interested.

[pathfinder]

Woo Haa!! Sounds like great fun!! If dates picked will permit - I'm IN!! It will be a long drive from Indiana, but I hate the modern airport experience.

[ian408]

The thought occurs that planning for a time around the opening of Tioga
Road means that the Toulomne Meadows will be available.

The opening can occur anywhere from May through July. More often than
not, it's open in late May.


Ian

[Nikolai]

I think I'm in:-). There always may be a force major at work which would prevent me from going, but otherwise I'm pretty much open to any day, except around April 17th - one of my daughters BD.
I've been to YNP two times, last one - fall of 2004, when I took a Hike Of Death (8 hours drive, 12 hours hike to the HalfDome, 8 hours drive back - ti-i-i-i-i-i-red!!), pictures here: http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/206898
I would definitely enjoy doing something like that again in not-such-a-tense mode:-)

Andy, if you need more info from me - ask here, or shoot me an email, I think you have it.

Thanks - and cheers!:1drink

[Nikolai]

The nearest international airport is San Jose (SJC) or San Francisco (SFO).

From either, it's about a 4.5 hour drive to the park.

I'm in!

IanWhich might be a good idea for the locals: for me it would be an 8 hour drive one way even if the traffic is good, otherwise it may be 10..:-(

[ian408]

II've been to YNP two times, last one - fall of 2004, when I took a Hike Of Death (8 hours drive, 12 hours hike to the HalfDome, 8 hours drive back - ti-i-i-i-i-i-red!!), pictures here: http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/206898

The hike up isn't so bad. But going down? Yeeoch! But I'd do it again.

Ian

[dkapp]

Um,where is the nearest airport?

Sounds like a blast.Would take some planning on my part,cause I would get lost on the other side of the world :1drink

If you decide to go, fly into SFO or SJC. Both are fairly close to me, and there can be a substantial savings to fly into one vs. the other.

Once you get here, I'll get you to Yosemite... :deal

Dave

[Nikolai]

The hike up isn't so bad. But going down? Yeeoch! But I'd do it again.

IanIt's the down part that got me. Besides, it was "pretty warm" and I ran out of water on the top, which made the way down even worse..

One thing I learned: for this hilke you better wear a nice, light sneakers, forget the boots. And, for your own sake, try to get your legs and lungs in shape before you do it:-):deal

Otherwise, it's a great hike!:thumb

Cheers!:thumb

[Nikolai]

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm (http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm)

some excerpts (as you can see there is even Fresno Intl):


Public Transportation

Commercial airports
Fresno-Yosemite International (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.ci.fresno.ca.us/flyfresno/airlines.asp)
About 2.5 hours south of Yosemite Valley, via Highway 41.

Merced Airport
About 2 hours west of Yosemite Valley, via Highway 14

Modesto City-County Airport (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.ci.modesto.ca.us/etd/airport/)
About 2 hours west of Yosemite Valley, via Highway 120.

Mammoth Lakes Airport (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept2?http://www.ci.mammoth-lakes.ca.us/airport/contact-info.htm)
About 2.5 hours east of Yosemite Valley (when the Tioga Road is open), via Highway 120 East.

San Francisco International (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.flysfo.com/)
About 5 hours west of Yosemite Valley, via Highway 120.

Oakland International (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.oaklandairport.com/)
About 4 hours west of Yosemite Valley, viaHighway 120.

Sacramento International (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://airports.co.sacramento.ca.us/)
About 4 hours northwest of Yosemite Valley, via Highway 120.

Reno/Tahoe International (http://www.nps.gov/cgi-bin/intercept?http://www.renoairport.com/).
About 4 hours northwest of Yosemite Valley (when the Tioga Road is open), off of Highway 120 East.


I like the idea of making a rendezvous at, say, Merced Airport and take a bus or rental from there.
I understand it does not make a lot of sense for SF/SJ ppl, but for others it might be an option.

[ian408]

http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm (http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/travel.htm)

some excerpts (as you can see there is even Fresno Intl):

I like the idea of making a rendezvous at, say, Merced Airport and take a bus or rental from there.
I understand it does not make a lot of sense for SF/SJ ppl, but for others it might be an option.
Depending on whether Tioga Road is open, Reno/Tahoe might put you
farther away than SFO/SJC/SAC or Oakland :D

Most of the rest of the airports listed are not serviced by a major airline
or they are served by the small commuters.

Ian

[Nikolai]

Depending on whether Tioga Road is open, Reno/Tahoe might put you
farther away than SFO/SJC/SAC or Oakland :D

Most of the rest of the airports listed are not serviced by a major airline
or they are served by the small commuters.

Ian
reno/tahoe was not in my list of options. You see, I live next to LA..

[obelix]

I am in. I have some experience in Yosemite, will PM you Andy.

[Nee7x7]

Yosemite is a day trip for us, (abt. 3 hrs to Yosemite Valley from our house...but then my husband usually drives well over the speed limit, LOL!). Would love to join you guys on this outting (this is my first post, btw...so hello everyone!) and stay at a hotel near the Valley in order to catch some better photographic light (we're too old to get up at 3am for morning light, and hubby usually wants to be heading home before the best afternoon light...sigh).

BTW, I'm the friend that Dee mentioned and some of you may remember me from the STF at Dpreview in the past (no longer active there except occasionally). Anyhow, I would be happy to help with scoping out info for the trip, since we live so close and phone calls don't cost us extra here.

A few FYI's for those who will need to fly to the area...

Fresno Yosemite International airport is a bigger airport than the one in Merced and more likely able to handle direct flights from other areas. To fly into Merced, you will probably have to be routed through Fresno anyway, so Fresno would be the more logical place to fly in to. (BTW, I would strongly recommend against San Jose as a place to fly into, unless you like the added headache of commute traffic from the San Francisco Bay Area that crawls along the highways there...adding another 2-3 hrs to your drive time).

As far as when to come...Springtime is a wonderful time to visit Yosemite, but remember that Spring comes later there (around May) because of the higher elevation. I've never been to Tuolumne Meadows and would love to be able to do that. Mono Lake is not far from Tuolumne and it would be great to include it in the trip...but expect to need an extra day to visit those places. You'll need a full day (and then some) just to explore the Valley.

If you come in February, March and most of April the weather can be very unpredictable, but also quite photogenic with billowy clouds in the sky. But the weather can change from sunshine to stormy very quickly and snow can happen (chains are required for travelling there during those months). However, by May, the Valley starts to get a little more crowded with other travelers, (June, July and August are the worst) so you have to weigh the options and decide your priorities.

Anyhow, I'm excited...so please count me in!

~Nee :)

[luckyrwe]

I wonder how I'd do in Yosemite. No need for 8.5 frames per second, no need for Ultrasonic autofocus motors, no need for quick reflexes. Talk about a fish out of water.

[ian408]

I wonder how I'd do in Yosemite. No need for 8.5 frames per second, no need for Ultrasonic autofocus motors, no need for quick reflexes. Talk about a fish out of water.
So you're in luckyrwe?

Nee, Welcome aboard!

I suggested SJC because there are folks (myself included) that can do the
pickup/carpool thing. Plus it might be cheaper or more convenient than going
to Fresno (though I must admit, I looked and there are quite a few carriers
that fly into Fresno these days--so maybe I'm wrong there).

ian

[Nikolai]

You've been very helpful!

Welcome aboard - and Merry Christmas!

Cheers!:1drink

[luckyrwe]

Dunno if I am in or not right now, need to check the work schedule on Monday. :wxwax

[Nee7x7]

So you're in luckyrwe?

Nee, Welcome aboard!

I suggested SJC because there are folks (myself included) that can do the
pickup/carpool thing. Plus it might be cheaper or more convenient than going
to Fresno (though I must admit, I looked and there are quite a few carriers
that fly into Fresno these days--so maybe I'm wrong there).

ianThanks for the warm welcome! So sorry...I missed seeing your earlier post offering to organize a car pool from the San Jose/SF area. Travelling as a group in a van would be a good thing since visitors are charged by the car and not per person to get into Yosemite (it's a $20 fee, btw!).

A little off thread...but San Jose is sort of my old stompin' grounds...my folks still live there and I went to Piedmont Hills High School and San Jose State...but that was long, long ago, LOL!
Cheers!
~Nee :)

[kudbegud]

i hope. this sound like a lot of fun and learning. great idea. thanks andy

[lynnesite]

announcing the first in what we hope to have as a continuing series of fun, photography and learning!

the smugmug - dgrin spring shootout at yosemite

when: spring 2005
where: yosemite national park

anyone can participate, regardless of skill level. and, all ideas welcome! so, who's in?

Sounds way fun, I'm in, providing I'm not already booked on chosen dates, lots of scheduled stuff already. Maybe us SoCal types can carpool?
Lynne

[Andy]

i hope. this sound like a lot of fun and learning. great idea. thanks andy

:wave welcome to dgrin, kudbegud! looking forward to your contributions to the board here, and to seeing you at yosemite!

cheers

[GREAPER]

I would need to know the Dates planned before I can say in or out. I would love to do it.

[ehughes]

I'm in,

I'm about a 2 hour drive to Yosemite Valley, I go up about once a month.
Just pick a date..

[Nee7x7]

You've been very helpful!

Welcome aboard - and Merry Christmas!

Cheers!:1drinkThanks Nikolai! I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone here and especially to the get together in Yosemite this Spring. I've met with a few other online photog friends for photo shoots and it has always been a fun experience (and has led to lifelong friendships as well!)

Wishing you an equally Happy New Year!
~Nee :)

[Tim Kirkwood]

Anymore details on this yet?


I really reallllllllyy want to go I have not been west of the mississippi! Sounds like so much fun! Any idea on how to get a dirt poor newly wed from ohio to cali? Anyone this side of the mississippi drivin out that has a little extra room in the trunk?(well alot of room I am kinda a big boy, its all about the food right)

I have been readin yosemite web site info and it just makes me sick:sick i want to shot it to death(with my camera of course:D )

[blackwaterstudio]

I'd be interested in it. It would be a great chance to photography some great places.

[Andy]

i'd strongly recommend subscribing to this thread. when i post the info, the first folks that come forward with confirmations ($$$) will be in.

thanks

andy

[Nikolai]

i'd strongly recommend subscribing to this thread. when i post the info, the first folks that come forward with confirmations ($$$) will be in.
andy
I did subscribe:-), but.. can you elaborate your last sentence, please? I thought it's kinda open group, and now it looks like it's goona be "by invitatrion only".

Happy New Year!
Cheers!:1drink

[Tim Kirkwood]

i'd strongly recommend subscribing to this thread. when i post the info, the first folks that come forward with confirmations ($$$) will be in.

thanks

andy
Does this mean there is a limit to the number of guest to go on this trip?

If I go my wife is going to be with me. Is that ok? I too am confused.

[wxwax]

Sounds like more people are interested than there are places, so first paid/first served.

Assuming the dates work, I'm most definitely in. Great idea, Andy, thanks for thinking of this and for organizing it!

[Nikolai]

Sounds like more people are interested than there are places, so first paid/first served.

Assuming the dates work, I'm most definitely in. Great idea, Andy, thanks for thinking of this and for organizing it!
Andy, I hope you have your paypal account ready:-):thumb
Happy New Year!
Cheers!:1drink

[mslammers]

Sounds great, I have FFM left so getting there would not be much of a problem. Put me down for a yes, conditional depending on date. As I remember (1951 or so) spring comes late up there.
Mel

[Andy]

Sounds like more people are interested than there are places, so first paid/first served.

Assuming the dates work, I'm most definitely in. Great idea, Andy, thanks for thinking of this and for organizing it!

yes, sid, that's exactly right. nik - no closed group thing about this at all. when i do open it up, it'll be first come first served :deal

i only could get nine rooms, all the places are jammmmmmmmmmmmed!

[kudbegud]

for the welcome...and yes, it was all Dee's fault. but i hope to make the trip depending on dates and FFM access

[Dee]

yes, sid, that's exactly right. nik - no closed group thing about this at all. when i do open it up, it'll be first come first served :deal

i only could get nine rooms, all the places are jammmmmmmmmmmmed!

Are there any places outside of the park where people can stay? If activities are planned and the times posted perhaps some "day trippers" would be able to meet everyone and attend a few activities without staying over.

[dkapp]

Are there any places outside of the park where people can stay? If activities are planned and the times posted perhaps some "day trippers" would be able to meet everyone and attend a few activities without staying over.

Good idea. If I'm not quick enough to get one of the rooms Andy reserved, I'll find other ways to be there.

Dave

[Dee]

Good idea. If I'm not quick enough to get one of the rooms Andy reserved, I'll find other ways to be there.

Dave

There's one place where the winter rate is as low as $79. I have no idea how much staying in the park costs. Haven't done that yet.

[GREAPER]

Anymore details on this yet?


I really reallllllllyy want to go I have not been west of the mississippi! Sounds like so much fun! Any idea on how to get a dirt poor newly wed from ohio to cali? Anyone this side of the mississippi drivin out that has a little extra room in the trunk?(well alot of room I am kinda a big boy, its all about the food right)

I have been readin yosemite web site info and it just makes me sick:sick i want to shot it to death(with my camera of course:D )

Pathfinder said something about driving it. I believe he is in Western Indiana. I am in Ohio, but if I can make it I will fly to S.F.

[GREAPER]

Are there any places outside of the park where people can stay? If activities are planned and the times posted perhaps some "day trippers" would be able to meet everyone and attend a few activities without staying over.

When I went there earlier this year we stayed outside the park The ones close to the park were more pricey. The one my.... frugal... wife picked out was in the nearest town. It was a couple of hours outside the park.

Dates... We need Dates....

[Andy]

Are there any places outside of the park where people can stay? If activities are planned and the times posted perhaps some "day trippers" would be able to meet everyone and attend a few activities without staying over.

:dunno - we'll see as things get closer.

we will be meeting somewhere for dinner on sat night - i do know that.

[Tim Kirkwood]

Andy,



If you have rooms then you must have dates correct? Can you share some info? We need dates to get this all set up for the ones that are able to go. Esp. if some are going to have to stay somewhere in town then we need to get rooms before there filled as well.

Anyone on the east coast priced air fair yet? How much would one plan to spend to fly to S.F.

[Andy]

Andy,



If you have rooms then you must have dates correct? Can you share some info? We need dates to get this all set up for the ones that are able to go. Esp. if some are going to have to stay somewhere in town then we need to get rooms before there filled as well.

Anyone on the east coast priced air fair yet? How much would one plan to spend to fly to S.F.

i'm not ready to announce the date yet. looking at alternatives now, thanks. stay tuned!

you can fly on jetblue from ny's jfk, to san jose, for under $300 usually ....

[John Mueller]

I have heard great things about jetblue,but they dont fly out of Cincinnati.:dunno

Tim,go to Delta's or the other carriers website and punch in a couple of dates.
Try ciny,dayton,indy etc.

[GREAPER]

Andy,



If you have rooms then you must have dates correct? Can you share some info? We need dates to get this all set up for the ones that are able to go. Esp. if some are going to have to stay somewhere in town then we need to get rooms before there filled as well.

Anyone on the east coast priced air fair yet? How much would one plan to spend to fly to S.F.I flew there earlier this year for $150 round trip from Ohio, but it all depends on the dates. Airfares change drasticly with dates especially in the spring if it is close to spring break time. prices go through the roof.

[Tim Kirkwood]

I flew there earlier this year for $150 round trip from Ohio, but it all depends on the dates. Airfares change drasticly with dates especially in the spring if it is close to spring break time. prices go through the roof.

Well as soon as we get a date then I will look into it.

Thanks

[blackwaterstudio]

yes, sid, that's exactly right. nik - no closed group thing about this at all. when i do open it up, it'll be first come first served :deal

i only could get nine rooms, all the places are jammmmmmmmmmmmed!
It should be warm enough in the spring to grab some tint spots. Go alittle camping out. Just a thought.

[Andy]

It should be warm enough in the spring to grab some tint spots. Go alittle camping out. Just a thought.

maybe for you, and i'm ok with that too, but mrs. andy williams will be decidedly unhappy about that arrangement :lol3

[John Mueller]

maybe for you, and i'm ok with that too, but mrs. andy williams will be dedidedly unhappy about that arrangement :lol3ipod full of Sting might ease that:rofl :rofl :D

[Andy]

ipod full of Sting might ease that:rofl :rofl :D

no, only sting with his own private bathroom would ease that :lol3

[blackwaterstudio]

maybe for you, and i'm ok with that too, but mrs. andy williams will be dedidedly unhappy about that arrangement :lol3 Then you let all the wives have the rooms, and us men will camp out :D

[mslammers]

Then you let all the wives have the rooms, and us men will camp out :D You "guys" can "camp" if you want, but my concept of camping is now Marriott.:thumb

[Andy]

may 6th and 7th, friday night & saturday night. we're staying at wawona (http://www.yosemitepark.com/bookOnline.cfm?SectionID=25&PageID=52) (near the south entrance of the park). i have only 8 rooms, all the rooms come with lovely shared bathrooms "down the hall" :D sorry but this was the best i could do, the entire month of may 2005 is booked solid at all the hotels & lodges, i was lucky to be able to get these.

all of the remaining details will be dealt with soon enough, but for now, if you want to go, i need a payment from you. the first folks who paypal me their deposit money will be guaranteed one of these rooms.

the details: if you wish to be part of this extravaganza, please send me a private message, and include your paypal email address, and if you require the room for you, for you and your spouse or significant other, or if you are able to share the room with another dgrinner. i will invoice you for your deposit ($125) vial paypal. the reservationist (moi!), will handle all reservations on a first come, first served basis, so get me your pms fast :deal

[Andy]

the $125 is just a deposit for one night.


may 7th and 8th. we're staying at wawona (http://www.yosemitepark.com/bookOnline.cfm?SectionID=25&PageID=52) (near the south entrance of the park). i have only 8 rooms, all the rooms come with lovely shared bathrooms "down the hall" :D sorry but this was the best i could do, the entire month of may 2005 is booked solid at all the hotels & lodges, i was lucky to be able to get these.

all of the remaining details will be dealt with soon enough, but for now, if you want to go, i need a payment from you. the first folks who paypal me their deposit money will be guaranteed one of these rooms.

the details: if you wish to be part of this extravaganza, please send me a private message, and include your paypal email address, and if you require the room for you, for you and your spouse or significant other, or if you are able to share the room with another dgrinner. i will invoice you for your deposit ($125) vial paypal. the reservationist (moi!), will handle all reservations on a first come, first served basis, so get me your pms fast :deal

[Tim Kirkwood]

Mothers day......family first...so I will be taking mom for dinner as always.

[Nikolai]

the $125 is just a deposit for one night.Just curious..

Cheers:1drink !

[mslammers]

the $125 is just a deposit for one night. Mothers Day, daughter and husband with grandkids coming-no go.

[Andy]

i made a mistake!

it's may 6th and 7th ... friday / saturday

ya'll can be home on mother's day still :D

sorry for my typo

[Andy]

Mothers day......family first...so I will be taking mom for dinner as always.

you can still get home for dinner on sunday may 8th :deal

[Andy]

Mothers Day, daughter and husband with grandkids coming-no go.

yeah, mel ... i hear you. unfortunately, every other weekend is booked solid.

you can catch the next dgrin trip, in the fall

[ian408]

I'm in and PM sent.

ian

[Andy]

all pms received and invoices have been sent to those who gave me email addys

[ian408]

I haven't stayed at the Wawona in some time. But she's a beauty!

Thanks for taking care of this!

Ian

[Nir]

Crying with envy!!!!! :cry

[ian408]

Just cracked the latest National Geographic and guess what I found? An article
on Yosemite!

Ian

[Nee7x7]

...are the rooms all booked for the Wawona Hotel already?!?!!! If there are still rooms available there, what will the total cost be for the 2 days and would it include anything else, or just cover the cost of the room?

If the Wawona is full, a possible alternative place to stay nearby is the Narrow Guage Inn. It's just 5 miles from the Wawona entrance to Yosemite on Hwy 41 . Here is a link to their website http://www.narrowgaugeinn.com/

I can call and check on their availabilities for those dates. The room rates range from $120 - $150 per night, depending on what your preferences are. My hubby and I really enjoyed our stay there a couple months back...the only drawback was that the bed was rather firm...no padding on top, but the location is absolutely beautiful and the Inn itself is a one of a kind place.

There is also a campground in Wawona not far from the Wawona hotel, which my husband and I might consider because we have a pop-up tent camper that's fairly comfortable (except no shower or toilet...we'd have to rough it!). But if anyone else (locally) is interested in camping for this outting, we would consider doing it as well.

But I'm getting to be like Mrs. Andy...camping doesn't thrill me quite like it used to, LOL! BTW, do we have an itinerary for our get together yet?

So many questions...so little time ;)
~Nee

[Andy]

...are the rooms all booked for the Wawona Hotel already?!?!!! If there are still rooms available there, what will the total cost be for the 2 days and would it include anything else, or just cover the cost of the room?

there are rooms. do you need room just for you (share with another f dgrinner) or are you bringing husband of nee? olease pm me fast as the spots are filling up.

itinerary will come together later. basically, we'll meet up there sometime around noon on Friday for lunch. then we'll make a plan for the afternoon / magic hour shooting, and then dinner will be arranged somewhere. saturday, up before dawn for those that want to, shooting.... then lunch... a special suprise i'm *trying* to arrange for saturday midday. more shooting saturday afternoon and sweetlight time, then dinner. sunday is unplanned, and will stay loose.

[wxwax]

a special suprise i'm *trying* to arrange for saturday midday.
A bear attack? Rockslide? May blizzard while we're up on Half Dome?

[Nikolai]

there are rooms. do you need room just for you (share with another f dgrinner) or are you bringing husband of nee? olease pm me fast as the spots are filling up.

itinerary will come together later. basically, we'll meet up there sometime around noon on Friday for lunch. then we'll make a plan for the afternoon / magic hour shooting, and then dinner will be arranged somewhere. saturday, up before dawn for those that want to, shooting.... then lunch... a special suprise i'm *trying* to arrange for saturday midday. more shooting saturday afternoon and sweetlight time, then dinner. sunday is unplanned, and will stay loose.
It looks like it's going to be a GREAT trip. Even 8hr oneway drive does not look as ugly as it did before now:-)
Thanks Andy (and whatever good elves are helping you:-)

[Nee7x7]

[QUOTE=andy]there are rooms. do you need room just for you (share with another f dgrinner) or are you bringing husband of nee? olease pm me fast as the spots are filling up.

Andy, I'll send you a PM later this afternoon -California time- (we have to go out of town shortly, but we'll be back later). Probably my hubby will be coming, but I need to check with him to see if he knows what his schedule will be. We live fairly close to Yosemite (2 1/2 hrs), and can make other arrangements if necessary.

Gotta run right now...thanks for the update!

~Nee :)

[wxwax]

How can we get Gubbsie over there? :evil

[evil eggplant]

Andy-

I'm in. I'll take care of my own accomodations (I have a place to stay in Lee Vining). Somehow, I have a feeling that your motel will be on the SF side of Yosemite, I'll be coming in from the other (Mono lake) side.

Like I need an excuse to visit Mono Lake...:rofl

We'll meet somewhere. Lots of time to figure out the logistics..

[Andy]

Andy-

I'm in. I'll take care of my own accomodations (I have a place to stay in Lee Vining). Somehow, I have a feeling that your motel will be on the SF side of Yosemite, I'll be coming in from the other (Mono lake) side.

Like I need an excuse to visit Mono Lake...:rofl

We'll meet somewhere. Lots of time to figure out the logistics..
:clap :clap

yeah rich! happy to have you aboard. we're staying at wawona. we'll talk in april about the details, i know how you forget things :lol3

[DoctorIt]

may in yosemite... good excuse for a cannonball motorcycle trip :wink

[wxwax]

may in yosemite... good excuse for a cannonball motorcycle trip :wink
Excellent!

[Andy]

may in yosemite... good excuse for a cannonball motorcycle trip :wink

well quit http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif and send me that pm so i can lock you in, doc.

hey, did you hear, sid agreed to caddy for me :lol3

[DoctorIt]

well quit http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif and send me that pm so i can lock you in, doc.

hey, did you hear, sid agreed to caddy for me :lol3quit flipping flapjacks???:rofl

Unfortunately, I can't commit as May is the tentative completion month for my new house. But if it's done ahead of schedule, you never know who could pop in to say hello!

[wxwax]

well quit http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/13352122-Ti.gif and send me that pm so i can lock you in, doc.

hey, did you hear, sid agreed to caddy for me :lol3

Golf? :ear :ear :ear :ear :ear

[Tim Kirkwood]

Anyone on the east coast drivin out? A car pool 1s really my only chance at this. Money is way to tight to fly or drive out on my own. I REALLY would LOVE to take advantage of this opporitunity! Like I said I have not been west of the mississippi. And I would love to meet my friends!



Anyways, if I dont make it I hope to see lots of good shots come back!

Tim

[Andy]

Golf? :ear :ear :ear :ear :ear


http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/12639293-L.jpg

[DavidTO]

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/12639293-L.jpg

But Andy, that's a NIKON!

[Andy]

But Andy, that's a NIKON!

i know.. i don't know sid well enough yet to let him hold my 1Ds Mark II :lol3

[ian408]

Andy-

I'm in. I'll take care of my own accomodations (I have a place to stay in Lee Vining). Somehow, I have a feeling that your motel will be on the SF side of Yosemite, I'll be coming in from the other (Mono lake) side.

Be aware that Tioga Pass may or may not be open :dunno

ian

[wxwax]

Be aware that Tioga Pass may or may not be open :dunno

ian
That's all right. Andy expects me to carry everyone in. :wxwax

[Andy]

That's all right. Andy expects me to carry everyone in. :wxwax

:clap :clap :clap three cheers for sid, he's gonna haul evil eggplant over the pass in 19' of snow :D

where were you when the donner party needed you? :dunno

ps: e.e. is no small-fry, he's a big tough ex-new yawkah now living in nevada... so you better start workin out :lol3

[wxwax]

:clap :clap :clap three cheers for sid, he's gonna haul evil eggplant over the pass in 19' of snow :D

where were you when the donner party needed you? :dunno

ps: e.e. is no small-fry, he's a big tough ex-new yawkah now living in nevada... so you better start workin out :lol3

Yeah, but I get to cut you up and eat you when I get peckish. There, that cheered me up! :D

[ian408]

That's all right. Andy expects me to carry everyone in. :wxwax
At the 'gate' on the Tioga side is a small X-C ski place--you could rent.
Imagine it wouldn't take more than a day or so to get to the valley :D

Ian

[Andy]

committed:

andy
nikolai
davidto
ian408
pathfinder
steve cavigliano
dkapp
kudbegud
wxwax
jwear

i have received payment from everyone except jwear and kudbegud so far. there's still room for more people, c'mone everyone, the water's fine :D

[GREAPER]

committed:

andy
nikolai
davidto
ian408
pathfinder
steve cavigliano
dkapp
kudbegud
wxwax
jwear

i have received payment from everyone except jwear and kudbegud so far. there's still room for more people, c'mone everyone, the water's fine :D

Room for how many?

Gotta ask the boss when she gets home.

[Andy]

Room for how many?

Gotta ask the boss when she gets home.

i think i have room for three more. hurry :deal

[Andy]

committed:

baldy, mrs baldy
andy
nikolai
davidto + spouse
ian408
pathfinder + spouse
steve cavigliano
dkapp + spouse
kudbegud
wxwax
jwear

i have received payment from everyone except baldy, jwear and kudbegud so far. invoices are out to you guys.


there's still room for more people, c'mone everyone, the water's fine :D

[wxwax]

That Baldy's a cheapskate, watch out for him.

[Andy]

That Baldy's a cheapskate, watch out for him.

now now, sid... that's no way to talk about our meal ticket :deal

when i put this trip together, i said to baldy: "i need you and your credit card on may 6 & 7... if you can't make it, i'll pick up your credit card!" :lol3

[Nikolai]

..
nikolai
davidto+spouse
...

Dave, wanna share a commute?:D

[pathfinder]

may in yosemite... good excuse for a cannonball motorcycle trip :wink
I actually thought about that, but I will need 4 wheeler as I will be travelling low and fast and loaded. :D I really don't like to pack L glass on a vibrator all day long day after day. :dunno

[DavidTO]

Dave, wanna share a commute?:D

Sure. Gotta check with the wife, though. You know, we don't get much time alone with the kids and all. Jwear's an LA guy, too.

[Andy]

committed:

baldy, mrs baldy
andy
nikolai
davidto + spouse
ian408
pathfinder + spouse
steve cavigliano
dkapp + spouse
kudbegud
wxwax
jwear
greaper + missus greaper (?) he needs to let me know. (hurry!)

this takes us to 17 people, so there is room for ONE more person... hurry! hurry!

[GREAPER]

If you decide to go, fly into SFO or SJC. Both are fairly close to me, and there can be a substantial savings to fly into one vs. the other.

Once you get here, I'll get you to Yosemite... :deal

Dave


Is the offer of a ride from the airport still good? I can share driving duty :D .

[ian408]

Is the offer of a ride from the airport still good? I can share driving duty :D .
If Dave doesn't I will.

ian

[dkapp]

Is the offer of a ride from the airport still good? I can share driving duty :D .

The offer is still good! Let me know the flight info, and I'll be there to help carry your bags :D

Dave

[dkapp]

Bay area people:

How about renting a van or something large to get everyone in? No sense in having 4 vehicles going down if we only need 1.

Dave

[ian408]

Bay area people:

How about renting a van or something large to get everyone in? No sense in having 4 vehicles going down if we only need 1.

DaveMy truck seats 5 in reasonable comfort. It's 4x4 too.

I was just looking at the list. There are quite a few BA folks going. But there
are just as many out of town folks. With schedules being what they are, it
might be easier to go in several vehicles.


Ian

[dkapp]

My truck seats 5 in reasonable comfort. It's 4x4 too.

I was just looking at the list. There are quite a few BA folks going. But there
are just as many out of town folks. With schedules being what they are, it
might be easier to go in several vehicles.


Ian

Thats a good point. I'll look into renting a 4x4 that can seat 6 or more. Maybe in April we can start a thread and get the logistics nailed down.

I'm happy to take as many with me as possible.

Dave

[wxwax]

Yes, if a bunch of our flights arrive close to each other, it makes sense to share a vehicle rather than rent a bunch of individual cars. That can get expensive.

[ian408]

Yes, if a bunch of our flights arrive close to each other, it makes sense to share a vehicle rather than rent a bunch of individual cars. That can get expensive.
Setting up a thread for travel is probably a good idea. Unless of course you
want to ride the bike :D

Ian

[Nikolai]

Sure. Gotta check with the wife, though. You know, we don't get much time alone with the kids and all. Jwear's an LA guy, too.Got two of them youngsters too.

But just in case - my Nissan Murano can comfortably seat 4 (and still have some trunk space for the glass:-)

Cheers!:1drink

[lynnesite]

committed:


there's still room for more people, c'mone everyone, the water's fine :D

I have a shoot in Texas previously scheduled, cowboys and cowgirl models, western themes, magic light, private ranches, good times with fellow equine photogs! Disappointed I can't join all y'all.

Lynne

[ian408]

I have a shoot in Texas previously scheduled, cowboys and cowgirl models, western themes, magic light, private ranches, good times with fellow equine photogs! Disappointed I can't join all y'all.

Lynne
And we are just as disappointed you cannot join us.

Where's Texas?

Ian

[Andy]

Maybe in April we can start a thread and get the logistics nailed down.


:deal. consider that done!

[Andy]

i just secured another reservation. so we have plenty more rooms available for the folks that want to come.

this is a trip you *won't* want to miss out on.....

lots of surprises i'm working on, folks :D

[Nikolai]

i just secured another reservation. so we have plenty more rooms available for the folks that want to come.

this is a trip you *won't* want to miss out on.....

lots of surprises i'm working on, folks :D
You make me want to make a second reservation for myself:-)
Maybe I should? Would my 13 yr old daughter (who loves both hiking and photography) "fit" into this mix? Or she's too yound for this crowd (or, shall I say, the crowd is too old for her:-)?

[Andy]

You make me want to make a second reservation for myself:-)
Maybe I should? Would my 13 yr old daughter (who loves both hiking and photography) "fit" into this mix? Or she's too yound for this crowd (or, shall I say, the crowd is too old for her:-)?

hi nik, this is a nice idea, but i'm thinking that with the likes of wxwax et al on this trip, it could get rough - nearly ever attendee owns multiple forms of weapons and motorcycles :lol3

if this goes over well, maybe we'll set up a family-oriented event in the future, eh? :deal

[Nikolai]

hi nik, this is a nice idea, but i'm thinking that with the likes of wxwax et al on this trip, it could get rough - nearly ever attendee owns multiple forms of weapons and motorcycles :lol3

if this goes over well, maybe we'll set up a family-oriented event in the future, eh? :dealthat would great!
Thanks alot!
Cheers!:1drink

[GREAPER]

My boss is not going to be able to make it, So it will just be me.

[pathfinder]

My boss is not going to be able to make it, So it will just be me.
Mine has not completely committed either when she figured out how much time is invoved if I four wheel it. California IS a long way from Indiana and I am not sure that I can get into Yosemite from the east in MAY.

I need to talk to some folks from the Left coast about the best way to get to Yosemite if you are driving from the east in May. Streets and Trips directs me across Utah on I-70 and then on 6 across western Utah and Nevada to Tonopah and Benton and then on 120 through the Sierras to 41 to Yosemite.

I've seen enough maps to recognize that 120 is a genuine mountain road and I wonder if it will even be open or so slow that it is better to come down via Donner Pass instead. I am open to suggestions from you folks that live out there near the Sierras. ??? Or should I just fly? I hate modern airports and the cattle chutes they run you through.

[ian408]

Mine has not completely committed either when she figured out how much time is invoved if I four wheel it. California IS a long way from Indiana and I am not sure that I can get into Yosemite from the east in MAY.

I need to talk to some folks from the Left coast about the best way to get to Yosemite if you are driving from the east in May. Streets and Trips directs me across Utah on I-70 and then on 6 across western Utah and Nevada to Tonopah and Benton and then on 120 through the Sierras to 41 to Yosemite.

I've seen enough maps to recognize that 120 is a genuine mountain road and I wonder if it will even be open or so slow that it is better to come down via Donner Pass instead. I am open to suggestions from you folks that live out there near the Sierras. ??? Or should I just fly? I hate modern airports and the cattle chutes they run you through.
Driving, you might want to come down 80 instead. From Reno, it's about
5.5 hours drive to the park. 80->5->(99/120/140)->Yosemite/Wawona.

Might be worth the cost of flying.

Ian

[dkapp]

Mine has not completely committed either when she figured out how much time is invoved if I four wheel it. California IS a long way from Indiana and I am not sure that I can get into Yosemite from the east in MAY.

I need to talk to some folks from the Left coast about the best way to get to Yosemite if you are driving from the east in May. Streets and Trips directs me across Utah on I-70 and then on 6 across western Utah and Nevada to Tonopah and Benton and then on 120 through the Sierras to 41 to Yosemite.

I've seen enough maps to recognize that 120 is a genuine mountain road and I wonder if it will even be open or so slow that it is better to come down via Donner Pass instead. I am open to suggestions from you folks that live out there near the Sierras. ??? Or should I just fly? I hate modern airports and the cattle chutes they run you through.

I would recommend flying. I made the trip from St. Louis to San Francisco, twice. It's not a fun trip, and will take about 2.5 days to get here by car, 4.5 by Uhaul :doh

If you looking to save money by driving, it will actually be cheaper to fly.

Dave

[pathfinder]

Driving, you might want to come down 80 instead. From Reno, it's about
5.5 hours drive to the park. 80->5->(99/120/140)->Yosemite/Wawona.

Might be worth the cost of flying.

Ian


I may fly but I'll not be happy about it and there is a lot of neat stuff to see and photograph along the way in Utah and Nevada Gunkholing is a nice way to spend a few days out of the office.

I haven't driven across Nevada and Kalifornia since I was in college out there, so I'm kind of looking forward to it. I am not adverse to driving mountain roads, whether with 4 wheels or even better with two. But I don't want to head into the western Sierras only to find the road closed and have to cannabalize my significant other ( Donner Pass reference for humongous - google 'Donner Pass Incident' 'gus) . And then have to go back out and go back to 80 and around.

That's what I was really asking. Is it probable that 120 through the Sierra will be closed or open in May?

If I drive through Reno and come down it is about 200 miles further than coming across 120. But the decision has to be made before I leave Kansas City because that is where I leave I-70 and catch I-80.

But if 120 is not open and i have to back out it will be over 300 extra miles.

Decisions, decisions.....

[pathfinder]

I would recommend flying. I made the trip from St. Louis to San Francisco, twice. It's not a fun trip, and will take about 2.5 days to get here by car, 4.5 by Uhaul :doh

If you looking to save money by driving, it will actually be cheaper to fly.

Dave

Thanks dave, I have driven the northern route via Salt Lake City and the southern route through Needles dozens of times so I am aware of the distances involved. And yes, flying is probably cheaper and safer, but you can't see the scenery up close in an airplane although you can see your fellow passengers very up close sometimes. I am sure flying would be cheaper, but boring and tedious. Driving across Nevada at triple digits should be a blast:D I've never been to Gerlach Nevada but I would almost consider a side trip - Fish will understand I suspect.

But I still need some local knowledge about HighWay 120 through Yosemite from Lee Vining - It is a fairly direct route if it will be open - Is it plowed regularly or frequently closed? May is fairly late but in the mountains it pays to think about these things in advance. I will have 4wheel drive, but not a high clearance vehicle....

[ian408]

I may fly but I'll not be happy about it and there is a lot of neat stuff to see and photograph along the way in Utah and Nevada Gunkholing is a nice way to spend a few days out of the office.

I haven't driven across Nevada and Kalifornia since I was in college out there, so I'm kind of looking forward to it. I am not adverse to driving mountain roads, whether with 4 wheels or even better with two. But I don't want to head into the western Sierras only to find the road closed and have to cannabalize my significant other ( Donner Pass reference for humongous - google 'Donner Pass Incident' 'gus) . And then have to go back out and go back to 80 and around.

That's what I was really asking. Is it probable that 120 through the Sierra will be closed or open in May?

If I drive through Reno and come down it is about 200 miles further than coming across 120. But the decision has to be made before I leave Kansas City because that is where I leave I-70 and catch I-80.

But if 120 is not open and i have to back out it will be over 300 extra miles.

Decisions, decisions.....
I agree with you regarding the drive out. It's beautiful in March too (I drove
out to IL a few years ago in March). One of the prettiest places is the
Great Basin.

If the weekend was towards the end of May, I would say your odds of
getting across 120 were good (it was open the last week or so last year).
But the beginning? Almost no way.

Here's why (http://www.monobasinresearch.org/data/tiogapass.htm) I think so.

Ian


Ian

[ian408]

But I still need some local knowledge about HighWay 120 through Yosemite from Lee Vining - It is a fairly direct route if it will be open - Is it plowed regularly or frequently closed? May is fairly late but in the mountains it pays to think about these things in advance. I will have 4wheel drive, but not a high clearance vehicle....
When the first real snow hits, the road is closed. It does not open again until
it's cleared in late May. The area is subject to avalanche and I think the park
service/caltrans just don't feel the need to keep it open.

Ian

[pathfinder]

When the first real snow hits, the road is closed. It does not open again until
it's cleared in late May. The area is subject to avalanche and I think the park
service/caltrans just don't feel the need to keep it open.

Ian

That's just what I needed to know and didn't quite no where to look. Thanks Ian, that answers one of my questions.

I would think that from Carson City - 50 to 89 to 4 probably would be open - rather than having to go clear north of Lake Tahoe? Any other suggested routes?

I don't know if I am the only one foolish enought to do this as surface travel versus hurtling through the air in an aluminum soda bottle?

[dkapp]

Here are some good links I've used in my travel days. Keep up to date on current road conditions and closures across the country. You may want to have someone watching the roads as you travel and update you via cell phone with any changes.

California Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.ca.gov/)
Yosemite Travel condition updates and road closures (http://www.yosemite.com/updates/index.html)
Smart Traveler for California Travel (http://www.dot.ca.gov/caltrans511/)
National Traffic and Road Closure Information (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/)
Map of States with Active 511 Travel info number (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm)

Good luck with your travels, and if you need help following weather in the area, I'd be more than happy to be your wing man.

Dave

[ian408]

I don't know if I am the only one foolish enought to do this as surface travel versus hurtling through the air in an aluminum soda bottle?
If I had the time and were in your shoes, I'd drive across country. In the
summer, I'd come through the other side of 120 and Benton Hot Springs
(on the bike of course). Oh...if you drove, you could go home via Death
Valley which might just offer you a glimmer of spring flowers.

Ian

[Andy]

okay - the surprise i was alluding to yesterday... i have arranged to have an amazing photographer spend the full two days with us at yosemite - someone who's shot up this park 8 ways to sunday, has had major books published, exhibitions of his work, photographer marc muench (http://www.muenchphotography.com/) will be joining us!

marc will be on hand to lend his expertise, years of landscape photographic expertise, keen compositional talent, and general good humor to all of us attending the yosemite shootout. :clap :clap :clap

i want to thank baldy, for prying open the vault at smugmug so that we could have marc be with us for this event. i'm not sure, but i think he had to steal the keys to the safe while toni was distracted doing print orders :lol3

i can't tell you how excited i am about this! i promise a weekend to remember, folks. if you haven't signed up, there's room for more, so get in while the getting is good!

[wxwax]

Oh man, this is great, Andy! I was simply looking forward to meeting some of my fellow clowns and attempting a nice landscape. This takes the trip to another dimension.

Thanks :bow

[ian408]

This brings the event to a whole new level. Thanks Andy (and Baldy).

Ian

[pathfinder]

This brings the event to a whole new level. Thanks Andy (and Baldy).

Ian
All I can say is WOW!! WOW!!! WOW!!!!! Looking forward to Yosemite! Thanks to Baldy and Andy :clap :clap

[Nikolai]

.. and I'm gonna have a heart attack.:-)
It surely DOES bring this gathering to a whole new level.
Thanks Baldy and Andy (and everybody else involved)!:thumb
Cheers!:1drink

[fish]

I
That's what I was really asking. Is it probable that 120 through the Sierra will be closed or open in May?
Depends. Tioga Pass usually opens mid to late May.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/clsdates.htm

[Dee]

if you haven't signed up, there's room for more, so get in while the getting is good!

OK, I'll ask the question. If you are not planning to stay at the Inn with everyone else, but still plan to come up for the day or are staying somewhere else (with local friends) does that mean you're not "signed up."

Count me, Ed and Rayna in... but we won't be staying at the Inn. Just wanted to clarify...

I can only imagine all the behind the scenes planning going on, so thank you Andy and your helpers.

[Andy]

OK, I'll ask the question. If you are not planning to stay at the Inn with everyone else, but still plan to come up for the day or are staying somewhere else (with local friends) does that mean you're not "signed up."

Count me, Ed and Rayna in... but we won't be staying at the Inn. Just wanted to clarify...

I can only imagine all the behind the scenes planning going on, so thank you Andy and your helpers.

yes, of course you can come :D but, ed will have to caddie for me :lol3 seriously, c'mon to the event, we're looking forward to you participating!

[dkapp]

yes, of course you can come :D but, ed will have to caddie for me :lol3 seriously, c'mon to the event, we're looking forward to you participating!

Too bad Yosemite doesn't allow dogs. I've trained mine to be the best Sherpa West of the Mississippi. I've even modified one of her backpacks to hold my camera gear, just need to figure out a good way to mount the tripod & we are golden.

http://dkapp.smugmug.com/photos/6505696-S.jpg

I guess my girlfriend will have to take one for the team :D

Dave

[pathfinder]

Too bad Yosemite doesn't allow dogs. I've trained mine to be the best Sherpa West of the Mississippi. I've even modified one of her backpacks to hold my camera gear, just need to figure out a good way to mount the tripod & we are golden.

http://dkapp.smugmug.com/photos/6505696-S.jpg

I guess my girlfriend will have to take one for the team :D

Dave

Yeah Dave, but what happens if a rabbit runs across your path and your trusty faithful canine friend succombs to her canine ancestry and runs down the mountain with your camera gear never to be seen again??? :D :D

Did you ever read "The Call of the Wild"??? :dunno

[dkapp]

Yeah Dave, but what happens if a rabbit runs across your path and your trusty faithful canine friend succombs to her canine ancestry and runs down the mountain with your camera gear never to be seen again??? :D :D

Did you ever read "The Call of the Wild"??? :dunno

I've already thought of that. At just over 2yrs old, she is still has a lot of playful puppy in her and not ready for off leash work. I have her leash connect to a clip on my body somewhere, usually my belt. She will hit the end of her leash and stop. I'm about (a little over) 200lbs, too fat for her to move more than a few inches :D

My biggest concern out there would be a bear eating her for lunch! I guess I'd have to make up a good story to my insurance company. Not sure if they would believe a bear ate my gear :lol

Dave

[Nee7x7]

California IS a long way from Indiana and I am not sure that I can get into Yosemite from the east in MAY.

I need to talk to some folks from the Left coast about the best way to get to Yosemite if you are driving from the east in May. Streets and Trips directs me across Utah on I-70 and then on 6 across western Utah and Nevada to Tonopah and Benton and then on 120 through the Sierras to 41 to Yosemite.

I've seen enough maps to recognize that 120 is a genuine mountain road and I wonder if it will even be open or so slow that it is better to come down via Donner Pass instead. I am open to suggestions from you folks that live out there near the Sierras. ??? Or should I just fly? I hate modern airports and the cattle chutes they run you through.As you've already heard, Hwy 120 is not open through Tioga pass until mid to late May. If you drive out here, you'll want to take a more southerly route through to Las Vegas, taking Hwy 15 from LV west to California, which connects to Hwy 58 through Tehachapi, then at Bakersfield you would connect with Hwy 99 north to Fresno, then 41 east to Yosemite.

Going north through Reno and coming out around Sacramento is going to add several hours to your drive and it's a lot less direct to where the group is staying at Wawona. The southern route through Tehachapi and up Hwy 99 will bring you into Yosemite through Hwy 41 and directly to Wawona.

Good luck...and wishing you safe travels!
~Nee :)
ps. BTW, I'm one of those "left coast" folks...and we live only 2 1/2 hours from Yosemite :)

[pathfinder]

As you've already heard, Hwy 120 is not open through Tioga pass until mid to late May. If you drive out here, you'll want to take a more southerly route through to Las Vegas, taking Hwy 15 from LV west to California, which connects to Hwy 58 through Tehachapi, then at Bakersfield you would connect with Hwy 99 north to Fresno, then 41 east to Yosemite.

Going north through Reno and coming out around Sacramento is going to add several hours to your drive and it's a lot less direct to where the group is staying at Wawona. The southern route through Tehachapi and up Hwy 99 will bring you into Yosemite through Hwy 41 and directly to Wawona.

Good luck...and wishing you safe travels!
~Nee :)
ps. BTW, I'm one of those "left coast" folks...and we live only 2 1/2 hours from Yosemite :)

Thank you Nee for your interest. When I plot the northern route through Carson City and South of Lake Tahoe, or on I-80 all the way to Auburn and then south, the milage is 2280 either way. If I take the southern route through the desert through Tehachapi and Bakersfield the milage is 2280 also, according to MS Streets and Trips. So it looks to me like the northern or the southern route has to be chosen based on other points than distance.

When I drove home from college, we always drove the southern route for Christmas and the northern route in August. Different scenery - cooler weather in August via the northern route. Not sure which is the best for late MAY. IF either 4 or 50 or 88 south of Lake Tahoe are open to highway traffic in early May, I think the northern route would be a lot more scenic. Bakersfield is not my idea of scenic:dunno
Any thoughts on this situation?

[ian408]

Thank you Nee for your interest. When I plot the northern route through Carson City and South of Lake Tahoe, or on I-80 all the way to Auburn and then south, the milage is 2280 either way. If I take the southern route through the desert through Tehachapi and Bakersfield the milage is 2280 also, according to MS Streets and Trips. So it looks to me like the northern or the southern route has to be chosen based on other points than distance.

When I drove home from college, we always drove the southern route for Christmas and the northern route in August. Different scenery - cooler weather in August via the northern route. Not sure which is the best for late MAY. IF either 4 or 50 or 88 south of Lake Tahoe are open to highway traffic in early May, I think the northern route would be a lot more scenic. Bakersfield is not my idea of scenic:dunno
Any thoughts on this situation?
I suggested you come out the northern route and go home the southern. I think
the weather on the nothern route is drivable. Could be a few slow spots but
generally clear. The southern route to take advantage of the desert in spring (and
to some degree, southern CO as well).

I forget, but I think 4 closes for the winter on the otherside (from me) of Bear
Valley Ski resort. 88 and 50 are open all year (except for Avvie work).

Ian

[Nee7x7]

I suggested you come out the northern route and go home the southern. I think
the weather on the nothern route is drivable. Could be a few slow spots but
generally clear. The southern route to take advantage of the desert in spring (and
to some degree, southern CO as well).

I forget, but I think 4 closes for the winter on the otherside (from me) of Bear
Valley Ski resort. 88 and 50 are open all year (except for Avvie work).

IanHmmmm...I would suggest the opposite, actually. I kinda think the southern route is scenic also...but it is desert most of the way (but there some cool side trips if you have the time). **Early May isn't usually too hot in the desert yet, and you would very likely get to see the desert in bloom.

Reasons why I recommend the southern route:

1. Less traffic generally (except around Las Vegas)
2. Much more direct route to Hwy 41 entrance and Wawona

While the northern route is doable, if you come through Sacramento, you'll have fairly heavy traffic all the way down to Modesto (and then some!) because of Bay Area commuters.

But I'm a native California gal and maybe there are some issues to getting to the southern route from your end that I'm not aware of. I just know my own State pretty well from the Sacramento area down to Bakersfield, across the mountains through Tehachapi as well as the Mojave desert and the route to and from Las Vegas cuz I been there, done that many a time over the years.

Anyhow, ya gotta do what you think is best. I'm just a little concerned because getting from 99 north of Yosemite to Wawona is a little tricky and you have to go out of your way in mountain areas taking the 49 cutoff from Hwy 140 (please don't even consider taking 120 east from Modesto!!!) to get to 41 and Wawona. It's easy to miss a turn and end up going all the way into Yosemite Valley and out again in order to get to where the group will be staying...and that's a very long way out of your way! Those little squiggly roads on the map coming in and out of Yosemite don't look that bad...until you actually drive them! Speed limits are around 30 mph (often less) once you get into the Park, and Yosemite Valley has it's own traffic problems starting around May.

Anyhow, that's my recommendation...but of course all roads lead to Yosemite, LOL! Ya gotta go with what you'll feel the most comfortable with, since you're gonna be the one doing all the driving. :smooch

Cheers!
~Nee

>>>Sorry, my brain was a bit scrambled as far as the weather goes. I was thinking "Spring" instead of "May". The weather is actually a bit warmer than I thought in the desert for that time of year. Average temp. is 88F, so it will be warm, but not unbearably so.

[Andy]

room for more! please, folks - talk about the trip to others, we want this to be a well-attended event. the first of many, i hope, btw...

remember:

you pay you way
you pay lodging ($125 for two nights if you are sharing, $125 / night if you are taking a whole room to yourself)
smugmug's buying dinners for two nights
i betcha i can hack baldy's credit card for a few drinks too :D
we have marc muench (http://www.muenchphotography.com/) on hand to teach us and guide us

all courtesy of smugmug! this'll be a great trip.

ps: if anyone wants to share this on other forums, please do. they ... any smugmuggers are welcome to attend :deal

[Andy]

thank you all for being so prompt with your payments. everything is arranged and this is shaping up to be a great trip! i have room for a few more, so if you want to publicize this on another forum (lots of smugmuggers over on stf!) you're welcome to...)

andy
marc meunch
steve cav
nikolai
jwear
ian408
wxwax
kudbegud
sam

all of you above, i've received your $$, and since you're sharing, you won't have any additional money owed for lodging.

davidto and the missus
pathfinder and mrs. pathfinder
dkapp and gf
baldy and mrs. baldy
greaper <<-- i need to know if mrs. greaper is coming?

all of you above, i've received your $$, and since you have a room for yourself, you'll be paying for one additional night upon check-in at the wawona.


the following are coming but have arranged their own accomodations:

nee7x7 and husband of nee
evil eggplant
ed hughes and the missus
dee golden and big ed

[Sam]

[QUOTE=andy]thank you all for being so prompt with your payments. everything is arranged and this is shaping up to be a great trip! i have room for a few more, so if you want to publicize this on another forum (lots of smugmuggers over on stf!) you're welcome to...)

andy
marc meunch
steve cav
nikolai
jwear
ian408
wxwax
kudbegud
sam

all of you above, i've received your $$, and since you're sharing, you won't have any additional money owed for lodging.

I know ian, and steve live in the San Jose area as I do, so I was wondering if any of you San Jose people have any interest in car pooling for this fantastic event?

Sam

[ian408]

I know ian, and steve live in the San Jose area as I do, so I was wondering if any of you San Jose people have any interest in car pooling for this fantastic event?

Sam
As we got closer to the event, I think that's the plan. Organize car pool/pick
up.

Ian

[Steve Cavigliano]

How Kewl:super :super :super

This thread has been active for weeks and I just found it :lol

Looks like a real good group of shooters :thumb Plus, we get to pick a Pro's brain. I hope he's got enough to go around.....lol

Hello Nee and Kud :wave :wave Long time, no see. It'll be great to meet you folks, finally (along with all the other dgrinners that will be there). Also, welcome to dgrin :D I think you're gonna love it here. Slow paced, really nice and talented folks and everyone has a great sense of humor.

I just can't wait :clap :clap :clap


If I might add one word of caution for you old foggies (or smokers). Yosemite Valley's floor is about 4000 ft above sea level. Depending on where you go off the floor, the elevation can rise to 8800 feet. So please don't plan too much or overdo and it is always a great idea to acclimate, to higher elevations, if at all possible. As in, be there as early as you can. Personally, I'd like to go on Thurs evening :wink I wonder if the Teneya Lodge has any vacancies?

Anyhow, this should be a blast and thanks to Andy for putting it all together. You ROCK!!!:clap :thumb :deal :drums :beer :super

Thanks to Baldy, for the dgrins contibutions :thumb

Hey, maybe we should get some special Smugmug T-shirts made up? We could be like a gang of photographers, wearing our colors :lol Not to mention the free publicity it will get the site :wink We might even make the paper. I can see it now..........the riot at the Wawona apparentely started when a group of gasping and wild eyed photo fiends, wearing matching t-shirts, stormed into the bar and threatened to "shoot" everyone with Canons........LOL

It's gonna be fun


Steve

[tmlphoto]

Sorry to say I can't make it. I have a prior commitment on that date. Sounds like a great trip. I really bumbed I can't make it. Maybe next time... I'm sure everyone will have a great time. It will be interesting to see some of the people pictures when its all over.

[pathfinder]

Sorry to say I can't make it. I have a prior commitment on that date. Sounds like a great trip. I really bumbed I can't make it. Maybe next time... I'm sure everyone will have a great time. It will be interesting to see some of the people pictures when its all over.

We're gonna really miss ya, and we'll drink some suds to salve our grief too:D Maybe next time :thumb

[wxwax]

If I might add one word of caution for you old foggies (or smokers). Yosemite Valley's floor is about 4000 ft above sea level. Depending on where you go off the floor, the elevation can rise to 8800 feet. So please don't plan too much or overdo and it is always a great idea to acclimate, to higher elevations, if at all possible.


Hey, I'm high all the time. Does that mean I'm acclimatized?

I am very much looking forward to meeting you all, this is going to be a lot of fun.

[wxwax]

Sorry to say I can't make it. I have a prior commitment on that date. Sounds like a great trip. I really bumbed I can't make it. Maybe next time... I'm sure everyone will have a great time. It will be interesting to see some of the people pictures when its all over.
Bummer, man. :cry :cry

[gubbs]

How can we get Gubbsie over there? :evil
Sid, I'm working on it.....watch this space :D

[wxwax]

Sid, I'm working on it.....watch this space :D
:clap :clap Oh boy, that would be great! Now we need a raffle for Humungous. :evil

[Andy]

:clap :clap Oh boy, that would be great! Now we need a raffle for Humungous. :evil

gubbsie (and, mrs. g :lust) are in! yay gubbsie

if anybody wants to find gubbsie's room, there's a special lodge for little goats. i've got another special suite for mrs gubbs:lol3

[Nikolai]

gubbsie (and, mrs. g :lust) are in! yay gubbsie

if anybody wants to find gubbsie's room, there's a special lodge for little goats. i've got another special suite for mrs gubbs:lol3Mind posting?
Thanks!:thumb

[Andy]

Mind posting?
Thanks!:thumb

andy
marc meunch
steve cav
nikolai
jwear
ian408
wxwax
kudbegud
sam

all of you above, i've received your $$, and since you're sharing, you won't have any additional money owed for lodging.

davidto and the missus
pathfinder and mrs. pathfinder
dkapp and gf
baldy and mrs. baldy
greaper <<-- i need to know if mrs. greaper is coming?
gubbs and mrs. gubbs

all of you above, i've received your $$, and since you have a room for yourself, you'll be paying for one additional night upon check-in at the wawona.




the following are coming but have arranged their own accomodations:

nee7x7 and husband of nee
evil eggplant
ed hughes and the missus
dee golden and big ed

[wxwax]

gubbsie (and, mrs. g :lust) are in! yay gubbsie

if anybody wants to find gubbsie's room, there's a special lodge for little goats. i've got another special suite for mrs gubbs:lol3
Outstanding!

[gubbs]

Outstanding!
Hey, thanks Sid, I'm really looking forward to it....

[Nikolai]

How do you like SF in the winter:-)?
Wanna make a little trip to southland this weekend? I got some info on the places where the flood was, could be an challenging photop..
Something like this:
http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/354886/1/14103042 (http://nik.smugmug.com/gallery/354886/1/14103042)


Cheers!:1drink

[Nee7x7]

Here's a thought...

What if we buy our own T-Shirts, (providing we can get a larger version of the Smugmug Logo to use) and we print our own transfers?!! Any ink jet printer can be used to do it. You just have to reverse the image before printing on the special transfer paper and then you simply iron it onto the T-Shirt.

I'd suggest maybe putting the *bigger* Smugmug logo on the back of the T-Shirt and a little dgrin one on the front, just above the pocket (if it has one), or over the heart, if there isn't a pocket on the shirt :lust (note: if a larger smugmug logo isn't available, we can put it on the heart/pocket area instead).

I did this before as a Christmas gift...and it was really fun! But if we do our own, the key is to do a few test transfers to make sure you have the right ironing temp for the transfer to work correctly...it can be a little tricky!

Otherwise, I believe there are online *stores* that will print T-Shirts from your own artwork or photos for around $20.

I think we should go for it!!! (But we'll need to print up two or three shirts per person, or we might all be a little smelly by Sunday morning!) :D :eek1 :yikes :lol3 ~

:ps ps... maybe we could have a T-shirt design contest and the winning design would be what we use for the shirts? This could be really fun, guys! :clap

[Nikolai]

You mean like T-Shirts for this event? Having smugmug/dgrin insignia on them and smth like "Yosemite 2005 Shootout"?.

I have a suggestion! Let's make it a challenge to design such a T-Shirt! We have a very artistic audience here. Best design wins. I think we can arrange the stuff online and have a volume discount:-) And maybe even those who can't make it would love to get one or two:-)

EDIT: oops, you have already suggested that, I missed it somehow.. Anyway, then it's two of us in favor of that idea:-)

Cheers!:1drink

[Andy]

i'm taking care of shirts and goodies.... not to worry :D

Here's a thought...

What if we buy our own T-Shirts, (providing we can get a larger version of the Smugmug Logo to use) and we print our own transfers?!! Any ink jet printer can be used to do it. You just have to reverse the image before printing on the special transfer paper and then you simply iron it onto the T-Shirt.

I'd suggest maybe putting the *bigger* Smugmug logo on the back of the T-Shirt and a little dgrin one on the front, just above the pocket (if it has one), or over the heart, if there isn't a pocket on the shirt :lust (note: if a larger smugmug logo isn't available, we can put it on the heart/pocket area instead).

I did this before as a Christmas gift...and it was really fun! But if we do our own, the key is to do a few test transfers to make sure you have the right ironing temp for the transfer to work correctly...it can be a little tricky!

Otherwise, I believe there are online *stores* that will print T-Shirts from your own artwork or photos for around $20.

I think we should go for it!!! (But we'll need to print up two or three shirts per person, or we might all be a little smelly by Sunday morning!) :D :eek1 :yikes :lol3 ~

:ps ps... maybe we could have a T-shirt design contest and the winning design would be what we use for the shirts? This could be really fun, guys! :clap

[Nir]

:cry

[dragon300zx]

Andy any room left?

[Steve Cavigliano]

i'm taking care of shirts and goodies.... not to worry :D
Why am I not surprised? :clap

WTG Andy (you are going to charge us wholesale for them, right? :lol )


Steve

[Andy]

Why am I not surprised? :clap

WTG Andy (you are going to charge us wholesale for them, right? :lol )


Steve

plenty of goodies in the goodie bag, i promise :D

you guys do know that i've hacked baldy's credit card, right?

[Andy]

Andy any room left?

yes, hurry though, i'm about to close it up

send me pm, with your real email, real name, willing to share room or bringing spouse / s.o.?

[Nee7x7]

plenty of goodies in the goodie bag, i promise :D

you guys do know that i've hacked baldy's credit card, right?Wow!!! We're gettin' goodie bags, too?!? :clap :clap :clap

Well, if you're takin' sizes...can you make mine a 1x or 2x ? I like 'em really big so I can sleep in 'em...plus, cotton T's tend to shrink a lot, LOL!

(OK, I'll admit it...I'm kinda fluffy, too ;)

[Andy]

thanks everyone! i have paid the deposits on the hotel rooms. we're all confirmed.

more details as they become available :deal

[luckyrwe]

thanks everyone! i have paid the deposits on the hotel rooms. we're all confirmed.
Anyone who wanted to go but missed out can come to my place and we'll broil marshmallows.

[Andy]

Anyone who wanted to go but missed out can come to my place and we'll broil marshmallows.

anyone who wants to go and missed out, should pm me, and i'll see what i *possibly* can do to accomodate :D

i'm of the attitude, "there's always room for one more at the table..." and if i can make it happpen, i certainly will :deal

[luckyrwe]

anyone who wants to go and missed out, should pm me, and i'll see what i *possibly* can do to accomodate :D

i'm of the attitude, "there's always room for one more at the table..." and if i can make it happpen, i certainly will :deal
Even if they have a 1Ds Mark II? :D

[dragon300zx]

So anyone else from Michigan or near by going to the shootout?

[GREAPER]

I live in Toledo Ohio. I'm going

[pathfinder]

So anyone else from Michigan or near by going to the shootout?


I'm going and I'm from central Indiana. :1drink

[dragon300zx]

Either of you guys wanna fly out as a group and split a car rental, or what not. I don't mind traveling alone but everythings more fun with a group (usually). I don't mind driving down to either places to hop a plane.

[pathfinder]

Either of you guys wanna fly out as a group and split a car rental, or what not. I don't mind traveling alone but everythings more fun with a group (usually). I don't mind driving down to either places to hop a plane.


I'm leaving the week before by auto. Sorry...

[wxwax]

I'm leaving the week before by auto. Sorry...
Not walking? You can't just roll through the majesty of western America wrapped-up in a beer can on wheels.


:bad

[Andy]

Not walking? You can't just roll through the majesty of western America wrapped-up in a beer can on wheels.


:bad

i agree. anyone who doesn't go by bicycle is a total wuss:

week one of my 5000 mile bicycle ride across america and canada:
http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/325377-L-1.jpg

here's a newspaper shot, about 2500 miles into the trip:
http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/325376-L-1.jpg

sure, the pics are ca. 1982. but i'd do it again in a heartbeat if my heart could beat that much.....:lol3

[ian408]

I recommend a bike trip in AK. Twist grip or pedal power. It's a beautiful place
on a bike.

Ian

[Nikolai]

Andy,
RE5PECT!:thumb

[Tim Kirkwood]

Its all about the food. I know you did not bike across country and not have your radar on. I just dont believe this.....surely you had a T-Bone in the side pocket or something
:roll

[DoctorIt]

Very interesting Andy! I'd love to have time to do something like that. Guess you have to make time.

Curiously, what's Roy up to these days? I imagine you'd keep in touch with someone you rode across the country with.

[pathfinder]

Not walking? You can't just roll through the majesty of western America wrapped-up in a beer can on wheels.


:bad

I plan on stopping and smelling the roses along the way - that is why I am taking so long :D .

In June I am riding with my son in Wyoming in the National Forest double track. :1drink

[Sam]

i agree. anyone who doesn't go by bicycle is a total wuss:

week one of my 5000 mile bicycle ride across america and canada:

here's a newspaper shot, about 2500 miles into the trip:

sure, the pics are ca. 1982. but i'd do it again in a heartbeat if my heart could beat that much.....:lol3
Andy,

Very impressive. :clap :clap :clap :clap :clap

I did notice however that in the newspaper photo you were some what slimmer.:rofl

Sam

[lark]

I just found this thread.....trips all booked up...bummer!
In the last couple of years I've fallen in love with Yosemite. I'll be shooting it in Jan. 27-30, in the SNOW!...only a few weeks away. Then we'll be back out there in May....but too late for this shootout. Taking my whole family including 75yr old Dad & Mom(who have never been!).
I have a bunch of Yosemite shots on my humble, little site at: den.smugmug.com .......check some of them out if you like.(I'd like feedback).
Here's some of my observations: 1st, May is positively the best time to go....unless you go in September, or late December, or January....but then there is October (with the fall colors), gosh!..there's April and the snowmelt......point is: May is great, but this place is soooooooo pretty that there is no bad time to go.
If someone didn't get reservations, you will stand a pretty good chance at this site: http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite.htm
..we've always had a lot of luck with Yosemite View...good rooms w/fireplace...overlooking they Merced River rapids!....Leave your door open at night and sleep to the sounds of the pounding water! No bears, no worries.
We've rented a house by Wawona for the last week BEFORE Memorial Day (that is truely one of the better times...no people, falls all going full steam ahead, park is ready for incoming summer guests who are'nt there yet, and great weather).

Wish I could be there in early May also, there are sooo many of you I'd like to meet from this site who have migrated from other sites....many of you I've looked up to for some time...it would be an honor.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, going to Yosemite twice in May........hmmmmm.....I wonder if Pat would be up to it? Maybe.....

If I can pull this off, we will have to be staying at another hotel than wher the group is staying...would we still be welcome to visit and hang out with all of you?
I really do love this park(check out the pics, you'll see), and it would be soo cool to spend time there with this group.
Thanks
Den

[Andy]

den, send me a pm if you are for sure interested in you and your wife coming. i will see what i can do! hurry - :deal

I just found this thread.....trips all booked up...bummer!
In the last couple of years I've fallen in love with Yosemite. I'll be shooting it in Jan. 27-30, in the SNOW!...only a few weeks away. Then we'll be back out there in May....but too late for this shootout. Taking my whole family including 75yr old Dad & Mom(who have never been!).
I have a bunch of Yosemite shots on my humble, little site at: den.smugmug.com .......check some of them out if you like.(I'd like feedback).
Here's some of my observations: 1st, May is positively the best time to go....unless you go in September, or late December, or January....but then there is October (with the fall colors), gosh!..there's April and the snowmelt......point is: May is great, but this place is soooooooo pretty that there is no bad time to go.
If someone didn't get reservations, you will stand a pretty good chance at this site: http://www.nationalparkreservations.com/yosemite.htm
..we've always had a lot of luck with Yosemite View...good rooms w/fireplace...overlooking they Merced River rapids!....Leave your door open at night and sleep to the sounds of the pounding water! No bears, no worries.
We've rented a house by Wawona for the last week BEFORE Memorial Day (that is truely one of the better times...no people, falls all going full steam ahead, park is ready for incoming summer guests who are'nt there yet, and great weather).

Wish I could be there in early May also, there are sooo many of you I'd like to meet from this site who have migrated from other sites....many of you I've looked up to for some time...it would be an honor.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm, going to Yosemite twice in May........hmmmmm.....I wonder if Pat would be up to it? Maybe.....

If I can pull this off, we will have to be staying at another hotel than wher the group is staying...would we still be welcome to visit and hang out with all of you?
I really do love this park(check out the pics, you'll see), and it would be soo cool to spend time there with this group.
Thanks
Den

[Andy]

so, i got to thinking, "how can i make this trip uber-special?" i mean, it's already being held at one of the primo spots on the planet for photography and enjoying nature's beauty. we've got a famous landscape photographer spending the full two days with us, providing instruction to everyone, courtesy of smugmug. smugmug's throwing a dinner party for all of us. there'll be schwag. and of course, the folks attending - a great group indeed!

so, how could it possibly be made any better?

well, i decided that the smugmug shootouts should have scholarships. yep - there are folks from far and wide who will want to attend these trips, but simply can't due to the added cost of travel from other planets, or um, continents :D

i told you guys that i hacked into baldy's bank account :lol3

anyhow, so this year, we're awarding a (small) scholarship to

:drums








http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/14225524-Ti.gif

that's right... the humungus one, who desperately wanted to come on this trip, but of course, there's that little issue of airfare http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif from oz to the states, which costs more than a canon 20d! smugmug and dgrin (thanks baldy, onethumb, toni, et. al) are making a contribution towards this humungus-sized plane ticket, so that our ozzie friend can join us. :clap :clap :clap

i have extended another scholarship, to another member of our community, who lives a plane, boat, and donkey ride away from yosemite. i hope that he is able to join us. i'll let everyone know as soon as i hear :D

for the next shoot-out, instead of me just picking the recipients of the scholarships, i'll take nominations from the community, and then we will consider all of the requests as a group. i hope that you all understand that for this trip, i'm pulling everything together as quickly as possible, and so i had to make some very fast decisions.

ps: wxwax predictions are at 100% again (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=48843&postcount=154) and also here, he promises to carry humungatroid in to the park on his back (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=46250&postcount=88)

[wxwax]

Wooohooo! :clap That's fantastic.

Humungaloid, we'll meet you at the airport. You'll be easy to recognize.

http://humoungus.smugmug.com/photos/12811870-M.jpg

Good thing I'm working out... by May I should be strong enough to carry you into the Park. :hang

[Nir]

:roll

[ian408]

Andy, that's outstanding! Waxy, if you hit the gym and focus on the legs,
back and arms, you should be good to go in May.

Ian

[GREAPER]

Either of you guys wanna fly out as a group and split a car rental, or what not. I don't mind traveling alone but everythings more fun with a group (usually). I don't mind driving down to either places to hop a plane.

It would be nice to be travelling with someone. I am still looking into airfares and what will work best. I will prolly fly out of detroit, or toledo, whatever gets me there at the right time (for the right price)

I am trying to figure out what time we should get there. I think I will almost have to go thursday night, all of the flights I find on Friday get there late in the day... no good I think.

[ian408]

It would be nice to be travelling with someone. I am still looking into airfares and what will work best. I will prolly fly out of detroit, or toledo, whatever gets me there at the right time (for the right price)

I am trying to figure out what time we should get there. I think I will almost have to go thursday night, all of the flights I find on Friday get there late in the day... no good I think.
Thursday night arrival would be good. I was wondering if folks who carpooled
would be interested in leaving for the park on arrival. Maybe stay in Oakhurst
(which is 20-30mi outside of the park).

Ian

[wxwax]

Which airport? SF?

[wxwax]

Andy, that's outstanding! Waxy, if you hit the gym and focus on the legs,
back and arms, you should be good to go in May.

Ian

:nod 3 times a week.

By the time Customs gets done with the 'goose, he'll look more like this. :evil

[Sam]

so, i got to thinking, "how can i make this trip uber-special?" i mean, it's already being held at one of the primo spots on the planet for photography and enjoying nature's beauty. we've got a famous landscape photographer spending the full two days with us, providing instruction to everyone, courtesy of smugmug. smugmug's throwing a dinner party for all of us. there'll be schwag. and of course, the folks attending - a great group indeed!

so, how could it possibly be made any better?

well, i decided that the smugmug shootouts should have scholarships. yep - there are folks from far and wide who will want to attend these trips, but simply can't due to the added cost of travel from other planets, or um, continents :D

i told you guys that i hacked into baldy's bank account :lol3

anyhow, so this year, we're awarding a (small) scholarship to

:drums








http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/14225524-Ti.gif

that's right... the humungus one, who desperately wanted to come on this trip, but of course, there's that little issue of airfare http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/11389300-Ti.gif from oz to the states, which costs more than a canon 20d! smugmug and dgrin (thanks baldy, onethumb, toni, et. al) are making a contribution towards this humungus-sized plane ticket, so that our ozzie friend can join us. :clap :clap :clap

i have extended another scholarship, to another member of our community, who lives a plane, boat, and donkey ride away from yosemite. i hope that he is able to join us. i'll let everyone know as soon as i hear :D

for the next shoot-out, instead of me just picking the recipients of the scholarships, i'll take nominations from the community, and then we will consider all of the requests as a group. i hope that you all understand that for this trip, i'm pulling everything together as quickly as possible, and so i had to make some very fast decisions.

ps: wxwax predictions are at 100% again (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=48843&postcount=154) and also here, he promises to carry humungatroid in to the park on his back (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=46250&postcount=88)
I have seen quite a bit in my lifetime. To steal a movie title, I have not only seen "The Good, The Bad, and The ugly." But I have lived it. However, I ain't ever seen nothing like this!

I am stunned!

Sam


Additional thoughts.

1. I live in San Jose, and now it seems we may end up with more people from outside the area than originally thought. It may take more than one SUV to carry everyone. My truck will only comfortably handle two poeple, and I do offer it's use. Also if we get enough people, willing to chip for a SUV rental, I can handle all the details, and meet you at the airport.

Andy,

Since I am soo close and you have made the cost of accomodations soo affordabe, I can handle chipping in a C note to the scholarship fund, if that will help.

Sam

[Andy]

I have seen quite a bit in my lifetime. To steal a movie title, I have not only seen "The Good, The Bad, and The ugly." But I have lived it. However, I ain't ever seen nothing like this!

I am stunned!

Sam

it's pretty cool, innit? i think the humungaramous is speechless for once in his life :lol3

[dkapp]

This is awesome! Smugmug is the best. The best people I've run across. I can't wait to meet them.

Dave

[gus]

I have seen quite a bit in my lifetime. To steal a movie title, I have not only seen "The Good, The Bad, and The ugly." But I have lived it. However, I ain't ever seen nothing like this!

I am stunned!

Sam


You think your stunned sam !! These blokes have never met me & look at what baldy + crew & andy have thrown onto the table. I seriously do not have the words to thank them all. I dont believe in god or the government but i know karma exists...ive seen it at work & these fella's have some good stuff due thats for sure.

A huge huge thankyou to all involved !!

This leaves only 2 problems...

a/ Just what does the rest of waxy look like ?

b/ I am really a 65 year old tibetan woman :huh I am used to carrying baskets over mountain passes though.


almost forgot.
another big thanks to Dave for giving me a lift out to yosemite.


Again....thankyou all very much.

Gus

[GREAPER]

I have to say something...

I have travelled around the US extensivly in my life, I have been to 48 of the 50 states, most of the national parks, and seen some of the most beautiful country in the world.

I have been to Yosemite in the recent past and it is a great place to photograph.

But the real excitment for this trip is meeting all of the people that I have gotten to know here. Putting faces to the names and sharring stories and really getting to know each other. Meeting the people that are so giving with their knowledge, freindship and even money is what makes this trip exciting.

I cant wait to meet everyone that is going, and I have a feeling Dgrin is going to have an explosion of Yosemite pictures when it's over.

[gus]

I have a feeling Dgrin is going to have an explosion of Yosemite pictures when it's over.
Hope they got some critters ...

[SeeMoon]

This sounds like so much fun...wish I could join you! :cry

[DavidTO]

Well, turns out the wife can't come, so I'll be looking to carpool for sure. Nikolai, jwear...anyone else?

[Nikolai]

Well, turns out the wife can't come, so I'll be looking to carpool for sure. Nikolai, jwear...anyone else?
As I mentioned before, I'll be taking my Nissan Murano. It has reclining "bucket" back seats, and I think it would be fairly comfortable for 4 ppl on this kind of trip.
That is, unless some of you guys have a lincoln or lexus:-)

Cheers!:1drink

[Steve Cavigliano]

:clap :clap :clap

As already mentioned the Smugmug crew is the best. I won't heap any more praise on Andy, otherwise his head might not fit through doorways :lol But, it's just another example of the kinda guy he is :thumb


It'll be great having Gus with us. I hope your other scholarship offer goes as well :wink This is really gonna be a worldwide shootout :D

Can't wait


Steve

[Baldy]

You know... It's so tempting to keep my mouth shut and bask in the glow of being such a great guy! :encore:encore:encore

Only problem is: it really is 99% Andy. He dreamed up the shootout, whipped up the excitement, took care of all the arrangements, thought up the idea of having a great photographer come and he arranged that too — and he proposed the scholarship and had to get past a pretty cool reception from me.

It took him several runs at us before we caught the fever that he has for this trip.

We have gatherings with ADVrider, the motorcycle message forum that's the sister of this site and it's electric to meet up with everyone in person.

And I've always believed Yosemite is like no place else on earth.

What a rockin' shoot-out this is gonna be! :super:super:super

[gubbs]

Just keeps getting better & better!!! :D

[gus]

Any chance of seeing snow on the ground at that time of year ?

[jwear]

Any chance of seeing snow on the ground at that time of year ?http://www.governmentguide.com/govsite.adp?bread=*Main&url=http%3A//www.governmentguide.com/ams/clickThruRedirect.adp%3F55076483%2C16920155%2Chttp %3A//www.nps.gov/yose/home.htm THIS IS LONG .but you can ck over yosemite from here JEFF

[gus]

http://www.governmentguide.com/govsite.adp?bread=*Main&url=http%3A//www.governmentguide.com/ams/clickThruRedirect.adp%3F55076483%2C16920155%2Chttp %3A//www.nps.gov/yose/home.htm THIS IS LONG .but you can ck over yosemite from here JEFFNup...cant get it mate

[Nikolai]

...and almost each new post makes me want it badder and badder:-)

Great job, AW & SM!:thumb

Cheers!:1drink

[Andy]

Nup...cant get it mate

click here (http://www.nps.gov/yose/now/conditions.htm)

[wxwax]

You know... It's so tempting to keep my mouth shut and bask in the glow of being such a great guy! :encore:encore:encore

Only problem is: it really is 99% Andy. He dreamed up the shootout, whipped up the excitement, took care of all the arrangements, thought up the idea of having a great photographer come and he arranged that too — and he proposed the scholarship and had to get past a pretty cool reception from me.

It took him several runs at us before we caught the fever that he has for this trip.

We have gatherings with ADVrider, the motorcycle message forum that's the sister of this site and it's electric to meet up with everyone in person.

And I've always believed Yosemite is like no place else on earth.

What a rockin' shoot-out this is gonna be! :super:super:super


It's good for bidness, man. I figured that was part of Andy's sales pitch. If it wasn't it oughter be, 'cus it is.

I am really looking forward to this, and am very grateful to Andy for having the get-up-and-go to make it happen. :bow

[dragon300zx]

Hey greaper. I sent you a PM with my contact info. Shoot me an email or a call and we can plan something for traveling together. I don't mind flying out of either airport and will gladly drive down to Ohio.


Andy, thank you for putting this trip together I'm glad I finally gave into my inner child and decided to go (I had been thinking bout it but was gonna pass it up cause im gonna be traveling down to florida the weekend before).

To everyone I can't wait to meet this bunch in person.

Who all is going?

[ian408]

Which airport? SF?
SFO or SJC.

[ian408]

Any chance of seeing snow on the ground at that time of year ?
Yes. More than likely there will be snow in the high country. We will be near
the ski slope as well...

ian

[lark]

Hum,
There were small (itty bitty) patches of snow at higher elevations(8000ft)
on the side of the mountain away from morning sun...in the shade of a couple of pine trees........but maybe you might get lucky.


This is more of what to expect, it was taken in May of last year. This is the "Gate of the Valley"

http://Den.smugmug.com/photos/10466198-M.jpg

[ehughes]

EXCELLECT!!!

This will be a trip to remember :clap

[lark]

...if anyone has any of those truly "big gun" lenses, they are useful in the park. El Capitan will have 30-50 people climbing it at this time of year. They are truely microscopic to the unaided eye....a big lens will net some pretty spectacular, very different photos. These guys actually spend the night sleeping halfway up the sheer granite face of this rock!...at the very least bring a pair of binocs if you have them, you'll be glad you did.

[pathfinder]

This is awesome! Smugmug is the best. The best people I've run across. I can't wait to meet them.

Dave

I am so looking forward to meeting everyone - And I never dreamed we'd get to see 'gus up close and in person ( Sounds kinds skeeery, don't it?) Way to go Andy and Baldy. That is truly amazing.

'Gus - you're gong to want to get that new camera before you get to Yosemite, but MAYBE not before you leave Oz?? Are prices cheaper here in the States versus Oz? Seems like they are cheaper here than in Great Britain from the magazines I've seen. I've only seen an Australian photographic magazine in Indiana just once or twice, but it seemed like the costs were higher in Oz.
:dunno

[gus]

Snow 'eh ? That will be a first...cant wait.



PF i am aiming to buy when i get there as it is a hell of a lot cheaper there than here. Not set in stone though...if i cant afford it then i will take 'em all on with my little olympus. I have made one final decision & that is to buy as best as i can & if that means waiting then be it.

But i dont think i can wait :deal

Me up close PF ??.. who drew the short straw & is sharing a rooom with me ?

[Sam]

Snow 'eh ? That will be a first...cant wait.


PF i am aiming to buy when i get there as it is a hell of a lot cheaper there than here. Not set in stone though...if i cant afford it then i will take 'em all on with my little olympus. I have made one final decision & that is to buy as best as i can & if that means waiting then be it.

But i dont think i can wait :deal

Me up close PF ??.. who drew the short straw & is sharing a rooom with me ?
I can make no guarantee, but if I have purchased a new 20D by May, I will still have my Rebel as a back up and if you haven't been able to get your DSLR by then, you can use my Rebel. I feel very confident that some of the others hear might have a spare tripod, lenses, and other gear to outfit you properly.

Resistance is futile. You will go home with great photos!

Sam

[ian408]

PF i am aiming to buy when i get there as it is a hell of a lot cheaper there than here. Not set in stone though...if i cant afford it then i will take 'em all on with my little olympus. I have made one final decision & that is to buy as best as i can & if that means waiting then be it.

But i dont think i can wait :deal

Me up close PF ??.. who drew the short straw & is sharing a rooom with me ?
Do you know where you'll buy? If you need a US address for mail order, I'm
sure many of us would be happy to help.

Ian

[gus]

I can make no guarantee, but if I have purchased a new 20D by May, I will still have my Rebel as a back up and if you haven't been able to get your DSLR by then, you can use my Rebel. I feel very confident that some of the others hear might have a spare tripod, lenses, and other gear to outfit you properly.

Resistance is futile. You will go home with great photos!

Sam
Thanks Sam...pretty cool site this :thumb I have a tripod. Im pretty lost as to go nikon or canon...enough scotsman in me to take the whole thing slowly as i dont want to make a mistake. I really want to start shooting local motor racing here & hence the 'long glass' monster creeps in.

The only guarantee is that i will be there.....

[gus]

Do you know where you'll buy? If you need a US address for mail order, I'm
sure many of us would be happy to help.

Ian
Thanks ian....will keep that in mind. Just too far out to work out what im going to do as yet. I am organising so flight stuff & paypal today & then i will start working things out. My heads still spinning.

[Andy]

i'm really psyched about this one! michiel de brieder, from the netherlands, will be joining us! michiel is a "starving student" heheh so the contribution by smugmug towards this trip is really a huge benefit to him :D michiel is an outstanding photographer, and will be a huge asset to our trip!

welcome aboard, michiel, we're thrilled to have you coming along :clap :clap

[Michiel de Brieder]

I am so touched by this :cry
I still can't believe it, this will make me lose sleep at least for one night :wink perhaps a lot more. I'm so excited to see all you guys and enjoy our passion of photography together! Just as my life was going okay it got a great deal better......
I have quite a big mouth at times, but now I'm so silenced by my inner excitement...
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[Andy]

I am so touched by this :cry
I still can't believe it, this will make me lose sleep at least for one night :wink perhaps a lot more. I'm so excited to see all you guys and enjoy our passion of photography together! Just as my life was going okay it got a great deal better......
I have quite a big mouth at times, but now I'm so silenced by my inner excitement...
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

michiel, hopefully ian or dkapp will be able to carpool you to yosemite, all you'd have to do is cough up a few bucks for petrol :D

it's so awesome that you can come!

[Michiel de Brieder]

I'm coming too :D if I chip in on some petrol, would you mind me hitching a ride from San Francisco? I'm soooo excited about this trip :wink

wowwowwow about all the kindness to people here :thumb

[wxwax]

:clap Exceelent, Michiel. I think a few of us may be heading up from the bay Area (San Fran or San Jose) and it would make sense for us to pool our travele expenses. I figure that as we get closer to the date, and we all know the arrival times of our flights, we can make arrangements.

[dragon300zx]

Hey greaper still waiting to talk to you bout travel plans. PM me.

[Andy]

staying at wawona:

andy
steve cav
nikolai
jwear
ian408
wxwax
kudbegud
sam
davidto
greaper
pathfinder + mrs
dkapp + gf
baldy + toni
onethumb + elizabeth
humungus
michiel
lark + fiance pat
dragon300zx
marc meunch
gubbs and mrs gubbs

coming, but not staying at wawona:

nee7x7 + bill
evil eggplant
ehughes + wife
dee + big ed + rayna

we're full up folks, no more room at the inn :deal

[gus]

What a spin out...the whole show !

Gents i need to secure flights tomorrow.

Dave ,what time & date do you expect to leave SF & return back ? I know this is a long call but I am going back in time here & if you are intending to leave early friday morning I will have to make sure im in SF on your thursday. Also... i wouldnt mind hanging for a day or 2 in SF to shoot some of those car chase streets ive seen for so long so will need an idea when you will return to SF.

Ta
Gus

[Dee]

We have room for 4 in our car if anyone doesn't have a lot of luggage, we're close to San Francisco Airport, so if plans go awry, keep me in mind.

An itinerary would be nice soon, are things starting on Friday morning, or Friday noon, or what? I figure all day Saturday, possibly Sunday morning till mid afternoon?

Depending on what time things start on Friday will determine if we leave Friday 3 or 4 a.m. or if leaving Friday 9 a.m. works.

[SeeMoon]

I could be in SF thursday before you'll leave.. is there a dinner date we can arrange with the people from this area? That would be nice! And Michiel, when are you planning to travel? It would be fun to be on one of my flights?

[gubbs]

Flights to the US and back are now reserved! :D Just need to sort out some internal flights now!

[Michiel de Brieder]

Thanks Sid :D

I'm good on the planning whatever happens because I will probably be staying with a cousin of mine who lives about an hour drive from San Fr. So I think I can make about any time on friday. I'll be in the States from the 1st until the 15th of May (hey, I'm almost graduating, I deserve a holiday :thumb) Staying with my cousin also means that I can pack light for the weekend (considering clothes, not gear :rofl) and that my bags won't take up that much space.

So I'll wait for a bit to see if there's someone I can tag along with :D but it seems there are already some people driving from the Bay Area, so I think everything will come together

I can't wait :D

[Andy]

We have room for 4 in our car if anyone doesn't have a lot of luggage, we're close to San Francisco Airport, so if plans go awry, keep me in mind.

An itinerary would be nice soon, are things starting on Friday morning, or Friday noon, or what? I figure all day Saturday, possibly Sunday morning till mid afternoon?

Depending on what time things start on Friday will determine if we leave Friday 3 or 4 a.m. or if leaving Friday 9 a.m. works.

i fixed that, dee, rayna, yah! yeah, i'll have an itinerary some day soon. been rather busy here lately just getting things put together, arranging for rooms, a photographer, and the scholarships. figure noon-ish friday till after the morning light on sunday.

[wxwax]

I could be in SF thursday before you'll leave.. is there a dinner date we can arrange with the people from this area? That would be nice! And Michiel, when are you planning to travel? It would be fun to be on one of my flights?
SeeMoon, dinner Thursday in SF would be great! :thumb I'll try to plan on it. Sounds like others will be arriving Thursday as well. Could be a big dinner party!

[SeeMoon]

SeeMoon, dinner Thursday in SF would be great! :thumb I'll try to plan on it. Sounds like others will be arriving Thursday as well. Could be a big dinner party!

Since we didn't make it to meet in Kuala Lumpur I'll have to think of something else eh? :wink I'm not coming with you all to the park, but I'd very much like to meet for dinner!

[Michiel de Brieder]

COUNT ME IN for dinner :clap I'll have to check how I'll get around during my stay :D but I'll manage! I'll be contacting a cousin of mine in that area tonight, then I know what more to arrange for myself and I'll be asking for some advice :D

Is it May yet? :rofl

[wxwax]

Excellent! I think I may have to buy one of those portable hard drives to download my photos - I see a lot of images being made that weekend.

[gubbs]

I could be in SF thursday before you'll leave.. is there a dinner date we can arrange with the people from this area? That would be nice! And Michiel, when are you planning to travel? It would be fun to be on one of my flights?
Simone, I'm pretty sure we'll be in SF on the Thursday too. We're just trying to sort out schedules at the moment.

[ian408]

Simone, I'm pretty sure we'll be in SF on the Thursday too. We're just trying to sort out schedules at the moment.
Pre-party? Sounds like a plan!

Ian

[Nikolai]

I am so touched by this :cry
I still can't believe it, this will make me lose sleep at least for one night :wink perhaps a lot more. I'm so excited to see all you guys and enjoy our passion of photography together! Just as my life was going okay it got a great deal better......
I have quite a big mouth at times, but now I'm so silenced by my inner excitement...
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And if you choose to fly to LAX, I'll definitely give you a lift, we still have a room in my Murano:-). It's a longer drive, though (5+ hours from my place to Wawona, instead of 3 from SF), but it may be a way cheaper flight..

Thrilled to meet you in person!:thumb

Cheers!:1drink

[Michiel de Brieder]

I've already booked the ticket :D I'm going to SF. But I've checked it out and LAX is even about €150 more than the ticket to SF.
Thanks a bunch for the offer though, I'm very excited to see everyone in person :clap Are you also coming to the dinner in SF or is that way too far off? (Pardon my ignorance in american geography :D)

Allright, found it on the internet :D it is indeed way off :rofl

:1drink

[Nikolai]

Are you also coming to the dinner in SF or is that way too far off? (Pardon my ignorance in american geography :D)

Allright, found it on the internet :D it is indeed way off :rofl

:1drinkI'd love to:-). That might change a few things (jwear, davidto and me are trying to arrange a carpool from LA area to Yosemite), but since nothing's set in concrete yet and this Thursday thingie just came in, we still have time to think it over.
May be I/we would fly in from Burbank to SF/SJ (it's a really kwik-n-ez flight, even with all the security idiosyncrasies) and then carpool from there.. However that's another night that would require arrangments..
Anyway, glad you could make it, if nothing else, see you on the Merced shores:-)
And we still have plenty of time to make it Event Of The Year!

[gus]

San Franciscians..

This joint says its close to the airport...how far is that from the city centre & is the public tpt good around those parts ?


http://www.holidaycityusa.com/howard-johnson-sanfrancisco/


Ta
Gus

[ian408]

San Franciscians..

This joint says its close to the airport...how far is that from the city centre & is the public tpt good around those parts
South SFO is about 10-15 miles from SF proper. CalTrain (http://www.caltrain.com/) isn't too far away
and will take you into the city where you can connect with SF Muni (http://www.sfmuni.com/cms/mms/home/home50.htm) to get
to many other locations.

CalTrain does not run 24x7 but it will get you along most of the line
until 11 PM or so (check the schedule). It does go from Gilroy all the way to
SF's 4th and King (where the baseball park is).

Hope that helps!

Ian

[Dee]

South SFO is about 10-15 miles from SF proper. CalTrain (http://www.caltrain.com/) isn't too far away
and will take you into the city where you can connect with SF Muni (http://www.sfmuni.com/cms/mms/home/home50.htm) to get
to many other locations.

CalTrain does not run 24x7 but it will get you along most of the line
until 11 PM or so (check the schedule). It does go from Gilroy all the way to
SF's 4th and King (where the baseball park is).

Hope that helps!

Ian

BART runs out to the airport now. If your hotel sends a "bus" around maybe the "bus" will take you back to the airport where you can get onto BART.

I think I know where your hotel is, it's north of the airport.

That map on the website has taken some creative license, suggest you try to get some maps on the web for a more accurate scale.