Tiger is going to get through December if it kills her

Think About a Rocky Mountain Meet-Up in September '09
We Left Off Here with Flirt's Entry... 10 months ago

Lots of Ideas

Of course, I don’t know what other people who might want to come have in mind, but I was thinking more in the lines of staying somewhere inexpensive (like a Super 8) in the Denver area, either near downtown or out near you guys, and working from there. Those of us who come in early (say on Thursday) could have plenty of free time for leisurely sightseeing. Then we could have some planned rendezvous for the weekend, including dinner Friday night and a drive up to the mountains for some exploring on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Depending on how many of us (like me) drive there, renting a car wouldn’t be a requirement for everyone. In Albuquerque I shuttled people back and forth from the airport in my car and I would certainly be willing to help with that again. And of course, like you suggested, people could share the rental cost.

Does any of this sound interesting and doable?

The problem with Denver Airport is that it’s next to nothing. My thought is this: in for a dime, in for a dollar. As long as you’re driving in from somewhere else or renting a car to stay in just-okay-Denver, why not go a little further and stay in Estes Park in the Rocky Mountains with out-of-this-world-awesome scenery?

Mar 04, 2009, 09:40AM PST | 3 cheers


Comments:

Flirt needs a HUG!

I'm happy either way

a full weekend in the mountains or staying in the Denver area and driving up to the mountains on Saturday (or whatever we decide to do). I’m going to throw out some pros and cons that come to mind so people have some things to think about and discuss.

Cost wise, a full weekend in Estes Park (which is, I agree, “out-of-this-world) might be more expensive (at least for some) depending on what kind of place(s) we find to stay, and depending on who will be needing to rent a car. I certainly won’t be able to shuttle everyone back and forth from the airport to Estes Park.

One thing to think about: the first weekend in October (vs. in September) the off-season rates should be in effect. On the other hand, there’s that much more chance of snow. I don’t imagine that there are too many people who get off Columbus Day, but for those who might, the second weekend in October will be a long weekend.

I’m not sure what your concern is about the Denver airport being “next to nothing”. Even if we stay in Denver, we won’t need to stay near the airport. (And as I said, I can shuttle some people.)

If we do the Estes Park route, those people who want to come in early or leave late will have that time to explore in and around Denver.

Mar 04, 2009, 12:02PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

Tiger is going to get through December if it kills her

Airport Shuttle

Shuttling people to and from the airport – while very generous – is not something you’d want to volunteer to do more than once. When I say that the Denver Airport is next to nothing, I mean it’s out there by itself in No Man’s Land. The airport is not conveniently located in the heart of Denver near hotels and restaurants. Even if we picked a hotel in downtown Denver (see later paragraph) you still wouldn’t want to shuttle people to and from the airport. It’s really one of those things you have to experience for yourself.

Late September would be about as late as you’d want to go to the Rockies. It gets cold early in the mountains. By the time October rolls around, the autumn colors are over and it could very well snow. Mid-September is best, but there is already a late-August/early-September meet-up scheduled in Nevada for Burning Man, and we don’t want to overlap too closely. The second week of October is just too late.

Staying at a Super 8 in Denver is not recommended unless you’re looking for a meth lab. :) A nice hotel in Denver is as much as (if not more than) Estes Park in the mountains.

Another consideration, as I said in the other thread, was the two night minimum stay in Estes Park. That would kill anyone who wanted to come in Saturday morning unless they stay until Monday.

Pros: In my humble opinion, the Rocky Mountains are breathtaking in September. There are hiking trails, biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, picnic areas, cottages and cabins with fabulous views, and shopping (as there is just about everywhere). There isn’t anything else like it in the world.

Cons: There is the added expense of a rental car, an additional two hours drive after landing at the airport, and more time off work (for those who need to worry about that). TG and I live an hour away from the airport in the opposite direction, so we couldn’t pick anyone up from the airport.

Although I would LOVE a Rocky Mountain meet-up, I don’t want there to be any surprises about what to expect. Is it a bit inconvenient? Yeah, maybe. Is it worth it? Yes yes yes yes!!

Mar 04, 2009, 02:31PM PST | Thread | Respond to this 1 cheer

Flirt needs a HUG!

*Hopefully*

we’ll get some other people to weigh in on what they might want to do. I think we can make either one work. If we go the Super 8/Travelodge route in Estes Park, yes we can do it inexpensive. And lots of those types of places don’t have the 2-night stay. As far as Denver hotels go, you know Denver better than I do, but I have stayed, and I know other people who have stayed, at decent budget hotels and been very happy. Of course, if we go the Estes Park route, that issue is moot.

As far as the airport shuttle goes, most airports are out of the way (at least the ones I’m familiar with), so it makes no difference to me. (Edit: and yes, I do know where the Denver airport is.)

The first weekend in October works out much better for me than any time in September.

Mar 04, 2009, 02:42PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Tiger is going to get through December if it kills her

How Fun!

Are you doing something fun in September?

Mar 04, 2009, 02:49PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Flirt needs a HUG!

I'm working on a couple things

hopefully at least one will pan out.

Mar 04, 2009, 06:19PM PST | Respond to this

Tiger is going to get through December if it kills her

More Suggestions Needed

And that’s an invitation for y’all to jump in.

Mar 04, 2009, 02:50PM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Flirt needs a HUG!

Where is everyone

doesn’t anyone else want to have some Rocky Mountain FUN? :-(

Mar 04, 2009, 06:20PM PST | Respond to this

SweetMK Fierce

I don't think I can make it in September

But I will be out there in July or August for a family wedding (exact date TBD).

Planting a seed for an informal meeting of lunch/dinner/drinks/hikes… anything??!!

Mar 04, 2009, 06:29PM PST | Respond to this 1 cheer

Hot Toddie Schoonover ran 2468 miles in 2009, what will he run in 2010?

May 13-14

I’m supposedly landing around 6pm on the 13th.

In an interesting sidenote, I had a dream about Little Tommy G* last night/this morning. He wasn’t that little though, more like 17 or 18. Cute little guy too with a buzzcut and cherub cheeks. I was sending him off to lose his innocence with this older woman. Hope you don’t mind.

Apr 24, 08:04PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this 3 cheers

Tiger is going to get through December if it kills her

You Are Soooo Dead.

What are you trying to do to me? You know he just ran off for a week’s vacation without me. I’m kinda worried about that “older woman” thing – I’m not sure if I want her to be me or not!

Wednesday, May 13th.
Check!
Keeping the date open!

Apr 25, 12:39PM PDT | Respond to this


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