I just remembered that when we did the poll on the first Gathering we put together detailed summaries of each of the four locations we were considering. San Diego was actually the "runner up" to Savannah, and our thought was that we could move the Gathering every other year between the two coasts. Because early spring seemed the best time of year (avoiding traveling times and holidays), we felt we needed to be somewhere more south, where snow would not be a factor.

This information on San Diego may be of interest to those considering making the trip, especially if you don't know much about San Diego. For many, this isn't just a trip to meet up with other Slow Travelers, but also a chance to see another part of North America.

Kathy

It all depends on the economy for us. We have basically been grounded as travel goes, even travelling in the U.S. is a luxury.

Ginger

DMae, I'm with Jane, you images are lovely and the diversity of the knockers is great. I tried to go into your Italy book, but only came up with an add for Apple . W

Kathy, what are the dates? Or have they been posted somewhere and I just haven't seen them?

Hi Earline,

In the opening post of this thread Shannon said:

quote:

The idea of a second Great Slow Travel Gathering has been bouncing around for a while now. We all had such a great time in Savannah, and now we are wondering if we should continue the tradition with next big gathering in San Diego, in early to mid-March, 2010.

I think initially Shannon's trying to see how much interest there would be, and then will work out the exact date.

Kathy

Can't commit yet, as 2010 is our Italy trip, and I don't know how my $$$ situation will be by next spring. But, if the wheat stays dry and the chickens are laying, it might be possible!

"Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world." ~ John Evelyn
Brenda

quote:

Originally posted by nancyhol:
I shouldn't even think about going since March is the very busiest part of income tax season.

But, since San Diego isn't too far away from me, you never know!

Nancy

Nancy, what if I promise to bring some tax returns for you to work on?? Not the best time for me to be out of the office either (that's when I do my contract audit work), but it's mostly on the weekend!! Second to third weekend would be better for me (farther away from Mardi Gras)

Anne

Cal doesn't know it yet, but I just volunteered us for the early March 2010 San Diego GTG. My daughter lives in Las Vegas, and it would be a great combo trip.

We're in!

I'm a definite maybe. That's a long way off and who knows what the world will throw at us. But San Diego is great and a lot easier to get to from SF than Savannah.

I'm going to pin this topic for a few weeks, because if we do this thing, I want to give people about a year to plan.

I'll let everyone know by the second week of March whether it will fly or not.

I would certainly plan to go. Be aware that airfares can be higher in March because of Spring Break.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew:
Be aware that airfares can be higher in March because of Spring Break.

I found this out while searching for airfares back to the states. Saturday departures in March were about $400 higher than Friday departures. I knew the dates weren't near Easter, then someone pointed out that spring breaks occur around the same time! Ouch!

Any new thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Leslie

Many airlines offer competitive fares to LAX, and there are deals to be had. I just booked Houston to LAX for the middle of May at 50% of my airfare Houston to Savannah! I suppose it's just a gamble....

Nancy

quote:

Originally posted by Anneo123:

quote:

Originally posted by nancyhol:
I shouldn't even think about going since March is the very busiest part of income tax season.

But, since San Diego isn't too far away from me, you never know!

Nancy

Nancy, what if I promise to bring some tax returns for you to work on?? Not the best time for me to be out of the office either (that's when I do my contract audit work), but it's mostly on the weekend!! Second to third weekend would be better for me (farther away from Mardi Gras)

Anne

I just saw your post, Anne.

If you come to San Diego, I will!

Nancy

So far we don't have quite enough interest... we will give it a few more weeks and then make a decision.

Thanks for the update Shannon.

Have a great weekend.

Leslie

Shannon, If this comes together,count me in.

Susa - (and others who have responded to this thread), did you add your vote to the poll? We would like to have the poll numbers reflect your interest, so if you haven't "voted", would you please do so?

Thanks.

I Voted and would be sure to come - it's a couple hours from my location. It would be definite yes.

Following up on my post, would it have to be in March rather than April? Airfares would be lower after Spring Break and Easter April 4.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew:
Following up on my post, would it have to be in March rather than April? Airfares would be lower after Spring Break and Easter April 4.

Lower than the first or second weekend of March?

April is a really bad month for me to do this, but if someone else wants to take over the planning, it could be done.

Shannon - you'll never find a time that is perfect for all. Go with what works for you and your planning gremlins.

Shannon,

I agree with Jerry There is never a perfect time that will fit everyone's schedule.

It was terrific of you to volunteer to do this in the first place.

Thank-you!!

Leslie

When I clicked on the poll and found out that I had already voted ( ), it was dated 11 February. Has there been an update since then?

Hey, people. Don't let this one slip away. Get away to SoCal from the cool weather here? What could be better? I wanna see the zoo. I wanna see the rich guy's museum or art gallery -- whatever. And I can't remember his name. Oh! Oh! Oh! I remember. Getty. Yeah, that's it.

So what are the poll results? Does it look like there's enough interest?

(Current) Results (65 votes counted so far):
Would you travel to San Diego, California in March 2010 for the 2nd Great Slow Travel Gathering?

30 (46%) yes, definitely
29 (45%) hmm... maybe
6 (9%) not this time

Is that 30 yes votes, or 30 votes some representing two people?

Well, our 'yes' vote - posted a long time ago - was for two of us.

Please let this GTG happen. An extremely great time will be had by all, especially with Shannon at the helm.

Thank you Shannon, for continuing with this event - at least so far.

I don't know if I replied yes or maybe. But I plan to be there. It's only a 2 hour drive for me. ( I'm a lurker. haven't posted too much as I'm not going anywhere soon. SOB!!!)

32 yes
29 maybe
__________
61 interested. It's enough to get things going I think. I wish I knew the San Diego area better so that I could offer to help with the planning...

Tracey

Chris asks a very good question, because the numbers will certainly be different based on whether or not a vote represents 1 or 2 persons. I voted, which would be 1, but really there are two or us.

I hope this happens; thanks be being brave to even put this out there, Shannon, and you know we will help with anything that we can.

I voted, I think, "maybe". I'm changing my vote to a yes (although "definitely" is problematic until a date is set).

I hope it can happen. Thanks, Shannon, for getting this idea started.

Cathy

quote:

Chris asks a very good question, because the numbers will certainly be different based on whether or not a vote represents 1 or 2 persons. I voted, which would be 1, but really there are two or us.

So did I (and so are we ).

You guys know what an awesome organizer Shannon is - she's taking "the couple vote" into account.

She has an idea of the minimum number of Yes and Maybe votes needed to make the event viable. I don't remember what the count is, but I'm sure she'll check in here soon. (She's been in DC celebrating her Birthday! )

Yes! Whenever! One of me! Possibly Gary if I can pry him out of here, so one and a half?

I would also come my daughter lives in La Mesa a hop skip and long jump away.

Our vote is for two persons, also. I think I just voted once.

Do the vast majority of Slow Travellers know that this will be instead of the Savannah GTG?

Deborah,
We would be interested in a St Louis GTG, if it is at a time when we could also visit our son in Kansas City.

Charity

Hi Charity,

There is an annual Savannah GTG but it is not the same as the big gathering that Shannon is talking about in San Diego for 2010.

Hope this helps

Leslie

Definitely a solid maybe for me. I love San Diego and the hubby will go anywhere for golf. We had planned to go in April, anyway.

Of course, only my banker knows for sure!!

quote:

Originally posted by Leslie Erickson, CTA:
Hi Charity,

There is an annual Savannah GTG but it is not the same as the big gathering that Shannon is talking about in San Diego for 2010.

Hope this helps

Thank you for your email Leslie and yes Karen & I would love to be with everyone next April in Savannah! If everything works out we’ll be there; there is still one daughter unwed and her younger sister will wed this August; you know how siblings compete & she is going on 29! I thought life was suppose to get easier as you got older.

Fixed quote.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Doru,

Mac and Karen, the grandbaby is so sweet. Congrats on all the wonderful happenings, weddings, births etc. I do hope you can come out for the San Diego GTG as well as the Savannah trip you are planning.

Barb Cabot

Since we've got a new thread going on the Great GTG, I am closing this one. You can check out the new thread here.