2nd Annual New Mexico Gathering during the Balloon Fiesta

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

Only 53 Days
http://www.loboanime.com/wggathering/final_2005_logo.JPG

After your hangover from the BIG St. Louis Gathering is over, join us in New Mexico for the 2nd Annual New Mexico Gathering during the first weekend of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Gathering dates are Friday Sept 30th - Oct 2nd.

The gathering will be taking place the first weekend of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Over 700 plus balloons participate and over 800,000 people will flow through the gates during this weeklong event. A great weekend to see 700 balloon inflate and liftoff while you walk among them, then hang out with fellow Georgers from around the country! Click on the website linked below for more information!

http://www.loboanime.com/wggathering/lobby2.JPG

We will be selling pins and shirts for the gathering. These are sold at cost, we are NOT profiting from the sale of these items. The shirts will be made from the logo above, the pin design is located on the website. You don't need to be present to purchase the pin or the shirt. Just email us for details. We DO have Hank's approval for the use of the WG url.


We are down to 12 rooms left as of 7/19/05. As we get closer, the room prices throughout the city will increase as the hotels start becoming sold out. Make your reservations early.


Thanks for your time! Look forward to seeing you in Albuquerque this fall!

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

bump!

[E=Mc²]

I am in the picture with bright ornage shirt....hope to have another "bright" shirt again this year. If all things go well...BunniE² will be with me this year.

Peace and Have Fun!!!!
E=Mc²

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

BUMP!

[Flobees]

E=Mc² it was a blast wasn't it! I see I.B., Uncle Joe, Myself & hubby John. Too many have their backs to us.! Guess I had better check out the air fares! LOL

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

bump

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

BUMP

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

BUMP

[Jay]

Good news: Darren got Monday off, so he and I will be able to stay through Sunday. However, I have a room only for Friday night. Is there someone who is looking to sell a room on Saturday or needs a roommate or two?

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

Good news: Darren got Monday off, so he and I will be able to stay through Sunday. However, I have a room only for Friday night. Is there someone who is looking to sell a room on Saturday or needs a roommate or two?

Did you call and ask them to give you a room Saturday night? That should't be a problem.

[Jay]

No, I haven't called yet.

Darren and I are still looking for people who might be interested in roadtripping with us to the event. He will drive from Birmingham to Kinder to pick me up. At this point we're planning to take I-49 to Shreveport, I-20 from Shreveport to Dallas, US 287 to Amarillo and I-40 to Albuquerque. However, we can take an alternate route through Texas if needed. Please contact me directly.

[Sheri]

No, I haven't called yet.

Darren and I are still looking for people who might be interested in roadtripping with us to the event. He will drive from Birmingham to Kinder to pick me up. At this point we're planning to take I-49 to Shreveport, I-20 from Shreveport to Dallas, US 287 to Amarillo and I-40 to Albuquerque. However, we can take an alternate route through Texas if needed. Please contact me directly.

You might want to post that in the SE forum since that's the most likely place to find someone who might be along that path...

[Jay]

From Birmingham to Kinder, yes. Most of the rest of the route is in Texas and NM (MW forum?).

[E=Mc²]

Just to think...last year around this time I was thinking of driving out to NM...1700 miles each way...glad I flew southwest.

Cant wait to NM..... :)

[Sheri]

From Birmingham to Kinder, yes. Most of the rest of the route is in Texas and NM (MW forum?).

Good point, though I'd try both forums, maybe. There's a lot of Georgers in Texas, but the chances of finding someone in the eastern part of NM seem pretty slim since there are few active NM Georgers, and I don't think there's a single even semi-active person listed on the NM list of profiles that is in the eastern part of the state...

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

BUMP

[Jay]

Niffir's joining our carpool, and it looks like my girlfriend will be coming with us as well.

I got the room for Saturday night as well.

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

Niffir's joining our carpool, and it looks like my girlfriend will be coming with us as well.

I got the room for Saturday night as well.

Wow...I haven't heard from Niffir officially...it is great that your girlfriend is coming. Is she from Lafayette?

[Jay]

She's actually from Walker, but she's attending UL. So they will pick her up in Lafayette, then pick me up in Kinder.

[Uncle_Joe]

Ralphy Boy, HBG, and Sue from Fort Sun in the picture.

I can't make it this year but I'll see you all in 2006.

U_J

[PitBoss]

Have the costs of the Parknride for the balloon fest been published yet?

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

Have the costs of the Parknride for the balloon fest been published yet?

I will be sending emails to those who are coming to NM in the next week!

[Jay]

What about tickets to the event itself? Are you including that info? Can we get a group rate?

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

What about tickets to the event itself? Are you including that info? Can we get a group rate?

That will all be included in the email. The city still has not worked out the cost of Park & Ride, which is extremely late compared to last year. Last year it was $17.00...that includes the fee into the Balloon Fiesta. They don't have group rates :( guess they want all the cash they can get. I am going to go ahead and set that as the price this year. It will all be included in the email! Hope this helps Jay!

[Jay]

That's cool.

The roadtrip group worked out our plan last night. They're going to pick me up in Lafayette rather than Kinder to save that much driving.

[Jan]

Wish I could attend .... is just bad timing on my end... maybe SOME day though!!! Don't stop having them!!!

[Jan]

Ron, How do I order a shirt please????

[Jay]

Attendance update: My girlfriend will not be coming with me. It would interfere with her schoolwork.

[Christopher CA]

Anyone looking for a roomate for the New Mexico gathering?

[Sheri]

You might want to check for a room mate in the SE forum since quite a few people from there are coming, or the Midwest forum since that's where it is being held. I suspect most people check the regional forums more often than the Gathering forum...

[Jay]

I have a reservation for a suite for Friday and Saturday nights. We'll probably be able to take you. I'll talk with Darren and our other travelling comapnions and see who we have "booked" for the room.

[Jan]

soooo Ron.....
how's that Balloon thingy coming along...
DMN I wish I could attend!!!

[Christopher CA]

I might not be able to attend now. A lot is up in the air with me right now. Don't leave a spot in the room open for me now, I will let you know if things change. Thanks.

[Sir Peter]

Good evening, I would like to purchse a Pin from this event, I will be unable to attend as Lady Kim and I are not arriving into the USA until the 5th of October. If anyone with a stamp is still around I would like to have the notes I am bringing from London stamped, I have entered them on the site, I just now need to get them back to the USA.

Thank You

Sir Peter

[Hank]

Just want to let everyone know that I booked my plane tickets today. I'll be arriving at the Clubhouse Inn at 3AM on October 1st (yes, 3AM). I'll check in, check my email, and then meet everyone in the lobby at 5AM.

I am assuming there is mass transportation or a group bus to/from the festival itself, and that I don't need to rent a car. I'll also need a way to get to the gathering itself in the afternoon, and then back to the hotel.

I'll be flying out Sunday morning, so I won't be attending any of the events for Sunday.

[JT from MD]

Just want to let everyone know that I booked my plane tickets today. I'll be arriving at the Clubhouse Inn at 3AM on October 1st (yes, 3AM). I'll check in, check my email, and then meet everyone in the lobby at 5AM.

I am assuming there is mass transportation or a group bus to/from the festival itself, and that I don't need to rent a car. I'll also need a way to get to the gathering itself in the afternoon, and then back to the hotel.

I'll be flying out Sunday morning, so I won't be attending any of the events for Sunday.Glad to see you could work it out. I'm staying at the Clubhouse and will have a car. I'm sure there will be some others as well.

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

Just want to let everyone know that I booked my plane tickets today. I'll be arriving at the Clubhouse Inn at 3AM on October 1st (yes, 3AM). I'll check in, check my email, and then meet everyone in the lobby at 5AM.

I am assuming there is mass transportation or a group bus to/from the festival itself, and that I don't need to rent a car. I'll also need a way to get to the gathering itself in the afternoon, and then back to the hotel.

I'll be flying out Sunday morning, so I won't be attending any of the events for Sunday.

Hank...we are carpooling as a group to a park & ride site, where we board a bus that takes us to the entrance to the Balloon Fiesta. It is the easiest way to get there in my opinion! You will enjoy the mass ascension, it is a spectular site. I am sure all those coming to Albuquerque are excited that you will be visiting us! Look forward to meeting you.

3am! OUCH that hurts!

Ron

[Darren in B-ham]

A group of us are renting a van and driving cross country starting in Birmingham, AL, so after we get out stuff out there should be plenty of room on the van for who-ever that needs a ride to the carpool place.

Glad to hear you are coming, Hank!

[Maxwell Q]

to pick Hank up or drop him back off at the airport.

[Jan]

It's gettin CLOSER LSU

WIsh I could be there :(

[Hank]

to pick Hank up or drop him back off at the airport.

Thanks, but are you sure?

My flight gets in at 2:24 AM Saturday morning.

And my flight out leaves at 8:45 Sunday morning.. so I'd need a ride at about 7AM.

[Maxwell Q]

Sue in Fort Fun contacted me and said she could drop you off Sunday morning. I just E-mailed you asking for flight info because I did not think to check here first, before E-mailing you after Sue's message.

Maxwell Q

Thanks, but are you sure?

My flight gets in at 2:24 AM Saturday morning.

And my flight out leaves at 8:45 Sunday morning.. so I'd need a ride at about 7AM.

[Hank]

That's mighty kind of you both!

Here's my arrival info: America West 212 from Las Vegas Arrive: 2:24am Saturday 10/1.

[Mike in Buffalo]

Would I be able to piggyback on the ride to the airport Sunday morning? My flight time is also at 8:45 AM. (Hank, that wouldn't happen to be a Southwest flight to Chicago, would it?)

[Hank]

Would I be able to piggyback on the ride to the airport Sunday morning? My flight time is also at 8:45 AM. (Hank, that wouldn't happen to be a Southwest flight to Chicago, would it?)

You'd have to ask the driver - Sue in Fort Fun..but I'd guess it's no problem.

My flight is going to Phoenix.

[E=Mc²]

I leave in 8 days...8 days....the excitment is building.

[Jay]

I hope Hurricane Rita doesn't affect my travel plans. The current projections have it possibly affecting my area.

[NapaMac]

I'll be leaving this Saturday, Sept 24th, and heading out. Made reservations for Sunday and Monday, Sept. 25th & 26th, at Circus Circus KOA in Las Vegas. That's my rig ( The "NCWG?A Mobile") below that I am currently getting ready for the road trip.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-5/26082/YZMRT-Camper.jpg


Tuesday I'll be heading East again. I know that I will be stopping at the big hole in the ground that was caused by some kind of big rock from the sky, a few years ago.;)
Arriving in Albuerquerque on Sept. 29th, at the Club House Inn. I think I remember reserving a Suite a year ago.
So....See ya all soon!

Oh Yeah, I'll be bringing "Sarah" and her friend "Cory" along too.

Cheers!
NapaMac

[Hank]

I can't imagine what your fuel costs are going to be for this trip! Yikes. Who is "Sarah" and "Cory"?

[NapaMac]

You'll See!
Their very Friendly, and like to be Handled!;)
Stop by my room!
They will be at the Mass Assention on Sat. Oct. 1st too.

Cheers!
NapaMac

Ps. I'll be bringing wine for the Auction & Raffle! Are you bringing anythig?
(hint hint, nudge nudge):rolleyes:

[Hank]

Ps. I'll be bringing wine for the Auction & Raffle! Are you bringing anythig?
(hint hint, nudge nudge):rolleyes:

I'm not sure what you're hinting at, but I'll bring some of the few white t-shirts left over in the old George Store.

[Darren in B-ham]

I can't imagine what your fuel costs are going to be for this trip! Yikes. Who is "Sarah" and "Cory"?

Let's see.... 3000+ miles round trip from Birmingham to Albuquerque... I think we've budgeted about $500-600 in gas alone.

Can't wait, who cares how much it costs!

[~tasia~]

the budget on gas is : $414.57 lol!!

this is going to be a great road trip though!!

only 7 more days... can't wait!!

[Mike in Buffalo]

Yikes. Good thing you're collaborating with others then. That's a hefty price at the pump.:eek:

[Jay]

In case anyone is wondering: I'm still planning to go. If there are major problems at my apartment, I may have to cancel out of practicality. But I'm optimistic at this point.

[LSU Fan in New Mexico]

In case anyone is wondering: I'm still planning to go. If there are major problems at my apartment, I may have to cancel out of practicality. But I'm optimistic at this point.

Good luck Jay..I am watching the news at 2:17 am Mtn time...storm is arriving at Sabine Pass! Not too far from you if I am not mistaken!

[E=Mc²]

Thought I would post this question here and maybe send an email as well. Do you know of any Indian Reservations that are not tourists traps or Ghost towns within driving distance....say 3-4 hours max?

[Darren in B-ham]

see my post on the SEF:

http://www.wheresgeorge.info/showthread.php?t=15375

[Sheri]

the budget on gas is : $414.57 lol!!

this is going to be a great road trip though!!

only 7 more days... can't wait!!

Use http://www.gasbuddy.com when you can while you're on your trip. It can be really helpful!

[NapaMac]

I'll be updating this in the Western Forum! (http://www.wheresgeorge.info/showthread.php?t=15426)

Cheers!
NapaMac

[Mojavewanderer]

Last year's Albuquerque gathering was the best I've been too. This time last year I was getting ready to leave in the morning in my new truck (I've still got the rock chip I picked up outside of Flagstaff, but it is a full blown crack now though). This year I have a custody hearing and a blown transfer case. Have fun everybody, I'll be thinking of you!

[Jan]

Hope y'all have a GREAT Gathering, and hope to see lots of pics!!

[Jay]

Hope y'all have a GREAT Gathering, and hope to see lots of pics!!I'm bringing two cameras! :D

[Rowan the Rose Gypsy]

Just a few more hours! I fly out right after work and get in about 10pm. Anyone else coming in tonight want to share a cab from the aiport? The shuttle doesn't run after 8pm.

Rowan

[Todd]

I'm staying in Albuquerque tonight (9/29) while I'm driving a truck from Tulsa, OK to San Jose, CA. I got to leave in the morning but I wish I could stay thru the weekend. I'm staying at the Best Western on Central @ Tramway near I-40. Anyone in town early?

Todd

[NapaMac]

I'm in town as well as Flobees, and Niffer. They are at dinner right now, 5:25 pacific time. I'll be here along with them. Here, is the Clubhouse Inn, 1315 Menaul Blvd. NE, 505-345-0010. I'm in rm 175. I may be on line, so the phone might ring busy. Use my cell 707-257-2644.

Maxwell Q just walked in!!!!

Give me a call

Cheers!
NapaMac

[NapaMac]

Correction........


Not Flobees, I mean Foggett (sp). I really got to lear how to spell these east coast names.

Like this place, 2 free drinks until 7pm.

Cheers!
NapaMac

[Todd]

I don't know if I can take driving my truck anymore today, lol. I drove from El Reno, OK to Albuquerque. The Best Western, I'm staying at, is not to far from Lobo Anime.

Todd

[Equipment Goddess]

As soon as I get the rest of my bill intered, I'm on my way....should be there in 3 hours..Last year was so much fun, I KNOW this year will be just a good!
EG

[RalphieBoy]

Y'all have a great time! Take lots of pics! :)

As soon as I get the rest of my bill intered, I'm on my way....should be there in 3 hours..Last year was so much fun, I KNOW this year will be just a good!
EG

[HbG]

Y'all have a great time! Take lots of pics! :)

I think the only people attending this gathering that I have NOT met....are Jay and Niffer. Seems like alot of second-timers this year. Wooo Hooo!

HbG

[Firefighters Wife]

FFW is in room 203. :)

[Hank]

Well, my flight to Vegas is delayed 25 minutes, leaving only 20 minutues to make my connection to Albuquerque. There's a good chance I'll miss the connection, and the next flight out it 7AM Saturday arriving Albuquerque at about noon. So, I'll make the gathering, but I might miss the balloons. :(

I'll post again with an update if I can.. and for sure if I miss the connection. If I DON'T post again with an update, assume I made the connection and will need Maxwell's ride at 2:30AM.

edit: I looked into driving, and it's 550 miles to drive -about 8 hours.. so I'd still miss the balloons.

[Jan]

Dmnnn HANK... Keeping fingers crossed you make it!!

[Hank]

One more thing.. if the obsessed....sorry, I mean "dedicated".. among you want to track my flight, I'm on America West, flight 374 from Boston to Las Vegas. Seat 18A. I'm about to get in line, so I'll be signing off until I miss the connection in Vegas. ;)

[Maxwell Q]

If you miss your connecting flight, I would ask American West for some kind of discount for the problems they might have caused you.

[Kathryn]

I think the only people attending this gathering that I have NOT met....are Jay and Niffer. Seems like alot of second-timers this year. Wooo Hooo!

HbG

I haven't met you before, but I have met you now! ;)

[Dave From Central MAss]

Looks like Hank made his connection. :)

[Hank]

Yuppers. A bit sleepy, but I'm here.

[HbG]

so I'm not going to repeat them here.

What a blast though. I DID meet about a half dozen people I'd never met before, Including : Jay, Skruphy (sp?) Niffer, Kathryn (who now lives in Vegas), Miss P, Trucker Jimbo, Team Where's George Racer and CK.

If I forgot someone's name, I'll edit this and add it later. Now it's time to pack and hang out some more.

HbG

[HbG]

in spite of having a rental car and cruising about the city alot yesterday, I got lost for over TWO HOURS , trying to get to the balloon fiesta. This should amuse Ron.

The handout we were given showed, taking a right (out of the hotel parking lot) , taking a right onto Edith and another right on Osuna. Easy, huh?

Well, I was downstairs for the breakfast and we had quite the crowd there at the time. I went back upstairs to get some shoes on, brush my teeth, get my stuff and come back down. Well everyone was gone from the lobby, so I couldn't follow anyone.

NO PROBLEM, I have a city map but nothing meshed with what was on the handout. I drove down Menual (sp?) looking at all of the major street crossings, for EDITH. I drove until Menual ended....STILL no EDITH. So I turn around and backtrack. On the way back....no EDITH. Remember...it's still dark and if Edith has a small sign....I wouldn't spot it....which I didn't. No problem....maybe it's on the WEST side of Menal street. So began my treck across Albuquerque on a wild goose chase. Of course I didn't find EDITH (she was no where to be found and no matter how I looked at my map, the words of the smaller streets were too small for my poor eyesight to see! FINALLY, I cut over to Lomas. I ask for directions. I'm sent down Lomas and evenutally find EDITH. I go down this residential...then warehouse street and end up at Menual (the cross street I'm looking for is Osuna. Never found it). Since Edith dead-ended at Menual....I figure iOsuna is on the OTHER sideo of Lomas. SO I turn around and end up another five miles or so....going though a speed bump, a stop sign, a speed bump, a stop sign, (this went on forever). FINALLY, I was tired of the stopping and starting and saw a woman crossing the street and asked for Edith and Osuna. She puts me on the freeway and I find the Osuna exit. I still get lost....by now...the sun is up and I see balloons filling the sky. *sigh* I can't recall which street I take but I decide now to forget finding the park and ride and simply head toward the Sandia Mountains and the balloons. Maybe I'll find a P & Ride bus and follow it.
I never saw a single bus. Finally after reaching...I'd say Wyoming street... I stop at a 7-11 for coffee and more directions.
From there...a guy tells me about a P & Ride at a mall (forgot the name). I get to the mall and it seems suspiciously empty of parked cars and buses picking up people. But someone at 7-11 had mentioned a P & R on Academy street....which I ran across. I drive most of the length of Academy street and never find a P & R . But I see hot air balloons landing in nearby fields....one landed on Academy in the lane coming up the hill....I was going down the hill. Finally, I see a strip mall along the (I'd guess) southern boarder of the Albuquerque Academy (they have a HUGE campus). There was a starbucks there, people sitting outside and watching balloons drop out of the sky, into nearby fields. So I grab my coffee and start working the crowd. "Do you know where the nearest Park and Ride is?" I found a local woman who gave me the first set of decent directions I've had since I picked up my rental car. I drive DIRECTLY to the P & R. There is still parking available...I wasn't there long , when a bus came along and I climbed aboard with a couple. This was their first time at the balloon fiesta and she was most excited about it. The bus dropped us off out front. There were TONS of people in line to leave. I walked straight out onto the field to see the last two or three balloons take off. It was 9 am at this point. *sigh* (THANK GOD I went last year and got their early to witness the whole ascention) So I wandered around. The lines were too long for food or drink. I didn't want to spend my entire time there, waiting in lines. I only waited in one line at the GEIKO booth, to spin the wheel for a prize. Got a cheesy necklace which I left at another display....someone else can have it. I DID pick up a couple of the calendars for souveniers. THey were only $5 ea. Last year...one cost me $10 at our hotel. Go figure.
I went through the souvenier tent. T-shirts started at $18 and sweatshirts were like $38 and up. I have my personal shirt so I didn't get another one. PLUS I still haven't picked up my WG shirt yet.

Anyhoooo.... I was only at the fiesta for about 30 -45 minutes. When I was in the Geiko line...a fellow georger spotted me and said HI....heck...she TOLD me about spinning the wheel. Can't remember her name....SPanky, Skimpy. Drats!
I saw Fogette when I was heading for the bus line....which was disorganized, confusing and about two city blocks long. When all was said and done, I'd spent more time standing in lines than at the event. Oh well....the rest of the day HAS to get better. So far...haven't hurt the knee and the old back is holding up.

We couldn't have asked for better weather either. More later

HbG

[HbG]

It's been over a day since I returned home and I STILL haven't fully unpacked my suitcase! Argh! Just too much going on around here right now.

BUT, before I get into posting pics....hits from bills spent in NM and such...there is one last ADVENTURE I haven't posted yet.

The last long one is called 'Lost and Found'. Heh....this one is LOST AND FOUND, DEAUX!!!

On Sunday morning...we were pretty much on our own. Some of the cachers had a caching 'event' to attend. It was in a park in Albuquerque and was a pot luck. So when I finally got up and padded downstairs to the breakfast room, I only got a cup of coffee and one of OJ. Then I jumped on the computer to check hits and e-mail.

Needless to say...the cachers got a head start on me and a couple of them made sure I had their cell phone numbers and they said they'd give me 'directions' to the cache event. (frankly, I didn't have enough time to visit with Carol from Elk Grove and her hubby and I was hoping to visit with them some more.....NOT!)

ANYHOOO.... I finally get shoes on, get my teeth brushed and grab my stuff. I call one of these guys...not sure which....but he gets me headed in the right direction. 'It's not far' ...I'm promised. I'm instructed to drive down Menual to Lomas....turn left there and find Pheonix street....then I'm there. Little did I know that Phoenix street is only a block from Menual....I drive past it as there was a tree branch obstructing part of the sign and I didn't really start reading street signs until I could read the ones that were unobstructed. I drive on and on. I go through one major intersection after another. NO, Pheonix street. Finally, I'm crossing Camanche street and the last block of Lomas is a dead end. Finally, Maxwell Q calls and I describe where I'm at. He has no idea where I went wrong and instructs me to drive back to Menual.

As I'm crossing Menual....I'm on the phone again....I'm instructed to 'cross' Menual and turn 'south'. (I really don't know what direction 'south ' is ....but after I cross Menual, there is NO street to the left and the one on the right is NOT Phoenix. *sigh*. Finally, I'm on the phone again. I'm not moving until I get better instructions!

Now I'm asked if I can see the Menual/Lomas intersection. YES.
Then I'm asked if I can see the restraunt with the RED ROOF. YES
Then I'm told to go back through Menual street and Phoenix is the first cross street there....I'm told to take a left. OK....I hang up and follow the directions. I drive into a WalMart parking lot. *sigh* I drive to the side and back of this WalMart....still no park.

Now I"m BACK on the phone with Maxwell Q , who must ....by this time, realize that I'm hopelessly lost. He says 'stay put' and he comes to find me.
So he drives up and I follow him to the OTHER side of Lomas and just a block down...is the 'breakfast' pot luck. *whew!*

Did I mention that NOTHING comes easily for me? This is just another one of those times. Needless to say....Carol from Elk Grove and hubby were already gone at this point. BUT I did get to see Terri and her hubby, who owns an awesome hog. We were chatting but the motorcycle was a nice distraction.

Well....I DID get a couple of travel bugs out of the deal AND another famous Godmother driving tours of Albuquerque!

HbG (HEY , I can read a map! I just need NEW glasses! lol)

[Dave From Central MAss]

Remind me to never let you navagate a car I am in. :D

[Darren in B-ham]

I took tasia to the airport this AM, so barring any unfortunate events, all the road trippers have made it home safe and sound.

I will post more details later, but I wanted you all to know that we are safe and (mostly) home.

--Darren

[~tasia~]

i'm home... yay!

here's some good advice - if you ever want to go on a 25 hr road trip and then come home about 3 days later... pass on that!!

off to pass out now... so far 4 hits from the trip - none from the random georger that some of us met on the top of the mountain...

[Jay]

Some more info on the aforementioned random Georger.

The "SE roadtripping group" (Darren, CK, Tasia, Skuphy, and myself) decided not to wait for the tramway but rather to drive to the top of the Sandia mountain. In the process we went the worng way three separate times but eventually made it there.

After enjoying the beautiful sight from the crest, we went into the snack bar to have lunch. I went in first, ahead of the others who were either still ou the observation deck or in the gift shop. I go to the counter and order a hamburger. I pay with my marked bills. Immediately he recognizes the stamps and identifies himself as a Georger. Chris is his name, if I'm not mistaken, and he's been Georging for over two years. He had no idea the gathering was going on.

All in all, it was great. I had a blast at every event and stop on the trip. The only negatives were arguing with my car mates about directions, almost being late for a few things and watching drivers almost fall asleep at the wheel. But those are dust in the wind.

I'm working on organizing my photos from the trip and will be adding them to my Yahoo Photo gallery sometime this week.