Oregon Coast excursion (cancelled for now)
posted May 28, 2013 9:28 PM RSS
Maybe next year!
Alright, well, this fell apart! It was a lot more organization-intensive than I thought it'd be; sorry about that, everyone. =(
Sounds fun.
August, post summer term would be ideal.
posted by nickthetourist at 7:32 AM on May 29, 2013
August, post summer term would be ideal.
posted by nickthetourist at 7:32 AM on May 29, 2013
My vote is for early July, before the seriously hot weather tends to hit.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:24 AM on May 30, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:24 AM on May 30, 2013
Although now that I look at historical weather data for the coast (as opposed to the Willamette valley), I see that seriously hot weather isn't so much of an issue. So never mind.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:29 AM on May 30, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:29 AM on May 30, 2013
I'd definitely be interested in this.
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:45 AM on June 3, 2013
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:45 AM on June 3, 2013
The coast is nice any time of year!
posted by Secretariat at 9:32 AM on June 4, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 9:32 AM on June 4, 2013
Hey, I like this idea! I have board games, and can bring snacks, and even have a Ford Focus wagon that can hold 5 people + gear.
Caveat: I will be out of town the weekend of July 13th and 14th.
posted by redsparkler at 8:45 PM on June 22, 2013
Caveat: I will be out of town the weekend of July 13th and 14th.
posted by redsparkler at 8:45 PM on June 22, 2013
As I said in the other thread, you can't go wrong with just about any of the northern half (at least) of the Oregon coast. And I'm also willing to take on a lot of kitchen-overseeing duty - as long as I can be guaranteed some slaves volunteers to assist me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:13 PM on June 23, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:13 PM on June 23, 2013
To expand on that, I'm willing to be responsible for not just overseeing/preparing meals, but also working one-on-one with the definite attendees to make sure that we're all able to eat well and nobody's specific needs get overlooked.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:19 PM on June 23, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:19 PM on June 23, 2013
I mentioned this house in the other thread, but I'll do it here, too.
Because castle.
posted by dersins at 11:27 PM on June 23, 2013
Because castle.
posted by dersins at 11:27 PM on June 23, 2013
That looks amazing, but currently the only time it's available for 2 nights in a row is the last week of August (Mon-Tues the 26th-27th), so if we want that then we need to snag it quick.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:37 PM on June 23, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:37 PM on June 23, 2013
I'd be pretty okay with those dates. Not sure if everyone else can/is willing to take a couple days off in August.
posted by curious nu at 6:30 AM on June 24, 2013
posted by curious nu at 6:30 AM on June 24, 2013
I could probably get those dates off, given some advance notice; but it would be easier for me to take either a Friday or a Monday off, and have the bulk of our time at the beach be over the weekend. On the other hand, (a) I know not all of us work regular M-F hours so I'm possibly in the minority on that issue, and (b) it may be harder to snag a Fri/Sat or a Sat/Sun reservation.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:59 AM on June 24, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:59 AM on June 24, 2013
I'm ok with those dates, but I'm easy.
posted by Secretariat at 10:21 AM on June 24, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 10:21 AM on June 24, 2013
Hmmm... I'm not sure if I can make those dates or not. There's a big typography convention in town the week before, so I don't know if I can get that much time off. We'll see.
posted by redsparkler at 8:37 PM on June 25, 2013
posted by redsparkler at 8:37 PM on June 25, 2013
Can't do during the week - we'll be in the middle of a test cycle then.
posted by fiercekitten at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013
posted by fiercekitten at 10:26 PM on June 25, 2013
Well, then we are going to have to expand our search. Perhaps we should decide on dates first and then location.
A quick search of the central coast for the third weekend in August turns up these possibilities:
This one is right on the water
This one is also right on the water and has a hot tub
This one has a Foosball table
This one has Foosball and table tennis
posted by mimo at 8:55 AM on June 26, 2013
A quick search of the central coast for the third weekend in August turns up these possibilities:
This one is right on the water
This one is also right on the water and has a hot tub
This one has a Foosball table
This one has Foosball and table tennis
posted by mimo at 8:55 AM on June 26, 2013
Good finds! I think I like the first two best, but they're all nice. I do find the decor of the 3rd one a little grating, but I'm sure it would still be ok.
posted by Secretariat at 12:35 PM on June 26, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 12:35 PM on June 26, 2013
I'm in favor of the first house, which is open Aug 16-17 (Friday night - Sunday morning). The second is OK too, and has more weekend dates open.
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:31 PM on June 26, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:31 PM on June 26, 2013
Its the staged ugliness that makes me dislike the third house.
posted by fiercekitten at 5:37 PM on June 26, 2013
posted by fiercekitten at 5:37 PM on June 26, 2013
Are bunk beds a plus or a minus? Telescopes are a plus. August 16th weekend works for me.
posted by Secretariat at 7:19 PM on June 30, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 7:19 PM on June 30, 2013
Some people might think bunk beds are keen.
We should get our act together soon or start planning a day trip. The weekend of the 16th works, as does the 23rd.
posted by mimo at 8:39 AM on July 1, 2013
We should get our act together soon or start planning a day trip. The weekend of the 16th works, as does the 23rd.
posted by mimo at 8:39 AM on July 1, 2013
I second the motion. I'll even raise it to suggest two separate day trips, if we go that route; in addition to a beach trip I'd enjoy a group picnic, say, in the shade of the sighing pines at Trillium Lake for instance.
(also, any August date is fine with me)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:36 PM on July 1, 2013
(also, any August date is fine with me)
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:36 PM on July 1, 2013
If there isn't enough interest in renting a beach house, perhaps we can plan a day meetup on-site, and organize any sort of overnight rental off-site?
Or, if there are more people actively interested in the overnight, please speak up about dates that work for you and preferences on locations! It seemed like there were a number of people at that last meetup that might have been interested.
Based on this thread's activity, here's a guess:
Yes:
Greg Ace
mimo
curious nu
Secretariat
cortex
Maybe:
fiercekitten
nickthetourist
Redsparkler
Lutoslawski
Super Maybe (as in, I feel like it is unclear if the possible location or dates would work for these people, or if they're more interested in the idea of an overnight or a day trip):
dersins (if we can't book the castle, are you still interested?)
homodachi
Tsuga
grootless
posted by Secretariat at 11:42 AM on July 2, 2013
Or, if there are more people actively interested in the overnight, please speak up about dates that work for you and preferences on locations! It seemed like there were a number of people at that last meetup that might have been interested.
Based on this thread's activity, here's a guess:
Yes:
Greg Ace
mimo
curious nu
Secretariat
cortex
Maybe:
fiercekitten
nickthetourist
Redsparkler
Lutoslawski
Super Maybe (as in, I feel like it is unclear if the possible location or dates would work for these people, or if they're more interested in the idea of an overnight or a day trip):
dersins (if we can't book the castle, are you still interested?)
homodachi
Tsuga
grootless
posted by Secretariat at 11:42 AM on July 2, 2013
Confirming my "yes", and that any weekend-based date (Fri. + Sat. nights, or Sat. + Sun. nights) is okay with me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:31 PM on July 2, 2013
Hey, sorry for lack of response on my part, last week got away from me and then.. so was this week.
At this point I was also leaning towards a day-only trip due to both spotty response and the realization that trying to manage up to 12 different schedules + payments + booking was maybe a little too complicated for me at this point. ;)
In which case: what's a good place for a day trip? Newport's big and has touristy stuff, but is, what, 3 hours? Maybe a little much for a day. Astoria's a little closer at 2 hours, but I'm not sure what all is there. Probably some little beaches in between that might be nice, and I think those all clock in at 1.5 to 2 hours.
posted by curious nu at 9:07 PM on July 2, 2013
At this point I was also leaning towards a day-only trip due to both spotty response and the realization that trying to manage up to 12 different schedules + payments + booking was maybe a little too complicated for me at this point. ;)
In which case: what's a good place for a day trip? Newport's big and has touristy stuff, but is, what, 3 hours? Maybe a little much for a day. Astoria's a little closer at 2 hours, but I'm not sure what all is there. Probably some little beaches in between that might be nice, and I think those all clock in at 1.5 to 2 hours.
posted by curious nu at 9:07 PM on July 2, 2013
I've never visited Seaside but I do know it has a nice sandy beach AND access to Ecola St. Park nearby. And apparently they also have an aquarium.
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:17 AM on July 3, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:17 AM on July 3, 2013
Astoria is a cool town, but doesn't have much beach or that beach feel. It does have a neat 4.1 mile long partially floating bridge from Oregon to Washington, the Astoria Column, and a couple of interesting breweries.
Seaside- there's a reason that Seaside is the classic tourist/kids/teens whatever beach trip- it's pretty much the ocean beach that is shortest drive from Portland. There are plenty of shops with shells with googly eyes, kites, salt water taffy, and t shirts. There's also an area with an arcade, bumper cars, and a tilt-a-whirl. The beach is easy to access all along the edge of town from a historic cement promenade, and there's a lot of sandy area with volleyball nets, kite flying, and kids playing catch.
The aquarium that I remember, with the seals, is right off the beach- you kind of walk in a door, pay your money, and suddenly, there's these seals right there that you can throw fish to. It's been years and years since I've been there, so I assume (I hope) that they've fixed up the place, but I don't remember it being a particularly natural-looking environment for seals- unlike the sea lion enclosure at the Newport aquarium. But maybe what I'm remembering is just the area where they line up to be fed.
Apparently, there's also a treasure hunt.
And I'd imagine there's a few good restaurants. I think we could have a fun meetup there.
posted by Secretariat at 10:46 AM on July 6, 2013
Seaside- there's a reason that Seaside is the classic tourist/kids/teens whatever beach trip- it's pretty much the ocean beach that is shortest drive from Portland. There are plenty of shops with shells with googly eyes, kites, salt water taffy, and t shirts. There's also an area with an arcade, bumper cars, and a tilt-a-whirl. The beach is easy to access all along the edge of town from a historic cement promenade, and there's a lot of sandy area with volleyball nets, kite flying, and kids playing catch.
The aquarium that I remember, with the seals, is right off the beach- you kind of walk in a door, pay your money, and suddenly, there's these seals right there that you can throw fish to. It's been years and years since I've been there, so I assume (I hope) that they've fixed up the place, but I don't remember it being a particularly natural-looking environment for seals- unlike the sea lion enclosure at the Newport aquarium. But maybe what I'm remembering is just the area where they line up to be fed.
Apparently, there's also a treasure hunt.
And I'd imagine there's a few good restaurants. I think we could have a fun meetup there.
posted by Secretariat at 10:46 AM on July 6, 2013
Wait, no overnight trip, then? Aw. I blame myself, for abandoning the planning process and just assuming it would happen.
Astoria is pretty cool, but I've always viewed it as more of an awesome town that just happens to be on the coast, rather than a beachy getaway.
Despite my earlier objections, I could see Seaside working pretty well for a Mefi day trip, for the same reason it's good for highschoolers; everybody can mill about doing a variety of random things and then regroup easily.
posted by redsparkler at 8:13 PM on July 9, 2013
Astoria is pretty cool, but I've always viewed it as more of an awesome town that just happens to be on the coast, rather than a beachy getaway.
Despite my earlier objections, I could see Seaside working pretty well for a Mefi day trip, for the same reason it's good for highschoolers; everybody can mill about doing a variety of random things and then regroup easily.
posted by redsparkler at 8:13 PM on July 9, 2013
I fear that a castle overlooking the ocean is out for this year. There has been some discussion about techniques for herding cats next year.
Current discussion centers around the day trip option.
posted by mimo at 10:39 AM on July 16, 2013
Current discussion centers around the day trip option.
posted by mimo at 10:39 AM on July 16, 2013
Said "current" discussion is currently a week old, thus prompting my question.
Are we still considering a day trip? If so, let's specify a destination and date so that all the "maybe" folks - which, at this point, includes everyone - can commit to it or not.
I'll go first and nominate Seaside on either August 17 or 24, since those weekends were mentioned upthread.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:28 AM on July 16, 2013
Are we still considering a day trip? If so, let's specify a destination and date so that all the "maybe" folks - which, at this point, includes everyone - can commit to it or not.
I'll go first and nominate Seaside on either August 17 or 24, since those weekends were mentioned upthread.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:28 AM on July 16, 2013
We're having a similar problem here to what I was having in the camping thread. Perhaps the organizer should pick the location with the most appeal and an available date? Seaside or Ecola State park both are close. If there a beach where we can burn things we could make that the central point and go from there.
posted by fiercekitten at 3:47 PM on July 21, 2013
posted by fiercekitten at 3:47 PM on July 21, 2013
I would go to the beach on either the 24th or the 17th. This is a day trip, yes? Do people burn stuff during the day?
posted by Secretariat at 9:10 AM on July 23, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 9:10 AM on July 23, 2013
People burn stuff all the time. I don't think there's a night only rule, just a general tradition.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:15 AM on July 25, 2013
posted by fiercekitten at 7:15 AM on July 25, 2013
Pyros! I guess I'll have to keep an eye on my flammables.
posted by Secretariat at 11:02 PM on July 25, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 11:02 PM on July 25, 2013
We are camping and whitewater-rafting the 17th to the 19th . . . if it's the 24th, I'm in.
posted by grootless at 11:53 AM on July 27, 2013
posted by grootless at 11:53 AM on July 27, 2013
There's a date for this now, August 24th (just in case there's anyone else like me who is checking in via recent activity and didn't notice).
posted by Secretariat at 2:09 PM on July 30, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 2:09 PM on July 30, 2013
I sent a memail notification, I thought, but yes: 24th. Gecko posted Enchanted Forest with a possible date of the 17th and so I thought I'd just put it for here.
posted by curious nu at 7:02 PM on July 30, 2013
posted by curious nu at 7:02 PM on July 30, 2013
Meet there? Carpool? Coordinate food, combustibles, activities? (And what about Naomi?)
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:10 PM on August 1, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 2:10 PM on August 1, 2013
Just a heads-up that the Hood to Coast relay will be ending that afternoon/evening (Sat, Aug 24) in Seaside. Expect lots of traffic, and difficult parking by the beach. :(
posted by homodachi at 9:01 AM on August 5, 2013
posted by homodachi at 9:01 AM on August 5, 2013
Oh no- that's a problem. Beach traffic is the worst. What if we met up in Cannon Beach, do you think there would still be a lot of Hood to Coast traffic? Do you think 26 will be traffic-y heading home?
posted by Secretariat at 9:26 AM on August 5, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 9:26 AM on August 5, 2013
I think 26 will be pretty bad both ways.
Westbound: If you click "Drivers Guide PDF" link at the bottom of the page, you'll see the proposed van routes. Note that there are two vans for every team, so while one van is following the runners' route, the other is racing toward the next van exchange, most likely via 26.
Eastbound: some HTC people will be driving home Saturday night. Traffic may be lighter on Sunday, but other HTC folks (including me!) will be driving back that day.
posted by homodachi at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2013
Westbound: If you click "Drivers Guide PDF" link at the bottom of the page, you'll see the proposed van routes. Note that there are two vans for every team, so while one van is following the runners' route, the other is racing toward the next van exchange, most likely via 26.
Eastbound: some HTC people will be driving home Saturday night. Traffic may be lighter on Sunday, but other HTC folks (including me!) will be driving back that day.
posted by homodachi at 10:43 AM on August 5, 2013
I don't think I've ever been on 26 when it wasn't busy (except for the time I started out at 6am to catch the sunrise on the coast).
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:53 AM on August 5, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 10:53 AM on August 5, 2013
Wow. Thanks for the warning. (and good luck with HTC!) I don't think this is a good day for a trip to the beach, unless we want to choose a different location.
posted by Secretariat at 10:56 AM on August 5, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 10:56 AM on August 5, 2013
We could head to Astoria via US-30, maybe, or Lincoln City? Either's closer to two hours each way instead of one...
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 12:18 PM on August 5, 2013
Oof. Maybe I'll move it to early September?
posted by curious nu at 12:49 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by curious nu at 12:49 PM on August 5, 2013
US-30 is also a recommended alternate route for HTC drivers. Either way, you're going to be up against vans in (reportedly) bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to make it to the finish line before their last runner does. I recommend trying another weekend, or going waaay south.
posted by homodachi at 12:55 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by homodachi at 12:55 PM on August 5, 2013
Maybe I'll move it to early September?
Not the weekend of the 13th, nor Saturday the 21st....
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:03 PM on August 5, 2013
Not the weekend of the 13th, nor Saturday the 21st....
posted by Greg_Ace at 1:03 PM on August 5, 2013
How about August 31st, or September 1st? That's labor day weekend.
posted by Secretariat at 1:55 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by Secretariat at 1:55 PM on August 5, 2013
So we can hit Labor Day beach traffic instead? ;-) That weekend is okay with me.
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:10 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 3:10 PM on August 5, 2013
Man, I'm tempted to call this a wash at this point.
posted by curious nu at 8:45 PM on August 5, 2013
posted by curious nu at 8:45 PM on August 5, 2013
At this point it looks like cortex may be going to the beach by himself. I think there is the will to do this, but we didn't go about planning in the most effective way. A group of people from work just managed to pull off a trip of 20 to Florence for the weekend and the camping trip is a go, so I think it can be done. I have some ideas for making this happen next year.
posted by mimo at 5:59 AM on August 6, 2013
posted by mimo at 5:59 AM on August 6, 2013
Heh. I'm terrible about my Yes/Maybe/No maintenance, but have now duly followed the crowd to Polite Maybesville so as to avoid sending the wrong signal. I agree with the Good Idea, Didn't Work Out diagnosis, yeah. We'll put it off eventually.
posted by cortex at 7:32 AM on August 6, 2013
posted by cortex at 7:32 AM on August 6, 2013
For the record, I only went to "Maybe" until a new date got firmed up. Oh well.
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:14 AM on August 6, 2013
posted by Greg_Ace at 8:14 AM on August 6, 2013
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by dersins at 1:20 AM on May 29, 2013