POTN swap meet? California

[solinger]

I just had a lightbulb go off over my head. How about a POTN swap meet in Central California early next year?

I was thinking that we could all meet somewhere in the middle and organize a swap meet photo event of our own. I wouldn't think we would need any permits since we would just be a group getting together to talk about camera gear. We would be able to meet up take some pictures get to know each other and maybe sell some gear we have laying around.

If there is any interest I'd be willing to help organize.

[Edit] Could a Mod add California to my title? Thanks in advance.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I wish more people lived around me...I'd LOVE to do that.

[SWPhotoImaging]

Where in No Cal are you? Perhaps a local camera store would sponsor the swap meet and provide a parking lot for it. Some of the stores in larger cities do these fairly often.

[solinger]

Sonoma County. I was thinking Central California so that we could have members from SoCal as well.

[kaitanium]

thats pretty geeky but i love it!

[Steve Parr]

Depending on where and when, I'd dig it...

Steve

[MegaTron]

How about something in the LA area?

[Kraig C]

LA is not central coast :P

[MegaTron]

I know its not, but there isnt much in central Cali, unless you guys want to go shooting in Bakersfield or Fresno or something :rolleyes:.

If I were to attend something like this, id rather drive all the way up north, or have the northerner come all the way down, but meeting halfway at nowhere seems kind of pointless to me. Unless you guys know of a nice easy spot in central Cali?

Well, this swap meet thing wasnt my idea, but those are just my 2 cents.

[Skip Souza]

Hey! I'm in central California, Gateway to the Sequioas. Just south of Fresno. Just don't come in the middle of summer.
Yosemite is out of Fresno. Central coast has places like Morro Bay.
We'er good for it all.

[belmondo]

This sounds like an idea with some merit. I have plenty of 'stuff' that could probably use a new home (including a couple used-up credit cards). The Fresno area really is a good mid-point between NorCal and SoCal. I've heard they have all the amenities there including electricity and running water, too.

[Dante King]

... I've heard they have all the amenities there including electricity and running water, too.

Hell, when did they add that? I hear it's still untamed wilderness. I would be game. Lets take this one step further and make it a convention, not only a swapmeet. Maybe we could have learning sessions, photo outings and the like with raging parties, I mean workshops in the evenings.

[belmondo]

Hell, when did they add that? I hear it's still untamed wilderness. I would be game. Lets take this one step further and make it a convention, not only a swapmeet. Maybe we could have learning sessions, photo outings and the like with raging parties, I mean workshops in the evenings.

Good idea. Too bad it's so far from your pots and pans. You could cater it.

[Dante King]

Good idea. Too bad it's so far from your pots and pans. You could cater it.

Well then lets have it in my area. Bay area is GREAT for photo outings and the like.

[Maureen Souza]

Of course I think Central Calif. is a GRAND place for a POTN swap meet. I would be happy to help plan & organize...... Skip and I have a pretty flexible schedule so PM me when you have something in mind, Solinger.

[kaitanium]

bay area baby =P

[Maureen Souza]

I would go north or south but for those who are coming north or going south, that just makes for a terribly long drive. Meeting in the middle is much better for a short get-together.

[drew420]

How about Santa Barbara?

[solinger]

How about Santa Barbara?

hmmm... What day of the week is it that everyone has BBQ for sale in all of the parking lots down there?

[bvi steve]

I'm near San Luis Obispo. I think it's a swell idea.

[Kraig C]

bay area baby =P

Yes, Please! Monterey bay though, although, the south bay area has some interesting hiking trails near the permenente mine and stevens creek.

Big sur has an overwintering bird population, close enough to monterey bay marine sanctuary, lots of possibilities here.

Besides shooting, I'd be interested in picking up a decent lens

[Kevin]

I live in Morro Bay, but spent most of my life in Fresno. Count me in.

[solinger]

Sounds like we have a group that is interested. How about after the holidays I'll bring this post back to life and we can get some stuff worked out.

[Skip Souza]

I live in Morro Bay, but spent most of my life in Fresno. Count me in.
Smart move :lol: :lol: :lol:

[bvi steve]

Please don't do it between jan 18-feb 2, 2006. My girlfriend and I will be on vacation.Grenada and bvi here we come. Photo opps abound, 74 and counting.

[Ruffneck]

Please keep me in mind when you're planning the Swap Meet! I'd be coming from Vegas but I don't mind the extended motorcycle trip!

[nat869]

I am in Santa Cruz!!! A swap meet sounds great.

[Citizensmith]

There are a few of us in Sacramento and San Fransisco. I'd certainly be interested in a northern or central california meet. Of course I haven't actually met any of the local folks. Something I should try and remedy sooner or later.

I'd rather the meet was somewhere photo worthy. I'd go for Yosemite, Monterey, anywhere like that. Of course I also think the state capitol has plenty to offer. :)

As for the swap part, I've got a 24 f/2.8 if anyone wants to trade it for a 24-105 f/4 IS.

[KevM]

I would like to go to a swap meet. I am in the Sacramento area.

[Citizensmith]

I think there are 4 of us in Sacramento, and folks down the road in SF. We should probably do something local too.

[Tom W]

This sounds like an idea with some merit. I have plenty of 'stuff' that could probably use a new home (including a couple used-up credit cards). The Fresno area really is a good mid-point between NorCal and SoCal. I've heard they have all the amenities there including electricity and running water, too.

If you go, there should be an abundance of door prizes - tripods for all. :)

[belmondo]

If you go, there should be an abundance of door prizes - tripods for all. :)

As it says in my sig:

I didn’t forget the tripod; I loved it so much I set it free.

[cmM]

I'm interested.

[SWPhotoImaging]

< - - - Sacto area as well. What do you want to swap? I have a garage full of junk . . .

[UncleDoug]

Sounds like a good time.
Nothing to "swap" but wouldn't mind meeting anyone from this forum! :D
The name - face thing....

[belmondo]

Sounds like a good time.
Nothing to "swap" but wouldn't mind meeting anyone from this forum! :D
The name - face thing....

I'll wear a pillow case over my head to spare you all the face part of it. It seems the least I can do.

If we're going to do a statewide thing, I think we need to keep in mind that most of our members are going to be concentrated in two population centers roughly 400-odd miles apart. The fairest thing to do would be to try and split that distance. Fresno, while not necessarily scenic, is a good midpoint, easy to get to, and not terribly far from some spectacular scenery. Another option might be somewhere around Morro Bay/Arroyo Grande or San Luis Obispo, which are near the ocean.

I also think such a gathering would be a lot of fun, and very possibly educational.

[solinger]

There is a ton of stuff down in the San Luis Obispo area... that may be a great option.

[SWPhotoImaging]

Sounds like a good time.
Nothing to "swap" but wouldn't mind meeting anyone from this forum! :D
The name - face thing....

The last competition should help with that one . . for some people anyway.

[SWPhotoImaging]

The San Luis Obispo area has endless photo locations. Morro Bay, the surfing beach (the strand?) just north of MB, Cambria for seals, otters, tidepools, rocks, and San Simeon for elephant seals. Also some great trees, rocks, etc along the coast there.

[cmM]

I'll wear a pillow case over my head to spare you all the face part of it. It seems the least I can do.

Poke a couple holes in it and you'll look like a KKK leader :-P

[Skip Souza]

cmM beat me to it :-)
Can't you just see Belmondo on a horse?
Poor horse.

[belmondo]

cmM beat me to it :-)
Can't you just see Belmondo on a horse?
Poor horse.

Might as well feel sorry for the saddle, too.:lol:

[Maureen Souza]

I am seriously open to the coastal area as winter/early spring months here are dreary and often fog laden while the coast is gorgeous. I'd like to shoot for February or March if that works out...something to look forward to before springtime hits. This sounds like a total blast!!

[Citizensmith]

Something Monterey-ish would be great for me.

I'd probably grab a hotel room and stay for the weekend if we did it somewhere good. Could be fun if there are a few of us. Go out, get dinner, beers, then try and get up at the crack of dawn for some nice morning light while acting like you didnt drink too much the night before.

[Hikin Mike]

Just saw this post. I live about 60 miles north of Fresburgh (Fresno) and I don't have anything to swap, but depending on how I'm doing, would love to drive out to meet some folks! Yosemite is my first choice, but I haven't been to Monterey in a few years...

[lmitch6]

I'd be interested too. I'm in Costa Mesa, having just moved here from out east, I'm looking for a reason to explore my new home! Keep us posted!

[gmaize]

I'm staying tuned to this one. Would love to meet all the fine folks of POTN in my home state. Name the time and place and we'll get it on the calendar.

--gmaize

[solinger]

With the recent who is from california post I thought I'd bring this one up again.

So far we have a range of locations we could meet up at. Lets get a list together and set up a poll. That way we can work out hotel rates and such. The more people the cheaper the rooms etc.

[SWPhotoImaging]

I could do a long weekend in the SLO/Cambria region almost any time.

[Citizensmith]

So far we have a range of locations we could meet up at. Lets get a list together and set up a poll. That way we can work out hotel rates and such. The more people the cheaper the rooms etc.

Good idea. Lets get a list going of places to add to the poll.

I'll kick it off with...
Monterey
Yosemite (or just outside it)
Sacramento

Once we have 10 or more suggestions lets turn it into a poll.

[ayotnoms]

San Luis Obispo
Big Sur
I-5, exit 133 j/k :)

[Citizensmith]

I-5, exit 133 j/k :)

Dude, exit 127 is waaay nicer than that crappy 133 hell hole.

Or am I thinking about 143? Which is the one without any abandoned shopping carts?

[ayotnoms]

Dude, exit 127 is waaay nicer than that crappy 133 hell hole.

Or am I thinking about 143? Which is the one without any abandoned shopping carts?
:lol: :lol:

[Cybnew]

I live on the central coast...morro bay, and cayucos (i go to school in cambria) to be exact..so if you need any information...lemme know, and i can get it...i would suggust maybe madonna inn...in san luis obispo...or possibly the cambria pines lodge

[Maureen Souza]

Yosemite
Cambria
Carmel/Monterrey

[solinger]

I live on the central coast...morro bay, and cayucos (i go to school in cambria) to be exact..so if you need any information...lemme know, and i can get it...i would suggust maybe madonna inn...in san luis obispo...or possibly the cambria pines lodge

The Madonna Inn is a cool place. Might be too pricey for some. I think my room there was about $350 per night ten years ago...

[Cybnew]

Madonna Inn is a very expensive place to stay, but i was thinking that we could all meet there, and not necessarily stay there

[thomascanty]

Yosemite (or just outside it)

The Best Western in Oakhurst is pretty nice and not too expensive. I stayed there a couple years ago. They're dog friendly too, which is important to me.

[bvi steve]

Hi All, I vote for any place in san Luis county. The coast is great in the winter and the sea lions are in Piedreas blancos [sp] Jan-mar. Also ragged point has some great views. That said, i'm open to most anyplace within a couple hours drive.

[Citizensmith]

Looks like we are up to Yosemite, Monterey, Cambria, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Sacramento. Lets give it one more day and get a poll started.

[greg20d]

I am in stockton ....and work from fresno to Sacramento ....the 15th i have plans other than that im open .....greg...

[rcanzano]

Pismo Beach is a fun quaint little town with great clam chowder. Plus if you want to party at night Harry's is right by the pier. I used to play in a band that played there.

[Doom1701e]

I'd go, sign me up!

[Johnny Thunder]

I'm Game, give me a time and a place!

-Johnny

[DwightMcCann]

So, did there ever be a definitive time and place?

[SWPhotoImaging]

So, did there ever be a definitive time and place?

Doesn't appear so, yet, but it does sound like folks are zeroing in on your neighborhood, Dwight. Pretty soon, It'll be the great Solvang POTN meet.

[DwightMcCann]

Steven, I'm all for that, but would suggest we wait a few months until I can get my studio a little more completed (it is now just a 10' x 17' room with 9' ceiling next to my office that is filled with "stuff" that doesn't go anywhere else.) I have Bowens QUADX studio flash with four heads, an Epson 7800 printer, lots of computing power and high speed internet at home. I am very willing to share. I am also only about 40 minutes from Santa Barbara. I am right in the middle of Sideways Country wineries (one of which is a client ... I can probably set up a personalized tasting in Solvang.) It is also home to many bicycle races with superb biking roads, both road and mountain. And I can provide one bedroom for sure and probably talk my 4 year old into giving up her full-over-twin bunk bed (and sleep with us) and lots of floor space. If I can't make the Big Bear trip I will lobby for a Buellton meet. ;) Actually I'll lobby for it anyway.

[Maureen Souza]

I think it is time we got down to business, here.
The weather in Central California is less than dependable this time of year, rainy or foggy conditions prevail. The mountain roads can also be icy and and the weather snowy so I think the coastline is the place to go.

Let's talk a bout a DATE. Feb. 11-12 or 18-19 or 25-26? Can we make a decision on the date and then pick a Central coast area like Cambria, Morro Bay or Monterrey?

[DwightMcCann]

Maureen, it appears the southern group is committed to Valentine's weekend at Big Bear. I am not yet committed but am free for one or the other. Maybe you should see if you can swing them over to the coast ... I don't have chains for my truck camper.

[Cybnew]

i also agree on the cambria-morro bay-san luis idea...speaking of cambria...over 100 trees fell during this last storm there

[thomascanty]

I must have missed the other thread. There's a date for the Big Bear outing? But if it's on a weekend, I can't go... Hopefully this one will still be a possibility for me. Dwight's area is very doable for me. I was planning to head that way in March or April on my way to the San Francisco area. I might reschedule that trip though. I wanted to go to Dante's restaurant, and I don't know if he'll be reopened again by then...

[burntbizzkit]

I don't even live in CA, but would consider coming to this. Sounds like it could be quite a get-to-gether. 13 hours isn't that bad of a drive...is it?

Here's a *bump* to see if this thing can get a date. :)

[burntbizzkit]

BTW - if I may vote for a date, the February 18-19 weekend looks good because many people may have the Presidents' Day Holiday off.

[rcanzano]

Dwight

Beullton! I used to get gas there all the time. Used to be an Arco, now I think it's a Tom's Gas or something. Many a late night drive back to SoCal after my gigs in Pismo Beach. Crazy drive. We'd finish playing at 1:30am, an hour to tear down and pack up. Hit Buellton around 3:15am for gas and snacks (usually very hard corn dogs) then home by around 6:30/7am. Oh the memories. Actually may be doing a few gigs this year. Might have to honk once or twice for ya' as I drive through!

[DwightMcCann]

Rcan, I can leave the door unlocked and you can take a nap in our spare bedroom if you want ... I live in a pretty safe neighborhood. Heck, if it doesn't conflict with any of my Chumash Casino Resort gigs I might even come up and shoot you.

As for this meeting, I am waiting for the powers that be to finalize the date and place ... with "powers" probably meaning someone with "Moderator" in their title. If this meeting materializes I am more likely to come to the Pismo area than the Big Bear in the winter meeting that the Southern Californians seem to be leaning toward. HEEELLLLLOOOOOOOO MMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAAUREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNN!

[Tdragone]

What we should do is wait for Danteto get his cafe back up and running; them all converge on him.

We'd have a location with a lot of counterspace where we could be as loud as photogs get and not have to worry; we know the owner :)

[Maureen Souza]

What we should do is wait for Belmondo to get his cafe back up and running; them all converge on him.

We'd have a location with a lot of counterspace where we could be as loud as photogs get and not have to worry; we know the owner :)

Actually, it's Dante's diner. Belmondo owns the rest of the universe.;) ;)

[Skip Souza]

What we should do is wait for Belmondo to get his cafe back up and running; them all converge on him.

We'd have a location with a lot of counterspace where we could be as loud as photogs get and not have to worry; we know the owner :)
That is Dante's place. www.bubbas-diner.net

[Maureen Souza]

Dwight, this is Solinger's thread so I am waiting for him to name the date and place. I can swing almost any weekend and I'll be happy to help with organizing/details.
Sammmmmmmm, where are you? :):)

[Tdragone]

Crap!

Orig post edited
Thanks!

D'oh!

[Citizensmith]

In case any of you missed the other thread a few (well 4 by the looks of us) are meeting up in Sacramento sometime between the 20th and 27th of this month. PM me if you'd like details.

[DwightMcCann]

OK, Maureen, but I really think thread ownership shouldn't equate to sole proprietorship of decisions that affect a group ... and organizationally speaking you are the senior ... if you can go any weekend, choose one with a holiday connected and make a decision! :-) Start another thread if necessary! :-)

[solinger]

OK, Maureen, but I really think thread ownership shouldn't equate to sole proprietorship of decisions that affect a group ... and organizationally speaking you are the senior ... if you can go any weekend, choose one with a holiday connected and make a decision! :-) Start another thread if necessary! :-)

Ok, for that remark we are all staying at your house :p


I need to check my calendar and clear a weekend with my wife. I'll post some ideas tomorrow afternoon so we can get it straight.

I think a photo day would be great, but I'd like to try out the swap meet thing is anyone else is interested.

I'm thinking we should go with a poll for the location. Seems the most democratic. It may be a small turn out. Looks like the So Cal and Sac people are organizing their own get togethers.

[Maureen Souza]

I was thinking (Lawd, I shouldn't do that so often) that Dante was going to re-open his diner in about 10-12 days. Maybe we should all make an effort to go up and support that...as well as give him a terrifically bad time.

If that doesn't sound do-able, then Skip & I will make a separate trip for each event. We like to travel.

Dwight, might I object to being referred to as as Senior? I am not ready to handle that yet. :):)

[solinger]

I was thinking (Lawd, I shouldn't do that so often) that Dante was going to re-open his diner in about 10-12 days. Maybe we should all make an effort to go up and support that...as well as give him a terrifically bad time.

If that doesn't sound do-able, then Skip & I will make a separate trip for each event. We like to travel.

Dwight, might I object to being referred to as as Senior? I am not ready to handle that yet. :):)

I'm all for that one. I can be down there in about 30 minutes :)

[DwightMcCann]

Maureen, one of the great passions in my life is "objecting" and I love to share passion ... so yes, you may object, and hardily, too! :-)

Sam, I have no problem with everyone staying at my house ... but it is still an enormous mess as we haven't finished moving in yet. If you want a rain check, I will work hard to put together a meet later, offer my (small, not yet started) studio room to those so inclined as well as computing power (maybe someone can show me how to use PS CS which is installed) and my Epson 7800 printer and organize photo safaris to Solvang, the foothills (from which you can photograph the ocean and the valley), the valley including lots of wineries, Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch and the front gate to Neverland, as well as Santa Barbara. All of my equipment is so new I have nothing to sell but I'm always willing to see what's for sale!

I suggest you post the choices of time and place and let the voting begin. I'm anxious to see if the Big Bear trip by the southern group conflicts.

[Citizensmith]

Looks like the So Cal and Sac people are organizing their own get togethers.

We are, but that doesn't mean we aren't still interested in this one. A PoTN member from Italy is visiting. Thats enough reason for a get together.

[SWPhotoImaging]

As Citizensmith mentioned, there are a few of us up here that are gathering (probably the weekend of 1/21) as a gesture of fellowship with a POTN member who will be visiting our area from Italy. I for one am still interested in the get together being planned for the more southerly climes, particularly if it is February-ish and finds itself centered near the coastal/Cambria region, which my wife and I love to explore.

[greg20d]

Im open for anything Dantes would be great when and were ....my traveling is limited ....I just flipped my car and rutured a vertibray ....im down for about 8 weeks ...but A short trip is doable ...hopefully my wife can take me ..I cant drive yet ...

[DwightMcCann]

Geez, Greg, you young guys never learn! :-) So, Sam, you have got to make some specific options for vote or simply make a decision.

[solinger]

The poll is up for the Central California get together. The So Cal crew is also working in a meet as well as the Sacramento gang.

[Wsman2]

bay area baby =P

Yes, Please! Monterey bay though, although, the south bay area has some interesting hiking trails near the permenente mine and stevens creek.




Heh, forgive me for responding over a month later, but there are definitely some nice trails here. If you get the chance, get up to Hunters Point at the Fremont Older Open Space Preserve on a clear day and get an excellent panoramic view of the Silicon Valley (Santa Clara Valley). If you're lucky, you might be able to see all the way up to San Francisco (maybe bring binoculars).

Bay Area Hiking: Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space Preserves (http://pages.prodigy.net/rhorii/mprosd.htm) is a listing of some of the trails that may be interesting to go on. The first picture on the page (although pretty small) was taken from Hunters Point.

As long as you're in this part of the bay area, you might as well as go to Sunset Magazine's headquarters (http://www.sunset.com/sunset/general/article/0,20633,784093,00.html) in Menlo Park to check out the gardens.

Maybe after that (if you've got money to spend), you might enjoy a visit to Keeble & Shuchat (http://www.kspphoto.com/).