First annual California POTN get together.

[Maureen Souza]

You know, I was thinking the same thing.
We've already owned up to carrying more weight than we should (ie can't run after theives)
We've said how stuff we have (ie. put your friendly fence on speed dial)
We've said where we're going to be (call in re-inforcements)

...thank Buddha your hubby is coming strapped.

:) :) We'll be fine. a 100-400mm can inflict a snootful of pain, let me tellya

:D :D :D
He's got a couple of spare weapons but I let my permit expire. Good thing, probably. Skip wouldn't want you to know I am a better shot than he is...................:p ;)

[DwightMcCann]

Well, I got word today that I will be shooting Harvey Korman and Tim Conway on Thursday night at the casino, so we will come Thursday, settle the camper in, and then I will shoot the casino, sleep at home, and drive back up on Friday. Doesn't affect much of anything, but it is a small update. Marna and Anna will probably spend the night Thursday at Morro Bay State Park.

[Cybnew]

Cyb, and she is gorgeous (a professional model) and smart so if she isn't "involved" I'll see if she wants to come along. You can see her on my Live Entertainment website.

YOU WERE RIGHT ABOUT GORGEOUS!!! and that would be cool if she could come along. I also suggust a trip to Jims Campus Camera, if u wanna shop, i go in there at least once a week (i still shoot film...gotta get my tmax somewhere!) anyway...getting dressed to head down to the outrigger for our friday night wind down so i will check the board later.

[DwightMcCann]

I'm not impressed with Jim's ... they have some whiney clerks, sigh. Anyway, Cyb, I've some odds and ends of film in the freezer that I will bring you ... some velvia and some Tmax3200 and who knows what. I'll also check with Taylor when we're up there to see what she is doing. :-)

[Cybnew]

Thanks Dwight!!!! yeah...jims isnt my choice camera shop...but its all thats around

[jh]

I’d like to offer up some winter photo sites that some of you might like to visit while you’re here.

If you are coming from the North and are up for a short detour, Mission San Antonio de Padua is my favorite local Mission to photograph. Southbound on 101 exit at King City and take Jolon Road (county road G14) South 19 miles to Jolon. From there take Mission Road another 5.5 miles or so to the mission
http://www.pelicannetwork.net/mission.san.antonio.htm

Mission San Miguel is right off Highway 101 in San Miguel, but pass on this one for now. It was damaged in an earthquake a couple of years ago and is undergoing repairs. The chain link fence that encircles the Mission virtually eliminates any photographic opportunites. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is located in downtown San Luis Obispo. Take the Monterey St. exit off Highway 101. The mission is at the end of Monterey St. http://www.missionsanluisobispo.org/ If you need to pick up an extra CF card or left a vital piece of equipment at home, the county has only three camera stores and they are all within walking distance of the Mission. All three stock Canon cameras and lenses. Jim’s Campus Camera at 766 Higuera St. has been previously been mentioned, although I don’t know were the whiney saleman business comes from but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The Photo Shop is located at 1027 Marsh St. and Photography 101 is located across the street from the Mission at 842 Monterey St. http://www.acmecamerashop.com/main.html
The store owners Kathleen and Misha are Cambria residents and active photographers so they can suggest Cambria photo sites as well as Cambria eateries. Ask to see Kathleen’s long exposure panoramas of the beach in Cambria and her Los Osos Oaks panoramas. More on that later.

Starting out north of Cambria and working my way down, one of my favorite spots is Lime Kiln State Park. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=577 Located 45 miles of winding road north of Cambria. There are three trails that border two creeks through a beautiful forested area with ferns on the creek bank. Limekiln Falls drops 90 feet down a jagged limestone face. The trails are well maintained and mostly level.

Salmon Creek has been mentioned previously in this thread. Its located 19 miles north of San Simeon on Hwy 1. A beautiful 110 foot waterfall is located less than .5 mile from the parking area. It is a little more challenging to get to but well worth the effort. A giant boulder at the top of the falls diverts the water into three branches. A few miles south is Ragged Point. It has a great restaurant with inside and outside seating next to a koi pond and overlooking the Pacific. A snack bar is next door for a quick pit stop if you prefer.

The Elephant Seal rookery at Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is located about 8 miles north of San Simeon and is very active this time of year. The seals can be seen from the parking lot and should be observed at a distance with a long lens. While they look docile and slow weighing thousands of pounds, they can be vicious and move surprisingly fast.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/piedras.html

Moonstone beach in Cambria offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Surfers and windsurfers can be seen from north of Cayucos to Morro Bay.

Morro Bay is rife for the photographer. The fishing fleet make a great subject, as well as Morro Rock and lots of wildlife. Drive through the golf course to the top of Black Hill. You can get nice shots of the Bay and Morro Rock from the small parking lot or take a short hike to the top of the hill where you are rewarded with a panorama of Los Osos Valley, Morro Bay Estuary, the sandspit and Cayucos. I think kayaking in the bay is the best way to view wildlife. Take a plastic bag for your camera. Kayak Horizon rents kayaks and is located at 551 Embarcadero. http://www.kayakhorizons.com/ Dennis is a great guy and will tell you what wildlife is around and where to find them. They do guided tours, but contact them early to schedule. If you’re new to kayaks, he gives a quick lesson before you go and the bay is very calm.

Leaving Morro Bay, take South Bay Boulevard to Los Osos. Turn left at Los Osos Valley Rd. Just ahead on the right is the Los Osos Oaks State Reserve. The dwarf oak trees are the subject of Kathleen’s (Photography 101) beautiful panoramas. Mine never come out like that! http://www.slostateparks.com/los_osos_oaks/default.asp

Reverse course on Los Osos Valley Road and head west into Los Osos.

George Lepp is a world renound photographer as well as Los Osos resident. He has a regular column in Outdoor Photographer you’ve probably seen his ads for Canon. http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html . His gallery located at 1060 Los Osos Valley Rd. and is open Friday 11am-6pm and Saturday from 11am-5pm.

Los Osos is located on the south end of the bay and with help from the Audubon Society is also a wonderful places to bird watch.
Audubon Overlook http://morrocoastaudubon.org/overlook.htm

Sweet Springs Nature Preserve http://morrocoastaudubon.org/sweet.htm

Heading west on Los Osos Valley Rd. will take you to Montana de Oro, a destination already covered in this thread.

The Monarch Butterfly grove in Pismo Beach is one of the largest Monarch groves in the United States. Bring your long lens and tripod as the Monarchs hang in huge clumps in the Eucalyptus trees. They are amazing. http://www.slostateparks.com/pismo_beach/pb_butterflies.asp

The Oceano Dunes make wonderful photos. Continue south on Hwy 1 through Oceano approximately 1 mile and turn right on 22nd St. Cross the railroad tracks and take the first right on Silver Spur Place. Park in the parking lot of the Silver Spur RV Park. Check in at the store and ask permission to walk through the park the the Dunes. They don’t mind: They just want to know what’s going on. This is the easiest way to get to Oceano Dunes and takes you to a section that is restricted to off-road vehicles and their tire tracks that spoil dune photos. Try to get there one and a half to two hours before sunset. The sun angle makes wonderful shadows on the dunes.

Sunsets are wonderful from almost anywhere on the coast, fog permitting. My favorite sunsets are Morro Bay shots that include the sandspit.

This should help fill your spare time. Welcome to the Central Coast and I’d be happy to be a local resource.

John Hensley

[ayotnoms]

An info rich post, John.
Thanks for taking the time pulling it together; URLs and all!!

The 17th/18th can't come fast enough. :)

[DwightMcCann]

Brilliant, John!

[Sam]

Ok, so here it is. I started this and now I won't be able to be there :(

I had some things come up at work and it looks like I won't be able to get around it. If things do change I will be driving down for he day, but as it stands right now I just can't.

I was really looking forward to meeting everyone so I am pretty bummed about it. Not to mention I have some gear I wanted to unload on you ;)

Sorry to be the party pooper, but I'm sure you'll all manage without me.

[Belmondo]

I was really looking forward to meeting everyone so I am pretty bummed about it.

As are we at the prospects of not meeting you.

It's only a job. Why don't you just quit?

[Marvinspu36]

Ok, so here it is. I started this and now I won't be able to be there :(

What a bummer! I was really looking forward to meeting you. Too bad we have to have jobs :D .

What ever happens, I hope your day goes well.

[Cybnew]

I'm really sorry to hear that solinger. Oh well...its the FIRST Annual California get together, there will always be next year, maybe we can make it a twice a year thing. Worst case scenario, we will take some pictures for you

[Skip Souza]

BUMMER!!!
I hated it so much when my work interfered with my social life I just retired. Someday you will too. :lol: :p :lol:
Still looking forward to meeting you in person.

[DwightMcCann]

Sam, I'll take on pulling something together over the summer and you can come down here!

[ayotnoms]

that's a damn shame, Sam; though totally understandable.

If you're like me, the job is what finances this expensive hobby and you never want to jeopardize the funding source... :)

We'll cross paths at a later date hopefully.

Best Regards

[mikegoat]

Ok, so here it is. I started this and now I won't be able to be there :(

I had some things come up at work and it looks like I won't be able to get around it. If things do change I will be driving down for he day, but as it stands right now I just can't.

I was really looking forward to meeting everyone so I am pretty bummed about it. Not to mention I have some gear I wanted to unload on you ;)

Sorry to be the party pooper, but I'm sure you'll all manage without me.

Is it OK if we take some pictures and send 'em to you?:lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Yeah, somebody in this crowd will probably shot one or two photographs!

[SWPhotoImaging]

We can do a group photo, and leave a blank space where solinger can paste himself in.

[Maureen Souza]

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

I will hold you to that later date in Yosemite.

[Kevin]

I found these in the archives and thought to myself, LETS GEEEEET.....................THE TASTE BUDS GOING.:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Cybnew]

Haha...nice picture....i see that every friday

[Kevin]

Haha...nice picture....i see that every friday

Well you are sure full of yourself.
I posted this only as a preclude to getting together.

[Cybnew]

that wasnt what i meant...i meant...its kinda pathetic that im down there so much...i really meant nice picture, so sorry if the wrong message came across

[Maureen Souza]

I think Kevin was just being jealous and meant it in a kidding way, Cybnew.

It's hard to get teasing to come across the internet well.... :)

[ayotnoms]

Kevin may have been kidding or Cybnew may be indeed full of himself but I don't want to sit next to either of them at Saturday's dinner...and I'm not sure about Belmondo either.

...just testing this teasing on the internet theory :) :)

[Belmondo]

Kevin may have been kidding or Cybnew may be indeed full of himself but I don't want to sit next to either of them at Saturday's dinner...and I'm not sure about Belmondo either.

...just testing this teasing on the internet theory :) :)

Sorry. There's no room next to me.

I'm beside myself.


J/K, I think.

[Cybnew]

I believe that we have worked the problem out via private message, so no need to worry about who you get stuck next to :)

[ArenGh]

Whoa, can I come too?

[Kevin]

Hey, I'll sit next to anybody just as long as they don't steal my fish.:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Kevin]

All are welcome ArenGh. Just put you name on the list for dinner and be at the Coffee Den at 9:00 am on Saturday in Cambria and your in.

[DwightMcCann]

Kev, I don't like fish so I can sit next to you! :-)

[Kevin]

OK Dwight your on.

[ayotnoms]

Who's in charge of seating arrangements anyway.
Whoever sits across from me needs to be OK with open mouth chewing and wine belching.
:-P
:)

[Belmondo]

Who's in charge of seating arrangements anyway.
Whoever sits across from me needs to be OK with open mouth chewing and wine belching.
:-P
:)

I'll put my wife across from you. She's used to it.

[DwightMcCann]

Hey, all those people go in the children's section Belmondo ... my daughter has to some contemporaries ... after all, she is FOUR! :-)

[Belmondo]

Hey, all those people go in the children's section Belmondo ... my daughter has to some contemporaries ... after all, she is FOUR! :-)

My guess is that there is probably something close to intellectual parity between your daughter and me.

The biggest difference (besides approx. 60 years) is that she's very cute. I'm just almost cute.

[DwightMcCann]

Right ... you and Steve and Anna will be in charge of the children's table!

[ayotnoms]

Right ... you and Steve and Anna will be in charge of the children's table!
Woo Hoo!!
Now she doesn't play mind games right? I'm always made the fool by these canny 4 yr olds
:)

[Cybnew]

So other than montana de oro, and breakfast and dinner, is there anything else you would like to see?

[Kevin]

Right ... you and Steve and Anna will be in charge of the children's table!

I can sit at the childrens table. Just don't make me sit in one of those kids chairs.:lol: :lol: :lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Cybnew, I am guessing that folks will want to meet each other and see if there is any synergy before planning on doing anything else in particular. I need to see if Johnny Thunder and/or Mike Goat and I can get along as I share interests with them. I don't think Steve Parr can make it or I would have to check him out, too. I expect to spend more time socializing than shooting (and there are no casinos in your neck of the woods which is what I shoot mostly!) as I have not met any of these people before. Next time we may want to have one or two or three alternate agendas available between scheduled "All Hands" meetings for meals but I expect this first time we may spend more time getting to know one another.

I am, however, interested in knowing if anyone is getting together on Friday night.

[Johnny Thunder]

Dwight,

The wife and I will be driving up Friday, should be there at a decent time, we're staying in morro bay, looks like you are too, worst case, we can get together for dinner or what have you.

I cant wait for this! It'll be nice to get out of the house and do something I enjoy!

-Johnny

[DwightMcCann]

Johnny, GREAT! We are staying in Morro Bay State Park. Call our cells when you arrive: eight oh five four five one seven oh one four (or last digit five for Marna.) I will have a few lenses that you can try on your 300D (I think they fit!) I am sure we'll have a grand time ... Anna is already used to guys with beards! :-) And maybe someone else will be around to cause trouble.

[Maureen Souza]

I will sit next to anybody but if I have a preference, it will be between Steve (ayotnoms) and Tom (belmondo). I am sure I will be laughing so much, I won't get much of my meal down.... but hey, keep the wine coming!

[DwightMcCann]

Geez, Maureen, at the rate this is going there won't be anybody at the adult table except me and Marna ... and maybe Johnny Thunder and his bride! :-)

[Cybnew]

I'll sit wherever the cute girls are.

[DwightMcCann]

That's with Maureen and Marna, Cyb!

[Belmondo]

I'll sit wherever the cute girls are.

Okay, you're at the kids' table, too.

[DwightMcCann]

Okay, you're at the kids' table, too.

I knew that kids table would fill right up!:rolleyes:

[ayotnoms]

Does the Outrigger provide crayons and those placemats with the puzzles?
I love doing those...
:)

[Belmondo]

Does the Outrigger provide crayons and those placemats with the puzzles?
I love doing those...
:)

I hope you can give me some pointers on 'connect the dots.' They always give me trouble.

[DwightMcCann]

Anna will help you guys ... she is good with the little kids.:confused:

[ayotnoms]

I hope you can give me some pointers on 'connect the dots.' They always give me trouble.
Probably not a good idea. Only last week did I learn that crossing the solid line on the mazes was verboten :evil: Damn near ruined my enjoyment of my Grand Slam breakfast...

We can always rely on Anna...who I'm figuring is some kind of brainiac. :)

[DwightMcCann]

She has her mother's looks and brains ... whatever that means!

[Skip Souza]

I'll eat with Ashley :-)

[thomascanty]

I'll eat with Ashley :-)

Awesome! I'm glad she'll have some company out there in the car... Of course, this means I'll have to bring another bowl... :lol:

[Cybnew]

they do have crayons...but they do not have any connect the dots. There is a right aid however not that far from the restaraunt, and we can get some legos as well as connect the dots

[ayotnoms]

A kid's table...Crayons...Legos...
I'm so excited.

I tellya if they have someone doing balloon sculptures, I'm gonna blow a snot bubble.

I better have another cocktail to calm down. :) :)

[Marvinspu36]

they do have crayons...but they do not have any connect the dots. There is a right aid however not that far from the restaraunt, and we can get some legos as well as connect the dots

Ok...if the kids are going to have Legos at their table, then I'm sittin' with them! :) Maybe I'll even bring my own Legos so we can build a huge 20D, or maybe a IDMII even. Or I could bring my Lego Mindstorm Robotics kit and we could create a remote controlled roving 20D to capture all the action during dinner!:cool:

[mikegoat]

Ok...if the kids are going to have Legos at their table, then I'm sittin' with them! :) Maybe I'll even bring my own Legos so we can build a huge 20D, or maybe a IDMII even. Or I could bring my Lego Mindstorm Robotics kit and we could create a remote controlled roving 20D to capture all the action during dinner!:cool:

Well, under the circumstances, maybe we ought to bring the Volvo....:lol:
http://www.ebizcraftsman.com/imagehost/uploads/16aa67ce40.jpg (http://www.ebizcraftsman.com/imagehost/uploads/16aa67ce40.jpg)

[Maureen Souza]

I better call ahead and warn the Outrigger that we are coming. ;) ;)

Maybe even have them lay in some extra supplies of crayons and booze. :rolleyes:

[mikegoat]

From Accuweather.com for San Luis Obispo
Friday (http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/premium_benefits.asp), Feb 17
[Details/AccuPOP (http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/premium_benefits.asp)]
http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/icons/standard/wx/31x31/03.gifPartial sunshine. Winds from the NW at 9 mph.High: 70° FRealFeel: 67° Fhttp://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/icons/standard/wx/31x31/34.gifFriday Night: Mostly clear. Winds from the N at 8 mph.Low: 43° FRealFeel: 46° F

Saturday (http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/premium_benefits.asp), Feb 18
[Details/AccuPOP (http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/public/premium_benefits.asp)]
http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/icons/standard/wx/31x31/01.gifSunshine. Winds from the NNW at 4 mph.High: 71° FRealFeel: 72° Fhttp://vortex.accuweather.com/adc2004/common/images/icons/standard/wx/31x31/33.gifSaturday Night: Clear. Winds from the E at 8 mph.Low: 44° FRealFeel: 43° F

[DwightMcCann]

Geez, Goat, look at your .sig, dude! That's quite an expansion from your old list. I hope you aren't going to drive that beast in the rain.

[mikegoat]

FRS/GMRS Radios/cell numbers

Having done a few Corvette caravans and get togethers over the past few years, we have found it useful to have FRS/GMRS radios to connect when necessary or desirable. We select a common communication channel and are good to go. You can pick them up at any major chain drug store, Costco etc and they can be very useful. The GMRS radios have a better range than the others. Interested? If you are, post here that you have a set and we can establish a channel and sub code for group use.

Second, it is probably a good idea to share our cell numbers as well:

EMAIL OR PM ME YOUR NUMBER IF YOU WISH TO SHARE AND I WILL SEND A PM TO EVERYONE WITH THE COMPLETE LIST

[Belmondo]

----it is probably a good idea to share our cell numbers as well:

1. mikegoat (Mike Albov) eight-three-one five-nine-five-one-seven-six-six
2. belmondo (Tom) seven six oh four oh nine, nine oh, four, two.

[thomascanty]

That's your cell number, Tom? I had that in my PDA as your home number...

My cell number is eight one eight four six eight nine zero eight seven.

[mikegoat]

PM me your number and I will distribute to the folks coming.

[thomascanty]

1. mikegoat (Mike Albov) (831) xxx-xxxx
2. belmondo (Tom) 760-xxx-xxxx
3. thomascanty 818-xxx-xxxx

Um can you edit that, please... I don't want the actual number for my cell phone showing up for spam reapers.

[mikegoat]

Done

[thomascanty]

Done

Thanks. Honestly, I don't think you or Tom want it either...

[mikegoat]

Thanks. Honestly, I don't think you or Tom want it either...


In light of the concern, why not just PM me with the numbers and I will PM those who are coming with a complete list.

[Cybnew]

mine is eight zero five - seven one two- eight three six three

[Maureen Souza]

I think I posted mine a few pages back but here it is again:

five five nine nine six seven two nine four seven.
Skip's is the same number except his last digit is a four.

[andrewaaa5]

who pays my flight : (

[SuzyView]

Numbers still there, guys. :) Look up.

[ayotnoms]

T minus 6 days
:)

[Cybnew]

wooo!!!!! i, personally, cant wait!

[thomascanty]

I can't wait either! I'm looking forward to it...

[Maureen Souza]

I am biting my fingernails.......http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/jumping3.gif

I hope we can do this annually..... there are enough cool places in this state to do north, south, east and west ends.

[frydryce]

i posted my number awhile back. but to make it easy here it is. seven one four six two four five zero three zero.

i think just PM everyone the phone number list on Thursday at least if we get lost or need assistance we'll have a phone tree to call =)

[DwightMcCann]

Mike, could you PM me the list Wednesday? We are coming up Thursday. I can wait ... I'm too busy to have time to think about it! :-) I'm putting up my white board and book shelves in my office today. If I get that done, I have pictures to frame to hang in there, too. Anybody want to come down and help this afternoon?

[mikegoat]

Mike, could you PM me the list Wednesday? We are coming up Thursday. I can wait ... I'm too busy to have time to think about it! :-) I'm putting up my white board and book shelves in my office today. If I get that done, I have pictures to frame to hang in there, too. Anybody want to come down and help this afternoon?

No problem. I will send it to you Wednesday.

[ayotnoms]

Is there room for one more?

The lovely and talented Ms Ayotnoms decided that she'd like to come along; mostly to keep me from making too much of an ass of myself. :) :)

I hope this doesn't throw a monkey wrench into the Outrigger arrangements.

Will the kind soul who made the reservations let me know?

Many thanks!!

[Cybnew]

It will not be a problem, we have room in our area for up to 30 people, and he will make room in different parts of the restaraunt if there are more, so there will be plenty of room for Ms Ayotnoms. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

[ayotnoms]

It will not be a problem, we have room in our area for up to 30 people, and he will make room in different parts of the restaraunt if there are more, so there will be plenty of room for Ms Ayotnoms. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
Many thanks. :)

[Belmondo]

I suggest we bring name tags. It's really going to be difficult meeting this many new people at one time and having any chance at all of remembering names.

I guess I'll take care of that.

[Maureen Souza]

I'm going to take my chances and not wear one...... :)

[Cybnew]

come on...all the cool people are doing it Maureen :), I know ill be wearing one...although...i shouldnt be hard to remember

[Maureen Souza]

So Cybnew, what is your REAL name?

[Cybnew]

My real name is.......(drum role please) Mathew Rupp

[ayotnoms]

As long as we're playing "To Tell the Truth".

My real name is:
Keyser Söze

:)

[Belmondo]

As long as we're playing "To Tell the Truth".

My real name is:
Keyser Söze

:)

Don't believe you.

[ayotnoms]

Don't believe you.
umm, Petey Pumphandler?
The truth will be revealed in 5 short days :)

[DwightMcCann]

I want to know Maureen's real name! BTW, my life is never calm: this weekend Anna spent all Sunday into the night vomiting [much better this afternoon] and today I get an email from my ex-wife that my son is in jail (locally) ... FTA for vehicle code violation and something else similar. Always something to balance out my good fortune: current wife and casino gig. :-)

[ayotnoms]

Here's hoping your Drama meter isn't pegging on red next weekend, Dwight.
I'm looking forward to meeting you, your wife and our children's table monitor, Anna. :)

[DwightMcCann]

Aw, it's like this all the time! Englebert Humperdinck wouldn't let me photograph him ... but then he wouldn't let the announcer say his name! There's always something strange and unexpected happening, sometimes good and sometimes bad, but never calm and relaxed. I had a boss who switched sexes ... was the best man at my first wedding!

[mikegoat]

I had a boss who switched sexes ... was the best man at my first wedding!

Now I KNOW you have to come to some of the shows I shoot in the Bay Area!
So your boss was a woman who switched sexes and became your best man or your boss who was your best man switched sexes after you got married? Either way Dwight, your life sounds more complicated than first assumed!

[DwightMcCann]

She was my best man and switched into a body that matched her mind. Strange thing is the I'm pretty "normal" myself ... no addictions, no tattoos, two marriages, two children, never been in jail, veteran, lots of regular normal healthy stuff ... but all this weirdness just keeps happening around me ... but I'm used to it, although it took a few years of Prozac and counseling to ease me into it. :-) Oh, yes, the Bay Area would be fun!

[Kevin]

I used to have a real name, but since I retired everyone just calls me HAY YOU.

[DwightMcCann]

Hey, Kev, you gonna come meet us Thursday at the Morro Bay State Park? I have to go to the casino to shoot Conway/Korman but the girls are going to hold down the truck camper overnight and I'll be back up Friday. You could start being nice to Anna so she cuts you some slack at the children's table! :-) How did you manage to retire at 53? I'll have to work until I'm 73! :-)

[DwightMcCann]

I wish Belmondo could find a picture of himself that he liked! Or anyone liked! :-)

Oh, and how about: http://www.keysersoze.com/

[Belmondo]

I just wish Belmondo liked himself nearly as much as he likes messing around with the pictures.

[Kevin]

Hey, Kev, you gonna come meet us Thursday at the Morro Bay State Park? I have to go to the casino to shoot Conway/Korman but the girls are going to hold down the truck camper overnight and I'll be back up Friday. You could start being nice to Anna so she cuts you some slack at the children's table! :-) How did you manage to retire at 53? I'll have to work until I'm 73! :-)

Dwight
I could definitely meet up with you when you get in Thursday. I left my cell # earlier but it's eight zero five-two three four-three nine six four. Should I bring flowers or chocolate for Anna? Slack is important when your sitting at the kids table.

[ayotnoms]

I wish Belmondo could find a picture of himself that he liked! Or anyone liked! :-)

Oh, and how about: http://www.keysersoze.com/
The Keyser Soze was my Dennis Miller moment...he of the obscure pop culture references.
I had no idea there was a musical act with the name. I was actually referring to the arch criminal in the movie "Usual Suspects". Cool movie if you haven't seen it...

As for Belmondo and the changing avatars I think it's a moderator thing. Just look at how frequently Maureen has changed hers. Maybe I should pick up an Esalen Institute associate on drive down. Some identity crisis therapy might help. :lol: :lol:

[Maureen Souza]

As for Belmondo and the changing avatars I think it's a moderator thing. Just look at how frequently Maureen has changed hers. Maybe I should pick up an Esalen Institute associate on drive down. Some identity crisis therapy might help. :lol: :lol:


:p :p :p :p

I thought it was a woman's prerogative to change her mind............

[Cybnew]

Geez! Belmondo, do you have avitarititus. each time i come one here there is a new one of you :)

[Belmondo]

Geez! Belmondo, do you have avitarititus. each time i come one here there is a new one of you :)

I'm done for a while. I'm a little disappointed that nobody has asked for a print of my latest one.:confused::(

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, Maureen, that leaves so many possibilities!

Kev, we may be delayed until Friday as Anna is still a little under the weather and Marna and I both have things we have to finish at work before taking off ... I'll let you know.

Steve, ain't cults fun ... well, except for the religious ones!

[ayotnoms]

...

Steve, ain't cults fun ... well, except for the religious ones!

You got that right. I generally stay away from any group of people whose opening lines are, "Drink this and by the way, here's a pair of Nikes you can wear...":evil::evil:

[thomascanty]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has asked for a print of my latest one.:confused::(

Has anyone asked for a print of your previous ones? :rolleyes:

[Belmondo]

Has anyone asked for a print of your previous ones? :rolleyes:


Well, no.

BTW, everyone, I'm bringing three lenses that are for sale.

70-200 f/4L (w/tripod ring & soft case)
100 f/2.8 macro
85 f/1.8

All are in their boxes, have been lightly used, and I'll sell them for whatever B&H's current US price is less 25%. With the 70-200, I'll throw in the tripod ring. I'll probably have a few more things by then, but no more glass.

[DwightMcCann]

I'm up for both the 100mm and 85mm.

[Belmondo]

Okay, Dwight, you've got them.

The 70-200 f/4L is still available, and it's a great deal......the tripod ring sells for $119.50 from B&H, and I'm throwing that in for free.

[SuzyView]

Darn! I would have gone for the 70-200L! Have fun anyway. :(

[Belmondo]

Darn! I would have gone for the 70-200L! Have fun anyway. :(

It's still available.

[Maureen Souza]

You want me to get it for you, Suzie? I'll mail it to you......

[SuzyView]

If I hadn't bought the 24-70L this week, I definitely would have said, "Send it." But I fear my spouse will have a heart attack on Valentine's Day if I even suggested it. Funny thing, though, before joining this forum, I would have never considered getting long zoom lens for sports photography, and especially L level. Now I see the value of having great stuff, it's really hard not to just "go for it" because the level of capture is definitely better when you know what you're doing and how to use the tools available.

[DwightMcCann]

So that's 25% of B&H's price, right! :-)

[Belmondo]

So that's 25% of B&H's price, right! :-)

Something like that.:rolleyes::rolleyes:;)

[ayotnoms]

Belmondo: will a request for one of your previous avatars wrest away the commitment you've made to sell the 100mm to Dwight?:twisted:

I think when I signed up for the forum you had one that showed a halo over your head.
...you got to love the irony.:)

[SWPhotoImaging]

I am going to cancel out on this outing, folks. Circumstances beyond my control.
Maybe next time.

Subtract two from dinner saturday, and there'll be a room available at creekside inn.

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, Steve, when Anna hears that you are trying to steal away my lens she will probably be very unhappy with you which will be very bad for you at the dinner table! However, for a mere $1259 (cost of 180mm f/3.5 macro) you could probably get Belmondo's lens and be forgiven ... penance are expensive these days!

[DwightMcCann]

Well, that sucks Steven ... I hope all our loose talk didn't scare you off!

[Marvinspu36]

I am going to cancel out on this outing, folks. Circumstances beyond my control.
Maybe next time.

Subtract two from dinner saturday, and there'll be a room available at creekside inn.

Sorry it isn't going to work out for you to be there.:( Hope to see you at the next one.

[Maureen Souza]

So sorry you can't come, Steven. Solinger (Sam) is talking about a Yosemite trip later this year so there's a chance for another trip later on if anyone is interested.

[chrishunt]

So sorry you can't come, Steven. Solinger (Sam) is talking about a Yosemite trip later this year so there's a chance for another trip later on if anyone is interested.

(I'm interested) ... :)

[ayotnoms]

Weekend forecast: rain showers
:mad: :mad:

Maybe there will be breaks during the day

[Johnny Thunder]

I dont trust weathermen, not even a little.

Figures, its been in the 90's all week, going on a mini vacation, and its supposed to rain!

Oh well.

-Johnny

[Maureen Souza]

Our weatherman says 20% chance of showers.... Most of the rain will be in Northern California. I don't really care if it rains or not. I am mostly interested in meeting all of you.

[thomascanty]

I just treated my car windows with Rain-X. I've been kind of hoping for rain to see how well that stuff works. Just not over the weekend... :)

[Cybnew]

Im kinda doubting that it will rain on saturday (Knock on wood) but if it does, it wont be anything we havent seen before :)

[Belmondo]

Hey, it's that time of year. I'm coming primarily to meet all you guys, and I don't care if you're wet or dry at the time.

[DwightMcCann]

Yup, to meet the people (and get new lenses) ... and I cannot imagine that this group couldn't find someplace fun to hang out and shoot if it rains!

[ayotnoms]

Yeah. If it rains, it rains.
Still it would have been nice to spend some time on the coast in sunny, warm weather.

I'm holding out hope that the forecasts are wrong this time.

[Wsman2]

I just treated my car windows with Rain-X. I've been kind of hoping for rain to see how well that stuff works. Just not over the weekend... :)

Rain-X works best when you're going at freeway speed. You get that Millenium Falcon hyperspeed effect. :cool:

[thomascanty]

Rain-X works best when you're going at freeway speed.

Well, probably 95% of the miles I drive are on the freeway. That doesn't always translate as "freeway speed" though. Especially in the L.A. area... :lol:

[DwightMcCann]

L.A. + Freeway = Parking Lot! You can't see the rain for the smog anyway.

[Skip Souza]

L.A. freeway traffic interval= 1 car length for every 137 miles per hour. http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/smilies/0716.gif

[Wsman2]

Well, probably 95% of the miles I drive are on the freeway. That doesn't always translate as "freeway speed" though. Especially in the L.A. area... :lol:

Ah yes. I can identify with that.

<---- Victim of being passed up by the Oscar Meyer Hotdog Mobile as it was driving in the slow lane on the 101 through Studio City (and I was in a fast lane).

[thomascanty]

What's wrong with that, Skip? http://www.ldphotography.net/Smilies/laughing-smiley-014.gif

[Skip Souza]

I just HATE it when the driver of the car behind me is reading my newspaper over my shoulder while I'm driving.

[ayotnoms]

I just HATE it when the driver of the car behind me is reading my newspaper over my shoulder while I'm driving.
my pet peeve is when they start singing along with the radio. :)

[Cybnew]

What about cell phones...I HATE WHEN PEOPLE TALK ON THEM AND DRIVE...or atleast...when they have their heads up their a$$es

[Belmondo]

What about cell phones...I HATE WHEN PEOPLE TALK ON THEM AND DRIVE...or atleast...when they have their heads up their asses

Driving with your head placed in such a manner would certainly be more difficult that merely talking on the cell phone.

Please supply photos.

[Cybnew]

well...i would, however i would be placing myself in a catagory similer to that. Although i have no room to speak, as i am attending traffic school on the 4th of march to clear a speeding violation (20 mph over)ahhh youth :)

[mikegoat]

Numbers sent. I collected the nubmers sent to me via PM and have sent them out. If there are coorections, pass them around by PM. Also, I am not sure I snagged everyone as some folks posted on the forum itself and I did not read all 20 pages!

[DwightMcCann]

Well, our plans have changed SLIGHTLY ... it has gotten so cold and Marna needs to attend a staff meeting tomorrow so we are coming up Friday instead. Anyway, Kev, don't look for us tomorrow! :-)

[Skip Souza]

well...i would, however i would be placing myself in a catagory similer to that. Although i have no room to speak, as i am attending traffic school on the 4th of march to clear a speeding violation (20 mph over)ahhh youth :)
naughty, naughty.
You should be able to take traffic school on line. I have had friends and family do it and it is a piece of cake.
Traffic cops have no sense of humor. :-)

[Cybnew]

My parents want me to suffer through it in a real room with real people

[Skip Souza]

Tough to be you right now. Take it from a professional (see profile) the whole thing is a joke. Laugh up your sleeve as best you can and be more careful. ;-)