Yosemite National Park, April 7-10, 2010

[Killjoy]

I just booked a trip for my family.
We want to see Tunnel View in the snow.
We want to see the waterfalls flowing before they dry up in the summer, and so much more.

We will be arriving at the park on Wednesday April 7th and departing on Saturday the 10th.
Come for the day, or come for all three.

There are accommodations that are in the park.
We will be staying in a rental condo (http://www.scenicwonders.com/rentals_loft.html).
It's not the Taj Mahal, but it's warm and dry, there are beds, a shower and a full kitchen. And there are more that are still available.

There are no restrictions as to where you want to stay. You can stay at the same complex as we are, you can camp, or you can stay at the Ahwahnee if you want.

Who wants to join us?

[Timphoto]

I've stayed in that place a couple of times and it was just fine. My schedule is questionable right now, but we'll see if we can make it.

[cbh76]

Hi Alan-

I will see if I can make it; sounds like a good time.

[Killjoy]

Excellent. :D

There's still time, so maybe we can get more?

[pitslave]

This sounds interesting. It's still up in the air if I can make it or not. My wife is talking about a Hawaii trip right around that same time. If that doesnt happen I should be able to make it at least one of the days

[Killjoy]

WooHoo! Another one! Even if it's a maybe. :p

But I have to ask, are we going to have the same lineup as the last meet?
Or should I say, "The Usual Suspects (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114814/)"?

C'mon folks, there have to be more people interested in Yosemite.

Edit: Does that make me Keyser Soze?

[pitslave]

Are you refering back to the Golden Gate Park meet? That was the only one I've been to. Good mix of people!

[stax]

I'm keeping an eye on this thread. My job is such that it will be a last minute call for me, but it could happen.

[Killjoy]

Are you refering back to the Golden Gate Park meet? That was the only one I've been to. Good mix of people!

Yup. That's the one. :p

[Maureen Souza]

There is a good chance we will zip up for a day or two....I don't think I have anything planned for the moment. :)

We stayed at Yosemite Falls Lodge last time and maybe we will try that again as it was really nice and very close to the falls...also great view of Half Dome.

[VetteManiac]

I'm there, I booked for the same days as Killjoy.

[Maureen Souza]

Alan, we rented a condo there a long time ago... since there are no rooms available down in the valley (unless I want to spend $525/night) I guess I will try to book there as well.

EDIT: We have a studio condo # B01

[Killjoy]

So then you ARE staying with us? ;)

Yeah, the Ahwahnee is a tad pricey. I figured I could buy another lens with the difference between the condo and the Ahwahnee. :p

The condo's aren't exactly on the valley floor, but I've stayed there twice before. It's not too bad.

[Maureen Souza]

Rooms were available on Thurs. but not Friday...so I moved up the hill with you (since Roger was there).

Maybe we can do dinner together, popcorn, movie or whatever in one of the condos.

[Killjoy]

Maybe we can do dinner together, popcorn, movie or whatever in one of the condos.

That's funny. I had just told Sara that you were staying there too, and she said the same thing.

Great minds think alike (and so do warped ones :p).

[brecklundin]

sounds like fun!! gonna do my best to try and make the time to go...and the rooms are nice, if they have any when I know my schedule better...thanks MO for letting me know...Alan...pucker up and you can just KMA there PAL!! hehehehe....

There is a chance I would actually stay in Fresno with friends, but I dunno if I still like driving that much...

It's convenient I'm built for cold weather... :D

[wildland]

Hey - I may be able to make it, depending on work... I'll likely just come up for a day, as I live fairly close but not close enough to want to drive it a bunch of days in a row... Sounds fun to meet some other forum members.

[DwightMcCann]

It's very hard for me to see out that far just yet due to the casino ... so far I only have dates through March. But we'll keep our eye to the ground as I'm sure Anna and Marna would love to come.

[Killjoy]

sounds like fun!! gonna do my best to try and make the time to go...and the rooms are nice, if they have any when I know my schedule better...thanks MO for letting me know...Alan...pucker up and you can just KMA there PAL!! hehehehe....

There is a chance I would actually stay in Fresno with friends, but I dunno if I still like driving that much...

It's convenient I'm built for cold weather... :D


Sorry Robert. I didn't know that you needed your hand held to show you how the forum works, or to lead you to specific threads. :p

Yeah Mo, thanks a lot. :rolleyes: j/k :lol::lol::lol:

Edit: Speaking of leading someone by the hand to specific threads, has anyone told Belmondo about this one yet?
Of course, since I will be there, he won't :p

[Killjoy]

Hey - I may be able to make it, depending on work... I'll likely just come up for a day, as I live fairly close but not close enough to want to drive it a bunch of days in a row... Sounds fun to meet some other forum members.

The meet-ups are always fun. This will be the sixth one I will have been to!

It's very hard for me to see out that far just yet due to the casino ... so far I only have dates through March. But we'll keep our eye to the ground as I'm sure Anna and Marna would love to come.

That would be great Dwight. The more the merrier.
Rachel is already excited that Anna might be able to go too! :D

[Kevin]

Bummer, that weekend is all ready taken, plus we leave for Yellowstone in May. This makes two years in a row we have missed Yosemite.:cry: I know everyone will have a great time, perfect time to be in Yosemite Valley.

[brecklundin]

It's very hard for me to see out that far just yet due to the casino ... so far I only have dates through March. But we'll keep our eye to the ground as I'm sure Anna and Marna would love to come.

I was just telling Karen I would try and talk you and Marna into the trip as well, you know if we go...hehehehe...just tell the casino not to have any events since it's the week before tax time anyway...of course business is really good for me around that time so maybe folks wanna blow their cash at the casino as well. ;)

[brecklundin]

Sorry Robert. I didn't know that you needed your hand held to show you how the forum works, or to lead you to specific threads. :p

Yeah Mo, thanks a lot. :rolleyes: j/k

Edit: Speaking of leading someone by the hand to specific threads, has anyone told Belmondo about this one yet?
Of course, since I will be there, he won't :p

hey, puk ewe too Pal!! ;) And well, with all the Pentax gear I seem to have lost the ability to navigate threads and forums anymore... :p Still, I am feeling no salsa for YOU... :p

[Killjoy]

:p Still, I am feeling no salsa for YOU... :p

How quickly you forgot. You kept sending me updates of your recipe, as you were writing it down.

Yes, even after you said you perfected it, you again sent it to me. ;)

[brecklundin]

How quickly you forgot. You kept sending me updates of your recipe, as you were writing it down.

Yes, even after you said you perfected it, you again sent it to me. ;)

oh, SURE...bring that up now!! Maybe your premarin dose is off and needs adjusting? :p

[brecklundin]

ps: see I dug up your fav shot of me...

[Killjoy]

oh, SURE...bring that up now!! Maybe your premarin dose is off and needs adjusting? :p

:confused:

ps: see I dug up your fav shot of me...

Let the nightmares begin. :shock:

[DwightMcCann]

People ALWAYS want to leave money at the casino so they can keep sending me checks ... I will be VERY busy for the first quarter of the year and already know of numerous events for the second. But I simply cannot turn them down as they pay too well.

[DwightMcCann]

Maybe your premarin dose is off and needs adjusting? :p
I thought that was estrogen!

[brecklundin]

I thought that was estrogen!

exactly...I mean given the way "he" is whining and all... :cool: :rolleyes:

And I know what ya mean about the bizzy time of the year, when the work is there you have to take it because you can never count on the rest of the year being as good or better than previous years... ;)

[brecklundin]

Let the nightmares begin. :shock:

I can go bigger since you seem to care:

http://www.brecklundin.com/photos/568662196_o3zE8-M.jpg

[DwightMcCann]

exactly...I mean given the way "he" is whining and all... :cool: :rolleyes:

And I know what ya mean about the bizzy time of the year, when the work is there you have to take it because you can never count on the rest of the year being as good or better than previous years... ;)
Actually, even after over five years of shooting for them I wonder each week if I will arrive to be told, "Well, it's been nice but you've been replaced!" ... the gig is simply too good to be true. Hey, do think it is really some kind of Nigerian Advanced Fee scam that the casino is running?

[brecklundin]

Actually, even after over five years of shooting for them I wonder each week if I will arrive to be told, "Well, it's been nice but you've been replaced!" ... the gig is simply too good to be true. Hey, do think it is really some kind of Nigerian Advanced Fee scam that the casino is running?

hmmmm....you might be on to the secret...only it's the Chumash variation of the Nigerian scheme...ever watch The Spanish Prisoner? Something to consider...

[brecklundin]

OK...be warned...we are confirmed for the 7th-10th...ours is A-111, I goofed and forget to switch to B-something...sigh...oh well, it's a room and I ain't gonna risk screwing it up more by getting a "B" room. ;)

Alan, question...do they provide the firewood or should I grab some around here and bring it with?

[Killjoy]

Actually, they have all gas fireplaces. No firewood is necessary.
And don't worry about being in building A. If you hear stomping on your ceiling, it's just the Sasquatch above you.
Yeah, me!
We're in building A.
and Lowell and his family are in bldg B.

Oh, and if you are going to be there on the 7th (not sue which two nights Skip and Mo are coming) be prepared to eat cake. Literally.

It's someone's birthday on the 7th (no, not mine).

[Maureen Souza]

Ought oh...Alan and Robert are at it already. :confused: I don't know how much of this I can take over the next 3 months! :D

[Killjoy]

Ought oh...Alan and Robert are at it already. :confused: I don't know how much of this I can take over the next 3 months! :D

Just be happy that you are staying in the other building. :lol:

[brecklundin]

Actually, they have all gas fireplaces. No firewood is necessary. And don't worry about being in building A. If you hear stomping on your ceiling, it's just the Sasquatch above you.
Yeah, me!
We're in building A. and Lowell and his family are in bldg B.

Oh, and if you are going to be there on the 7th (not sue which two nights Skip and Mo are coming) be prepared to eat cake. Literally.

It's someone's birthday on the 7th (no, not mine).

Thanks for the info about the fireplaces. I should have know it would be gas not wood-burning fireplaces. Less mess to deal with and cheaper on their insurance too.

As for cake, I can watch everyone enjoy the cake...as USUAL...hrmmmpppphhhh...but I am gonna bake some bread to bring for me and maybe try to come up with a good gluten-free baguette recipe...there is time to figure it out.

I am figuring on smoking a couple of hams myself and maybe a turkey as well but we'll see what comes along. Count on the hams (prolly three of them) for sure though. And yeah, I'll being salsa too...cripes I'm gonna have to make 30-gallons of the stuff!!

Hmmmmm...funny because I knew Mo was in building "B" I actually had emailed the rental folks and they switched me to Building "B" as well, but we are downstairs though and we are there for three nights. ;) So, apparently all the "cool kids" are in building "B" where we won't have to hear a certain killjoy's frankenfeet clomping on our ceiling!! hehehehe.... :p I say we invade building "A" for the popcorn and movies and feasting...less to clean up in our own rooms... :p

Ya mention laptops...do we get some sort of internet connection? I never asked though, it might be nice to be away from that for a week so I'll just be surprised and bring the laptop for storage.

BUT, if there is broadband, I have a netflix account so we could hook up a laptop to the TV and have a lotta movies to choose from for free...but we have options. If anyone likes Wallace & Gromit I have all of their DVDs!! :D And send any DVD suggestions as I can have them sent from my Netflix account and bring them with...

Oh, and I made that switch before knowing Mr. Killjoy was in building "A", otherwise, I might not have switched...hehehehe...maybe!

Ought oh...Alan and Robert are at it already. :confused: I don't know how much of this I can take over the next 3 months! :D

Just boys-will-be-boys....male bondage sorta stuff ya know! All we need is Mario & SEV for join in...I think Dwight just shakes his head at us though, poor Marna!!...hehehehe...and we leave Skip alone, mostly, since he could be armed!! I did send a not to SEV to see if they can make it as well.

Just be happy that you are staying in the other building. :lol:

Me too...I mean happy about being in the other building by Mo where it will be nice and quiet...hehehehe!! :p

[Killjoy]

Since you moved to Bldg B, which unit? I wonder if you'll have to deal with Lowell being above you now. ;)

[Killjoy]

Thanks for the info about the fireplaces. I should have know it would be gas not wood-burning fireplaces. Less mess to deal with and cheaper on their insurance too.

As for cake, I can watch everyone enjoy the cake...as USUAL...hrmmmpppphhhh...but I am gonna bake some bread to bring for me and maybe try to come up with a good gluten-free baguette recipe...there is time to figure it out.
Ooh, I forgot about that. Wonder if I can find a gluten free cake. ;)

I am figuring on smoking a couple of hams myself and maybe a turkey as well but we'll see what comes along. Count on the hams (prolly three of them) for sure though. And yeah, I'll being salsa too...cripes I'm gonna have to make 30-gallons of the stuff!!

Not everyone eats ham. So, can you work on the turkey? Thanks.

Hmmmmm...funny because I knew Mo was in building "B" I actually had emailed the rental folks and they switched me to Building "B" as well, but we are downstairs though and we are there for three nights. ;) So, apparently all the "cool kids" are in building "B" where we won't have to hear a certain killjoy's frankenfeet clomping on our ceiling!! hehehehe.... :p I say we invade building "A" for the popcorn and movies and feasting...less to clean up in our own rooms... :p

We usually bring a portable DVD player with us, that also hooks into the TV to show on a larger screen.

Ya mention laptops...do we get some sort of internet connection? I never asked though, it might be nice to be away from that for a week so I'll just be surprised and bring the laptop for storage.

BUT, if there is broadband, I have a netflix account so we could hook up a laptop to the TV and have a lotta movies to choose from for free...but we have options. If anyone likes Wallace & Gromit I have all of their DVDs!! :D And send any DVD suggestions as I can have them sent from my Netflix account and bring them with...

Oh, and I made that switch before knowing Mr. Killjoy was in building "A", otherwise, I might not have switched...hehehehe...maybe!



Just boys-will-be-boys....male bondage sorta stuff ya know! All we need is Mario & SEV for join in...I think Dwight just shakes his head at us though, poor Marna!!...hehehehe...and we leave Skip alone, mostly, since he could be armed!! I did send a not to SEV to see if they can make it as well.

I certianly hope you mean "male bonding" :p

Me too...I mean happy about being in the other building by Mo where it will be nice and quiet...hehehehe!! :p

You haven't met Lowell and his two kids. Mwahahahaha :twisted:

[brecklundin]

Ooh, I forgot about that. Wonder if I can find a gluten free cake. ;)

seriously do not worry about that for me...I'll make something to bring. really...

Not everyone eats ham. So, can you work on the turkey? Thanks.

Oh, geeze, great point, I forget not everyone eats pork so turkey it will be! with some tasty cornbread & cranberry stuffing. :D If there is a good sale on pot roasts I might make some jerky as well but that would be a best case time wise. Turkey takes almost no effort at all in the smoker.


We usually bring a portable DVD player with us, that also hooks into the TV to show on a larger screen.

Better option believe it or not, I have yet to buy a DVD player for home...I use an old PIII laptop...HD is sorta pusing it's capacity so that laptop is going to be religated to some other use as a file server.

I asled about in room broadband because I would bring a Roku Box...I'll grab a stack of DVD's instead...

I certianly hope you mean "male bonding" :p

You are the Bay Area guy...so, well, ya know...hahaha!!!

You haven't met Lowell and his two kids. Mwahahahaha :twisted:

I am sure they are fine folks...quiet and reserved...plus I have a bucket full of xanax anyway...hehehehe....and who knows who will be making the most noise anyway? Oh, I'm gonna tell him about what you implied...you are a bad-bad man...just bad, old and mean!!...tsk-tsk... :p

[Killjoy]

I am sure they are fine folks...quiet and reserved...plus I have a bucket full of xanax anyway...hehehehe....and who knows who will be making the most noise anyway? Oh, I'm gonna tell him about what you implied...you are a bad-bad man...just bad, old and mean!!...tsk-tsk... :p

He's on this forum and following along. User name is Vettemaniac (which ought to tell you something right there). :p

In fact, here he is with one of his sons, on the roller coaster at the Oakland Zoo when we went to Zoo Lights.

Image removed. :p

[brecklundin]

cool....looks like fun. ;)

[Maureen Souza]

I will pack a bunch of food...and a big potato salad. We can hodge podge our dinners.

We will be there on the 8th & 9th (Thurs. & Fri.)

[brecklundin]

I will pack a bunch of food...and a big potato salad. We can hodge podge our dinners.

We will be there on the 8th & 9th (Thurs. & Fri.)

buffet style dins or whatever works for me too...we'll be there the 7th-10th (3-nights) then it's off to the cabin near Shaver Lake. for a few days or so...

[VetteManiac]

I am sure they are fine folks...quiet and reserved...plus I have a bucket full of xanax anyway...hehehehe....and who knows who will be making the most noise anyway? Oh, I'm gonna tell him about what you implied...you are a bad-bad man...just bad, old and mean!!...tsk-tsk... :p

Be forewarned I have 2 kids 1 is 5 and the other will be 9 months old. He isn't that loud now.
After showing that picture Killjoy is dead.>:( So you don't have to worry about him.

Reading through this post and I'm wondering if I need to bring a bunch of food or is there a grocery store near by to purchase food?

[Killjoy]

No close grocery stores in the park.
Bring food.
Guess I need to bring a coffin too? :p

The closest place to buy food is a convenience type store/small grocery store on the Valley Floor.

[Maureen Souza]

the condos are fully equipped except for food. I also brought my own pillow and an extra blanket to use in front of the TV.

[Killjoy]

Yeah, we're bringing our own pillows too. The extra blanket isn't a bad idea.

[VetteManiac]

Are you going to do a buffet dinner every night? How many people will we have to accommodate for?

[Maureen Souza]

We will drive up Thursday morning and be there 2 nights. I will bring easy stuff to make....spaghetti one night and potato salad and sliced meat for another. Not too much cooking. We will have sandwich fixings to pack out for the day, and snacks. We can always eat lunch in the village or buy snacks there.

I am pretty sure the high country won't be open.Tuolomne Meadows...maybe and Glacier point will be a maybe. Depends on how much snow we get in the next 3 months.

[Killjoy]

Okay, I'll bring enough salad (and dressing) and garlic bread for everyone to go with the spaghetti for whichever night that is.
(where can I get a gluten free roll of french bread? :rolleyes: )
We'll figure out what else to bring for other nights, but there's still time for that.

[Killjoy]

Mo, how long of a drive is it for you?
Just trying to figure out what time to expect you and Skip.

[VetteManiac]

I'll bring my infamous chili. If that's ok with everyone.

[Maureen Souza]

Mo, how long of a drive is it for you?
Just trying to figure out what time to expect you and Skip.
2-2 1/2 hours. We will try to be up there by noon.

I'll bring my infamous chili. If that's ok with everyone.
mmmmmmm

[brecklundin]

i'll be driving up on the 7th from Fresno so ~2hrs depending on roads...we'll prolly be shooting for about noon...we'll just eat whatever everone else bring.... :p ::::ruuuuunnnnnsssssssssaway::::::::::: :D

[Killjoy]

i'll be driving up on the 7th from Fresno so ~2hrs depending on roads...we'll prolly be shooting for about noon...we'll just eat whatever everone else bring.... :p ::::ruuuuunnnnnsssssssssaway::::::::::: :D

Maybe it's a good thing for me, that you are in the other building? :lol::lol::lol:

We'll probably be out there around noon also.
But I don't think check in is until later in the day.
So we'll probably just head for the valley floor and see what we can see.
Lowell and his family will probably caravan with us as he only lives about 20 min from us.

[VetteManiac]

Check in is anytime after 4pm.
The caravan sounds good to me.

[KnightRanger]

When this thread first opened I was interested in participating. I returned home last weekend to find my residential security had been compromised and I am no longer in posession of my photographic equipment. I don't want to be a little rain cloud and say "I can't go because some scumbag stole my gear" so I'll say "If I am capable of replacing my equipment I would be interested in attending this funciton".

[Killjoy]

Damn Kirt. I'm sorry to hear that. :(

Was it insured?

[Maureen Souza]

That is lousy, Kirt. Hope you find a way to get it replaced.

[KnightRanger]

The renters insurance will cover for what gear I have lost, depreciated and all that magic math mumbojumbo. I thought Dena's stuff would be covered also, but the insurance company isn't going to cover her loss because we're not married. I wasn't prepared of dealing with the psychological part of the burglary, I got an apointment on Wednesday to help with that. Thanks for your kindness, it's greatly appreciated.

[Killjoy]

It's very hard for me to see out that far just yet due to the casino ... so far I only have dates through March. But we'll keep our eye to the ground as I'm sure Anna and Marna would love to come.

Dwight, Rachel is asking if you know your schedule yet for April.
She's looking forward to the fact that Anna might be coming. :lol:

[DwightMcCann]

Dwight, Rachel is asking if you know your schedule yet for April.
She's looking forward to the fact that Anna might be coming. :lol:
The only weekend free for sure at this point is the first one so we have booked a reservation in Morro Bay. Specifically though, I will be shooting Cirque Dreams Illumination at the casino on the 8th so it's a no-go in any case.

[Killjoy]

......so it's a no-go in any case.

Bummer.:(

Okay, thanks.

[brecklundin]

The only weekend free for sure at this point is the first one so we have booked a reservation in Morro Bay. Specifically though, I will be shooting Cirque Dreams Illumination at the casino on the 8th so it's a no-go in any case.

Bummer dude...Karen was looking forward to seeing you guys...oh, well, more salsa for the rest of use I suppose...or you could just send Marna & kid-like unit on their own, I mean they are the ones whose company any of us actually enjoy...hehehehehe...that's gonna cost me, huh? :p

[MDJAK]

You west coasters make me so jealous.

[Killjoy]

You west coasters make me so jealous.

Hey, don't you guys have airplanes that fly out this direction? :p

[Killjoy]

Bummer dude...Karen was looking forward to seeing you guys...oh, well, more salsa for the rest of use I suppose...or you could just send Marna & kid-like unit on their own, I mean they are the ones whose company any of us actually enjoy...hehehehehe...that's gonna cost me, huh? :p


You have no idea. :lol::lol::lol:

[Killjoy]

Folks, just for the record, I just looked and there are well over 50 campsites still available inside Yosemite National Park for the dates that we will be there.

This link (http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundSearch.do) takes you to The Recreation.Gov campground search.
Two campgrounds (with multiple sites in each) are still available. One is near the entrance of Highway 120 and the other is near the entrance of Highway 41.

That is of course, if camping is the way you want to go.

Edit: Oh, and there are still plenty of the condos (http://www.scenicwonders.com/rentals_loft.html) left too!

[johnnybfan]

Rats! Since my wife is a teacher we won't get there until mid-June. But my sister-in-law says we're going to stay in Squaw Valley at a friends for a couple of nights so we'll be able to go into Kings Canyon, too. I'm trying to convince everyone that we need to go from Yosemite to the Mono Lake area and then down the eastern side of the Sierra-Nevada's and on to Death Valley. We're going to be in Cali for over 3 weeks so I kind of figured there would be time to get it all in. :):) Oh yeh, I'd like to hit the coast for a day or two, also. Will I have enough time? No matter, it will still be a great trip.

[Maureen Souza]

We live a stone's throw from King's Canyon. Give us a holler if you want a tour :)

[directorj]

this sounds like fun. I might go if I can get enough money lol. I'll be in vegas this month LOL. Never went to these meet ups before. If I go I'll probably take my g/f along and it might be a fun adventure. I'll post back if I go.

[Killjoy]

this sounds like fun. I might go if I can get enough money lol. I'll be in vegas this month LOL. Never went to these meet ups before. If I go I'll probably take my g/f along and it might be a fun adventure. I'll post back if I go.

That's what these are for! To have fun, and meet some other like minded people. ;)

So far everyone who has confirmed is bringing some sore of significant other (family, husband and wife, girlfriend/boyfriend) so by all means bring her. :D

[Killjoy]

So, it's only two months away now.

Anyone else care to join us?

[Timphoto]

I wish I could, but we're starting on a major remodel of the house around that time and I'll be busy tearing down the old kitchen then.

[Killjoy]

Hmm. It looks like there's going to be someone at every one of these meet-ups who's going to use that as an excuse. :p

Last April, if I remember correctly, Maureen and Skip couldn't make it to Golden Gate Park because they were helping their son remodel a house.

[brecklundin]

Hmm. It looks like there's going to be someone at every one of these meet-ups who's going to use that as an excuse. :p

Last April, if I remember correctly, Maureen and Skip couldn't make it to Golden Gate Park because they were helping their son remodel a house.

If it makes you feel better...I still need to finish my kitchen remodel but am putting it off to make Yosemite... :p

It's also time to redo the master bath and I am REALLLY looking for reasons to put that off over the summer. :D

[shaker69]

I'm working every other weekend, and I am ffing working that weekend. Damn it.

[Killjoy]

I'm working every other weekend, and I am ffing working that weekend. Damn it.

Well, we ARE going to be arriving on Wednesday and leaving on Saturday.
Mo and Skip are arriving on Thursday.
You could always come on Wednesday and leave on Friday if that would work for you.

[Timphoto]

Hmm. It looks like there's going to be someone at every one of these meet-ups who's going to use that as an excuse. :p

Last April, if I remember correctly, Maureen and Skip couldn't make it to Golden Gate Park because they were helping their son remodel a house.

Well, I've already delayed this project for several years, but if I try to delay it another year the kitchen will probably have slid downhill into the creek behind our house. It's a bad slab on grade remodel by previous owner. Doing the demolition myself will save me enough to buy a new 1DS-IV when it comes out. :cool:

[Killjoy]

Doing the demolition myself will save me enough to buy a new 1DS-IV when it comes out. :cool:

Was that a typo? Are you actually waiting for the 1Ds MkIV?
Or are you talking about the 1D MkIV?

Because it's out! What are you waiting for? :p
Whoops, on backorder from B&H AND Adorama currently.

[Timphoto]

No, not waiting for the 1DS-IV - just using the estimated price of one to illustrate how much I'll save by tearing down the old kitchen addition.

I've had my 1D-MkIV since last week Monday. Total overkill for my meager talents, but why let a little thing like that spoil the fun of owning one? :cool:

[Killjoy]

If you can't make it to Yosemite, at LEAST send the Camera! :p

[Timphoto]

Sorry, it's too young to travel by itself. Who knows what debauchery you party animals will expose it to? ;)

[Maureen Souza]

Hmm. It looks like there's going to be someone at every one of these meet-ups who's going to use that as an excuse. :p

Last April, if I remember correctly, Maureen and Skip couldn't make it to Golden Gate Park because they were helping their son remodel a house.
Well, we were and it took 5 months. I started on my own home projects in January and should finish up in the next week or two so I will be more than ready to make this trip in April.:)

[Killjoy]

[/b]
Well, we were and it took 5 months. I started on my own home projects in January and should finish up in the next week or two so I will be more than ready to make this trip in April.:)

Hmm, I don't remember having put those words in bold typeface. :lol::lol::lol::lol:

[brecklundin]

[/B]
Well, we were and it took 5 months. I started on my own home projects in January and should finish up in the next week or two so I will be more than ready to make this trip in April.:)

Hey Mo,

While you guys are in the swing of things on kitchen remodels....I still need to run a 220-line, add a slave fusebox for the kitchen appliances, install new counter tops, instally the new range, hood as well as the new sink, and oh yeah, either build new cabinet doors or refinish the old ones...sooooo, got an extra, ummmm...6-weeks or so? snickersnicker...

I did install a new furnace a few weeks back though, all my myself... :D

[Maureen Souza]

Hey Mo,

While you guys are in the swing of things on kitchen remodels....I still need to run a 220-line, add a slave fusebox for the kitchen appliances, install new counter tops, instally the new range, hood as well as the new sink, and oh yeah, either build new cabinet doors or refinish the old ones...sooooo, got an extra, ummmm...6-weeks or so? snickersnicker...

I did install a new furnace a few weeks back though, all my myself... :D
Ha ha ha. I just finished a week-long project of clearing out my computer room of 10 years of accumulated dirt and junk. After a thorough cleaning, I painted the whole darn place and got it back together. It looks soooo great, I am now happy I did it:)

[Killjoy]

My computer room (and the short hallway leading to it) are the only places in my house that still has the acoustic popcorn ceiling.
One day I'll get around to scraping that off, and when I do, I'll paint the room too.
But I have bookcases that are seven feet tall, and are bolted to the wall (earthquake-proofing).
So painting my office would be a chore. :p

[brecklundin]

snickernsickersnicker...I suspect all of our "offices"/workrooms look about the same....but boy they sure started off looking great...and EMPTY...hahaha....

Hey, for anyone who is curious I ran across a Web Cam link on the Yosemite Association site...kinda fun to see the live shots. Right now the live vids are down but the stills are up to date.

http://www.yosemite.org/129/Web-Cam-View.htm

[Maureen Souza]

Only 6 weeks away.... :)

[Killjoy]

Watch, I'll finally get a job, and they'll want me to start that week. :p

[Maureen Souza]

That happened to me when I started my current job. I had paid for a cruise 10 months earlier. So I told them about it and they were fine with it. I worked one week, went on my cruise, came home and settled down to business. I'll be there 8 years this summer.

[Killjoy]

Yeah, that happened when I started for Intel too.
I had already paid for a SCUBA dive trip to Grand Cayman. I let them know about it during the interview, and they said it would be fine.

I was there for 15 years before they decided to close the factory and ship the jobs to China.

[Maureen Souza]

Maybe you need to book a big trip so that elusive job comes after you ;)

[Killjoy]

Maybe you need to book a big trip so that elusive job comes after you ;)

Okay. Who's up for the next trip! Bora Bora here I come! LOL

[Maureen Souza]

We've been to that neck of the waters...I highly recommend Moorea (small island closest to Tahiti), tho. Cook's Bay is the most amazing place:)

[Killjoy]

We've been to that neck of the waters...I highly recommend Moorea (small island closest to Tahiti), tho. Cook's Bay is the most amazing place:)

Been there, done that. Got the photos to prove it. :p Here's Sara at the resort we were in, on Moorea.
http://www.rosnovphotography.com/Family/Sara/Sara1/287796359_qZKwF-L.jpg

Wanna go back. :D

[Maureen Souza]

I wanna go back, too. *sigh*

[Killjoy]

Only 6 weeks away.... :)

Five. :p

[Hikin Mike]

I was "told" to report to this thread and 'chime in'. :lol:

I haven't decided what day yet, but I can drop in for the day. :D

[Rey.dos]

I might be able to do a 1 day trip...

[Maureen Souza]

When we get a little closer, we can exchange cell # and meet with whoever is around for the day.

[Killjoy]

I was "told" to report to this thread and 'chime in'. :lol:

I haven't decided what day yet, but I can drop in for the day. :D

Awe c'mon Mike. Why ya gotta be like that? :p

I just thought it would be nice if everyone who was actually on this board at least chimes in so others would know who's coming. :D

[brecklundin]

Awe c'mon Mike. Why ya gotta be like that? :p

I just thought it would be nice if everyone who was actually on this board at least chimes in so others would know who's coming. :D

byte me....does that count as "chiming in"? :p I don't remember the condo number I have...I know it's in unit-B though and on the ground floor. ?? ;)

[Killjoy]

byte me....does that count as "chiming in"? :p I don't remember the condo number I have...I know it's in unit-B though and on the ground floor. ?? ;)

Who says you even count? :p

Sorry Mo, but at least you don't have three more months to deal with this. Only five more weeks.

Then we'll be bantering in person. :lol::lol::lol::rolleyes:

[DwightMcCann]

Oh, I am so glad I will have to wait until August to hear those two go at it in person!

[Killjoy]

Oh, I am so glad I will have to wait until August to hear those two go at it in person!
Hahahaha :p

[Maureen Souza]

I am having 2nd thoughts now.....;):p

[tonylong]

As a California native, I'd love to be on this shoot, but all things considered I'm not thinkin' I'll be able to, but here's a cheer for the outcome!

And, hey, you Californians! Some of us in the Pacific Northwest have been getting "Meetup Fever" -- we had one in Seattle last month and are having one in Portland at the end of this month.

Something popped up in our Portland thread, though, that I want to share with you guys -- a tool for a region that we are having a blast with: a thread to share photo sites for a region, with a Google Maps site for pinpointing those sites. It's been real cool to have those of us in Washington and Oregon share their favorites on the thread and then flag them on the map!

You all in California might find it fun and useful -- when you think about the fantastic places in the state from the Redwoods to the beaches, Yosemite to Big Sur, you all could "take ownership" of some of the greates photo locations in the world!

Here's the Pacific Northwest thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=836068

And here's the collaborative map (you join Google Maps and then you can edit/add your own "points":

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=117761012360984945123.000480fc72c7f83e5051c&ll=45.556372,-122.629395&spn=2.969397,4.828491&z=8

Check it out -- I'd love to have something like this for my home state -- I could even contribute!

[brecklundin]

Oh, I am so glad I will have to wait until August to hear those two go at it in person!

then again...some of us live kinda-sorta close by and wellllll you knooooow...aren't figs in season still? :p

Plus, I mean you got last August off from the, ummmm, banter... :p

[brecklundin]

Who says you even count? :p

Sorry Mo, but at least you don't have three more months to deal with this. Only five more weeks.

Then we'll be bantering in person. :lol::lol::lol::rolleyes:

HEY!! I can count to 21....if I have a swing arm mirror and I have a 500mm zoom that is... :rolleyes:

[Killjoy]

HEY!! I can count to 21....if I have a swing arm mirror and I have a 500mm zoom that is... :rolleyes:


TMI :rolleyes:

[Killjoy]

4 weeks to go!

Gotta get the laptop ready and see if it'll run PS.

My Niece had a laptop for college (she goes to Cal Berkeley).
I had to rebuild it for her once because she got it all locked up with viruses and such.
She e-mailed me a few months ago telling me it was all messed up again, and asked if I could fix it again for her.
I told her "Sure, when can I come get it?" I'm about a half hour from her house.
Anyway, she said she had a friend at school who was taking a look at it first, and he was a computer major :rolleyes:

Two weeks later, she told me that she had a different friend looking at it.
This one was one of the "Geniuses" that worked at the Apple store (can you see the writing on the wall?)

Yeah, he took it apart, and told her that it was broken, and she should buy a Mac.
She fell for it.

I asked if I could have the pieces to see if I could rebuild it (Dr. Frankenstein ain't got nothin' on me).
She gave it to me.

Anyway, after getting it home and a spare HD and even a copy of Windoze 7 from Lowell (thanks for the help Lowell) I now have a perfectly working laptop that's years newer than my old one. :p

But it's only got 1 Meg of RAM on it. That's why I don't know what it'll run as far a Processing software.

I guess I'll find out tomorrow. It's too late tonight to fool with it.

[Killjoy]

I am having 2nd thoughts now.....;):p

Oh, did I tell you guys that the condo folks called, and asked if we would all like to move to one of the big houses so we can all share? :lol:









Just kidding. :p

[Maureen Souza]

Actually, that might be fun.


For about 5 minutes ;);) :p :p

[Killjoy]

Actually, that might be fun.


For about 5 minutes ;);) :p :p

Awe c'mon Mo, we all know how you really feel about me. Are you going to make me quote it here? :lol:

[brecklundin]

Actually, that might be fun.


For about 5 minutes ;);) :p :p

sounds like every woman I've ever known... :p :oops:

[Killjoy]

byte me....does that count as "chiming in"? :p I don't remember the condo number I have...I know it's in unit-B though and on the ground floor. ?? ;)

The ones on the ground floor at the studio units. Usually have a sofa bed AND a Murphy bed (the kind that tuck into the wall).
The upstairs units have a loft with a bed (or two) upstairs, and a sofa bed downstairs.

[Maureen Souza]

I think you could, Joe. Have you looked into it?

[Maureen Souza]

April shouldn't be a problem.

[Maureen Souza]

Bummer.

[Killjoy]

There are also showers at Housekeeping (another camp site) which is not too far from Curry Village. :D

[brecklundin]

nothing beats camping in a VW van, even a plain "regular" 1969 VW Camper Van I bought in the mid-1970s...LOVED and still miss that beast, heck it's STILL running with the paint job I put on it...

BTW, KJ, I haven't forgotten the RAM thing, I know I have some, just have to find my last Dell laptop...I put the parts somewhere, ahem, "safe" and "easy" to find...d'oh!! ANyway, I know it has a single 1GB strip in it, I think so anyway because as I recall I ran it with 1.5gb...I think...sigh...I am gonna hunt some more this afternoon. It has to be in the places I haven't looked because it "Can't" be there, hehehehe... ;)

[Poe]

The falls should be really nice this year. Slightly above average snow pack from all the storms that el niño blew across California the last few months.

[brecklundin]

The falls should be really nice this year. Slightly above average snow pack from all the storms that el niño blew across California the last few months.

I am hoping so but we might be a bit early? I dunno, never been there this time of year, and always tried to avoid the place in the summer months. I did add a nice new B+W 10-stop just for the trip.

If the falls & streams arerunning well, there is gonna be about a 40% or so moon on the night of the 7th and I am thinking of trying for some Moonbow trys if it's bright enough, but from what I have read you really need as full a moon as possible. Still reading about it but it might be fun if the stars align just right. ;)

Plus I am on the short end of glass right now, even my brand new 35ltd has a HUGE back focus issue. I ordered it for product shots but also for the trip...even had it shipped overnight from UPS and, well, they bashed the box around, so tomorrow I am going to do a calibration to see just how far it's outta whack then call B&H...dang it! But I likely won't have anything over 135mm for the trip and that will be MF lense so might not get used all that much.

But a lot of Yosemite is landscapes and of course, wildlife but critters likely won't get that close to me, but know what? I don't care, just looking forward to the get-a-way!! ;)

[brecklundin]

The falls should be really nice this year. Slightly above average snow pack from all the storms that el niño blew across California the last few months.

Ha...I forget you are in fresno, I am staying with frends there before and after. I get to spend time with one of my dearest friends, her hubby and their almost new kiddlet (a bit over a yr old) for the first time...should be fun. ;)

Plus I am looking forward to hitting my fav sushi restaurant...

[Killjoy]

I am hoping so but we might be a bit early? I dunno, never been there this time of year, and always tried to avoid the place in the summer months. I did add a nice new B+W 10-stop just for the trip.


The last time we went to Yosemite was in August. It was hot and dry.
No waterfalls. :cry:
The whole reason for my setting this up was it's Spring Break, and my 9 year old daughter wanted to see waterfalls at Yosemite.
So they better be running. :p

What thread size is that filter? :lol:
I have the Cokin P filter set-up and have three ND filters that I can stack on it.
But I get a color shift when I do, and I'm wondering if it's the filters, or if it's stacking, or just a result of cutting that much light out.
Yeah, it's correctable in software, but I'd rather try to get it right in camera.
What's that? Custom White Balance you say?..............

[brecklundin]

The last time we went to Yosemite was in August. It was hot and dry.
No waterfalls. :cry:
The whole reason for my setting this up was it's Spring Break, and my 9 year old daughter wanted to see waterfalls at Yosemite.
So they better be running. :p

Fun then we should have a good time trying to get those shots.


What thread size is that filter? :lol:


A very manly 49mm...hehehehe...


I have the Cokin P filter set-up and have three ND filters that I can stack on it.
But I get a color shift when I do, and I'm wondering if it's the filters, or if it's stacking, or just a result of cutting that much light out.
Yeah, it's correctable in software, but I'd rather try to get it right in camera.
What's that? Custom White Balance you say?..............

The B+W 10-stop gives a warm color color tone. If you are getting a reddish/orange color shift then it's IR pollution/leakage. It's actually a combination of the IR coming through along with the longer exposures which allow more IR through and the in-camera IR blocking filter can handle so you get the color shift to the red side of the spectrum. I am not sure if there is a Cokin IR cut/blocking filter but I am sure they has to be...anyway, that would fix that issue if it's the problem. That is about all I've learnt me about ND filters the past couple months. ;)

I think over time, if I find I use the 10-stop a lot, II think I'll look closer at the Cokin system but the glass filters are so darned expensive, though the advantage is the same filter for all your lenses...

I'm really lucky in that my K20D has not shown me any tendency toward an IR-color shift using the 10-stop.

or are ya not getting a red-shift but a warm-shift? On the K20D the custom WB is a bit different and less automated than the 40D was but also is potentially more flexible...

Right now I am considering jumping off a bridge because UPS broke my new 35ltd macro lens...I am maxed out at an AF adjustment of +10 for the body and +10 for the lens as well and it is STILL just not right...see, it appears they played kickball with the box, it even has the black marks which look suspiciously like asphalt but are more likely just some sort of rubber...either way the box got mangled, and I NEEDED the lens for this weekend and next week. Back to making it work with other options I guess until B&H gets it handled. :(

[brecklundin]

HenryP from B&H is AWESOME...new lens is on the way and old lens is on the way back...that fast that easy. Coolness ensues...

PS: new lense WILL be here tomorrow, Saturday...how nice is that?

[Killjoy]

A very manly 49mm...hehehehe...

Not sure if I have the 49mm ring for the Cokin, but I'll look.
I usually only carry the two sizes for it that I need. 58 and 77.
I'll be happy to let you check out the Cokin, but alas, at 49mm I won't be trying the B+W that you bought. :p

[brecklundin]

hmmm...But won't a 49mm kinda bugger any shot you get on a lens which requires a larger filter diameter?

I will admit to being in seriously deep lust for a Singh-Ray Blue-Gold CPL...but cripes, at those prices ya better be darned certain you'll use it.

[Killjoy]

LOL. What I meant was, if I can find the 49mm ring, you are more than welcome to try out the Cokin P system.

I however will not be able to check out the B+W 10 Stop filter you bought as it won't fit any of my lenses.

Edit: See Mo? We don't banter back and forth ALL the time. :p

[brecklundin]

hahaha...oh, see what happens when I don't sleep..I get weird and read things upside down and sideways. With an inversion in configuration.

Maybe I'll grab a 49mm adapter to try it out. They aren't that expensive.

Now don't go a disabusing Mo about things...I mean better she expect less and then there is no disappointment if that is all she gets. :D

[Maureen Souza]

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I can see the writing on the wall........

[brecklundin]

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I can see the writing on the wall........

writing? Kinda like watching the monkey cage at the zoo? And we all know what monkee's love to throw around!! :D

[Killjoy]

writing? Kinda like watching the monkey cage at the zoo? And we all know what monkee's love to throw around!! :D

I think I have some photos of that...... Somewhere. :p

[brecklundin]

I think I have some photos of that...... Somewhere. :p

I hope ya at least wore a hat....you know what Mr. Hanky sez...

http://www.brecklundin.com/photos/555680336_jaSdp-L-1.gif

[Killjoy]

Dude. ▲That's just so wrong in so many ways.

[Popepete]

Killjoy, I've enjoyed this thread. I'll be at Yosemite a month later on May 19th. Looking forward to your post trip comments. Have fun.

[Killjoy]

Thanks. Too bad the timing doesn't match up so you could join us.

I'm sure there will be quite a few post trip comments, as well as photos. :)

[brecklundin]

BTW, for those out there with ebook readers I really recommend reading "The Yosemite" by John Muir. It's public domain and can be found for free download at Feedbooks.com, Inkmesh.com will point you to various edits as well and of course Project Gutenberg on gutenberg.org....facinating read but John Muir himself.

[Killjoy]

Well, it seems that we have a dropout.

Lowell (VetteManiac) has a commitment conflict and is going to have to bow out of the Yosemite trip.
Are there any of the folks that were still thinking about this, that wants to rent out the condo that he has reserved?
Any late takers?

That being said, are we still planning on doing some sore of pot luck for the dinners? :D
Who's in for what?

Edit: Lowell is going to see if he can change the dates for Yosemite by a day. Go a day earlier, and leave on Friday.
That would minimize his missing his other commitment. So we shall see about that one.

[brecklundin]

Cool news for Lowell!! :)

As for the whole potluck/grazing menu I am in and I'll bring some sort of smoked meats. If I have the time I'll make about a gallon of salsa so that should be cool. And I'll bring tortillas and oil so we can cook up fresh chips as needed...fresh chips are sooooo much cheaper and are so easy to make that I never bother buying anymore.

I am planning on some smoked turkey, decided to just buy a couple-three breasts and then we can just slice those up. I might also go grab a few tips as well since they are are one sale right now for a really great price. I was gonna also bake a nice corn tortilla lasagna but my oven took a crap last week, I think the thermocouple croaked, I dunno until I get in there and check out the electrical (when I bought the place the oven was thought to be dead, all it needed was a new hot surface ignitor element, all of $40 and it was fixed.) But just not looking as if I have a day to dedicate to Dx'ing then repair before I have to leave. So, alternative menus have been installed...are bears scared away by human flatulence? :rolleyes: :lol:

As I recall Mo was gonna do potato salad...but it will help it have a handle on just how many there will be for a Wednesday/Thursday night potluck, whatever night is best.

[Killjoy]

Well it turns out that Lowell, while he can't be at Yosemite for Saturday, he was able to adjust the nights he's in the condo, and will be arriving on Tuesday, and have to leave on Friday late afternoon, or early evening.
Heck, maybe they can still stay for dinner? :)

Robert, Mmmmm, Salsa.

We have another couple of folks who are coming for the trip also. (They shoot Nikons, which is why they don't come to this board :p )
I'll get them on board with the dinner plans. :D

[Killjoy]

Cool news for Lowell!! Yup.


So, alternative menus have been installed...are bears scared away by human flatulence? :rolleyes: :lol:
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::confused:


As I recall Mo was gonna do potato salad...but it will help it have a handle on just how many there will be for a Wednesday/Thursday night potluck, whatever night is best.

As I recall, Mo was talking about making Spaghetti. And maybe some potato salad too.

You gonna make me search for it? Or you gonna take my word for it?

[brecklundin]

As I recall, Mo was talking about making Spaghetti. And maybe some potato salad too.


You gonna make me search for it? Or you gonna take my word for it?

yes. :rolleyes:

[Killjoy]

We will drive up Thursday morning and be there 2 nights. I will bring easy stuff to make....spaghetti one night and potato salad and sliced meat for another. Not too much cooking. We will have sandwich fixings to pack out for the day, and snacks. We can always eat lunch in the village or buy snacks there.

I am pretty sure the high country won't be open.Tuolomne Meadows...maybe and Glacier point will be a maybe. Depends on how much snow we get in the next 3 months.

I saved myself the aggravation simply because I knew that Robert wouldn't believe me, and I would have had to dig for it anyway. :p

[Killjoy]

yes. :rolleyes:

ROFLMAO.