Visiting Pacific North West

[Moncha]

Laura and I will be enroute to Eugene,OR on Monday 06/16/03 and then to Black Butte Ranch for a family reunion.. We will be heading North on Sunday 06/22/03 going to Vancouver, B.C. but, would like to stop and meet you Pacific Northwesters.. We'll stop in Seattle on Sunday then head out on Monday for the border.
1st question, would anyone like to get together for dinner on Sunday night?
2nd question, being that we have no clue outside of the needle, where is a good place to eat and meet.


Let us know if you can make it.. I won't have Internet while on the road. If you want to meet us email us your phone numbers and we'll call when we get close..

Looking forward to meeting you all!

[kpaske]

I would have liked to meet up with you, however since I am still overseas on a long deployment I won't be able to do it this time. I'd love to be able to recommend some places in Seattle, but since I deployed right after I moved to Washington, I can't help there either. :( Maybe next time though. I've been waiting for someone to organize a Northwest Meet... ;Db;

[Grant Eaton]

Sounds like fun. I will be flying out on Sunday nights though, usually around 6:00pm, so I'm not sure if I would personally be able to swing a meet unless it were early afternoon on Sunday. Rick, Eric, Trenton, and others would probably be interested as well. I'll email you my number in case we (as a group) don't get to a consensus before you head our way.


Grant

[Moncha]

We'll be leaving Black Butte area around 10:00. Figure getting into the area around 3:00 or 4:00 pm does that sound right?

[Teckhardt]

I'd love to meet up with everyone. Grant, do you want to take the lead since you have limited time availablity?

Trenton

[Grant Eaton]

I would be able to meet at 3:00 for about an hour or so, but I have to take a cab to the airport not later than 4:30. I don't want my schedule to mess up a meeting though. If Scott is pretty sure he could meet about 3:00 - 3:30, we could all meet up somewhere like Alki Point (less traffic, more parking hopefully, and certainly a good photo-op place) and then those who can stay later can go to grab a bite to each or something at Alki Beach. But I am open to ideas.

[Teckhardt]

That sounds fine to me. Rick, will you be able to attend?

[Moncha]

According to my calculations, it should take just over 6 hours to make the trip.. So, theroretically we should be there around 3:00

Trying to figure if we can meet with Webdog and his wife while we're out there too...
Tru, email me your phone #'s if you could please.

[Grant Eaton]

I suggest we meet at approximately 3:00pm at Alki Point. Here are some maps. I drew Scott's route in green. I suggest also picking up a road map or MapQuest directions (although the route is easy). Also, if it is a nice day, traffic on Harbor Blvd around to Alki Point will be VERY heavy. It would be advisable, if it is a nice day and you are running late, to take a "shortcut" via Admiral Way, over the hill.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378getmap.png
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378getmap-1.png
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378getmap-2.png
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378getmap-3.png

[Tone]

Seattle crew was great to meet when I was out a few years back - forgot to go up in the tower or watch them throw fish but it was a good meet, near where ya’ll are planning. Just remember not to block the empty boat ramp, Coast Guard gets cranky! ;)

[Moncha]

Cool Grant, thanks for the info.. We're going to be staying at the Rodeway Seatac so, this works really well for us.. I know it was short notice but we just were able to firm up the plans..
Thanks for everything!

[paultvx]

Darn it. It'd be cool to meet you Scott, but I will be heading for Eastern Oregon on that day (either Fish Lake or Mann Lake by the Steens Mountains).

Otherwise, since you'll be passing through Portland, it'd cool to have a small caravan to escort you up. I thought you were going to Crater Lake on this trip too? still doing that?

[Moncha]

The Family reunion was going to be inCrater lake but plans got changed and we're staying at the Black Butte Ranch.. Looks real nice! We'll still have some day trips to make and such.

[paultvx]

Black Butte Ranch is nice. I almost got lost mountain biking around the peaks across from Black Butte and above the Metolius River a few years ago. If you don't mind touristy places, the town of Sister's isn't too bad.

If you can make it to Crater Lake, you might want to check out the Oregon Caves as well. http://www.nps.gov/orca/ The historic lodge at Crater Lake is very nice too.

Also, If you are looking for places to dine... the McMenamin's chain of brew-pubs are great places. http://www.mcmenamins.com/ Try the Terminator Stout and Ruby. The Terminator Stout mustards is probably the best mustard I've ever had. Their burgers are really good too... try the Hamilton or the Communication Breakdown.

[Moncha]

I just love the recommendations!!! Keep them coming!

[paultvx]

okay... i'll see what else I can think of...

BTW, OT, one of your pics... http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1794

What I am looking at here? Title said miro de... did you install a set of Hella Mirco DE fogs?

[Moncha]

Yep, here's a link to my gallery (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showgallery.php?ppuser=6&cat=500&thumb=1) click on the album link to Micro DE. 5th from bottom.
And the How To (http://www.vehicross.info/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1184)

[Baxman]

Scott, I'm so glad you're coming. I'll be there!

Thanks, Grant, for getting things organized. You are right, the Harbor Avenue/Alki Avenue route will be very busy Sunday afternoon.

But what we need for a meet is a parking lot to accomodate us and a good backdrop. I think the Alki Beach area will be so busy, we won't find more than two or three vacant spaces together. At Duwamish Head (where Harbor turns to Alki) there is the boat launch parking lot (with the cranky Coasties), and quite a bit of angle-in parking on the street, with the city skyline as a great backdrop. We could hang out there initially, take pics, show and tell, then go to dinner after Grant has to leave. Opinions?

Scott, it's 300 miles/5 hours from Eugene to Seattle, 3.5 hours if you bring your blue strobe ;)

Rick

[kpaske]

Wow, this meet sounds like fun and I'm sorry that I will probably miss it. However, there is a small chance that I might be home in time. If so, I look forward to seeing you all there. ;Db;

[Grant Eaton]

During the summer, I think the boat launch area tends to almost as crowded as regular Alki Beach. I don't pay much attention to it 'cuz I don't have a boat, but I usually swing by there 2-3 times a month and I seldom notice open parking spaces... I think the lot will be really full at 3:00pm on a Sunday. Maybe I am wrong and there will be parking at the boat docks.

But I am open to meet wherever -- my suggestion is Alki Point, which is quieter and less busy, but parking will still be an issue somewhat, and it will be hard (if not impossible) to get the VXes all lined up no matter where we go down there. Perhaps we could meet at Alki Point (where parking is more likely), then drive over to the boat docks for a photo op if possible?

[Moncha]

Ok guys.. We're outta here!! The long road awaits us...
I'll (we'll) be missing in action until the 24th.
Everyone be safe.

Grant, thanks so much for taking the bull by the horns. It's much appreciated. I have your contact info and will email you mine.
We'll see you all there!!!

[Dallas4u]

Guys, I'll see if I can make it, but 3:00pm doesn't give me much time to get there and back in one day! I know... Portland is only 3 hours from Seattle, but 6 hours on the road and getting up to go to work the next morning... am I a whimp at 28 already? You should see all of the bruises I have from drilling holes in my yard from the damn auger this weekend.

Anyway, I'll see if I can make the trip. I really wanted to have the Crater Lake meet... maybe some other time?

[tiggergreen]

I'm sorry, but I too will have to take a raincheck. We will be heading down to Idaho that weekend. It would have been nice to meet Scott and company...

Brent

[paultvx]

Brent! I've seen you around. In fact I think I saw you when I test drove a '99 Ironman Thomason had.

[webdog]

Scott:

I will be in southern Idaho that day, but we were in Seattle the last three days.
Lori will be in Spokane that day and I should be home Monday. Maybe after
Vancouver????? I'll send phone #s via Email.:D

[Baxman]

Grant, is the meeting place Alki Point, or the destination on the map? I'll try to get to either spot a little early to try to reserve some space.


February,'02:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2dc36b3127cce9cfadc31fbf50000005610

[Grant Eaton]

That's not the meeting point I intended... that's the boat launch I was afraid would be too busy. I think we should all meet at the spot marked on the map and then caravan over to the boat launch for a photo if we can. It's a nice drive, at least. ;-)

[Baxman]

I know, I just posted the pic to illustrate our last Alki meet.

Sorry for my confusion, but Alki point is where the lighthouse is - about 2 or3 miles W of the destination on the map.

So long as you are there first, a Proton VX is hard to miss!

Rick

[deton8r]

I'm confused now. Is the meet by the Lighthouse or where Grant pointed out on his map. The Lighthouse is a couple miles from there as Baxman pointed out.

You're meeting by Cove 2 near Salty's right?

[Baxman]

That is my confusion, as well. I think Grant is referring to the beach/park area 1/2 mile or so west of the boat launch. That area (indicated on the map) is the least busy area along Alki, so it may be a good place. Given the forecast, I don't think we'll have a problem finding space anywhere.

Rick

[Grant Eaton]

The area on the map is technically not Alki Point. It is a beach area on the opposite side of Alki -- opposite of the traditional boardwalk area with the statue of liberty and so forth.

Are we still meeting where I drew on the map? That is where Scott is presumably expecting us to meet. The map location is nowhere near the boat ramp (about 2.5 - 3 miles away) and it is a little ways from the light house as well.

[kcsal]

Ill be there

[Grant Eaton]

Here are some photos from today's meet. Thanks to all who participated!

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378seattle_vx_1.jpg

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/529/378seattle_vx_2.jpg

[Baxman]

It was a pleasure to see everyone again, and to meet KC. The real bonus, though, was finally meeting Scott and Laura; just the nicest people in VX'dom!!

Thanks to Grant for putting it all together, and to Allan (and pint-sized guest), Trenton (and lovely guest), KC, Dan and Steve of Axiom fame for contributing to another great PNWVX meet. We missed the rest of you!

Here's hoping the rest of Scott and Laura's journey was pleasant and trouble-free. ;Dy;

Rick

[paultvx]

Too bad I coudn't make it... turned out my camping trip was canceled, just didn't find out soon enough to make it up to Seattle.

The Axiom was kept out of the group photo? how mean! :)

Hope Scott & Laura gets home safely... spent most of the weekend putting his instructions for fog switches to good use. Very helpful.

[Baxman]

Originally posted by paultvx

The Axiom was kept out of the group photo? how mean! :)


Steve was most interested in seeing the installation of the S/C; he's installing one himself. He didn't drive his Axiom (to my disappointment!).

Sorry you missed it, Paul.

Rick

[Todd Adams]

Kind of bizarre, here we were at Old Faithful lodge waiting for the geyser to go off and guess what. Scott and Laura come up behind us on their way back home.
Could not call it a mini VX meet because we had to leave it home.
Todd

[Moncha]

Whew! What a trip!!

A big thanks to all the PNW'ers for taking time out of their busy lives to meet with Laura and I.. We had a wonderful time!!
Grant thanks for throwing it all together and to Rick for his generous donation for lunch!!
We never did make it to Canada, (I was packing weapons and they're not allowed across the border) that'll be the next trip.
Tru and Lori, we came through your next of the woods but, it was late and we didn't get your info in time.. Next trip for you to!! We're looking to changing locations in the near future and Spokane is on the list for possiblities... We just love the Pacific Northwest! I'm in love with Coeur d'Alene, Idaho but, it's a little to far away from bigger cities than Laura wants...

Anyway, thanks to all again and hope to see you all in MOAB!!

BTW... Very strange indeed to take a seat to watch Old Faithful and look a bench and a half away to see Todd and Linda!! Very cool and nice to see you!!

[Dallas4u]

Sorry I couldn't meet you this time around, Scott. Maybe next time... or MAYBE if you relocate to this neck of the woods!! Spokane is a nice town, as well as Coeur d'Alene, but so is Portland and Seattle!! The weather here is great for half the year, and the other half is rainy... if you can put up with that, then you're set! You can ski and snowboard all year, and the weather in the summer is perfect for all outdoor activities.

Hell, I'm a transplant from Texas... and I was planning to move here YEARS before I did.

Catch you next trip!

[Teckhardt]

Glad to hear that you had a good trip. It was great to meet you.

Trenton