2011 HoW

[Jamie Hogan]

Hi everyone,

 

I responded to Nik aka CJT's thread, but then G and I agreed that it might be better to simply start a new thread for all 2011 HoW talk, kicking it off with my most recent findings...

 

I've placed several phone calls over the past few days. Let me run down what I've discovered. I'll do so by providing a typical example. This place (http://www.swissmountain.com/) is one I've contacted. It is in a fairly secluded setting, but is within only ten or so minutes from Blowing Rock, a terrific small mountain town. They have about 40 cabins, sleeping anywhere from 4 to 8. Rates are $90 - 135 per night, and they require a 50% deposit to reserve a cabin.

 

So let's say we...

- Want to reserve four cabins, each sleeping 4.

- We opt for the "sleeps four" cabin - $100 per night.

- 4 nights x 4 cabins x $100 = $1600.

- Deposit required = $800

- Commitment from 16 people = $50 per person

 

We also have the option of staying in one of the inns in Blowing Rock. My wife and I have stayed every year for the past 7 years in the Hemlock Inn. It is not fancy, but it's clean and quiet. Rooms would be $99 per night on weeknights and $149 per night on weekends. This would work like booking any hotel room - we each would be responsible for calling and making our own reservation, no deposit required other than your credit card number.

 

I need to get a feel for what the majority would like to do. Personally, I believe there are merits to either direction, and I'll try my best to do what the majority feels would create the best atmosphere. Knowing what I know of the area, it will be a good time regardless of where we stay.

 

I am targeting the nights of Thurs 7/21 through Saturday 7/23, leaving Sunday 7/24.

 

Please post your thoughts below. Thank you!

 

[jkdavies]

I arrive in Charlotte at ~9am ;)

Blowing rock some 3-6hrs later depending on how many people are around in the morning/lunchtime needing a lift ;)

[Gita]

I just want to give a shout-out to Ed Dean for the patient, detailed directions and all the care he has put into getting us there.  If  it were not for Ed's work on this, I'd still be wandering around my office going, "when is How? Where is HoW?"  Seriously, he is the adult I always hoped I'd grow into.

 

 

[bolton carley]

i second that!

 

[Cita]

I want to add in my thanks to Edward Dean for how much he has done to organize this grand adventure for all of us.  I second Gita.

Google maps is a great way to find your way from Charlotte aiport to the villas. 

One question:  Ed, do we all need to check in at Blue Ridge Rentals, or can we come straight to the houses?

[bolton carley]

great question, cita.  and how much exactly do we owe again?  i want to have my money ready.

[Sandra Davies]

Well obviously huge thanks to Ed because otherwise I don't think this would have got off the ground, although Jamie & Bill made the first noises ... and I'm sure this'll be the best HoW ever - but I'm also immensely grateful to Gita and Mike for making it so easy for me to get there a couple of days early, avoid a transfer, to overcome jet lag and have a couple of extra-special days with extra-special 6S friends - AND extra hours with MDJB too.   I leave home 5 a.m. Tuesday morning ... less than 36 hours now ;-)

[Edward Dean]

Thanks everybody for the kind words but please don't be too nice to me because it will only make it that much harder to get rid of me after you meet me:)

@ Cita; No. You all can simply head up to the chalets and Nanc and I should be there. Our ETA should be around 3:00pm to open up. Anyone arriving before this, let me know and I'll call the rental office to release the keys to you.

Remember our corporate Mission Statement;

"If it ain't fun and easy, we're not doin' it!"

[jkdavies]

I guess I will be there earlier than 3pm ;)

Ed - check your e-mail!

[Edward Dean]

@ Gita; .......Pssssstt; Don't grow up, it's not worth it:))

[Travis Smith]

So finally after much delaying on my part I know that I will be able join everyone - just not for the whole time  - I will be coming in Saturday morning (I have a 3 hour drive) and leaving Sunday morning.  

 

I will stop at the market on the way (or the night before), so if there are any items that are needed for Saturday, let me know (email me at [e-mail]), and I will bring them along.

 

See everyone on Saturday

[bolton carley]

great!  more for the party, or deep-well-thought-out writing, whichever one happens!

 

[Elliott Cox]

I've got flight info into CLT for Julia, Robert, Amy (Cita) and Bolton.  We have some things going on at work tomorrow, so I won't be able to meet you at the airport, Julia, but I will try my best to meet up with the rest of you.  Please don't be offended if I'm not at the gate with a smile and a cocktail!