Western GTG

[Getupngo]

I'm just feeling out whether there is any interest in having a western GTG. TX, PA and NJ are too far for me with current gas prices. I was thinking maybe a GTG in Moab, Utah in the late spring, perhaps? We could visit Arches, maybe go on a river-rafting day trip, a Jeep Safari and/or partake of other sightseeing opportunities in beautiful red-rock country.

Let me know if this appeals to anyone.

[avalen]

its a good thought, will have to see what my budget holds cause I'd be moteling it
and see what our school schedule is with spring break and such. I'll keep it in the
front of my brain though. It would just be a 6 or 7 hour drive for me.

[mtngal]

That does sound like fun Janice. Especially with a "local" tour guide! It's a little far ahead for me to plan, but will surely keep it in mind. My whirlwind pass in October will just be an introduction.

[Bethers]

I'm not sure of my route north from The Rally in NM (which you could also come to - is a great place to GTG) - but would definitely consider making my way through that part of Utah - love that area.

[Getupngo]

I didn't know there was going to be a Rally in ABQ this spring. Hmmmm .... maybe we don't have to re-invent the wheel on this, although attending a rally costs more $$ than us just gathering together as women.

[Bethers]

Here's the thread on the Rally:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=289
I'm 99% going to that - as the one I went to this past spring was well worth it. Hopefully this one will be the same. It would be great to have more come to it - but if there are those who don't want to attend the rally - it would also be great to have one soon enough after (or long enough) to get to it and meet the others. So, I wouldn't rule out having another

[khenrie]

I am 100% on going to Moab as it's soooo close! Keep me posted

[WickedLady]

I would love to do this. Maybe I will have all my ducks in a row by then. Keep us posted.
Marda

[cookiemom]

I also would be interested in a GTG in the Moab area. There seems to be a few of us in this area. I'm sure we would have a great time. If no one is up for Moab, maybe we can meet in Albuquerque like Beth suggested. That would work ok for me too.

Debbie

[Bethers]

If it's after my dates for the Rally- I'd be willing to do Moab or St. George areas - I haven't planned my route now - so if someone is up to planning something - please do it before I get more set in stone. I do know that Sparkle and I are talking about exploring in New Mexico in April - before she heads to her summer job and me north to Alaska - so she might be open to a GTG also.

[Getupngo]

Okay, I hear all of you! I'll start looking more closely at a GTG after New Year's.

[dcricket]

I've heard Moab is gorgeous, but unfortunately I wouldn't be able to make that trek. One day though...
If any of you would like a GTG somewhere in SoCal area in the future, I'm sure something could be set in the works.

[Getupngo]

Hi everyone ...

With the holiday past, I started thinking about places for us to do a Western GTG in Moab. I want to know how important it is to you to be IN Moab proper, to be able to just walk around town. Or would you like an outlying, scenic area?

The Canyonlands RV Park is right in town, and you easily can walk to restaurants & browse through shops. 2009 rates are not yet posted, but in '08 FHU's were $34 a night & $31 for water & electric only (has cable TV & free wifi). Have to drive to national parks.

Another option is the spectacularly beautiful Dead Horse Point State Park. It would be a completely different experience, and much cheaper. You fill water tanks before you arrive and electric-only sites are $21, there is a group area and you can make reservations.

The national parks are not an option because they are first-come, first-served.

I kind of lean toward in-town accommodations, because it's simple for people to go do things separately or in small groups or larger groups as they please. At the state park, any off-site activity would require a lot of organization.

There are a number of things we could do ... Arches National Park is just outside of Moab and has wonderful scenic hikes. We could do a day-trip down the Colorado River (in spring the rapids are a lot of fun and those who paddle can bring their own boats). We could bicycle (rentals are available) through the red rock and there are routes for the less athletic. There are also jeep safari companies that could take us through the astonishingly beautiful backcountry.

Also, since Beth recently put up a new web site for Open Roads Singles (with which we share many members), I thought it might be fun to open the GTG to them as well.

So, what do you think? Feedback, please! I was thinking about late April, early May. The weather is beautiful, but that is also peak season for the mountain bikers. So we need to get a'planning!

So, ladies ... what is your pleasure?

[Getupngo]

Hi everyone ...

With the holiday past, I started thinking about places for us to do a Western GTG in Moab. I want to know how important it is to you to be IN Moab proper, to be able to just walk around town. Or would you like an outlying, scenic area?

The Canyonlands Campground is right in town, and you easily can walk to restaurants & browse through shops. Its 2009 rates are not yet posted, but in '08 FHU's were $34 a night & $31 for water & electric only (has cable TV & free wifi). Have to drive to national parks.

Another option is the spectacularly beautiful Dead Horse Point State Park 18 miles from Moab. It would be a completely different experience, and much cheaper. You fill water tanks before you arrive and electric-only sites are $21, there is a group area and you can make reservations. Dump station.

The national parks are not an option for camping because they are first-come, first-served.

I kind of lean toward in-town accommodations, because it's simple for people to go do things separately or in small groups or larger groups as they please. At the state park, any off-site activity would require a lot of organization.

There are a number of things we could do ... Arches National Park is just outside of Moab and has wonderful scenic hikes. We could do a day-trip down the Colorado River (in spring the rapids are a lot of fun and those who paddle can bring their own boats). We could bicycle (rentals are available) through the red rock and there are routes for the less athletic. There are also jeep safari companies that could take us through the astonishingly beautiful backcountry.

Also, since Beth recently put up a new web site for Open Roads Singles (with which we share many members), I thought it might be fun to open the GTG to them as well.

So, what do you think? Feedback, please! I was thinking about late April, early May. The weather is beautiful, but that is also peak season for the mountain bikers. So we need to get a'planning!

So, ladies ... what is your pleasure?

[cookiemom]

Janice,

I'm so glad you are beginning the process for a GTG in Moab. I prefer the in-town option like you said so everyone can walk to restaurants, shops, etc. but I am flexible if everyone else doesn't want to stay in-town.

I have read good reviews on the Canyonlands Campground and have seen it as I drove through town. It looked like it has shaded sites. I think it sounds like the perfect location.

I agree about late April to early May, perfect weather!

I'm very excited to see this moving forward and think it sounds great.

Debbie