Okay...thought I would start a thread to get everyone's thoughts on the get-together. Since so many have had to either cancel going to Vegas, and some just couldn't swing it period and Jane & Neal aren't crazy about going in June. I thought I would throw out meeting in Oregon again, since the weather is cooler there for sure. It was brought up on the Vegas Thread but I don't think too many read the sticky's so thought I would throw it in with the chit chat threads. Anyway, I would love to hear what everyone thinks about it and if they can get together there (OR) at the same time planned for the Vegas trip. Also, where in OR would everyone want to meet if it is decided to meet there. I know it took forever to finally decide on Vegas but...with so many not being able to go and Jane, not wanting to and Angie not being thrilled either I thought this would be an alternative since Susan, Marti and Katy are there already. I have that week of June scheduled for my vacation so regardless of whether it is Oregon or Vegas, I am going!

So...post away with your thoughts ladies!

If you all plan on coming to Oregon then I could definately make it. But what is the date?? I would need to know so I can see if I have that day off and see if I have Jhanai. Anywhere on the coast would be a quick drive(hour or two) so just let me know.

I probably wouldn't be able to stay over due to having doggies at home, unless James was home that weekend.

Keep me posted.

I think we were talking about June 24 and 25....Well we know I'll be here! The coast sounds good to me, too. I can do a day trip. If finances permit, maybe I can get a cheap room on Saturday night.

Just a thought for those who would be flying...compare flights out of Salem Portland, and Eugene. Whatever is cheapest can determine what part of the coast we meet on. Just drive West

GREAT Marti and Katy! I know Susan is in also so that's four of us. Anyone else for Oregon instead of Vegas? Jane, Angie and anyone else. I think we were the only ones going, if I remember correctly. MaryKate, would it be possible for you to make a trip to Oregon? Mindee, and Sue. And any ideas on where to meet in Oregon.

MARTI...even if it's just for the day at least we can all meet!

I'll vote for Oregon. Portland or the coast??

I can do either....I am for whatever is easiest on people who are flying in.

Cristi - glad to know you are for sure going! Oregon's fine with me.

Marti - even if you can meet us for only part of the time, it would be great to meet you! Glad to see that you can definitely make it, too!

Katy - glad you'll be there, too! I did a price check at the cities you suggested. Portland had the best price and shortest flight time.

Here's what I'm thinking - I can't get a straight-through flight from Evansville to anywhere in Oregon, but Portland is the shortest flight, with only one transfer at Cincinnati, and around 8 hours flight time. I have to say that after flying all that way, there's little chance I'm going to hop in a car and travel to the coast. If you all decide to meet in Portland, count me in. But let me know soon so I can get the early discount for the ticket.

Which hotels would be nice and clean, at a good location to the sights, and affordable, if we stay in Portland? Since Neal wouldn't want to come along, I don't need a suite this time. Not saying that's where the meetup will be, just asking.

That would be nice. I live in Vancouver so just tell me if it's the cost or Portland.

I'm okay with staying in Portland,

Jane - as far as accommodations, my suggestion would be to get a hotel by the airport and take the max (light rail) into town. You will save some possible rush hour issues, and public transportation is pretty good here. We can meet up at a designated spot downtown and have some fun. If we want to do something else there will be "natives" with some transportation as well.
a.k. me and my Subaru

I'm open to wherever. Portland sounds nice to me, as does the coast. And...I still plan on driving so will probably do both anyway-I think. I may check out the airlines and see what kind of deals they have and how many stops, etc. it would be to get there. It would be a lot faster and I could spend more time seeing more things when I got there. Had planned on taking 1 1/2 weeks-2 weeks with driving. But thinking about it...I may be too pooped when I get there. Need to do some serious thinking about that one. So are we going to do this ladies? I so hope so...I look so forward to meeting you all and to this get-away! I need a vacation!

My suggestion would be close to the Convention Center/Rose Gardens. I think there is a Best Western close by and you are near MAX and a mall up the street ..........cross the bridge ( a hop, skip, jump)and you are downtown. You would probably 4/5 miles from Katy & I . Just a thought. Also up across the bridge is this Mexican reastuarant with this yummy margaritas......right on the MAX line. lol ......

- that's good, too. I hadn't thought of that Susan...I bet they have airport shuttles?

What's MAX and what's at the Rose Garden? The mall sounds like a good idea.

The MAX is a light rail system that runs from the airport out to Beaverton/Hillsboro.It runs through downtown and if you get out at the PGE (baseball park-close to where I use to live and close to Margaritas) you are close enough to walk up to the Rose Gardens (ok it is like a mile and uphill but JLs can do this trek - and if Margarita is in hand who the heck cares???? )
Personally a room at the airport would be exhausting if you are traveling back and forth each day. Besides if you are here on the weekend there is no rush hour. *cough*
Lyoyd Center Mall is just a few blocks up and a ride on the MAX you are 2/3 minutes from the downtown shops and restaurants.
The Rose Garden and Convention Center are across from several hotels ( not just BWestern) that is where basketball and ummmm, conventions are held. Like this weekend is a yard and patio convention.......

ummmm, starting to sound like a commercial!!! lol

chow!!

hehe Susan should be working for the Visitor's Association.. Excuse my brain fart - of course the rush hour issues won't be so much of a factor...Susan's idea is a much better one. I was thinking of hauling around luggage and what not...but once you get to a hotel, a downtown one will be much better for seeing the sights.