2024 Magical MOAB Meetup October 4 - 11

[Holocene]

New EV charging station in Moab:
https://twitter.com/ElectrifyAm/status/1804140597072080951

Nice, I may use this.  I plan to be there in my Chevy Bolt EUV!  I saw there was an open Tesla station and some L2s.  But it's nice to have options.

[314159]

I think I'll make it this year!  I'm almost FIREd (3 more work days) and plan to start traveling for a year in September.  First stop is Colorado, and then Moab should fit in nicely at the beginning of October.  Moab was already on my list since it looks crazy beautiful.  Can't wait to do lots of hiking.  But it'll be nice to meet you all and have some company for a bit as I'm solo traveling.  It sounds like it'll be a good time! :)

Alright, I've booked La Casa for the whole week, October 4-11! Now that we know we'll be nomad-ing around the country by that time, we decided we can attend for the whole week, and hence we can be the Casa Coordinators. We will be working remotely most of the weekdays, sadly. (booo!)

I'd be interested in this if there's any room left.  Just me.  I'll probably be there the whole week.  I'm good with camping too, but I'll be doing a lot of that so the house sounds nice.  Awesome that you'll be nomad-ing!  Can't wait to talk with other nomads since I'll just be starting out myself.

Yes, please join us! The house sleeps 19 and so far I've only heard of of about 7 interested people. The more the merrier (and cheaper)!

[Holocene]

Yes, please join us! The house sleeps 19 and so far I've only heard of of about 7 interested people. The more the merrier (and cheaper)!

Sweet, thanks for coordinating!

[Chaplin]

Yes, please join us! The house sleeps 19 and so far I've only heard of of about 7 interested people. The more the merrier (and cheaper)!

I'd say I'm about 25% to get to Moab this year, but if I do, and there's room, I'll happily share the cost.

I'll be doing a long bikepacking trip and getting to Moab will depend on when the trip finishes and whether I feel like I should get home right away or if I can delay another week or two.

[oneday]

Alright, I've booked La Casa for the whole week, October 4-11! Now that we know we'll be nomad-ing around the country by that time, we decided we can attend for the whole week, and hence we can be the Casa Coordinators. We will be working remotely most of the weekdays, sadly. (booo!)

I paid a one night deposit ($301 after tax). I'll try to nail down a list of who will be there and when once we're a bit closer to the actual event. If we don't have enough people to make it worth it for the whole week, I'll shorten the reservation accordingly. The cancellation policy says for group houses, 30 days notice is required for a full refund. But I wouldn't be cancelling, just adjusting the dates of my stay, right? In any case, I'll try to give them 30 days notice. So please let me know once your travel plans firm up!

Thank you! I still have not decided on dates 😳

[lhamo]

I think I'll make it this year!  I'm almost FIREd (3 more work days) and plan to start traveling for a year in September.  First stop is Colorado, and then Moab should fit in nicely at the beginning of October.  Moab was already on my list since it looks crazy beautiful.  Can't wait to do lots of hiking.  But it'll be nice to meet you all and have some company for a bit as I'm solo traveling.  It sounds like it'll be a good time! :)

Alright, I've booked La Casa for the whole week, October 4-11! Now that we know we'll be nomad-ing around the country by that time, we decided we can attend for the whole week, and hence we can be the Casa Coordinators. We will be working remotely most of the weekdays, sadly. (booo!)

I'd be interested in this if there's any room left.  Just me.  I'll probably be there the whole week.  I'm good with camping too, but I'll be doing a lot of that so the house sounds nice.  Awesome that you'll be nomad-ing!  Can't wait to talk with other nomads since I'll just be starting out myself.

Yes, please join us! The house sleeps 19 and so far I've only heard of of about 7 interested people. The more the merrier (and cheaper)!

I'm a solid maybe for La Casa.  Need to nail down my renovation plans, but I think I should be able to make it again this year.

Actually, SO and I will try to book a spot at Canyonland’s Needles campground for Oct 11-13 the time between the meet up ends and the after party in arches.  To anyone- Feel free to book a spot as well. There are great hikes there. A group from the 2023 meetup drove to needles to hike the Druid Arch.
If many folks are interested, group spots are released April 11 for Oct 11 - require a minimum of 11 people.
There is also a first come, first serve loop at the needles campground as well.

Did you guys end up getting a spot in Needles?  I can only stay in the Moab area until 10/15 at the latest (have tickets for an event on 10/17 in Seattle that I don't want to miss), but if I can swing it I'd like to do at least one or two nights at the Devils Playground with @NinetyFour and company.  Need to figure out those two intervening nights, though....

Update:  Sun Outdoors was having a bit of a discount so I went ahead and booked a tent campsite (G14) for 10/4-10/13.  I'm not sure if my friend might be coming with me from Colorado or not -- if she does, then we will probably stay at La Casa and I could turn the camp site over to somebody else, or cancel it.

[spartana]

PTF and see what all the cool kids are doing in Moab this year. I'm about ready to head out on my annual "GTFO of SoCal before the heat kills me" road trip in a couple of weeks and I never where I'll end up come Oct.

[TheGrimSqueaker]

PTF.

I had a great time in Moab a couple years ago but at the moment I'm cash flowing a roof. I have most of the tools and some of the supplies, and plan to do the labor myself in September.

The Venomous Spaz Beast loves Moab and is always up for an adventure but she isn't the one schlepping shingles.

[Log]

I just got a big work contract that fills in most of the fall really nicely, and it fortuitously comes with a built in long weekend for the first weekend of October 4th, so I think that's a sign from the universe that I'm supposed to make it out to Moab this year!

Put me down for the casa, @314159 ☀️ Probably just for the nights of the 4th, 5th, and 6th - I think I will have to depart on the 7th.

[Dicey]

This is a popular add-on destination for folks attending the MMM, so I thought I'd share this creative solution/warning. Even if you fit through with ease, it's a clever way to let hikers know what to expect.

https://unofficialnetworks.com/2024/07/31/measuring-posts-installed-at-slot-canyon-after-multiple-lodged-hikers-required-rescue/

[the_hobbitish]

That looks really neat. How far is it from moab? Is a day trip possible?

[Dicey]

I just got a ping from Sun Outdoors. They're having a sale in select locations and Sun Outdoors Downtown Moab is on the list. Save 30% if you stay 2 or more nights August 5 - November 30, 2024. Promo Code is:

24FALL30

Hope it helps someone.

[Dicey]

That looks really neat. How far is it from moab? Is a day trip possible?

It's about 3.5 hours from Moab. We were going to go there on our way home from Moab, but some wise mustachians suggested Little Wild Horse Canyon in Goblin Valley State Park instead. It was fantastic and about half the distance from Moab. There was plenty of flat, free BLM dispersed camping right outside the park (Better than the official campground, in our opinion), and the slot canyon isn't quite as tight a squeeze.

[oldtoyota]

PTF

Wondering if I could make this work with the schedule

[Dicey]

PTF

Wondering if I could make this work with the schedule

Hope so! Fingers crossed.

[elledub]

Unfortunately my fall plans changed and I am not coming to Moab. I cancelled my reservation for site G4 this morning so that should be up for grabs for anybody interested.

[Dicey]

And then this happened:

https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/10/utah-double-arch-collapses

A not-so-subtle reminder to see 'em while you can.

[lhamo]

Unfortunately my fall plans changed and I am not coming to Moab. I cancelled my reservation for site G4 this morning so that should be up for grabs for anybody interested.

I'm most likely going to have to cancel, too -- still holding off a bit before cancelling my reservation since I want to nail down renovation schedule with the contractor I'm likely to work with.  But the cheaper guy I was going to use is now very backed up so I think I need to get started sooner rather than later and that will mean more $$$. 

[Dicey]

Unfortunately my fall plans changed and I am not coming to Moab. I cancelled my reservation for site G4 this morning so that should be up for grabs for anybody interested.

I'm most likely going to have to cancel, too -- still holding off a bit before cancelling my reservation since I want to nail down renovation schedule with the contractor I'm likely to work with.  But the cheaper guy I was going to use is now very backed up so I think I need to get started sooner rather than later and that will mean more $$$.

Are you really in a hurry? Have you set a deadline?

[lhamo]

Unfortunately my fall plans changed and I am not coming to Moab. I cancelled my reservation for site G4 this morning so that should be up for grabs for anybody interested.

I'm most likely going to have to cancel, too -- still holding off a bit before cancelling my reservation since I want to nail down renovation schedule with the contractor I'm likely to work with.  But the cheaper guy I was going to use is now very backed up so I think I need to get started sooner rather than later and that will mean more $$$.

Are you really in a hurry? Have you set a deadline?

I meet with the contractor and designer on Tuesday to finalize the plans.  They are coming while the attic and crawlspace are still uninsulated so that we can see all the structural stuff more clearly and make sure the plans as drawn don't require anything major structurally.  I should be able to get at least a rough timeline then.

Technically I don't need to rush but it would be nice if we can at least get the major demo done and the new door and windows in before the end of October when the rains typically start. 

It is also about the money.  I've been bleeding cash lately.  Car needed new tires/rear shocks ($1000), just broke a toilet ($250), car insurance renewal and tabs due this month (another $1000).  Designers bill for last month was nearly $4k.  It is all money well spent, and I still have a nice cash cushion due to taking advantage of the rising market last month.  But feels like I shouldn't be spending much extra until I get the renos all paid for and can start planning for a more normalized budget.

Still not 100% sure, will see what happens on Tuesday.

[Dicey]

Sorry, I didn't mean to derail this thread. I'll send you a PM.

[Tasse]

Will anyone else be flying into SLC and/or be driving from that direction? Is a carpool possible?

[lhamo]

Sorry, I didn't mean to derail this thread. I'll send you a PM.

Would help if I actually journaled in my journal instead of dumping here!  Been too busy to keep up with updating.  Will try to post something tonight.

I'm still not 100% certain I'm backing out of Moab.  The pull is strong.... 

[ToTheMoon]

I know...I was like "not this year"...but now I am solidly approaching the "maybe" category again. FOMO is real!

[lhamo]

I know...I was like "not this year"...but now I am solidly approaching the "maybe" category again. FOMO is real!

Right?!?!?  I'm probably going to hang on to my camp site reservation until Sept 17 just in case....

[MrGreen]

We're 6 weeks out from when we'd need to get on the road to Moab. Unfortunately, I'm now doubtful that we're going to make it. It's unlikely my knee will be ready. We have a cabin reservation that will become available if we cancel.

[monarda]

Last time we joined y'all in Moab we combined it with our CO road trip. This year our CO trip is mid-September, so we'll be back at home by the time you'll be at the meetup. Will miss you all! Will be in Boulder/Denver area roughly 9/13-9/25 if anyone will be passing through then

I look forward to hearing stories!

[Tasse]

Sounds like @monarda and @314159 might overlap in Denver. I won't be there anymore but feel free to meet up without me. ;)

[2Birds1Stone]

We're getting closer.....in Olympia WA today...

[Cherry Lane]

You overshot it a bit.  Fortunately, you have plenty of time to correct your navigation.

[2Birds1Stone]

You overshot it a bit.  Fortunately, you have plenty of time to correct your navigation.

Just a bit, 4200 miles down. We are driving from NY and taking the scenic route.

[BECABECA]

I just found out that I’ll be able to make it this year! Yay!

@314159 Is there still room in La Casa? My partner and I would like to stay for the whole week.

Will anyone else be flying into SLC and/or be driving from that direction? Is a carpool possible?

We’ll be driving from Salt Lake on the 4th and returning on the 11th if you want a ride. We have two extra seats with seatbelts and plenty of space for bags.

[314159]

I just found out that I’ll be able to make it this year! Yay!

@314159 Is there still room in La Casa? My partner and I would like to stay for the whole week.

Will anyone else be flying into SLC and/or be driving from that direction? Is a carpool possible?

We’ll be driving from Salt Lake on the 4th and returning on the 11th if you want a ride. We have two extra seats with seatbelts and plenty of space for bags.

@BECABECA Yes, still plenty of room in La Casa! We’re glad to have you.

[MrGreen]

We've been in MD for about a week to visit family and sell a house and it's obvious that my knee is nowhere near ready for further travel. Le sigh. We have the cabin at Site 89 reserved for the duration of the meetup. If anyone is interested, let me know. We have a little over two weeks before our refund deadline with Sun Outdoors. We could try to time the cancellation so someone from the group gets it.

[lhamo]

We've been in MD for about a week to visit family and sell a house and it's obvious that my knee is nowhere near ready for further travel. Le sigh. We have the cabin at Site 89 reserved for the duration of the meetup. If anyone is interested, let me know. We have a little over two weeks before our refund deadline with Sun Outdoors. We could try to time the cancellation so someone from the group gets it.

I'm also likely to give up my tent campsite.  Budget/reno schedule means the trip is unlikely to happen for me. 

[NinetyFour]

Hi All--

Just 31 days until the Magical Moab Meetup!!!! 

I have sort of lost track of who is planning to attend, so please respond with the following information...

Are you attending?  How many in your party?  Where will you be staying (site number if in the campground)? When do you plan to arrive/depart?

I hope I didn't miss anyone--also, I included some who might be on the fence (looking at you, @ToTheMoon !) and I included @lhamo (I hope you can make it!!!).

Looking forward to seeing all of you next month in beautiful Moab!!!

@techwiz
@10dollarsatatime
@Log
@iluvzbeach
@Embok
@Dicey
@FrugalShrew
@Adventine
@314159
@LifeHappens
@oldladystache
@Chaplin
@Cherry Lane
@Tass
@2Birds1Stone
@shadowmoss
@SmartyCat
@mm1970
@Glenstache
@lhamo
@meadow lark
@oneday
@Purple_Crayon
@StashingAway
@NotJen
@Ladychips
@soobs
@dangbe
@the_hobbitish
@NinjaSue
@vector
@SnakesintheGrass
@arebelspy
@RWD
@Holocene
@spartana
@TheGrimSqueaker
@oldtoyota
@ToTheMoon
@BECABECA
@J.P. MoreGains

[Tasse]

2 in my party, planning to attend but haven't nailed down travel yet, staying in La Casa with @314159.

[NinetyFour]

2 in my party, planning to attend but haven't nailed down travel yet, staying in La Casa with @314159.

Great--thanks!  I look forward to meeting you!  :)

[Cherry Lane]

@FIFoFum and I will be there Friday to Friday, staying in a cabin. 90, I think?

[oldladystache]

Sadly not going. I had a wonderful time 2 years ago and came home exhausted. Last year again had a good time but as I made my way home I realized I was too old and tired to do it again.

[the_hobbitish]

I'll be there 7-9th with SO. We have campsite G7.

Others are welcome to use our campsite 4-6th and the 10-11th. We're driving from the east coast and won't get in until the 6th or 7th. Then we're heading out to do the white rim and the maze 10-13th. Just let me know or I may cancel the 4-6 dates.

Is there still room at the group arches site for the 14th?

[NinetyFour]

@FIFoFum and I will be there Friday to Friday, staying in a cabin. 90, I think?

Great!

Sadly not going. I had a wonderful time 2 years ago and came home exhausted. Last year again had a good time but as I made my way home I realized I was too old and tired to do it again.

Aww--I sure hope you change your mind!  I really enjoyed spending time with you last year.

I'll be there 7-9th with SO. We have campsite G7.

Others are welcome to use our campsite 4-6th and the 10-11th. We're driving from the east coast and won't get in until the 6th or 7th. Then we're heading out to do the white rim and the maze 10-13th. Just let me know or I may cancel the 4-6 dates.

Is there still room at the group arches site for the 14th?

Thanks for those details!  (BTW, I'd love to talk trucks with you.  I may be driving down to Baja this winter and might need to make some adjustments to my Tundra!)

As far as the After Party, there is definitely more room for more people (max allowed is 55!!!), but I am unsure about parking.  The website says only 7 vehicles area allowed (no RVs or trailers), but surely there must be room for overflow parking somewhere??

As I am up in Canada right now, I cannot call the Arches NP Visitor Center, but if someone else can, that would be wonderful.  I have the Juniper Basin Group Site booked for October 14 - 17.

[the_hobbitish]

My SO is the truck and all things mechanical person. I'm sure he'd be a happy to swap stories and wax poetic on truck mods around a campfire one night.

The visitor center line is an endless recording of the same information online. I'll try sending them an email.

[LifeHappens]

Moonpie and I will be there! We are staying in a cabin (unit # subject to change) from Friday the 4th, checking out the morning of Tuesday the 8th.

We do have a favor to ask. We are flying and can't bring our guitars, so we are searching for 2 guitars to play. We've actually been practicing this time ;)

[FrugalShrew]

I've been dragging my feet on making it firm, but sadly I am out.

Realistically, I think the travel is more than I am currently up for, healthwise. I also have an alternative cool event that same week here in my town, so it makes sense to do the thing that's a lot easier. But dang, I am bummed!!

[BECABECA]

There’s two of us in my party, we will be there the whole week the 4th to the 11th, staying in La Casa with @314159

@Tass If you both are flying into Salt Lake, we have room for you to ride along for either the way there, the way back, or both if those dates line up with your travel plans.

So excited to see everyone!!

[NinetyFour]

Moonpie and I will be there! We are staying in a cabin (unit # subject to change) from Friday the 4th, checking out the morning of Tuesday the 8th.

We do have a favor to ask. We are flying and can't bring our guitars, so we are searching for 2 guitars to play. We've actually been practicing this time ;)

I will bring my two guitars!!!  Can’t wait to hear the concert from you!

[LifeHappens]

Moonpie and I will be there! We are staying in a cabin (unit # subject to change) from Friday the 4th, checking out the morning of Tuesday the 8th.

We do have a favor to ask. We are flying and can't bring our guitars, so we are searching for 2 guitars to play. We've actually been practicing this time ;)

Thank you!! Also, in a sign of good luck, I just confirmed we will be staying in cabin #94 :)

I will bring my two guitars!!!  Can’t wait to hear the concert from you!

[Purple_Crayon]

I plan to attend solo. I'm in the tent sites. I will likely be there the night of the 4th (driving in after work from SLC), through the morning of the 8th.

[spartana]

Thanks for including me in the list @NinetyFour but won't be making it. Rented a place on the cool green Norcal coast so will be there this fall. Have fun y'all and post some photos for those of us living vicariously thru your adventures!