2024 Magical MOAB Meetup October 4 - 11

[mm1970]

I won't make it to the after party cuz: job and kid and husband.

But for funsies, I checked Greyhound.  I'm a travel nerd who hates to travel.  Recommended route: Bus from Santa Barbara to San Jose to Bakersfield to Los Angeles Union Station to SLC to Green River.  ha ha ha ha.

[spartana]

I won't make it to the after party cuz: job and kid and husband.

But for funsies, I checked Greyhound.  I'm a travel nerd who hates to travel.  Recommended route: Bus from Santa Barbara to San Jose to Bakersfield to Los Angeles Union Station to SLC to Green River.  ha ha ha ha.

That's convoluted! What does greyhound cost now? I just looked at rental cars for the week of the first to the 8th and cheapest was approx $150/week (compact was $135) including everything (taxes, fees, unlimited miles, etc). If some of you can travel together that may he cheaper even with gas costs. That's using a AAA deal and a CC that covers insurance.

ETA: Got myself a rental for a month but still don't think I'll be making it out that way.

[mm1970]

It was $95 to $150.  I think.  One way?  I didn't pay enough attention.
 
It was funny.  At least if you ask Amtrak how to get from SBA to Green River, it says "we can't do this".  (They can, but it involves SB to Sacramento first...it's crazy enough that they probably think nobody will do it.)

[Exflyboy]

It was $95 to $150.  I think.  One way?  I didn't pay enough attention.
 
It was funny.  At least if you ask Amtrak how to get from SBA to Green River, it says "we can't do this".  (They can, but it involves SB to Sacramento first...it's crazy enough that they probably think nobody will do it.)

You should do the Amtrak!.. Meet HRH and I at Sacremento and travel on the same train with us to GR on the Friday.. I'm sure Mike and Sue won't giving a ride to both of us (they have a huge van) and you're much more pleasant company than I am!..:)

HRH is travelling onto Denver, so she would be happy knowing I have a friend so I won't get lost..:)

[Dicey]

I had a 4 hour training for Election Officials today. Basically 4 hours of sitting with a 10 minute break in between. I forget how much sitting still sucks for my knee because I don't do it much. So stiff. It's a reality check. My travel time to Moab is 10.5 hours each way, 6.5 flying and 4 driving. I want to. I really want to. But my inner voice is telling me it's not a good idea. Grr. If it was just the plane ride I would do it. If it was longer than a few days I'd do it. Le sigh. This is one of those times to listen to the head, not the heart. I hope the weather is stellar and the views are epic for everyone.

You could fly into the Moab airport directly, you know.  You have the money for a slightly more expensive flight that would make things easier on your body....

You know I know somebody mentioned that up thread (possibly you) but for some reason my brain just completely skipped over it! Going to take a look at flights and see what that looks like.

Okay, I'll keep you on the nametag list and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[deborah]

I had a 4 hour training for Election Officials today. Basically 4 hours of sitting with a 10 minute break in between. I forget how much sitting still sucks for my knee because I don't do it much. So stiff. It's a reality check. My travel time to Moab is 10.5 hours each way, 6.5 flying and 4 driving. I want to. I really want to. But my inner voice is telling me it's not a good idea. Grr. If it was just the plane ride I would do it. If it was longer than a few days I'd do it. Le sigh. This is one of those times to listen to the head, not the heart. I hope the weather is stellar and the views are epic for everyone.

You could fly into the Moab airport directly, you know.  You have the money for a slightly more expensive flight that would make things easier on your body....

You know I know somebody mentioned that up thread (possibly you) but for some reason my brain just completely skipped over it! Going to take a look at flights and see what that looks like.

Okay, I'll keep you on the nametag list and I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The flight is absolutely amazing!

[Exflyboy]

Makes me wish I still had my airplane. Corvallis OR to Moab was less than 4 hours in that thing!

[dangbe]

We had to bail unfortunately. We ended our road trip early so we won’t be in the area to attend. Have fun everyone!


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[oneday]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

[NinetyFour]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

[Fru-Gal]

Just chiming in to say that I took Amtrak to the Moab meetup in 2022. That was my first roomette trip (got a roomette with Bid Up for $25 more than my coach ticket). Loved it! Got off at Green River and was picked up by a fellow meetup camper. On the way back I took the Salt Lake Express bus from Moab to Green River. You can also do Grand Junction to Moab.

https://saltlakeexpress.com/

There are many private bus alternatives to Greyhound throughout the country. I have not taken Greyhound but those I’ve talked to who have say it’s not good. Amtrak busses are almost always excellent, except when they are Greyhound (and that usually only happens if it’s a very long route).

The most beautiful route from Southern California to Moab is to take the Coast Starlight to Emeryville, California and then the California Zephyr to Green River, Utah. If you wish to take a bike or e-bike, you would need to get off at a full-service station where they unload the baggage car, which in this case is Grand Junction.

[LifeHappens]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

Double sad face :(  :(

[Exflyboy]

Just chiming in to say that I took Amtrak to the Moab meetup in 2022. That was my first roomette trip (got a roomette with Bid Up for $25 more than my coach ticket). Loved it! Got off at Green River and was picked up by a fellow meetup camper. On the way back I took the Salt Lake Express bus from Moab to Green River. You can also do Grand Junction to Moab.

https://saltlakeexpress.com/

There are many private bus alternatives to Greyhound throughout the country. I have not taken Greyhound but those I’ve talked to who have say it’s not good. Amtrak busses are almost always excellent, except when they are Greyhound (and that usually only happens if it’s a very long route).

The most beautiful route from Southern California to Moab is to take the Coast Starlight to Emeryville, California and then the California Zephyr to Green River, Utah. If you wish to take a bike or e-bike, you would need to get off at a full-service station where they unload the baggage car, which in this case is Grand Junction.

Good to know.. Thankyou!

That pretty much describes my planned Amtrak trip

@mm1970 .. you listening? We could start the meetup fun early on the train...:)

[iluvzbeach]

Gosh, I wish I was going!  I'd have DH drive me to the Klamath Falls Amtrak station and join EFB and HRH there, while we head south and pick up MM.  That would be so much fun.

[Exflyboy]

Gosh, I wish I was going!  I'd have DH drive me to the Klamath Falls Amtrak station and join EFB and HRH there, while we head south and pick up MM.  That would be so much fun.

Oh don't tease me like this.. You SURE you can't swing it.. I'm the most fun person to be cooped up on a train with!..:)

[NinetyFour]

If you all can't make this happen this year, then next year for sure!  It can be a Pre-Meetup Party!!  Maybe @Fru-Gal can join, too!

[mm1970]

@Exflyboy I'll file that away for next year.  I've already got my route mapped out, including TWO Saturday nights (doh!) in Las Vegas (only $200/ night for a Best Western! Snerk.) 

I did consider the train + the Casa combination for a bit.  But man the "easiest" (and I use that term lightly) thing to do is to drive my 18 year old car for 815 miles in each direction.

But I do see there are hotels in Emeryville (required bc the Coast Starlight train arrives in the evening and the Zephyr doesn't leave until the morning.  And same in reverse.)  All told, it's 48 hours of travel, which isn't much longer than driving.  Anyway, next time.  Now I have to write these notes down somewhere that I can find them next year.

[iluvzbeach]

Gosh, I wish I was going!  I'd have DH drive me to the Klamath Falls Amtrak station and join EFB and HRH there, while we head south and pick up MM.  That would be so much fun.

Oh don't tease me like this.. You SURE you can't swing it.. I'm the most fun person to be cooped up on a train with!..:)

I really would love to join on the fun but DH is driving to Montana next week to pickup a motorcycle & someone needs to be home with our puppy. Unfortunately, the dates for everything overlap.

I looked at Google Maps for the route from here to Moab, which happens to include driving through Boise & that’s where DH will be passing through on his way to/from Montana, but there’s just really no way for it to work out. I even thought of seeing if DH would want to go to Moab but there’s no way he’d do it pulling a trailer with the motorcycle in it. Fingers crossed for next year!

[Dicey]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

Double sad face :(  :(

Double chin, double sad face, plus a quivering lower lip. Wah! :(  :(  :(

[spartana]

Gosh, I wish I was going!  I'd have DH drive me to the Klamath Falls Amtrak station and join EFB and HRH there, while we head south and pick up MM.  That would be so much fun.

Oh don't tease me like this.. You SURE you can't swing it.. I'm the most fun person to be cooped up on a train with!..:)

I really would love to join on the fun but DH is driving to Montana next week to pickup a motorcycle & someone needs to be home with our puppy. Unfortunately, the dates for everything overlap.

I looked at Google Maps for the route from here to Moab, which happens to include driving through Boise & that’s where DH will be passing through on his way to/from Montana, but there’s just really no way for it to work out. I even thought of seeing if DH would want to go to Moab but there’s no way he’d do it pulling a trailer with the motorcycle in it. Fingers crossed for next year!

Can you and the pup drive with hubby to Montana and then he drives the motorcycle down to Moab (it's an awesome ride!) while you drive the vehicle?  Or he can ride home and you and pup go to Moab? Maybe not practical but sounds like fun. While I'm terrible at arranging my own life (I have no idea what I'll do tomorrow let alone in a week!) I enjoy butting in an arranging other people's lives for them ;-).

[2Birds1Stone]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

Double sad face!

[2Birds1Stone]

We had to bail unfortunately. We ended our road trip early so we won’t be in the area to attend. Have fun everyone!


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Dang, B. :(

[iluvzbeach]

Gosh, I wish I was going!  I'd have DH drive me to the Klamath Falls Amtrak station and join EFB and HRH there, while we head south and pick up MM.  That would be so much fun.

Oh don't tease me like this.. You SURE you can't swing it.. I'm the most fun person to be cooped up on a train with!..:)

I really would love to join on the fun but DH is driving to Montana next week to pickup a motorcycle & someone needs to be home with our puppy. Unfortunately, the dates for everything overlap.

I looked at Google Maps for the route from here to Moab, which happens to include driving through Boise & that’s where DH will be passing through on his way to/from Montana, but there’s just really no way for it to work out. I even thought of seeing if DH would want to go to Moab but there’s no way he’d do it pulling a trailer with the motorcycle in it. Fingers crossed for next year!

Can you and the pup drive with hubby to Montana and then he drives the motorcycle down to Moab (it's an awesome ride!) while you drive the vehicle?  Or he can ride home and you and pup go to Moab? Maybe not practical but sounds like fun. While I'm terrible at arranging my own life (I have no idea what I'll do tomorrow let alone in a week!) I enjoy butting in an arranging other people's lives for them ;-).

spartana, I love the way you think. It’s a perfect plan, except the motorcycle doesn’t run.

I really do want to go one year (probably more) but it can’t be this year.

[lhamo]

RE: train routes, the route west from Denver to Grand Junction is one of the most beautiful in the country, if not the world.  The tracks go through sections of the Rockies where the highways don't, the canyons are really steep and in the fall it is especially stunning.  Train leaves Denver around 8am IIRC, and hits Green River right around sunset -- so maybe 7pm?  Amtrak is connected to the Denver light rail system so you could fly in and take public transit from airport to train station.  I think my ticket for the whole route from Denver to SLC was about $80 last year

Another option to ponder for those considering flying in from elsewhere.

[NinetyFour]

RE: train routes, the route west from Denver to Grand Junction is one of the most beautiful in the country, if not the world.  The tracks go through sections of the Rockies where the highways don't, the canyons are really steep and in the fall it is especially stunning.  Train leaves Denver around 8am IIRC, and hits Green River right around sunset -- so maybe 7pm?  Amtrak is connected to the Denver light rail system so you could fly in and take public transit from airport to train station.  I think my ticket for the whole route from Denver to SLC was about $80 last year

Another option to ponder for those considering flying in from elsewhere.

Are you SURE you can't make it this year???  We'd all love to see you.

[Exflyboy]

@lhamo .. You're not coming??????...:(

You could jump on the same Amtrak train (in Seattle) as HRH and I.. Arrives in Albany OR at 4:14.. We get on and travel to Green River together...

[Dicey]

Last call for nametags! I think my list is complete. I have to MacGyver my printer to make them, so I prefer to do them all at once. We're leaving on Monday, so if there are any last-minute changes or additions, now's the time.

To be sure, last minute Mustachians et al. are always welcome in Moab. I'll bring a few blanks and Sharpies, but if you're in the process of collecting the whole set, you want the genuine article, lol!

Also, the wearing of nametags is 100% optional, but they come in damn handy when you're meeting a bunch of new people at once, especially when those folks tend not to answer to their screen names IRL.

Can't wait to see/meet everyone!

[Exflyboy]

Yes and when we are one big group hike we can tell people who ask that we are a cult!.. Well, one of us may/may not have done this!

[Dicey]

Yes and when we are one big group hike we can tell people who ask that we are a cult!.. Well, one of us may/may not have done this!

And one of us may/may not have been with you when that happened...

[lhamo]

RE: train routes, the route west from Denver to Grand Junction is one of the most beautiful in the country, if not the world.  The tracks go through sections of the Rockies where the highways don't, the canyons are really steep and in the fall it is especially stunning.  Train leaves Denver around 8am IIRC, and hits Green River right around sunset -- so maybe 7pm?  Amtrak is connected to the Denver light rail system so you could fly in and take public transit from airport to train station.  I think my ticket for the whole route from Denver to SLC was about $80 last year

Another option to ponder for those considering flying in from elsewhere.

Are you SURE you can't make it this year???  We'd all love to see you.

Awww -- thanks, ya'll (you, too @Exflyboy )

I'm going to pass this year for both financial and logistical reasons.  TheX is passing through on his way to China next week so we are going to do some family stuff.  My sister is taking me on a short overnight trip next Friday (since TheX can watch the cat).  And then my renovations are hopefully going to start in earnest on the 13th. 

Hopefully things will be more settled next fall and I can return then. 

I'm sure you will all have a great time!

[Exflyboy]

Yes and when we are one big group hike we can tell people who ask that we are a cult!.. Well, one of us may/may not have done this!

And one of us may/may not have been with you when that happened...

Some people are just an embarrassment y'know..;)

[Dicey]

Yes and when we are one big group hike we can tell people who ask that we are a cult!.. Well, one of us may/may not have done this!

And one of us may/may not have been with you when that happened...

Some people are just an embarrassment y'know..;)

I thought you were hilarious.

[MrGreen]

I looked into flying into Grand Junction and from Wilmington it's actually more total travel time and then adds the car ride to the end. It was quite a bit cheaper though since it required red-eyes either one or both ways. I decided to listen to the little voice in my head and not come this year. I think it could be okay but if it doesn't go well I risk making things really difficult for the last work gig I have to fly for 10 days after Moab. It's not worth chancing that I put myself in a bad way for the better part of a month, especially when I think I will get the green light to advance my physical therapy at the end of October. I'll have to check out some of the photos in the WhatsApp group and live vicariously through them this year. Next year!

[oneday]

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

Double sad face :(  :(

Double chin, double sad face, plus a quivering lower lip. Wah! :(  :(  :(

I am out :( Used up a lot of vacation taking care of a family member with a medical emergency (they are healing well). Next year?

Sad face.  :(

Double sad face!

All the sad faces :( :( :( :( :(

This job thing is really starting to be a drag.

[GilesMM]

Kudos to those are doing the meetup in the most eco-sensitive ways and lowest carbon ways (train/EV carpool/camping/biking/hiking).  What's total headcount?

[Dicey]

Kudos to those are doing the meetup in the most eco-sensitive ways and lowest carbon ways (train/EV carpool/camping/biking/hiking).  What's total headcount?

We're approaching 40. Typically, some people add on at the last minute (always welcome) and some have plans change (boo).

While I'm here: Last call for nametags. I think I have everyone. @Glenstache, I know you're on the fence. If you PM me your info, I'll make one just in case. Same for you, @jeninco. It costs virtually nothing to make one up before we head out. I will also bring supplies to make them by hand.

Off to finish packing our not-eco friendly RV. Sorry, @GilesMM. We're heading out in the morning. We have to deadhead home at the end of the week, so we want to meander out way to Moab. In true Mr. Dicey style, I have no idea what route we'll be taking.

[Dicey]

Last year, we had a casual "free/swap/whatever" table. To that end, I've collected a few things...

When our kid moved out, he left a lot of clothing behind that he Does.Not.Want. (He wears all black to work.)

Does anyone wear a size 36 x 30? I have a number of Columbia Omni Shade hiking pants in this size. They are in excellent condition, in a variety of colors. The legs do not zip off. I do have a few pair of Columbia shorts as well, plus some swimsuits, and other stuff I'm happy to bring.

I grabbed this pic from Amazon. If they're not this exact pant, they're similar.

We're leaving in the morning, so be quick!

[vector]

Hi Dicey,

I'm 36x30! Hiking pants and shorts will be well received and used, if it's not too late.

Thanks,
V

[Dicey]

Hi Dicey,

I'm 36x30! Hiking pants and shorts will be well received and used, if it's not too late.

Thanks,
V

You have first dibs, and I assure you, there are plenty to go around if we have anyone else with those stats. The bag is already in the rig and it's big.

[jeninco]

Kudos to those are doing the meetup in the most eco-sensitive ways and lowest carbon ways (train/EV carpool/camping/biking/hiking).  What's total headcount?

We're approaching 40. Typically, some people add on at the last minute (always welcome) and some have plans change (boo).

While I'm here: Last call for nametags. I think I have everyone. @Glenstache, I know you're on the fence. If you PM me your info, I'll make one just in case. Same for you, @jeninco. It costs virtually nothing to make one up before we head out. I will also bring supplies to make them by hand.

Off to finish packing our not-eco friendly RV. Sorry, @GilesMM. We're heading out in the morning. We have to deadhead home at the end of the week, so we want to meander out way to Moab. In true Mr. Dicey style, I have no idea what route we'll be taking.

Alas, we are a firm "no". I am headed to the east coast to hang with my aunt for a while: she's in her mid-80's and has been becoming more socially isolated since COVID, so I try to make sure I go out several times/year (or send my now young-adult kids, who WANT to go visit her) to check in and make sure everything's OK...

Have a great time, everyone!

[mm1970]

@MrGreen sorry you won't make it, but it sounds like it's the right decision!

I liked the free table.  I still have 2 pairs of socks from the free table.

I'm not sure driving a 2006 Toyota Matrix with a box on top for 815+ miles each way is all that eco-friendly.  I think I probably only get 26 mpg highway.   But I am camping, so win?

[Cherry Lane]

I'm unreasonably happy about double-sided name tags. 

Starting packing, very excited to see everyone soon.

[Exflyboy]

Speaking of eco friendly travel... If I still had my airplane it used to get 25mpg at 200mph.. In a straight line that made it by far our most eco friendly form of travel.. Well compared to driving anyway.

Note:.. This is me whining to myself about the self imposed torture of a 50 hour train ride vs 4 hours in the airplane!..:)

On the plus side.. I get to see all you fantastic folks so I'm with @Cherry Lane at being very excited!

I'm also excited at today's market gains which have paid for the MOAB trip several times over.. But that might partly because I'm cheap..:)

[Holocene]

Can someone PM me a link to the WhatsApp group please?

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

[BECABECA]

Can someone PM me a link to the WhatsApp group please?

Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

And can you send me the link while you’re at it? Thanks!

[NinjaSue]

Links sent!

[NinetyFour]

Links sent!

Thank you!!

[mm1970]

I'm getting super excited!  I think I need 2 swimsuits and 4 tank tops this time.  Last year I had a hard time lighting the jet boil because my fingers were frozen in the morning.  I don't think that's going to be a problem.  Yuck on the heat.  I should bring a fan.

[Exflyboy]

@mm1970 and this year I am in a tent!.. No luxurious, hedonistic monster SUV.. I guess at least I won't be cold!

[Log]

We're having a "heat wave" right now in SF and I'm struggling - this might be a rough weekend for me 🥵 haha