2014 ASJ Get-Together

Wow, that's incredibly generous and nice of you, Penski. I really doubt that I could manage it, but would look forward to hearing stories and seeing pictures.
HW

I'm interested. I'm pretty open as to what time of year. It would be really great to meet other AS&J fans!

Very sweet offer...but rarely do I make it over the Rockies... I too would love to hear of the adventures though

I'm interested, Penski.  It would be great to meet everyone! Anytime would be fine at this point.

Might consider it as part of our yearly vacation. It would have to be in Sept. though so we'll see. Once Hubby is retired then things like this will be easier for us to attend. Would love to come though, if we can manage it.

Sounds fun but in reality a bit to far for me! But, you never know what will be happening by then in my life so it's a we'll see from me. And, as someone once said, in a tv show dear to our hearts, "never say never"!    

Me me me me me!!!!

Cat will sleep anywhere!! Purr purr!!
Anytime is fine so long as once it's set it stays pretty set.

What a generous and hospitable old Hector you are Penski!

(Assuming, this is, I'm still employed and they're still being mad enough to give me those delightful little surprises in the bank each month.)

Frolic Skip  

How nice of you to invite us all, Penski. It sounds brilliant. I wish I could come - but I'm writing from half a world away. - But looking forward to hearing all about it later from everybody who is lucky enough to go.

Sure you'll all have a great time!

I was a year too early!  

...which means unfortunately I wont be able to wrangle a way to get out there again next year. Dang and blast it!  

However...I couldn't recommend such a trip more highly. Anyone going over to Penski-land will have an awesome and amazing time and will never want to leave again. I am completely and utterly jealous of everyone planning on going over next year because it will be fantastic.    

Be forewarned, though - you're all gonna be havin' yourselves such a mighty fine and busy time an all that you wont notice me sneaking off with the odd ex-outlaw in tow to console myself with and ease the pain that envy causes.  

I mean - well, you wouldn't want me to get bored while you're over there enjoying yourselves now, would you.  

Wish I could come too. What fun.  

I'm with you, Allegra. I'm afraid all of my travel in the next years will be for work or family, not that those aren't good. I've still never gotten to California! Or Wyoming or Montana. Rats! But as Allegra says, there are compensations.
HW

Ready to hear the dates of the get-together...  This took some figurin' out because of a spouse's big birthday on July 1 and wanting a party.

July 6 - 12

Sunday - arriving to the get-together
Monday - San Francisco (Nob Hill and more)
Saturday / Sunday - say good bye

Tuesday - Saturday are not exactly planned out because I want those coming to have a say.  Here are possibilities - let me know in an email or pm or here what you would prefer.

Gold Country - gold panning at Coloma (where gold was discovered), the Gold Bug mine in old Hangtown (now called Placerville), wine tasting

Sacramento - Old Sacramento, indoor train museum, Stanford mansion (Leland Stanford was one the the Big Four railroad men responsible for the transcontinental railroad from West to East), Sutter's Fort

Columbia - Instead of Virginia City, I am contemplating Columbia state park where there are stagecoach rides and, often times, docents acting out different roles like blacksmith.  We would be going through Angel's Camp that hosts the Calaveras Jumping Frog Jubilee (Mark Twain) and could go to the Calaveras Big Trees (sequoias).  It's also close to Sonora where Pete Duel owned land.

Tahoe and Donner - Unfortunately, the Ponderosa ranch is closed, but it's a beautiful drive in the Sierras and around Lake Tahoe.  Would probably go up Interstate 80 and come back Highway 50.  Could stop for some gambling at casinos, if folks are interested.

Gun shooting and cooking over an open fire - We have a friend who is very learned about guns and their history (not like Don in Denver was).  Phil can teach us about the parts of guns, how to clean, the safety, and shooting one so you can see the "kick" of it.  We could show different ASJ gun scenes and have Phil talk about them.  I also have a friend who has cooked over an open fire and uses a dutch oven.  Phil and Frank are thinking the ASJ gals will want to spend a day shooting in the mountains.  I'm thinking a few shots and you'll be done.  Let me know how interested you are in shooting guns.  Phil, by the way, was a drill sergeant in the Army and has been in control of quite a few gun ranges - he won't take not listening on the range, but it will be a very safe environment.

Accommodations - I have two rooms with a single bed and will have two rooms with a double/queen bed.  I can also borrow a motorhome or two to park in the yard for more beds and bathrooms.  Folsom is very close to our house.  The closest hotel is Lake Natoma Inn - http://www.lakenatomainn.com/ for those who may not want to stay at the house.

Meals - I'm planning more continental breakfasts - fruit, cereal, bread, bagel, yogurt.  I have a friend who loves to cook (makes a killer salad) and is very willing to make us dinner a few nights for the price of the food.  We can come home from a day of touring to a wonderful home cooked meal.

Let me know in a pm or email if you're coming and what you want to do.  Also, I'm open, at this point of the planning, to suggestions of other places you want to see.  The nearest airport is Sacramento International (SMF).  We can make arrangements to pick folks up at the airport and bring them to the house.

By the way, I do have Wyatt, a lab/German shepherd mix. If you're allergic to dogs, let me know.

Hope to see you July 6!

                                    

Yeah, I'm not going to be able to go on this one either, unfortunately. Paul doesn't get his vacation time until Sept so June is not going to work.

Maybe next time when Paul has retired our timing will be more flexible. Sounds like a fun trip though.

This sounds amazing!    I wish I could go--I am SO jealous!    But if all goes well, I will be in the middle of my big move so there's just no way.  Can I take a raincheck?    Pretty please???  

That is so generous and tempting, but there is no way I can manage it. Have a great time, everyone!
HW

I am interested.

Penski when you say Folsom is very close to our house. are you suggesting our ladies will stay at the prison?  

Big purrs,
Consider me still on.
    

I'm in. I booked the flights.

 

I'm booked too. So, get the kettle on.

  

Just need to get my fresh Esta to let me back in!!

 Wish I was going.  

Really wish you were coming, too, Frankie!

sniff... sniff... Everyone's left and the house is quiet. Thanks to everyone who came and for being so accommodating and easy-going.

We had an authentic cowboy meal one evening and have leftovers. Does anyone want to have / try some hardtack? It can last years, they say. Send me a pm with your address.