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Anyone interested in a group trip to Rio Caliente?

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by daniel, Apr 15, 2010.

?
  1. I would probably go.

    1 vote(s)
    8.3%
  2. I would probably go, but spring of 2011 is too soon.

    1 vote(s)
    8.3%
  3. I'm seriously interested, but do not know if I'd be able.

    4 vote(s)
    33.3%
  4. I would not go. Either not interested or unable.

    6 vote(s)
    50.0%
  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Ok, looked at the poll options...and none work
    Interested, but prefer a different location/resort.
     
  2. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    At the other end of the spectrum, camping sounds like fun, though I'm not sure everyone would be comfortable with that, either. It shouldn't cramp anyone's budget, and kids of all ages would have a great time.

    Another idea I've had is a cross-country train trip. We'd pick a route and a train, and people could get on and off anywhere they liked. Meals and accommodations would be taken care of, and there are options for private and group spaces to suit every whim. More expensive than camping, but cheaper than a resort...:)
     
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Thinking about it more, I think a cruise would be the ideal group trip. There are a ton of options for activities, we could arrange to dine together, there are a ton of dietary options. Families could attend without crimping the singles/couples style, there's sun, spas, booze, on-shore activities, etc. Arranged far enough ahead of time I'm sure we could arrange for decent prices for a group.
     
  4. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    A cruise would be awesome, I agree. (Drop me off in Jamaica.) But as far as budgets go, I don't think we're all in the same boat, so to speak. I'm aware some people made it to Detroit only because it was an all-expense paid trip.
     
  5. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    You'd have to be insane to drive in Mexico. Mexicans are the nicest, friendliest people you'd ever want to meet. But once behind the wheel of a car, half of them turn into maniacs.

    It's not an either/or for me. I might go there, but that would not prevent me from participating in another group activity as well.

    Camping lets me out. I hate sleeping on the ground, and I want a hot shower every day.

    A train trip sounds like great fun. The Empire Builder has deteriorated to the point that I could not recommend it. How is the trans-Canada train?

    Not for me at all. Cruise ships have nothing positive for me, and the very real likelihood of seasickness.
     
  6. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    You could sleep on a cot, or in an RV (although that's not really 'camping' to us purists, but that's how most people seem to experience the outdoors, ironic though that may be....and most organised campgrounds have hot showers. Singing is optional.

    The Canadian, as Canada's iconic cross-country train is called, is truly awesome. Unfortunately, it's now priced well beyond the reach of most. Although I have made the trip several times, that was on passes that are no longer available. Last time I contemplated the trip with the family, we bought a car instead.

    I haven't been on the Empire Builder in several years, so it's sad to hear how it's gone downhill. Hopefully the Coast Starlight (Seattle to LA), generally regarded as Amtrak's premier train, is still being kept up. Other possibilities include the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) and the Southwest Chief (Chicago to LA)
     
  7. octavia

    octavia Active Member

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    I agree with several of your points. Something a bit more versatile would be good. I think it would be a kick though to meet up somewhere in Mexico!

    Budgets are an issue. I think it's wise to start the conversation early so that those so motivated can make room for it in their plans.

    It is impossible to come up with a plan that will meet everyones needs but it is a good idea to listen to group consensus and find something that will accommodate most.
     
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Other options if Daniel can't handle the cruise (and they can be pretty cheap...cheaper than the resort in the OP), and others, I understand would not be interested in cruises for a variety of reasons...

    A Disney Resort would be an option..they have some not associated directly with the amusement parks and such that could be considerations.

    There are large houses that could contain a dozen or more people (at least if rooms were shared) on the ocean and elsewhere that would be inexpensive when divided among many--the problem there is someone's gonna have to be responsible for deposits, collecting money, finding subs if someone backs out last minute, etc.

    IMO, while a spa seems nice in some ways, I, frankly, can't imagine why one would go all the way to Mexico and then imprison oneself inside a spa. If I wanna see Mexico I'm going to Mexico...real Mexico, and getting out and seeing sites and driving with the crazy Mexicans (and they're really not bad compared to many other places--done it twice before), exploring Maya and Aztec ruins, eating 'risky' food and shady places. If I'm going to a spa I'm sure I can find something closer, nicer and cheaper at home. FWIW, I really did not like going diving in Honduras b/c I never saw Honduras--the diving was great, but I felt like a prisoner at the resort.

    Anyway, I'm not trying to be a party pooper here. I think it would be awesome if the vegitarian/Vegan teatotalling spa going type got together at this place and I sincerly hope they have a great time...perhaps I should just initiate a totally different thread for a more universal get together to harvest suggestions/ideas...just don't wanna look like I'm 'competing' with this thread.

    Maybe a national park....people could stay in cabins/lodges in or near the park, or they could camp...whatever...and it would be nature, and close, and fairly cheap...hmmmmm...
     
  9. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Great . . . vacation where I work . . . just lovely

    :p
     
  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Maybe ask Eric Powers about his plans?

    My trip to HybriFest turned from an RV adventure to one to the nicer parks into a marathon drive when my wife's health nixed the plan. But I sure enjoyed driving 750 miles North and seeing the calves turn younger and driving at night through the corn fields.

    I think Eric was working on a west coast as well as the Madison hybridfest (or whatever it is called now.) Just arrange the group vacation to add a week to the front or rear.

    Bob Wilson
     
  11. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Agreed. That's why I started this thread now, thinking a year or two ahead.

    Agreed again. So toss out some suggestions, please.

    Speaking for myself, I go to a spa for the hiking (I'd be reluctant to go to one that did not have extensive hiking) and the fitness classes. I go there to improve my fitness. Having lived in Mexico for 4 1/2 years, and traveled some while there, I was not thinking of the "see Mexico" bit on this particular trip.

    As the thread starter here, I give you license to start another thread without being considered a party pooper or regarding it as "competing." It really looks to me as though Rio Caliente lacks interest, and while I might go there myself, and post my dates so anyone can join me, the idea of a group trip seems to need a new location. Please start a thread for open discussion of places.

    I like this idea. I've never been to Yellowstone. See Old Faithful before the whole park (dormant volcano) blows its top and ends civilization as we know it. :eek:
     
  12. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Sign me up!