A Western Gathering?

It seems that a consensus is growing for an East Mountain day trip that would include Sandia Crest and Madrid. My guess is that the trip would best be done on Sunday, the 25th. First stop would be Sandia Crest. From there the group would have two options. The "A" option would be to continue on to Madrid, and the "B" option would be to hike over to the tram station for a ride back down the mountain to Albuquerque. Some, like Roger who plan leaving on Sunday, might prefer the "B" option. Roger's second alternative might be to drive his car to/through Madrid and continue home via Santa Fe. Of course, he may just forego the Madrid trip altogether. What'a ya say, Rog?

Folks should be aware that there are other points of interest along the Turquoise Trail besides Sandia Crest and Madrid. Some additional information can be found in the following link. I wanted to give you the link to the Turqoise Trail Association, but for some reason their link isn't working today.

Turquoise Trail

I would suggest lunch in Madrid, and a return to Albuquerque in late afternoon. Dinner to be arranged somewhere in Albuquerque … not many good restaurants in the East Mountains.

Madrid, NM

Not really keen on artists colonies, Asherman, but this is more of a get acquainted trip than a do stuff trip, so I'm content with any of the plans and options. Since you mentioned hiking, do let me discover the need for hiking shoes and canteen before my arrival.

I'm expecting to arrive in Albuquerque somewhere around midmorning of the 24th, unless there is a strong reason to start driving very early in the day. Checkin time at HoJo is 2:00 p.m., by the way, and I prefer to get that out of the way first. Most hotels will let you have the room sooner, depending on whether it is vacant and cleaned.

Roger,

I haven't walked the entire distance (about five miles) from Sandia Crest to the Tram station. The portions that I have walked several times didn't call for any special preparation beyond comfortable cross-trainer shoes. The trails that I've been on were well marked, and typically smooth and level. There is some climbing along the cliff face, but there are concrete steps and iron handrails there. For the longer walk over to the Tram I'd advise carrying a canteen, or bottled water. A canteen can be taken from Corazon, so unless you prefer your own don't bother. If you carry a camera, I can pretty much guarantee you will find many fine photo opportunities.

I can't ever remember anyone asking for a ticket to the tram down from the summit. It is a spectacular ride. A couple of options also exist for completing the outing. You might leave your car in the parking lot at the base of the mountain, or we will be happy to pick you up and deliver you wherever you might want to go. You might also drive/ride up to the Crest and return by automobile, or forego the Sandia Crest altogether.

It appears to me that the trip to Sandia Crest will be Sunday. I expect that you will have checked out of your hotel before accompanying the A2K day trip. If you are back early enough, you can have lunch with us and a swim before heading back up to the Corners. If you opt not to go up to Sandia Crest, I hope you will spend the day with us at Corazon.

As to your arrival, if you arrive in ABQ in early to mid-morning, why not come directly to Corazon to make the most of your visiting time with the group? Around 1400 hrs. you could check into the hotel, and spend the rest of the day with the group. I think the main group dinner will be in the La Pinta in the early evening of Saturday the 24th.

For dinner on the 23rd, I think the preference is the County Line up on Tramway Blvd. near the tram terminal. Dinner for the 15th is yet to be determined.

Roger and I were at the Florida gathering and I think we would both agree that all of us attending wanted more than anything to be able to talk and get to know each other, rather than doing lots of sightseeing. We tended to keep it simple and local so that if we had to take two cars, it wouldn't be a long drive. The emphasis was always on talk time. Not much different from a2k. LOL.

Knowing that short drives could be considered an oxymoron in the southwest, that might not be possible, but keeping it simple would seem to be the most practical choice in terms of sightseeing. As Asherman said, people can certainly pick their own prefernces. It all sounds interesting, with great photo opportunities.

Simple is best for getting to know each other
I agree with Roger and Diane. Getting to know each other is priority number 1 with BumbleBeeBoogie.

I think the group will find Corazon highly conducive to informal talk. Generally, I find Corazon far more pleasant than almost any alternative. Pretty much the whole of the 24th can be spent here, and as much of the rest of the time as the group wants. We are trying to arrange it that everyone's time will be as enjoyable as possible. Just rub the lamp, and be sure of what you wish for.

Asherman is so sweet.

An alternative to dining in a public restaurant
"Sweet" Asherman, there may be an alternative we should consider to dining in a public restaurant.

How would everyone feel about eating dinner-lunch at Corozon, Ash's beautiful home? Naturally, we wouldn't expect Ash and Natalie to prepare and pay for the food. We could order take out or delivery from several good restaurants and delis near Ash's home. The food would be very good. Each of us could pay our prorated of the cost and we could order exactly what each of us want to eat and drink. This alternative would provide us with a great place to relax and talk inside Corozon or out on the patio by the great pool. And we could all pitch in and clean up Ash's beautiful kitchen after we stuff ourselves.

I know Natalie probably won't like this idea because she does like to eat out, but it is an alternative to consider along with all the other suggestions.

BumbleBeeBoogie

I should be arriving at Albuquerque on Friday, May 23, night (around 10 p.m.), and staying at the Panamerican HoJo. Bought plane tickets (to my surprise, it'll take me more than 6 hours) and made hotel reservations.

Looking forward to see ya all there.

And speaking for myself, I am very glad you are going to be here.

yippie

It sounds as if it will be a marvelous Gathering. Do take pictures and post them here.

even the nudes?

ESPECIALLY the nudes.

The skinny-dipping, the shower scenes, the.....*RETCH*

Yay, fbaezer is coming!!

BumbleBeeBoogie, your idea is the best, but only if Natalie agrees.

PDiddie, any pictures of me will self-destruct in six seconds. I have my ways....

Fbaezer I am so glad to meet you soon.

Yes pictures pictures pictures pictures. I am glad that roger and Diane will be there since the Floridians showed they know how to do this kind of thing. We expect frequent, illustrated updates. Got it?

Wow, so it's happening!?!? I'm with PDiddie - pix please! And lots of them!

All I've got to work with is a rusty old 35mm, and I haven't installed the scanner since I had to spring for a new computer. Sorry, kids.

i will bring several cameras