The Conservative Cave

The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: Chris on July 14, 2009, 09:28:13 PM

Title: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris on July 14, 2009, 09:28:13 PM
So.  What does everyone have planned?  LC EFA had his soggy jaunt up and down the eastern seaboard, our wonderful, esteemed admin DixieBelle is taking a trip to the Holy Land and will probably land back in the USA some time next week, and mamacags will probably drag her brood to DollyWorld again.  I haven't had a decent vacation since my trip to Alaska in 2006.  Even then, it was someone else's vacation -- I was just along for the ride.   Not that I didn't appreciate the First Class accommodations the entire way.  It's the only way to fly. 

I'm getting restless and tired of doing the same thing every day and need to take a long break.  I would really like to take a couple weeks off from work and go on a road trip.  Given the current state of my transportation, that may not happen just yet; I still need to patch a few holes and maybe change out that transmission. I need to head north for a day to check out my brother's restaurant -- the menu looks nice, even if it is basic stuff.  At least the prices are low.  I could probably swing by Six Flags in Kentucky and hit a few rides on my way up there, and maybe visit some CC'ers on my way around the midwest.  And I'm sure my sister would complain if I didn't stop in Wylie at some point.  Or I could just say **** it all and fly out to Las Vegas.  Nothing says "vacation" like strippers and gambling.

What is everyone doing this year, or what would you LIKE to do given the chance?
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: NHSparky on July 14, 2009, 09:56:38 PM
HAD vacation.  Went to Phoenix to see dad.

If I had time and money, I'd like to take a drive to DC for a few days, see some of the museums I haven't had a chance to visit yet.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Flame on July 15, 2009, 07:10:17 AM
I have no vacation plans, unless you count a weekend baseball tournament in Fairmont, WV...LOL.   

I'd love to go to Chicago and see the Cubs play at Wrigley....someday, that might just be an anniversary trip for Mr Flame and I....but it will have to wait 'til the kids are gone to afford it!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: thundley4 on July 15, 2009, 07:40:35 AM
I have no vacation plans, unless you count a weekend baseball tournament in Fairmont, WV...LOL.   

I'd love to go to Chicago and see the Cubs play at Wrigley....someday, that might just be an anniversary trip for Mr Flame and I....but it will have to wait 'til the kids are gone to afford it!

There's a group of posters from the Cubs MLB board that meet at a sports bar near Chicago every year to watch one of the games on TV.  I'd settle for being able to make it to that soon.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris_ on July 15, 2009, 07:46:08 AM
I'm spending a week in the mountains near Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in August.  Cabin in the mountains with a view of Mt. LeConte, pool table, hot tub, etc.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
 :tongue:
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: jtyangel on July 15, 2009, 08:04:00 AM
No $$ for that. Spent what we had to get a pool membership for the kids for the summer. Toyed with flying to Florida withmy daughter in a couple weeks to see my brother, but I'm worried that would leave me short to plan for the back to school purchases for the kids so....no vacation this year unfortunately and I'm kinda bummed cause I was hoping to get one in before I ended up working again. But it's the usual here: when you have the time, you don't have the money and when you have the money, you don't have the time. Story of my life. :thatsright: :-)
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: asdf2231 on July 15, 2009, 11:00:20 AM
Waiting for my wife to get back from her Wanderung in Colorado.  We get her back next week after 17 days on the road having her solo vacation/road trip.

We did DC and will probably do something in August in Sept.  Things have been... Hectic is a good word. :)

We ARE all going to Gen-Con in Indianapolis next month!!!   :cheersmate:
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wineslob on July 16, 2009, 02:24:15 PM
The fam and I are going to Butt Valley Res. leaving the 23rd and probably won't be back till the 28th.


Yes it's BUTT, the cartographer back in the late 1800's left the "E" off of what was supposed to be Butte Creek, which runs into the lake.   :p
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: RightCoast on July 16, 2009, 03:25:48 PM
We're leaving CT and renting a house in western NC for 5 days. Staying at Hersey PA on the way down and hitting DC for a long weekend on the way back.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris on July 19, 2009, 10:16:51 PM
Is there anything to do in or around Vegas that doesn't involve gambling?  I might be there for a couple days in September.  Any notable parks or something else interesting?
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Flame on July 20, 2009, 07:07:07 AM
Is there anything to do in or around Vegas that doesn't involve gambling?  I might be there for a couple days in September.  Any notable parks or something else interesting?

You can go see the Hoover Dam.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wineslob on July 20, 2009, 10:30:28 AM
Is there anything to do in or around Vegas that doesn't involve gambling?  I might be there for a couple days in September.  Any notable parks or something else interesting?


I spent 4 days there with the wife about 4 years ago. I think I gambled...............once..........for 30 min.

The attractions are so numerous, it boggles the mind. From the rides to exibitions, you would never need to gamble.
Even after 4 days I missed so much, all I want to do is go back.

Look up what art shows the Belagio may have. Check out the Venetian, http://www.venetian.com/. But the ONE thing I wish I had done, gone to the underground grotto for the Romansque dinner, is kaput. Sadly, the idiots removed it for a venue for Celine (puke) Dion.  Dammit. :bird:
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris_ on July 20, 2009, 03:17:25 PM
I'm taking a vacation day Friday and one Saturday because I'll be testing for my First Brown Belt, I may take a sick day Sunday, depending on how well my ass is kicked
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: 9outof10 on July 20, 2009, 03:31:33 PM
I just spent all last week in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I do not like casinos and I never gamble but the room for the week was free. A good friend of mine has a time share he was not using this year so he gave it to me. I have a whole mess of chores around the house this week that need done and this coming weekend we are going to another good friends lake house. He has a nice speed boat and lots of other things to do.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Gratiot on July 20, 2009, 05:28:03 PM
If I had time and money, I'd like to take a drive to DC for a few days, see some of the museums I haven't had a chance to visit yet.

That actually sounds like a great vacation.  I'd love to see several of the museums there  :cheersmate:

Is there anything to do in or around Vegas that doesn't involve gambling?  I might be there for a couple days in September.  Any notable parks or something else interesting?

While 2-3 hours away, Zion National Park is an absolute mecca of stunning hiking and outdoors adventures.  I have several friends who routinely fly to Vegas, and rent a car to head out there for the weekend.  It's beyond beautiful  :cheersmate:  I'm even considering doing it myself, latter this fall, depending if I have any vacation time left  :thatsright:
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: BEG on July 20, 2009, 05:49:48 PM
Nothing...the first part of summer was selling our house and the last part will be moving to friggen CA.  :(
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: BEG on July 20, 2009, 05:52:44 PM
I'm spending a week in the mountains near Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in August.  Cabin in the mountains with a view of Mt. LeConte, pool table, hot tub, etc.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
 :tongue:

We have been there several times for family reunions. I love it there.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wineslob on July 21, 2009, 10:12:35 AM
Nothing...the first part of summer was selling our house and the last part will be moving to friggen CA.  :(


Hang in there BEG, Ca isn't all bad. Once you get settled in, start exploring the state. It is NOT just the LA basin.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Sam Adams on July 21, 2009, 10:16:12 AM
I will be here, trolling.


LOL. Just kidding. I have three weeks vacation leave saved up, but I cannot take the time off, because we are short-handed at work.   :(     I might be able to get time off in September, maybe go to WI.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: jtyangel on July 21, 2009, 10:33:58 AM
BEG, it's a shame this didn't happen later for you and sooner for a friend of mine. One of my favorite instructors...her husband is part of a corporate relo. You would have loved entrusting your old home to her as a new owner. I may hit you up if she has any questions as you two are very similar in tastes and values.  :-*
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: USA4ME on July 21, 2009, 10:47:11 AM
So.  What does everyone have planned?

Leaving next Monday with wife and kids and flying to Salt Lake City.  Going to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, then down to Colorado and the Rockies (Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park, Vail, Gunnison, Durango-Silverton, Mesa Verde Nat'l Park), back to SLC and flying out on 8/8.  Should be fun!!

.

Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Flame on July 21, 2009, 11:08:51 AM
Leaving next Monday with wife and kids and flying to Salt Lake City.  Going to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, then down to Colorado and the Rockies (Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park, Vail, Gunnison, Durango-Silverton, Mesa Verde Nat'l Park), back to SLC and flying out on 8/8.  Should be fun!!

.



That sounds like a wonderful trip!  All my favorite places!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris on July 21, 2009, 12:47:39 PM
You can go see the Hoover Dam.
While 2-3 hours away, Zion National Park is an absolute mecca of stunning hiking and outdoors adventures.
Thanks.  Those sound like great ideas.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris_ on July 21, 2009, 01:10:51 PM
Thanks.  Those sound like great ideas.
If you go to Hoover Dam, go as early in the day as possible...be there when they open.  I was there last summer.  Arrived at 9am and the temp at the visitors's center was 118!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: BEG on July 21, 2009, 03:21:36 PM
BEG, it's a shame this didn't happen later for you and sooner for a friend of mine. One of my favorite instructors...her husband is part of a corporate relo. You would have loved entrusting your old home to her as a new owner. I may hit you up if she has any questions as you two are very similar in tastes and values.  :-*

So they are moving to the DFW area?  Lucky.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: BEG on July 21, 2009, 03:25:07 PM

Hang in there BEG, Ca isn't all bad. Once you get settled in, start exploring the state. It is NOT just the LA basin.

I know it won't be all bad. I will have my family and I could live just about anywhere as long as I have my family.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wayne on July 22, 2009, 07:05:36 AM
  I went to eastern PA at the end of April to see a guy I joined the military with.. I found him on the net and it was cool cuz we havent seen each other since '64

   I spent part of the trip going back roads and and old highways exploring..  Ive been to 43 states and PA is one of the prettiest of the bunch..  It was a nice 10 days..
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: jtyangel on July 22, 2009, 07:14:06 AM
So they are moving to the DFW area?  Lucky.
yep they sure are...sucks for us though since she's one of the few really awesome freestyle at what she does in the area. Definitely going to feel her loss...was one of my favorite workouts
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: DixieBelle on July 22, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
*waves* Hi!! I'm back! I'm so tired though. Trip was a blast and I'd gladly go again. Lots to see and do and soak in. I'll post some pics when I get them sorted out.

Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Celtic Rose on July 22, 2009, 08:56:00 AM
I know it won't be all bad. I will have my family and I could live just about anywhere as long as I have my family.

In my opinion, Northern CA is the most beautiful part of the state, but there is amazing scenery everywhere.  In Southern and Central CA there are areas that you can look out over the open areas, and imagine what the Wild West once looked like :-)  If it weren't for the liberals, we would live in one of the best states possible. Welcome!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Sam Adams on July 22, 2009, 09:13:17 AM
In my opinion, Northern CA is the most beautiful part of the state, but there is amazing scenery everywhere.  In Southern and Central CA there are areas that you can look out over the open areas, and imagine what the Wild West once looked like :-)  If it weren't for the liberals, we would live in one of the best states possible. Welcome!

I was in SF about two years ago. You are right about that.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Celtic Rose on July 22, 2009, 09:25:19 AM
I was in SF about two years ago. You are right about that.

SF area is nice, at least once you get out of the city areas,  but the really beautiful scenery, in my opinion, is even farther north near the Oregon border.  Amazing forest areas with beautiful, lush, green scenery. 

The Santa Cruz Mountains are pretty cool too though.  They are about 2 hours south of SF.

The Sierras are amazing too, and Northern CA beaches are beautiful.  BEG, I will warn you that our ocean water tends to be very, very cold.   
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wineslob on July 22, 2009, 10:12:38 AM
In my opinion, Northern CA is the most beautiful part of the state, but there is amazing scenery everywhere.  In Southern and Central CA there are areas that you can look out over the open areas, and imagine what the Wild West once looked like :-)  If it weren't for the liberals, we would live in one of the best states possible. Welcome!


How far "North" are you (don't have to be specfic). Where I'm at it's refered to as "The North State" ie: north of Sacramento.
You are right, the scenery is amazing, and the outdoor oportunities are endless.


20 min up the road from my house:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ontheridge.com/pics/desabla.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ontheridge.com/skyway.html&usg=__QD3-wECE3y5rfbkoBGtniBOm2SI=&h=480&w=640&sz=40&hl=en&start=13&tbnid=LvJCLrjgJB3xIM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddesabla%2Bcalifornia%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG
(go down to DeSabla lake, click on photo)

Not the greatest picture in the world. Last weekend we went to the neighbors BD party at the lake. They rented the group area across the street from the lake. The fee.............................$50.00 
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: jtyangel on July 22, 2009, 10:33:22 AM
In my opinion, Northern CA is the most beautiful part of the state, but there is amazing scenery everywhere.  In Southern and Central CA there are areas that you can look out over the open areas, and imagine what the Wild West once looked like :-)  If it weren't for the liberals, we would live in one of the best states possible. Welcome!

Agree...definitely thought the state was just gorgeous. Shame liberals rule the damn thing. It's really a breathtaking state!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Celtic Rose on July 22, 2009, 11:55:58 AM

How far "North" are you (don't have to be specfic). Where I'm at it's refered to as "The North State" ie: north of Sacramento.
You are right, the scenery is amazing, and the outdoor oportunities are endless.


20 min up the road from my house:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ontheridge.com/pics/desabla.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ontheridge.com/skyway.html&usg=__QD3-wECE3y5rfbkoBGtniBOm2SI=&h=480&w=640&sz=40&hl=en&start=13&tbnid=LvJCLrjgJB3xIM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=137&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddesabla%2Bcalifornia%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG
(go down to DeSabla lake, click on photo)

Not the greatest picture in the world. Last weekend we went to the neighbors BD party at the lake. They rented the group area across the street from the lake. The fee.............................$50.00 

I'm in the Bay Area, but I don't really consider myself in Northern California.  I think that up around Redding and Lake Shasta is where the scenery just becomes gorgeous.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris on July 22, 2009, 02:04:35 PM
*waves* Hi!! I'm back! I'm so tired though. Trip was a blast and I'd gladly go again. Lots to see and do and soak in. I'll post some pics when I get them sorted out.
Yay! Welcome back. :)
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Eupher on July 22, 2009, 03:39:38 PM
I'm spending a week in the mountains near Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in August.  Cabin in the mountains with a view of Mt. LeConte, pool table, hot tub, etc.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
 :tongue:

Mrs E and I did our honeymoon there +10 years ago. Loved it!
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Wineslob on July 22, 2009, 04:12:10 PM
I'm in the Bay Area, but I don't really consider myself in Northern California.  I think that up around Redding and Lake Shasta is where the scenery just becomes gorgeous.

It sure does! The Dunsmuir area is awesome.
One of these days I'll have to post some pictures of the Feather River Canyon. The fishing is fantastic and so are the views. 30 min from my place.   :hyper:
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Sam Adams on July 22, 2009, 04:23:23 PM
Mrs E and I did our honeymoon there +10 years ago. Loved it!

I lived near there about ten years ago. It is beautiful.
Title: Re: Summer Vacation
Post by: Chris on July 22, 2009, 04:29:33 PM
The Travel Channel did a show on the buffet at the Bellagio.  I think I might go there just for the food.