Potential Spring/ Summer 1st Annual Pixel-Shooter get together

[Keith]

From slight prompts from the person who will remain anonymous, Harvey that is. See how much interest we might have if we decided to put together a Canadian Rockies get together! Im thinking from a timing perspective, mid till end of June, water will be thawed, flowers will be out and most babies should be born, which should create some awesome opportunities. Our challenges will simply be lodging as you are now into the summer months, but Im sure I can work through that as we have a few clients that we do business together with :rolleyes: and worst case scenario, short drive outside of park, better pricing.

So this is an initial pole, not looking for strong committment, just how much interest in getting many together. This photography will be a balanced approach between landscape and wildlife and will be clearly thought out in advance. :)

Please once you action pole, post on thread so we know :)

[Harv]

I'm in. ( I guess I had better be, huh? )

[Keith]

worst case scenario, could be just us two Harv, Im ok with that. Remember Kevin survived :D :D I'm in. ( I guess I had better be, huh? )

[Martin]

For a second there I thought you might be inviting everyone to our top secret hummingbird valley...nonono;

[Kevin]

I voted definitely. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I can get the shots from outside the car of the scenes that I had to take through the front windshield. And I didn't get a good eagle shot or a moose so there's an incentive to return.

Do they have large condos up there? Could split it a bunch of ways to lessen the cost. Maybe a place with a hairdryer? ;)

[Ann]

I voted definitely. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I can get the shots from outside the car of the scenes that I had to take through the front windshield. And I didn't get a good eagle shot or a moose so there's an incentive to return.

Do they have large condos up there? Could split it a bunch of ways to lessen the cost. Maybe a place with a hairdryer? ;)

Well I could bring my hairdryer this time! Silly me to think every hotel had them!:eek:
I vote yes to go!

[dmwphoto]

I might be a player for this. My traveling partner (Mike) will be in Alaska.
Dont need no stinkin hair dryer though missile;

[David Cramer]

It's possible for me. We are considering an Alaska trip, so may be able to connect the two. When is the peak season for wildflowers in Banff/Jasper?

[imageswest]

Dont need no stinkin hair dryer though missile;

How about you, Keith? scared; innocent; LOL;

[Harv]

How important is the mid to late June time frame? It occured to me (duh!) that I may very well have a newborn litter of puppies on hand at that time. slam;

[Kevin]

Maybe we should just do it in Alaska, since a few are already going. Or how about meeting in Jasper and driving that Hwy 40 up to Alaska! <tee hee hee>eye;

[JaredB]

Would love to guys - but have family trips already planned for next year. I will have to settle for living in the US-based Rockies!

[mdephoto]

If it was the very end of June, it might work for me. I would stop by on my way to Alaska. I will be in Alaska the first two weeks of July. Lake Clark NP at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge for bear the first week and then just poking around Anchorage the second week -- anyone else going to be around that area that time of the year??

[MGlennn]

I think I'd rather do the fall color scene.....but.....if spring it is.....I would certainly try to make it :) :) :)

[Keith]

now now now Martin, you know my feelings on that topic :D For a second there I thought you might be inviting everyone to our top secret hummingbird valley...nonono;

[Keith]

Well that sez allot if your willing to come back Kevin, LMAO!!!!! and no hair dryers needed, summer time , let nature do its thing. Be environmentally friendly like me :D :p

Banff/Canmore, lots of places to stay............. Jasper we can garner a couple good deals otherwise Hinton is right on the border and only 40 minutes from Jasper and stuff to shoot all along the way...............

I voted definitely. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Maybe I can get the shots from outside the car of the scenes that I had to take through the front windshield. And I didn't get a good eagle shot or a moose so there's an incentive to return.

Do they have large condos up there? Could split it a bunch of ways to lessen the cost. Maybe a place with a hairdryer? ;)

[Keith]

Dave, that would be cool cool; cool;

I might be a player for this. My traveling partner (Mike) will be in Alaska.
Dont need no stinkin hair dryer though missile;

[Keith]

:booty: potty; :booty: dance; How about you, Keith? scared; innocent; LOL;

[Keith]

:problem there is many people are going and different times. Im seriously considering a trip up second week of March to shoot bald eagles at Homer........just finalizing if IM going to make it a reality. She is getting up there in age and this opportunity wont last long if you know what I mean. Think that would be cool shooting bald eagles with my 24-105mm :D :D cool;



Maybe we should just do it in Alaska, since a few are already going. Or how about meeting in Jasper and driving that Hwy 40 up to Alaska! <tee hee hee>eye;

[Keith]

what brings you there that time of year? I know the bears are actively fishing, how is it there for shooting puffins??

If it was the very end of June, it might work for me. I would stop by on my way to Alaska. I will be in Alaska the first two weeks of July. Lake Clark NP at Silver Salmon Creek Lodge for bear the first week and then just poking around Anchorage the second week -- anyone else going to be around that area that time of the year??

[mdephoto]

what brings you there that time of year? I know the bears are actively fishing, how is it there for shooting puffins??

Keith, I have a friend that is running a tour at the camp and I am attending his session for the first week -- and since I am out there anyway I am going to just poke around the area for the second week and should some scenics. No real plans on the second week at all -- maybe take a run up towards Denali area. No puffins that I know of....

[Jonathan]

Maybe we should just do it in Alaska, since a few are already going. Or how about meeting in Jasper and driving that Hwy 40 up to Alaska! <tee hee hee>eye;

That would be sweet! I voted maybe as it depends on finances mostly. Depending on where I end up on my travels from dec to aug I am in. I have several destinations that I would like to make. Only drawback for me is the landscapes...I have yet to feel the tug and when prompted am not yet adequatly prepared. Who knows in 6 months or so though. Of course the landscape thing could change and I realize there is wildlife as well.

If anything I might just get in touch with you keith to meet up!

[gluwater]

I would love to go but I voted Not Interested because I cannot make it next year. I already have trips planned for Glacier NP, Merritt Island FL, and Missouri for trout fishing. I need more vacation time.

[Keith]

how is the trout fishing in Missouri, we have great trout fishing up here :D Actually the bow river is world renown for trout flyfishing :rolleyes:

[Harv]

Can I bring my dogs along and leave them at your house, Keith? :rolleyes:

[Kevin]

Flyfishing would be fun while waiting for coyotes and wolves to show up and shoot! :)

[Keith]

Ok, we have 15 votes out of 70+ members, Im a banker, I need a calculator :rolleyes: :D

[gluwater]

how is the trout fishing in Missouri, we have great trout fishing up here :D Actually the bow river is world renown for trout flyfishing :rolleyes:
I go to Bennett Springs (http://www.mostateparks.com/bennett.htm) which is a natural Spring and is stocked by the onsite hatchery. I have had reservations there since February and it is an annual family trip so there is no getting out of it. Maybe in 08 I'll make it up there.

[Roger]

My baby is due around then, and I am not sure what my wife would think if I said I was going to go for that long of a drive.....

[Rudi]

I'm thinking Royal National Park (http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/parkContent/N0030?OpenDocument&ParkKey=N0030&Type=xo)! OR, Kakadu National Park (http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/), at least then we ALL have to travel! :D

[Ron D]

I am interested.... would not early Sept. be better for wildlife, just curious.

[Kevin]

Kakadu would be cool but I'd like to go to Monkey Mia or to the Bungles or the Pinnacles. Almost made it to the Wave Rock but ended up staying in Perth.

[Ron D]

I'm thinking Royal National Park (http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/parkContent/N0030?OpenDocument&ParkKey=N0030&Type=xo)! OR, Kakadu National Park (http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/), at least then we ALL have to travel! :D



Hey Rudi, great idea.... we can all stay at your place and save on accomodations ;););)

[Jim Thiel]

I would love to do this. It may very well work for me and my wife in June. We love the Canadian Rockies and I am most interested in this.

[Keith]

Most excellent Jim, that would be cool! :D

[Harv]

I've cancelled my breeding plans for spring so that is a potential obstacle out of the way.

As an aside, how many people do we need to make this worthwhile doing? Anyone have any experience with a meet and greet like this?

[Rudi]

I've cancelled my breeding plans for spring so that is a potential obstacle out of the way.

I NEVER cancel my breeding plans - for anything! biggrin;

[Kevin]

Who makes plans to breed? I always enjoyed the spontaneity. Now, Toni's grandparents on the other hand.....on the 15th.....monthly! We always visited early or late month. ;)

[Rudi]

lmao; lmao; lmao;

I always plan to breed, or at least drop everything if the chance comes up! biggrin; idhit; idhit; idhit;

[Kevin]

Anyone have any experience with a meet and greet like this?

Sorry, Harv. Got a bit sidetracked there.

After ~15yrs as a travel agent and 5 yrs working the front desk of a hotel, I think I might be able to manage the details. But I run a tight schedule...no slacking and no whining allowed. wink;

[Harv]

You guys are nutz. It's why I love you all so much. Gawd.

[Harv]

Shameless Bump

[Harv]

Time to bump this to bring it to the attention of recently joined members. dunno;

[samuelwil]

I'm still Thinking! But, not to much, don't want to blow a gasket. By the way, as far as hummingbird valley's go. Oh, did I say that! nana; nana; Sam P.S. Outside of town is okay with me, how about tent's? They don't have hair dryer's either.

[samuelwil]

I think I remember something about that, back in the deep recesses of what's left of my brain.peekaboo; peekaboo; Sam

[Keith]

Well Harv , you will be happy to know that I think there is enough interest that we can make a go of it, so hang tight :D

[Art]

My wife and I were going to try to get a trip out west next summer, we havent set a date of when we were going to go, I was leaning toward fall to avoid the crowds,,,we are definitely interested:)

[Harv]

It's great to see the list growing. Keep 'em coming.

[Ron D]

Yippee, wife says its a go.... she just doesn't want to stand around and watch me take pictures so I will have to go solo .... darn :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:. I will see if I can't talk some other Islanders into going along for the ride...

Just keep us posted :)

[Caper]

I had planned to fly down to Vegas and drive through Utah's sites but a return to the Candian rockies (only been there once) sounds everybit as good.

Put me down as interested but not 100% commited just yet.

I am also on vancouver Island and would look to double up for the drive out.

Are we talking about one week, perhaps I can do both if I can find some tuna on sale.

[Desert Rat]

Not sure I can go there.. Supposed to head to Florida for 10 days of shooting birds with Special K (Kevin)....


BTW.... After January all US citizens are required to have apassport to re-enter the country.. Hoe you guy all have them from the US??

[Robert]

I so want to do this trip. It's something I've talked about often enough, but...I can't make it in June;( , I won't be free until @ the middle of July. So, I will probably be following in your footsteps, unless I plan for the other option I'm considering...Britain.
If I don't make this trip I'll be anxiously waiting for all the great shots that will come from it!!:daydreaming:

[Sheldon Bowles]

I just found this thread, thanks to Robert's post. Thanks Robert!

This sounds like a great idea, and something I'd love to do, but come June I'm so entrenched at our Kenora cottage on Lake Of The Woods, I don't like to leave. Came into Winnipeg 18 years ago for my father's funeral one fine July day, but that was an exception my family still marvels at. This year I left at the beginning of June to "do" Newfoundland and didn't regret leaving the cottage for a minute --- so, who knows, can Alberta be far behind? Count me as a definite maybe.

Cheers, Sheldon

[Rudi]

Just a little too far away for me... but should I win the lottery - WATCH OUT! :D

[Sheldon Bowles]

Sorry, it's a little far to send the jet --- it's only got two engines and the plane isn't rated for that long out over the water. I know Keith's got the big jet. Bankers all have big jets. Besides, how else would he get that 600mm around? Perhaps he'll send it for you. Better yet, how about a two part get together? A few days in Banff, and then off down under to see you.

Good on you Rudi, Sheldon

[retief]

I've cancelled my breeding plans for spring so that is a potential obstacle out of the way.



I'm at least moderately thinking about being interested in such a thing, the trip that is, but Harvey, I'm a bit concerned about your comment here ... :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Harvey_G
I've cancelled my breeding plans for spring so that is a potential obstacle out of the way.

...., but Harvey, I'm a bit concerned about your comment here ... :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

And so it continues....... poor, poor Harv. I almost spit my coffee on the monitor. Too funny!!

Rudi, maybe we can take up a collection so you can come. ;)

[Roger]

If I was closer, and if we didn't have to get passports now, what a dumb rule.

[Cyber Surfer]

I'm in, because I live so close! LOL I will be out there anyway! :unsure:

[Paramount7]

My wife and I went last year for the first three weeks of September. We rented an RV and travelled all over Jasper and Banff. The colours were amazing, we had snow some mornings and warm afternoons. We got to witness theElk in rut, watched then fighting each other.
We also had plenty of space because the tourist were all but gone.

[retief]

I'm thinking Royal National Park (http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/parks.nsf/parkContent/N0030?OpenDocument&ParkKey=N0030&Type=xo)! OR, Kakadu National Park (http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/), at least then we ALL have to travel! :D

No offense to the rest of the folks and this thread specifically, but having been to Kakadu, if you set THAT one up and it conflicts, I'll bag the Canadian Rockies for Kakadu in a heart-beat :biggrin:

I'd love to see a Down Under get together, my wife and I need to make another trip, and not in the too distant future.

C'mon, Keith, how many can your jet hold?

[Jeff JTPhoto]

I'm interested, but will depend on the dates.... Sounds like the trip of a lifetime.

[E.B. West]

I'll be in Calgary in July, if it's around that time, I'll try my best to be there.

[Dave Stiles]

Shows that the poll is closed, but if is at the end of June (classes finish 15 June 2007) I would more likely than not ride my little Motorcycle up for a visit, then drop home via Glacier and Yellowstone/Tetons. I'd just reverse my summer roadtrip...

[spfanatic]

Time to bump this to bring it to the attention of recently joined members. dunno;

I'll be in the mountains already :coo3l: so just let me know when and where and I'll try to be there.

[Harv]

It's great to see the interest continues to grow. I only hope Keith has enough bedrooms for all of us. And beer. And maybe some spare CF cards.

[Bohdan]

Hey is it too late to join? My wife and I are definately interested in attending in June. So can we come and play too?

[Harv]

Bob, it's open to all.

[Desert Rat]

I really think whoever is planning this trip should get on the ball already.. if you are looking at June then it is already end of February????

[Harv]

Keith, can you chime in here?

[Keith]

chime chime

[Keith]

Thinking out loud our biggest challenge will be accomodations, secondly it will be having transportation, making arrangements for pick up for those who will be arriving by air, and lastly for all of us to agree on dates.

Personally the longer we can leave the date the better off we will be, ensure that nasty white stuff on the ground is gone, keep the nice white stuff in the mountains, spring has bloomed and preferably wildlife babies been born.
Banff will predominately offer great landscape shooing with wildlife opportunities while Jasper will be some landscape opporunities but predominately wildllife.

Its been so long that we may way to re-poll to get a better understanding for numbers and dates...........even with larger groups , hitting prime season in Banff and Jasper there is not a whole lot of negotiation room but there is some things I can do

[Desert Rat]

Well, Sounds like should make it a fall trip? or winter? How about Death Valley and the Eastern Sierra???

In July I will already be in Lassen and Redwoods parks already.....

[Mao]

Well it looks like June is out for me as I might be in the Far East. I was holding out hoping to make it but sadly, I can't. Damn, why can't I split my body (and don't answer that).