: O.K., so this didn't work out for R2K3, but I think it is still a viable
: plan.
: However... I think that it is/was a mistake, possibly, leaving it all to
: chance and one person. Not intended as a slam on you Shawn as I think you
: did a fantastic job in researching this and making the attempt, even
: though you weren't going to be able to make the show.

I must agree that it's leaving way too much to chance.

By taking an option where we register earlier, we give up the freedom to change the weekend at a later date, and we may also incur costs of having to buy 1 or 2 meals per day from the food concessionaire.

: But: When you asked about the "10 site" Possibility, did they say
: that it was either one or 10, or is it "up-to" 10 sites.

I found out today (yes, too little, too late) that I could have simply stated, "I would take less than the full 10 sites".

: 10 sites out of 30(?) sites at the beach is/was maybe asking quite a bit from
: them.
: It may be ( for future reference ) a tad easier to get 4 of us to ask for 2
: or 3 sites together in the same location, if that is in fact an option.
: And, have a few others or the same few ask for single sites in that same
: area. All at the stroke of 12:01 on April 1. They take the times as they
: come in and answer them in the order they came.. ( first come, first
: served )

It's still leaving it to chance and competition with the other people requesting at 12:01am. I think we will find as our Rendezvous grows that competition for sites may become much more difficult.

: There may have been 10 sites available when your order went through, but if
: there were just one or two singles from others that got ahead of you, then
: your 10-sites-together was then nul and void.

That's exactly what happened. I could cry!

: As for the kitchen, I'm not sure that should even be a concern.. If we can
: get it, we get it, but if we don't, we can set up some sort of large
: canopy/tent or cover and gather in there...

We had a fantastic Saturday night gathering in there last year. For as large as our group is getting, it's difficult to find a restaurant downtown that can accommodate us all. It's also nice to not have to split up the group with the logistics of heading downtown...everyone shifted right from the beach into the kitchen shelter. It was awesome!

: I think you had the perfect idea, just not enough help to get all the options
: covered. I have only been to one, but have read and viewed enough articles
: and images that I think it's a Really Super and Growing Event,

Which begs the question that something organized with the full cooperation of the host location needs to happen. I'm not faulting Joe. He's faced the same sometimes unrealistic requirements from the Fort and uncertainties of whether we might fill spots (and expensive meals) should he reserve them that I'm sure has made him not include overnight options in the Rendezvous planning.

: and I thoroughly enjoyed the site as well.

Salt water paddling is salt water paddling. It's a great location, but I wonder if part of that isn't our perception that it's great for the WCSKS, so it must be great for us. The campsites really aren't the best I've ever camped in. The sandy beach is nice, but it's not the only one in the state. They hassle Joe every year about our "clogging up" the day use parking at the beach. Accommodating? Sort of. For me, I enjoyed my first visit to the fort, but that's the only time I really ever explored it. For subsequent visits, it's always been about the People. If the same group were in the Central Washington desert, I'd still gladly go in a heartbeat.

: I think with enough organization, and
: communications with the park this can all be worked out.

Yes, but at what schedule and monetary cost?

: But, as was mentioned, if another site with similar put-in, parking and
: camping/lodging space

We can put in anywhere. We hit a problem with as little as 10 campsites--anywhere could accommodate that. Parking for 200 might be the only limiting factor.

:can be found, then we should discuss the options
: with Joe and then see how it washes with the regular/annual participants.

$0.02 more from me. That's probably enough!!!

Shawn