I've looked into several nearby locations, the most likely being Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, WA... locations that would be physically easy for me to deal with the business end of organizing. However, it turns out that Camp Orkila would be costly... about $110/day per person for the location (cabins with cooking and living room; meals and a hall where we could meet/bead together). For distant members, it would require flying to Seattle and then taking a small plane to Orcas Island (or renting a car, driving and taking the ferry to Orcas). The local part of the trip, flying from Seattle to Orcas, is about $200 round trip.
Even though Orcas Island is totally beautiful at any time of year and the facility (it's where we have our annual quilt retreat) is lovely, I'm concerned that the expense may be a deterrent to some of you being able to come.
I'd love (and appreciate) your feedback on this and any suggestions you may have about a retreat. You can either comment below or email me directly (here).
Robin A.
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18 comments:
Well, I am local so the expense would be lower for me. I haven't been to orca island for years so it sounds like fun to me. It would just depend on when it is for me. But I would love to bead with some other people and get feedback on finishing techniques.
Robin, WOW, this is a totally FABU idea!! How extraordinarily wonderful it would be to touch each others work in person, see all those beady treasures firsthand and as you say, brainstorm together ... oh my, I can hardly bear to think about the possibility!!!!
Since I am local I can't be helpful to you in the travel cost feedback department. I can say that the $110 per day does not sound unreasonable especially with some forward planning (meals included in that price?). Also, for those flying into Seattle, perhaps taking the shuttle to the Anacortes ferry, walking on & then getting picked up at the Orcas dock might be an option - I think it is $30-something each way for the shuttle...
If you do go forward with this retreat idea, please know that I would welcome the opportunity to help in any way(s) you might need to pull it all together. I volunteer!!
Oh, another thought...I only saw this post because I subscribe to BJP Blog #1 (I am in group #3 Blog). If you post this entry to both #2 & #3 separately then no one shall miss it?
Thank you for such a splendid retreat idea :>}}
Christi
Yes, Yes, Yes! As an alternate location, what about a hotel with a meeting room? The Cotton Tree in Mt Vernon has those convention rooms. Personally I'd be willing to pitch a tent somewhere! Now, who could I get to watch the kids...
This is a wonderful idea! $110/day doesn't seem bad in comparison with other retreats (quilting, etc) that I've seen. It's the transportation costs that could add up depending on distance traveled. As far as location I'd vote for San Francisco area but that's just because that's where I am! Anyway I think it would be really great to meet other beaders and learn something new. If I can be of any assistance from a distance, I'm happy to!
Robin, ever since you first mentioned this to the angels awhile ago, I've been thinking about it and no way I'd miss it... BUT (you knew that was coming, right) how many days are you thinking...? The air fare and the timing of it would be my biggest detriment. oh this does sound wonderful....
I would love a BJP retreat, but perhaps one that is more centrally located, or easier to get to.
Any suggestions for a more central location?
I couldn't commit until I know the dates. I'm in finance and my work schedule frequently dictates my vacation dates. All that being said, if the dates were right and I could hook it up to a trip to my family in Vancouver, it might be doable. Another option would be for you to offer a western and an central version of the retreat. I've heard that the Thunder Bay resort in Michigan is a good place for a retreat of this sort (I could probably drive there). I haven't been to it myself, but I know they do hold some quilting ones. You might even be able to hook it up with either teaching or lecturing in the area to make it more cost effective.
You know if it's at all possible I will be there with bells on. Or should I say, "with beads on?" Do you have a planned date in mind yet? How great it would be to be able to talk in person with everyone. Let me know if I can help in any way.
Arline
It sounds like a wonderful adventure...and i would do my best to try to find the time and the resources to get there...
Oh yes! I want to come. Sounds very reasonable as hotels here in Ohio cost that much. So as soon as you get dates please post as I have to ask off at the hospital early.
dot
Wow, this sounds wonderful! Not too sure if I could make it to something like this, but your photos of this gorgeous place sure make a body want to be there . . .
Kathy V in NM
This sounds wonderful. could yu do a skype link for those of us over the water. adding $4000 to the cost as well as doubling the amount of room hire makes it kind of expensive for me but i would be willing to stay up at night to skype in online.
diane, New zealand.
Sounds like a wonderful idea, it would be a great excuse to make another trip out to the Pacific Northwest. Like others who are not local it would be an expense and my attendance would be dependent on arranging time away from the office. Like others, I would certainly make every effort to work it out.
I would love to do this, but the cost of the flight might be an issue.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader
How exciting !!!! Like the others it would depend on dates and air cost.
How about organizing it near a Bead Fair, location and time wise ?
Thanks for commenting!!! You've given me some great ideas... I'll work on this. In fact, thanks to Helene's suggestion, I've got a swell idea brewing... More soon! Robin
Just seeing this now Robin, I LOVE the idea and would move heaven and earth to attend such an event. Being in the Eastern time zone, I'd prefer something more centrally located, but would still do everything in my power to attend wherever it takes place! Such a great idea.
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