Official Announcement - Rendezvous 2012

[Merlin the Elder]

I can understand that, Trish. That's about 100 miles more than we drove for RenDezvous this year, but I've gotten into the driving mode, which is totally out of (my previous) character. I used to hate to drive more than a few minutes.

PS: Looking forward to seeing you and MG again!!

[Captain Teague]

I just got some airline quotes through orbitz. Was just a quick check, I did not take it all the way through the process.

[Sir Ironhead]

I'll be driving to Charlotte. Nim's the only one to ever strip-search me in the car, and at least that was fun.

The next question is did she find anything? 

[Merlin the Elder]

When I was younger, yes. Lately, alas, not as much.

[Lady Spicer]

Ah dear Merlin, I find that Lord Spicer is right there with the strip search idea.  As a matter of fact, he promotes it - especially in the car!

Trish:  Darn, I though I would look for airfare now.  I am saddened!

[Ms Trish]

Ah dear Merlin, I find that Lord Spicer is right there with the strip search idea.  As a matter of fact, he promotes it - especially in the car!

Trish:  Darn, I though I would look for airfare now.  I am saddened!

Lord Dragon was able to find some via Orbitz. I pulled up southwest airlines (mostly because I like free checked luggage!) and they will still not quote that far out. We still have plenty of time, Lady Spicer!

[Hibernian]

Ah dear Merlin, I find that Lord Spicer is right there with the strip search idea.  As a matter of fact, he promotes it - especially in the car!

Trish:  Darn, I though I would look for airfare now.  I am saddened!

Lord Dragon was able to find some via Orbitz. I pulled up southwest airlines (mostly because I like free checked luggage!) and they will still not quote that far out. We still have plenty of time, Lady Spicer!

Speaking of Air Fares and Southwest: Just this week in the Charlotte newspaper, it was related that with the purchase/merger of Air Tran by Southwest, Charlotte once serviced by Air Tran would be serviced by Southwest! Unfortunately the article stated Southwest did not speak of how many or which routes or time frame.

Still we have time before tickets must be purchased! Keep the fingers crossed for better fares.

[Lady Spicer]

I wait and will keep looking then!

[Ms Trish]

I know we have months and months to go, but any new or important info for us? Like recommended hotels perhaps? I like to book things early.

[Merlin the Elder]

I was just yesterday looking at nearby facilities, and checking where the Galway Hooker was in relation... I guess great minds think alike. I, too, would like to hear some recommendations. 

[Lady Spicer]

I saw airfare for $320/person last week with Delta - is this a good price (from Mpls - nonstop)?  I have no clue!

[mehan]

I am in no way a part of the planning committee - but I as I have the "plan early" bug, here are my suggestions.  These are on the 77 side and very near the Hooker.  There is a grouping of hotels on the same exit as the faire, but the town is Huntersville.  Sleep Inn, Courtyard, and Candlewood Suites.  Personally I think the Sleep Inn is a well kept secret (well was until I opened my big mouth).  VERY clean and reasonable.  

On the other side of 77 is a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn (also Huntersville) - both acceptable, but for the same price across the way and closer to the Hooker, my money is on one of the above.


As Hibernian said, there are definitely cheaper places, the Microtel at exit 28 (I believe that is considered Microtel Lake Norman) has historically offered great fairegoers rates; and it may be that Lady M is going to consider working with them for the Rendevous.

Lastly, there is a Residence Inn in further out, even closer to the Hooker, but I am not familiar with that one - I have stayed at all the others at one time or another.

But, now that I have made MY reservations - you could always make reservations now at one of these; and change them later after  Lady M has announced the host hotel(s).

I cannot WAIT to meet you.  

[Merlin the Elder]

I looked at Candlewood... their prices are insane!  I may stick with chains that I have frequent sleeper with, may even be able to stay free for the duration. If gas continues to rise, may have to stay free!

I saw airfare for $320/person last week with Delta - is this a good price (from Mpls - nonstop)?  I have no clue!

If that included everything, and non-stop, doesn't sound too unreasonable, but by the time they add baggage charges, boarding charges, disembarking charges, depth charges, peanut fee, airport use fee, security fee, federal tax, state tax, county tax, city tax, thumb tacks...it might be cheaper to drive.

[mehan]

Sleep Inn is currently 70 with a AAA or AARP - and 65 prepay (which I won't do).  PM me what chains you are a frequent traveler with and I'll get my dogsbody on it. 

[Lady Spicer]

Cheaper to drive perhaps - but I don't have an extra 2 days this year to do it!

Trish - where do you want to stay?  I will look into my RCI points towards a hotel!