Paging those flying into Chicago Friday morning... amyth, katep and I will be arriving by 8 am. Is there anyone else getting in around the same time (hil, vortex) who wants to share a car to Madison?

That is one of the after-F2F games. Non-attendees asking who is who in the pictures. Sometimes we get around to the labels, but there is a bit of a rush to get them posted, then it is easier said than done to get back to captions.

I'm still trying to coordinate things. It looks like I make the FL to NY drive the weekend of the 14th. I'll be driving the parents car for them with my sister. My plan had been to drive from Otter Lake to Madison, about 15 hours. But now I may not have my car and I might have to fly back to FL and drive back to NY so likely won't feel like driving after two 24 hour trips in two weeks. Short version - don't know what I am doing yet.

I think that I'm going to end up flying directly, it's cheaper than chicago, oddly.

I'm still working out my flights. I think it's going to end up easier to go directly to Madison, and the cost difference is no more than about $20.

Smonster, I get in early in the morning on that Friday (like a little after midnight). Am going to hotel-up that night and try to get some sleep. I am going to be renting a car for the drive. You guys can probably catch a ride with me, but I don't want to leave until likely 10 or so. Your call...

javachik, that might be a good option. will confer with kate and amyth. are you staying in an airport hotel?

it was a good $160 difference for us, though part of that is going to an airport slightly farther away on this end.

Those of you who need to bus it from Chicago or Milwaukee should look into something called the VanGalder bus. You should be able to google it (using smartphone or else id link). It is nicer than greyhound and about the same price.

Smonts, I was going to see how far I could drive towards Madison when I got in, but if there is roadtrippage to be had with y'all, I can stay at the airport. I need a car to drive back and forth between the Sheraton and the QI/Candlewood, so if y'all don't need a car once you're in Madison, this could work. Or if you want to leave before 10, it might not work. 'cause I don't wanna be rushing and I can't move before coffee. OTOH I would LOVE to drive up with such splendid company. :)

javachik, I think that would work out really well for us! amyth & smonster get into Chicago (O'Hare) at 8am, and I get in at 9am (O'Hare, and I'm going to have to check baggage because I'm going to a conference after the F2F, so it'll be more like 9:30 by the time I'm out), so meeting you at 10am is perfect! We're staying at the Candlewood, so we won't need the car once we get to Madison, either.

PixKristin, here is something that may interest you in Chicago, even if it's just to see the view from that building. [link]