A typically Buffista conversation, at that! We went from discussing plays, to ripping on Twilight, to Ayn Rand, to Calculus Classes That We Hated, and onwards. I drove home giggling over how much I love my friends, online or otherwise!

What Aurelia and Kathy said!

REMINDER! F2F proposals are going on now! We'd agreed to close the initial proposals on the 20th, which is in five days. Anyone else want to propose a West Coast site?

I haven't been here in two or three weeks, so just saw this. I'd love to organize a Buffistas conference to Asilomar, a Julia Morgan-designed retreat space for one of the female Hearsts that has been donated to the State as a conference center. It's on the Pacific Grove peninsula, below Monterey and near Pebble Beach, and is one of the lovliest, calmest, low-key luxurious spots I can think of.

Were we to go, we would be such a small group, I'd have to find out if we could be accommodated. (Individuals or couples can go as "leisure guests" if there is room, and there usually is.)

If folks were willing to think outside the box, I think everyone would have a restful and lovely time there, but it definitely is not a place for the urban experience. There are no tvs anywhere. Internet is everywhere. Quiet beauty is the top value. Their boardwalk connects to the ped/bike path running from this peninsula to Monterey, and there's a shuttle from Asilomar through Pacific Grove regularly. It's totally a fabulous place to recharge, and a paradise for kids to explore the grounds and beach and tidepools. They have bonfires with s'mores, a dining hall with fabulous food, and it's all-around gorgeous fun. I highly recommend it to individuals who'd like to recharge, since I don't really think this has a chance in hell with Buffistas who want to be urban. So, look at the lovely photos and remember it when you want a vacation: [link] Asilomar's website [link] area activities [link] architecture [link] area info

Monterey Bay Aquarium is at the other end of the shuttle. The best kayaking trip I've ever been on was at Elkhorn Slough, north of Monterey. [link] The mama otters with pups on their chests on the main page photo? They LIVE in Elkhorn Slough. OMG the cute everywhere, plus pelicans, sea lions, fried egg jellyfish, shorebirds. It was fabulous.

Joe Bob says, check it out. And if there were to be a groundswell to go here, I'd be happy to organize it.

I can't kayak, but I would love to go to Asilomar.

I can't kayak

Yes you can! One can kayak really rudimentarily and still have a good time. It's not like sailing, or like something with a really steep learning curve and barrier to initial enjoyment.

Ugh. God. I didn't mean to sound like a platitudinous validator. Sorry.

I believe I can't kayak because I'm frightened of it (can't swim) but I would be happy to be proven wrong!

We've taken the kids kayaking. It's fun!

Ah, so if what you mean is that you can't swim and you're afraid of kayaking that's a different thing to work with! And, lifejacket technology is pretty good, so it's a matter of conquering fear, not risking your life. We used to row all the time in England--nothing as scenic as that sort of kayaking, but even that was wonderful.

Now I'm just scared of the cold. I don't need lifejackets as much as I need a thick wetsuit, and maybe a sweater.

Question: it sounds lovely, but would it be for the F2F or a separate venture?

I like going out in boats; lifejackets conquer the fear from not being able to swim. I'm only afraid of water when I'm IN water that's deeper than about five feet. (As long as I can still stand up.) It's kayaks specifically. I'm afraid of the kayak turning over because I'm a clumsy idiot, and that's a pathetic way to die. That would be the fear. Not that I'm not willing to try it!