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!

I feel personally like it might be a better option for a separate venture, but it sounds lovely. I’d like to know more about price and handicap accessibility there.

So...should we vote, since no one else has officially proposed a venue? Java, how much would lodging at Asilomar cost per night? We should put approximate prices and propose a date before the official vote.

Okay, here’s my official proposal:

I’d like to propose June 15-17 in Pasadena this year, which is a city with unique charm, very distinct from Los Angeles (and not technically part of the city, though we are in LA County). it is also near many local Buffistas and within driving or shuttle distance of four airports (so lots of travel options). I currently have an RFP out to the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel: [link] Their rates are affordable (right now it looks like about $129 for a double room, but the coordinator says she will work to bring a block of rooms down even lower for us), and the hotel is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena: [link] . It is walking distance from dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, museums, and more. It is also walking distance from the Metro, which will take you quickly and cheaply to downtown LA or Hollywood if you wanted to do some exploring. A short carpool drive (or, I just learned, free shuttle from the hotel!) can also get us to some truly awesome Pasadena sites, such as these:

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens (their rare book collection is astounding and includes the First Folio and one of the original Canterbury Tales--and the gardens are breathtaking and massive) [link]

The Norton Simon Museum: [link]

The Pacific Asia Museum: [link]

The Gamble House: [link]

and much more. Nearby also is Allyson’s beloved JPL, of course, which I have never toured but would love to: [link]

Plus, the hotel is near the best frozen yogurt place in existence, 21 Choices: [link] . Buffistas who have been there with us can back me up. Tastes like normal soft serve ice cream and is SO GOOD. (Like a Cold Stone Creamery, but with more verve!) They have six homemade base choices that change every day, and these can be mixed with anything you can imagine.

If you want to revive a SoCal Buffista tradition and go bowling, check out 300, which right off the Metro line as well: [link]

And, of course, Vromans: [link] , SoCal’s oldest and largest independent bookstore.

We could also do a Very Buffista high tea at sj’s friends’ teahouse, Rose Tree Cottage: [link]

For the few of us who like to hike, there are some amazing trails in the area in the nearby mountains [link] and Griffith Park [link]

You can check also out ND’s work on the sound at any of the Griffith Observatory’s amazing planetarium shows: [link]

Most of this is not in LA, by the way--and that’s just a sampling of the local stuff in Pasadena itself. Want a visual of why Pasadena rocks? Check out this awesome video, called Pasadena: What are you waiting for?: [link]

I love this city so much and would love to show it off to Buffistas!

Side note about weather... in SoCal, we refer to “June Gloom” since we often get cool, gray weather during this month. It’s before the true heat of summer hits, but the weather usually ranges between the 60s and 80s; we have such low humidity that even the most heat-averse Buffista will likely not have an issue.

I don't think there is any chance that we'll be able to attend the F2F this year as we have a destination wedding to attend in June and another in August.

Attention Denver peeps. The August wedding is in your area, and we intend to make a full vacation of it. So, we hope to see you the last week of August 2012.