4th Annual SmugMug / Dgrin Shootout -- Arches National Park October 2008

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Comments

  • jdryan3jdryan3 Registered Users Posts: 1,353 Major grins
    edited February 2, 2008
    National Geographic Adventure
    If you don't subscribe to National Geographic Adventure magazine, try and pick up a copy of the March 2008 issue at your local bookstore. Title story is about "The Secret Southwest", including a section on 'Arch Hunting'.

    The website has last month's issue highlighted, but I'm sure it will be updated soon.
    "Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to. Oh well."
    -Fleetwood Mac
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited February 2, 2008
    Updated attendees list and waitlist, February 2, 2008 9:40 AM. thumb.gif
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  • LlywellynLlywellyn Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,186 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2008
    I'm wanting to get my flight squared away soon, and I wanted to know if it was better to plan on arriving the morning of October 8 for shared-ride arranging or the night before (Oct. 7)? Also, will most people be flying out the afternoon of Oct. 11 or the morning of Oct. 12? I wasn't sure what the nights' arrangement was at the hotel. deal.gif Any insight?
  • FoocharFoochar Registered Users Posts: 135 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2008
    Llywellyn wrote:
    I'm wanting to get my flight squared away soon, and I wanted to know if it was better to plan on arriving the morning of October 8 for shared-ride arranging or the night before (Oct. 7)? Also, will most people be flying out the afternoon of Oct. 11 or the morning of Oct. 12? I wasn't sure what the nights' arrangement was at the hotel. deal.gif Any insight?

    Here are my initial observations based on some flight searches and other comments. Grand Junction is about 2 hours from Moab, Salt Lake City is about 4. Flying into Salt Lake City from the Baltimore/Washington airports (I'm out in Hagerstown so all 3 are about equal for me) gives me many more options as far as arrival and departure times.

    As an example I can fly out of Baltimore, and be in Moab by about 7:30 on the the 7th (I want to be there by lunch time on the 8th, and there are no flights from the Washington area arriving on the 8th that make that a possibility from either Grand Junction or Salt Lake City) with either a 2 hour drive from Grand Junction or a 4 hour drive from Salt Lake City. I'm also thinking that the larger size of Salt Lake City will make rental cars etc. easier to get.

    On the return side in a post here DavidTO states that the hotels reservation includes the 11th, with checkout on the 12th, so I'm looking to leave sometime on the 12th. If I'm flying out of Salt Lake City I can get a cost competitive flight that allows me stay in Moab until 10:30 or so that morning. If I fly out of Grand Junction, unless I want to spend an extra 50% on airfare I'm looking at having to be out of Moab by around 9:00 am to catch a flight in Grand Junction.

    I was looking a flight information a few weeks ago, maybe a little more, and decided to hold off since SouthWest hasn't started selling tickets in that time frame yet. According to their website they are supposed to release those tickets on April 17th, and I'm thinking that I'm going to move fairly quickly after that to lock in my travel plans.
    --Travis
  • greenpeagreenpea Registered Users Posts: 880 Major grins
    edited March 20, 2008
    Foochar wrote:
    Here are my initial observations based on some flight searches and other comments. Grand Junction is about 2 hours from Moab, Salt Lake City is about 4. Flying into Salt Lake City from the Baltimore/Washington airports (I'm out in Hagerstown so all 3 are about equal for me) gives me many more options as far as arrival and departure times.

    As an example I can fly out of Baltimore, and be in Moab by about 7:30 on the the 7th (I want to be there by lunch time on the 8th, and there are no flights from the Washington area arriving on the 8th that make that a possibility from either Grand Junction or Salt Lake City) with either a 2 hour drive from Grand Junction or a 4 hour drive from Salt Lake City. I'm also thinking that the larger size of Salt Lake City will make rental cars etc. easier to get.

    On the return side in a post here DavidTO states that the hotels reservation includes the 11th, with checkout on the 12th, so I'm looking to leave sometime on the 12th. If I'm flying out of Salt Lake City I can get a cost competitive flight that allows me stay in Moab until 10:30 or so that morning. If I fly out of Grand Junction, unless I want to spend an extra 50% on airfare I'm looking at having to be out of Moab by around 9:00 am to catch a flight in Grand Junction.

    I was looking a flight information a few weeks ago, maybe a little more, and decided to hold off since SouthWest hasn't started selling tickets in that time frame yet. According to their website they are supposed to release those tickets on April 17th, and I'm thinking that I'm going to move fairly quickly after that to lock in my travel plans.

    I say relax, your over thinking this...

    Give yourself some extra time to check out the southwest; and if you want the cheapest airfare the day to fly is Tuesdays (not sure why). So if you want the cheapest airfare, fly into Salt Lake City on the 7th, stay the night there have a nice dinner, then drive to Moab the next morning abd spend a couple days checking out the Southwest and and fly out of Salt Lake city on 14th. :D
    Andrew
    initialphotography.smugmug.com

    "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange
  • PhyxiusPhyxius Registered Users Posts: 1,396 Major grins
    edited March 21, 2008
    greenpea wrote:
    I say relax, your over thinking this...

    Give yourself some extra time to check out the southwest; and if you want the cheapest airfare the day to fly is Tuesdays (not sure why). So if you want the cheapest airfare, fly into Salt Lake City on the 7th, stay the night there have a nice dinner, then drive to Moab the next morning abd spend a couple days checking out the Southwest and and fly out of Salt Lake city on 14th. :D

    Mmm kay...you're a good trip planner...I have 10 week days + week ends...and if needed 2 extra days I can "spend". I need to spend three days in Vegas, but the rest is FREE!!! Do we have our preshoot planned? (I know...preshoot thread...) I probably won't be able to travel to or from MD with anyone since I'm arriving SOMEWHERE earlier and leaving later. *sniff*

    I can't wait though. That calculator says 139 days, REALLY? HolyMoly.
    Christina Dale
    SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com

    http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
    Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited March 21, 2008
    I'm already so EXCITED wings.gif
  • devbobodevbobo Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,339 SmugMug Employee
    edited March 21, 2008
    ivar wrote:
    I'm already so EXCITED wings.gif

    w00p :D
    David Parry
    SmugMug API Developer
    My Photos
  • LlywellynLlywellyn Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,186 Major grins
    edited March 21, 2008
    I didn't realize quite a few MD folks were going out there. I'm in Alexandria, but I'll sometimes fly out of BWI for the cheaper fare. Wouldn't mind coordinating flights, but I'm more concerned with the drive after arrival. :D The first post in this thread mentions arranging carpools, but I wasn't sure how that worked since this is my first one of these. clap.gif

    So it looks like no hotel in Moab for night of the 7th, but we do have it the night of the 11th. Helpful to know. thumb.gif
  • LizardRanchLizardRanch Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    So I just joined SM (I haven't even uploaded pictures yet) and boom I find out about this shoot. It says that you are full, what exactly does that mean? By that I mean, I actually am building a cabin (the LizardRanch) just a stone's throw from the Red Cliffs lodge, so it's not like I need lodging or even meals. I don't know if I can make it down for the whole thing but I would like to attend some of the workshops if I could. As a semi-local I know a few places to take pictures off the tourist track (the Golden Staircase and Parriot Mesa can be hiked from Red Cliffs), so even if I can't attend a seminar I wouldn't mind giving suggestion/help as to what there is to do/see.

    So is there a chance on attending any of this or should I put my name on the waitlist and see?

    Thanks,
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    So I just joined SM (I haven't even uploaded pictures yet) and boom I find out about this shoot. It says that you are full, what exactly does that mean? By that I mean, I actually am building a cabin (the LizardRanch) just a stone's throw from the Red Cliffs lodge, so it's not like I need lodging or even meals. I don't know if I can make it down for the whole thing but I would like to attend some of the workshops if I could. As a semi-local I know a few places to take pictures off the tourist track (the Golden Staircase and Parriot Mesa can be hiked from Red Cliffs), so even if I can't attend a seminar I wouldn't mind giving suggestion/help as to what there is to do/see.

    So is there a chance on attending any of this or should I put my name on the waitlist and see?

    Thanks,


    Your only option at this point is the waitlist. We're already overfull, and we've got 25+ on the waiting list. Wish I had a better answer for you.
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • anwmn1anwmn1 Registered Users Posts: 3,469 Major grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    So I just joined SM (I haven't even uploaded pictures yet) and boom I find out about this shoot. It says that you are full, what exactly does that mean? By that I mean, I actually am building a cabin (the LizardRanch) just a stone's throw from the Red Cliffs lodge, so it's not like I need lodging or even meals. I don't know if I can make it down for the whole thing but I would like to attend some of the workshops if I could. As a semi-local I know a few places to take pictures off the tourist track (the Golden Staircase and Parriot Mesa can be hiked from Red Cliffs), so even if I can't attend a seminar I wouldn't mind giving suggestion/help as to what there is to do/see.

    So is there a chance on attending any of this or should I put my name on the waitlist and see?

    Thanks,

    As someone that has not been in that area I would love to hear your suggestions of places to shoot and which direction they face- better to shoot at sunrise or sunset.deal.gif

    Sorry you can't join in on the shoot - this one filled up REALLY fast!
    "The Journey of life is as much in oneself as the roads one travels"


    Aaron Newman

    Website:www.CapturingLightandEmotion.com
    Facebook: Capturing Light and Emotion
  • LizardRanchLizardRanch Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    DavidTO,

    Are you the David to put me on the waitlist? If so, I might as well get on the list.

    In the meantime I'll keep tabs on this thread. Let me know if I can help out with any info on the area.

    Also, is there a list of future events like this that I can keep an eye out for so I'm not a johnny come lately on stuff like this?
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    DavidTO,

    Are you the David to put me on the waitlist? If so, I might as well get on the list.

    In the meantime I'll keep tabs on this thread. Let me know if I can help out with any info on the area.

    Also, is there a list of future events like this that I can keep an eye out for so I'm not a johnny come lately on stuff like this?


    Yes, I am. I hate to be a PITA, but please send me an email with your request. It's how I keep track of it all. deal.gif
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • LizardRanchLizardRanch Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    anwmn1 wrote:
    As someone that has not been in that area I would love to hear your suggestions of places to shoot and which direction they face- better to shoot at sunrise or sunset.deal.gif

    Sorry you can't join in on the shoot - this one filled up REALLY fast!

    anwmn1,

    Wow that really depends. It's a big country out here. The two places I mentioned above have 360 views so it's your call, but both of them are strenuous hikes. One thing that you really need to consider is will you be driving to the spot or hiking, and if hiking, how strenuous can you deal with. October is the best time of year to be here, but be aware that this is also the absolute peak mountain biking season as well, this may present some great opportunities to photograph bikers (Slickrock Trail, Gymnasium, etc.) but may spoil others. I generally prefer mornings as the haze can really build up throughout the day, and don't worry if you are not a hiker, there are billions of spots that you can take incredible pictures from right from your car (the best picture of a Cottonwood I've ever taken was right on the bridge over Courthouse wash while driving my girlfreinds parents through Arches)
  • BeemerChefBeemerChef Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited April 4, 2008
    So I just joined SM (I haven't even uploaded pictures yet) and boom I find out about this shoot. It says that you are full, what exactly does that mean? By that I mean, I actually am building a cabin (the LizardRanch) just a stone's throw from the Red Cliffs lodge, so it's not like I need lodging or even meals. I don't know if I can make it down for the whole thing but I would like to attend some of the workshops if I could. As a semi-local I know a few places to take pictures off the tourist track (the Golden Staircase and Parriot Mesa can be hiked from Red Cliffs), so even if I can't attend a seminar I wouldn't mind giving suggestion/help as to what there is to do/see.

    So is there a chance on attending any of this or should I put my name on the waitlist and see?

    Thanks,

    Nice to see a local here... we have been gere a month now... you might have seen us in town (motorcycle with sidecar with Spirit ridng in it).
    Check www.theoasisofmysoul.com
    PM me if you want to get together...
    Be well... Ara & Spirit
    The Oasis of my Soul our Blog and Life Therapy...
    My Gallery in progress...
    On the road, homeless, with my buddy Spirit...
  • LizardRanchLizardRanch Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited April 5, 2008
    BeemerChef wrote:
    Nice to see a local here... we have been gere a month now... you might have seen us in town (motorcycle with sidecar with Spirit ridng in it).
    Check www.theoasisofmysoul.com
    PM me if you want to get together...
    Be well... Ara & Spirit

    Ara &Spirit,

    I haven't been around Moab for the last few months so I haven't spotted you in town. I have been in and out of Moab a lot. Was first there in the early 80's (pre mountain bike era). Check out the Popular Place Pub, I helped Craig refurbish the place after it burned down but don't hang out there much since Craig and Sheron left the business.

    I looked at your website a bit and it seems you have hit some good areas. You should also checkout Onion Creek road and drive up to the ranch. This is one of my favorite road trips and I mountain bike this a lot in the summer (be aware though there are half a dozen stream crossings, but you can do them even in a Cadillac). Great pictures up that road, and also at Fisher Towers (but that is an advanced beginner hike). Both Onion Creek and Fisher Towers are just a few miles from Red Cliffs lodge (much closer than Arches). Also another MUST DO drive, if you are around when the snow melts) is the La Salle loop road (go in from Castle Valley rather than Moab, more dramatic that way) They don't plow it so check with one of the mountain bike or outdoor shops to find out if it is passable. It will be great in October, aspens changing color, snow possible, all looking down on what we lovingly refer to as the "stinking desert" Another good thing to check out, believe it or not is the town dump. It has the best view of the La Sal mountiains looking over nice redrock fins to snow covered mountains. The Moab dump came in second in a competition for the worlds most scenic dumps. I believe Kauai came in first but I think Moab was robbed. It really is an incredible site.

    And if all that beautiful natural scenery is getting you down, check out Tom Tom's VW museum. I'ts actually a junk yard for VWs, but Tom and the yard are two unforgettable characters in Moab. The place is like from a hollywood movie, crusty old codger with lots of stories to tell. I haven't seen Tom in ages, not since I sold my VW. I'm hoping he is still around, don't miss a chance to see a western legend and (I hestitate to call it) the junkyard, it is more of a sculpture in previously used automobile components.

    There is no other place on earth like Moab.
  • BeemerChefBeemerChef Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2008
    Thanks for ll the info... We will be back in about 2 weeks after fixing my rig!

    Be well... Ara & Spirit
    The Oasis of my Soul our Blog and Life Therapy...
    My Gallery in progress...
    On the road, homeless, with my buddy Spirit...
  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2008
    from the first post:

    20080406-c74rsmjjcmhdtc7dn7u92x5xex.jpg

    :jawdrop
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited April 6, 2008
    ivar wrote:
    from the first post:

    20080406-c74rsmjjcmhdtc7dn7u92x5xex.jpg

    :jawdrop


    Actually, I've got to update that, it's currently 79. Total including the waiting list, 111.
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • ivarivar Registered Users Posts: 8,395 Major grins
    edited April 9, 2008
    Are there any locals from the MOAB area around here? or people that know the area well (non-photography-wise)?
  • DoctorItDoctorIt Administrators Posts: 11,951 moderator
    edited April 9, 2008
    ivar wrote:
    Are there any locals from the MOAB area around here? or people that know the area well (non-photography-wise)?
    Look up a few posts mate (newcomer LizardRanch). :D
    Erik
    moderator of: The Flea Market [ guidelines ]


  • devbobodevbobo Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 4,339 SmugMug Employee
    edited April 10, 2008
    DoctorIt wrote:
    Look up a few posts mate (newcomer LizardRanch). :D

    it's cuz he has taken those stupid glasses off lol3.giflol3.gif
    David Parry
    SmugMug API Developer
    My Photos
  • LizardRanchLizardRanch Registered Users Posts: 53 Big grins
    edited April 10, 2008
    ivar wrote:
    Are there any locals from the MOAB area around here? or people that know the area well (non-photography-wise)?

    What's the scoop Ivar? What non-photography stuff do you want to know about? I've been in and out of this town since before the invention of the mountain bike.

    Since I couldn't get into the shootout :cry I've been hanging around this thread as well :
    http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=75655&page=4
    of people doing stuff pre and post. You might want to peruse that as well.
  • greenpeagreenpea Registered Users Posts: 880 Major grins
    edited April 20, 2008
    want more photographic inspiration? order the free utah tourist guide. I just got mine in the mail, its got a number of David & Marc Muench's pictures in it! :D

    I think I got it here http://utah.travel/request-travel-guide/
    Andrew
    initialphotography.smugmug.com

    "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange
  • BeemerChefBeemerChef Registered Users Posts: 265 Major grins
    edited April 20, 2008
    greenpea wrote:
    want more photographic inspiration? order the free utah tourist guide. I just got mine in the mail, its got a number of David & Marc Muench's pictures in it! :D

    I think I got it here http://utah.travel/request-travel-guide/

    You can also check the pictures here... been in the area 50 days now, Moab, Gooseneck, Valley of the Gods (tonight!... the 5th night), Muley Point... you name it!
    Enjoy...
    Ara & Spirit
    The Oasis of my Soul our Blog and Life Therapy...
    My Gallery in progress...
    On the road, homeless, with my buddy Spirit...
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited July 11, 2008
    Thought that I'd bring this to the top.

    Just a reminder to everyone. The July 15th date for a refund is coming up quickly, so make sure
    you have that vacation taken off and are ready to roll. Less than 3 months to go.

    Hoping to see a bunch of old friends, and to meet a some new ones.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • greenpeagreenpea Registered Users Posts: 880 Major grins
    edited July 11, 2008
    davev wrote:
    Thought that I'd bring this to the top.

    Just a reminder to everyone. The July 15th date for a refund is coming up quickly, so make sure
    you have that vacation taken off and are ready to roll. Less than 3 months to go.

    Hoping to see a bunch of old friends, and to meet a some new ones.

    Plane tickets purchased, pre-shootout motel reservations have been made, only thing left to do is to reserve the rental car, buy a fisheye lens, and dig out the smugmug hat!
    wings.gif
    Andrew
    initialphotography.smugmug.com

    "The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange
  • BeachBillBeachBill Registered Users Posts: 1,311 Major grins
    edited July 11, 2008
    DavidTO wrote:
    The lodge is reserved 10/08-10/11. Which means that checkout is on the 12th.

    What is scheduled for the 8th, if anything?

    My time-off availability is now very limited so I need to know at what time we will be starting on the 8th and for that matter, if there is anything planned for the 12th.
    Bill Gerrard Photography - Facebook - Interview - SmugRoom: Useful Tools for SmugMug
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited July 11, 2008
    BeachBill wrote:
    What is scheduled for the 8th, if anything?

    My time-off availability is now very limited so I need to know at what time we will be starting on the 8th and for that matter, if there is anything planned for the 12th.


    Nothing is scheduled yet, that's still a work in progress. Generally the first day is a loose get together. Plan on the serious schmoozing and strategizing happening in the late afternoon/early evening.

    Last day there might be something in the morning, but not much really, at least officially.

    Clear?
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