NikonGear'23
Travelogues => Future NG Events - and Location Reveries => Topic started by: David Paterson on July 27, 2015, 14:20:47
-
A year or two ago there was some discussion of Scotland as a possible venue for an NG get-together - I'd like to raise this possibility again and would be happy to act as the local "host", especially if we had our base somewhere in my home region where there is a wealth of great landscapes and "unspoilt" nature.
The only problem would be accommodation. There is nothing in Scotland as convenient as the "rorbu" we used in Lofoten, but even in Killin itself there are numerous b&bs, hotels, guest-houses and hostels; we might not get everyone under the same roof, though.
Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are both about 1.5 hours' drive away; the nearest rail-head is Stirling (60km), and long-distance bus services from all three cities pass the end of the short approach-road to Killin itself; I would collect anyone arriving that way.
Maybe something to think about for 2016; spring and autumn are probably the best options.
-
Good suggestion Dave, Scotland is a great place to travel and very photogenic.
The admin crew is bit busy at the moment with work and such but we should start organising a NG event shortly.
Maybe its a good idea to do a poll with so many location ideas flying around to see where the community would like to go to.
-
I've been two times to Scotland and I would gladly come a 3rd time!
I like it all; the scenery, the people, the food and the drinks. ;D
-
I have added a poll so we can get an idea of number of people interested.
I take it for granted that accommodation will be local and adequate, nothing luxurious. This isn't planned as a formal workshop, just another great coming-together.
-
Ha, Killin! I've worked a summer job at a tourist place with stables and highland lodges for a few months in 2002, not far from Killin. I absolutely fell in love with the area.
-
I'd be interested, i voted for spring, but i'd also be interested in autumn. The option for both doesn't exist, perhaps an idea to add one.
I'd need to negotiate "the domestic area" a bit though. Since my kids have their birthday in either season, the exact dates would be important for me.
-
I added the possibility of voting for either season in the poll.
-
Dave, I hope that the midges are not around at the times suggested.
-
Dave, I hope that the midges are not around at the times suggested.
No - the suggested months are chosen partly to minimise the midge problem which begins in mid-June and has mostly gone by mid-September. As long as we avoid July and August I don't think we would be greatly bothered. The high-summer months also tend to have the most rain, once that south-west monsoon settles in.
They are at their worst right now - I was out picking raspberries in the garden and had to flee indoors; they were horrendous.
-
Thanks, Dave, I hope you manage to pick some raspberries (Scottish are the best!). I am definitely interested in a spring or autumn get together.
-
Interested = Yes; Likelihood for me = Low (due to other commitments and plans for the year)
-
I've done just the bare minimum of internet searching into suitable accommodation in or near Killin. There is a holiday park with 9 self-catering lodges, four of which sleep up to 8 people. These are fully-equipped holiday homes - no roughing it here - there is a bar and restaurant, riding stables, boat hire, etc, etc. Highland Lodges is a few km from Killin along the north side of LochTay.
If this Scottish idea were to go ahead and we could book accommodation well in advance, 6 people sharing a lodge for a week would pay only about £60 each.
-
This sounds great, Dave. We probably would have to plan for shared rental cars as well. After driving a few weeks in Ireland, I'm not as firmly set against cars wrongly positioned on the road as before ... But still would be better if they'd done it right of course :D
Oh well. What time(s) would be best for spring and autumn, respectively?
-
Bjørn -
Scottish weather is extremely unpredictable at any time of year - even the meteorological service admit this - but if I really had to choose, I would go for late May or late September. But the weather is such that we could get a week of bad weather, or a week of sunshine, or anything in between, at any time of year. In March and April this year we had many warm sunny days; we also had snow on the ground several times. May, June and July have been almost total washouts but, statistically, May and September give us a good chance.
But I suppose what I'm saying is, if it goes ahead, I'll be responsible for all the necessary arrangements but I won't be responsible for the weather!
-
I am very probably in. One week?
-
We won't hold the weather against you Dave - it's a promise :D
With the indicated interest by the poll I think it's time to move the event from an idea into the next stage providing suggested date(s) etc.
-
We will hold bad clothing against anyone choosing to wear it
no
Wheather will take care of them.
I am not shy to use ridicoulous looking wear as long as it is functional
-
Some sort of meeting room would be good so that participants can carry on fascinating work and conversations without boring outsiders.
-
An excellent point to consider, Anthony. These NG events are basically 'come-together' and the social aspect and networking cannot be underestimated.
-
Some sort of meeting room would be good so that participants can carry on fascinating work and conversations without boring outsiders.
Agreed. I will investigate Highland Lodges a little further but I expect we will find that most of the lodges have a large lounge or livingroom which we could use for group evenings. The room we used in Lofoten was not very large, after all. And I will also check the wifi situation.
As to dates - I've been looking at my archive of photos from May and September 2014. If we go for spring, we want to have the wonderful freshness of early spring which is starting to fade by the end of the month, so I would go for the third week, beginning Sat 14th May, or at latest the following week. Bluebells will be at their peak in the woods, and in Scotland this can be quite spectacular.
In autumn it's tempting to be governed by when the autumn colours are good, but here that is not until at least mid-October and the risk of bad weather is high. In mid-September all the grasses and similar have turned colour; all UK schools have finished their summer holidays so there are fewer tourists around, and the weather risk is less than in October. Again, I would go for the third week, beginning Sat 17th September, the alternative being a week earlier, beginning the 12th.
I imagine the final choice of dates will be decided by the members taking part, remembering that we should try to book "off-peak" to get the best deal on accommodation. I will find out what the spring and autumn off-peak dates are.
Some NG members will be familiar with my images from around Killin. Later, I'll post a few pics of our other "attractions".
-
Here is the url of my proposed accommodation -
http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk (http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk)
I had some difficulty today checking dates and availability in 2016, but I spoke with the owner on the phone and he assured me that there is plenty of accommodation in both May and Sept next year. He seemed quite excited by the prospect of housing an international group of photographers; little does he know! ;)
-
Looks good.
I have to be at a conference in the SE of England from 20-23 May 2016.
-
It looks more than good enough for me. :)
I think the end of May could be possible for me.
-
I wouldn't be able to make it in the week of May 14, son's birthday on May 15. Week later is fine for me.
Autumn, September is fine for me. The weather shouldn't be that big of a problem. There's always beer, isn't there?
-
This certainly sounds interesting and I would love to go, however currently the finances aren't quite there due to being out of job.
-
This certainly sounds interesting and I would love to go, however currently the finances aren't quite there due to being out of job.
Sorry to hear that, Jørgen, but as we are talking about next May at the earliest, I'm sure you will be back in work long before then. Good luck with job-hunting.
-
Thanks, I sure hope I'll find something soon.
-
It's a maybe from me.
Depends if I meet a nice young rich virile man that can cook - and pay for my trip - by then.
-
I read about the effort to rewild the Caledonian Forest and that the Trees for Life people have in fact room for events like this.
Maybe Dave this would be an option?
Reintroducing species missing from an environment means more biodiversity means more chances for pictures of rare species.
Some of these people already discuss the reintroduction of the Caledonian Rhinozeros. Not in the near future but....
Rewilding places and people with lots of interesting opinions and experience doing so means more photographic options still.
F.
-
Literature.
The upper concerning Wales and Scotland.
The lower concerning California.
Both pursuing the idea that Biodiversity is good for us.
Anderson thinks of humans as necesssary part of nature like global
gardeners or tenders.
Monbiot is more into leave nature alone but introduce megafauna
to manage the details and kill sheep and deer which hinder the
regeneration of forests.
-
Man cannot control biodiversity, only destroy it.
-
Man can make room to let biodiversity reenter space
-
I have been away for a few days and so have a little catching-up to do.
Frank - I am aware of Trees for Life, and their praiseworthy efforts in the remnants of the old Caledonian forest. If we do organise a week's get-together of NG members here in Scotland, anyone who wanted to, could volunteer for a day - or longer - with one of TFL's working parties and drive over there in a rented car. However, probably any greater involvement with TFL is outside the range of activities members might expect during a photographic week. But, as I say, individual members could make their own decision about this. TFL's main area of interest is about 2 hours' drive from here.
If you are interested in the wildlife they are trying to protect - red squirrel, fox, badger, black grouse, capercaillie, pine-marten, otter, and so on - we have them all here too, but in 12 years of living in our present village, surrounded by nature including plenty of woodland, I have never seen any of them except squirrels and otters. Wildlife is generally shy, elusive, not particularly common, and nocturnal. I expect you could spend a week in the Caledonian Forest and so no wildlife at all except the more common small birds.
-
I've done just the bare minimum of internet searching into suitable accommodation in or near Killin. There is a holiday park with 9 self-catering lodges, four of which sleep up to 8 people. These are fully-equipped holiday homes - no roughing it here - there is a bar and restaurant, riding stables, boat hire, etc, etc. Highland Lodges is a few km from Killin along the north side of LochTay.
This is exactly where I did that summer job years ago. It's a lovely place, a bit in the middle of nowhere, overlooking Loch Tay. I would love to return next year!
-
This is exactly where I did that summer job years ago. It's a lovely place, a bit in the middle of nowhere, overlooking Loch Tay. I would love to return next year!
My son also worked there, for about 18 months, before returning to university as a mature student. If you worked there more than 3 or 4 years ago, I think you will find it has changed and improved quite a lot.
-
My son also worked there, for about 18 months, before returning to university as a mature student. If you worked there more than 3 or 4 years ago, I think you will find it has changed and improved quite a lot.
It was in 2002 and from what I can gather from their website, yes, it has changed a lot. I remember that the former owner had a ridiculous statue of herself close to the road. :D But again, I remember the area to be very beautiful, I also liked Killin.
-
Why we should go to Scotland in 18 photos:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2015-07-23/scottish-highlands-travel-guide-why-you-need-to-go-now-in-18-photos (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/photo-essays/2015-07-23/scottish-highlands-travel-guide-why-you-need-to-go-now-in-18-photos)
-
The Isle of Skye is a great place to be. Sure. IIRC Dave dies not live in Skye.
-
Why we should go to Scotland in 18 photos:
Well, we might not manage all of those in a week . . . but very soon I'll post a few pics of stuff that is around here or within easy reach by car.
-
If you are interested in the wildlife they are trying to protect - red squirrel, fox, badger, black grouse, capercaillie, pine-marten, otter, and so on - we have them all here too, but in 12 years of living in our present village, surrounded by nature including plenty of woodland, I have never seen any of them except squirrels and otters. Wildlife is generally shy, elusive, not particularly common, and nocturnal. I expect you could spend a week in the Caledonian Forest and so no wildlife at all except the more common small birds.
Monbiot diagnoses that the Scottish and Welsh Mountains suffer from a) Sheepdisease and b) Deerdisease. Both of these Industries keep forest from regenerating and create grazing deserts with erosion patterns like we can see in the big picture on the frontside of Jan Anne's posted link. That is why "wildlife" is so scarce/rare here. Biodiversity needs Biodiversity to flourish. More and different kinds of trees, beavers who make the waters flow slower and create puddles where many different insects can multiply to feed a pletora of birds. Lynx and wulf to keep deer controlled and so on.
Great to hear that you have Woodlands near your place where we can possibly meet some animals large and small...
-
Thanks for putting this to action David!
Will be lots of fun ;)
-
Thanks for putting this to action David!
Will be lots of fun ;)
Hey, Erik - it will be great if you come along.
-
If you are interested in the wildlife they are trying to protect - red squirrel, fox, badger, black grouse, capercaillie, pine-marten, otter, and so on - we have them all here too, but in 12 years of living in our present village, surrounded by nature including plenty of woodland, I have never seen any of them except squirrels and otters. Wildlife is generally shy, elusive, not particularly common, and nocturnal. I expect you could spend a week in the Caledonian Forest and so no wildlife at all except the more common small birds.
Do you have the Scottish wildcat anywhere near you? I understand they are almost extinct, and that one has better chance of seeing a unicorn than one of these small tigers. I was surprised to learn a few years ago that there are real wild cats on the British isles.
-
I am looking forward to Scotland next year!
Spring or Autumn are both good options for me.
Scotland is always present at our gatherings via Laphroaig anyhow :)
-
Do you have the Scottish wildcat anywhere near you? I understand they are almost extinct, and that one has better chance of seeing a unicorn than one of these small tigers. I was surprised to learn a few years ago that there are real wild cats on the British isles.
The answer is most probably yes, but with the chance of seeing one virtually zero. In my entire life I have seen a dead one, once, that's all. They are famously shy and elusive, their markings make excellent camouflage, especially at night - and they are nocturnal! But we have everything here that they like - plenty of mixed woodland whose fringes give access to moorland, the lower slopes of mountains, and even farmers' fields (for rabbits) - so they are almost certain to be present.
-
Very interested, likelihood of participating for me is higher if the trip is in Autumn - in early Spring I already have another trip to Scotland (hiking) so it would be asking too much to my wife.
Besides I would love shooting yellow larches.
In any event I would have most likely to limit the trip to a long weekend.
Skye would be great but we must be reasonable; it is a very long trip to there and definitely not a daytrip from anywhere close to the Loch Tay area.
Obviously it would provide plenty of opportunities for a whole trip.
Personally I would love to go but it is about 9 hour drive from where I live so too long for a Fri-Mon break.
Wherever we go I would be thrilled to see some of the rarer wildlife (meaning not counting red deer) but I would not hold my breath.
If I end up going and if there is any interest from others I would definitely consider a day of strong hiking.
-
I would like to visit Scotland also. Sign me up :)
Petter
-
The number of members expressing an interest seems to have stabilised at 20, with a majority preferring the spring option. If we go ahead with this, especially if it is to be springtime, we will have to move fairly soon to book the accommodation. From what I understand, the lodges have a mixture of bedrooms with a one bed, twin-bedded rooms, and rooms with bunk-beds. I would need to know how many members are definitely committed to a spring timetable, how many would absolutely insist on a bedroom to themselves, and how many would be ok sharing a room.
If Bjørn R and his management team agree to moving things on to the next stage, once I have the necessary information (as above) I will contact the lodges to get actual details of availability, pricing, and how much they will need as a deposit.
-
Thank You David, I agree it lokks very promising indeed with around 20 people :)
I would say go ahead and find a nice lodge with WIFI ;)
-
I have amended the poll.
The forum only allows a single poll per thread, so I added various options for room choices. Please note you need to click 'Remove Vote' to activate the additional voting options. Tick your initial season choice again as your earlier vote in effect is zeroed.
-
Shouldn't we have a date first?
-
We need a cottage and a date Yes :) David will go look for this...
-
Oops. I thought Dave had set that already? As far as I recall, towards the end of May,
21062016.
Thanks Erik for catching my year typo - apparently I do more of these of late :D
-
Thats a mistype by miles 2016 ;)
-
Oops. I thought Dave had set that already? As far as I recall, towards the end of May, 2106.
Mmmhhh... 2016 ;D
Yes, but I think it has to be more specific for commitments (at least for me :))
-
Wait for Dave. He'll sort this out quickly.
-
I have changed my vote to reflect the new options.
Very regrettably given family commitments it is unlikely I would be able to go in the spring of 2016.
Please do go ahead discussing dates between yourselves; when there is one I can try to discuss it at home but the chances are very slim.
In case I participated I am very flexible wrt room sharing. Alone, sharing between 2 or 3, neither is a problem, nor is price.
-
There will be other NG come-together events. We hope at least there will be 2 such each year and won't object to more of course. Members outside Europe should try to find out if alternate venues are better suited for their events. The important aspect is that personal contacts result in establishing mutual friendships across borders geographical or otherwise. Our devotion to photography is the foundation and the 'glue' to make us stick together.
-
I will speak with the lodges people tomorrow, on the basis that we will have around 20 participants, all of them single (no couples), and at least half not wishing to share a room. This means that we will have to rent 4 or even 5 lodges and the cost per person will be greater than if a majority were willing to share. On the other hand, it's not every day that someone rolls up with a party of 20 so I may be able to negotiate a discount. I will aim for sometime in mid-May and come back to you with a choice of dates, a cost per lodge for the week, and the amount required as a deposit. (Their "weeks" run from Sat. to Sat. as is usual.)
I'm attaching an image to give some idea of Killin's situation - very little of the village is actually showing, but its position between a steep little hill (Sron a' Chlachain) and a fast-flowing river (the Dochart) is accurately represented.
-
Dave, just a slight aside, but it could be relevant for me in connection with this trip, what are the rules around wild camping in Scotland?
-
Dave, just a slight aside, but it could be relevant for me in connection with this trip, what are the rules around wild camping in Scotland?
Simone
There are no "rules" as such, but common-sense says you don't climb fences and you don't camp in front of someone's house-windows. So any unfenced ground, away from houses, is fair game.
Recently, however, a new ethic is spreading - that if you can just carry your tent etc a few yards from your car to your chosen camp-ground, you're not wild-camping and you should be on an organised campsite.
Myself, I wouldn't worry too much about the latter.
Best,
Dave
-
I've just now updated my vote for sharing a room, that's no problem for me. The timing mid May may be, as expressed earlier in this thread. The cost isn't that much of a concern, as long as we're not running in the old NG safari realm 8)
I'm curious which exact dates are being checked now, i'm on internet diet right now, and i've not been able to find that in this thread.
-
As soon as Dave locates the accommodation facilities I'm sure the dates will be finalised.
-
I'm curious which exact dates are being checked now, i'm on internet diet right now, and i've not been able to find that in this thread.
First I have to find out when - in May ideally - they can accommodate a group of 20 single people. I plan to do that face-to-face, not online, tomorrow.
-
I do not mind to share a room also with 5 or 6 as long as the loo is clean and not too far away.
-
Unless something more serious surfaces I'm in!
-
My meeting with the lodges manager is set for tomorrow (Thurs 13th - lucky it's not a Friday); she can't make it today.
-
Dave, just a slight aside, but it could be relevant for me in connection with this trip, what are the rules around wild camping in Scotland?
Simone
There are no "rules" as such, but common-sense says you don't climb fences and you don't camp in front of someone's house-windows. So any unfenced ground, away from houses, is fair game.
Recently, however, a new ethic is spreading - that if you can just carry your tent etc a few yards from your car to your chosen camp-ground, you're not wild-camping and you should be on an organised campsite.
Myself, I wouldn't worry too much about the latter.
Best,
Dave
Thanks for that, I forgot to do it earlier.
Looking forward to the news from your meeting with the lodge manager.
-
As long as I can find a place to crash and dry my clothes. Loading camera batteries?
-
As long as I can find a place to crash and dry my clothes. Loading camera batteries?
Don't worry, Frank, these are quality accommodations; and there will be no need to share 3 or more to a room. But it will help if some people are willing to share with one other person.
-
OK, I changed my vote to share with others ;)
-
Well, things have moved on a little but not a lot. I had a good look at the whole site and a meeting with the manager. There are two sensible options we could go for, and she is going to put together a discount package for each option, for a week in mid-May (7th-14th or 14th-21st). The owner has asked to be kept in on this and will make the final decision on price. Unfortunately he is in Croatia at the moment; back at the weekend sometime.
Option 1 - Loch Tay House plus 2 4-bedroom lodges. Sleeps 14 in total if no-one shares, or 26 if everyone shares. We can manage something in the middle.
Option 2 - 8 Woodland Lodges (all together in one spot). Realistically, this sleeps 16 if no-one shares, or 24 if everyone does. Again, we can work this.
*BUT* I have to say, the owner gave me a sample price over the phone two weeks ago which was *considerably* less than the prices on their website. I hope he will remember that and will stick by what he said, but I'm a little afraid he didn't have his brain fully engaged and simply made a mistake. I will drive as hard a bargain as I can.
Assuming we get a price that we can accept, comparing the two options -
Option 1 is the more expensive but includes the large Loch Tay House, ideal for get-togethers in the evening, keeps lots of people together under one roof - up to 10 in L T House, and up to 8 in each of the other lodges. The lodges are quite near but not directly beside L T House.
Option 2 is the cheaper of the two, and keeps everyone together - within 30m or so - but divided up 2 or 3 to a cabin. There isn't one big space where everyone could meet easily. The cabins are in their own quite secluded area.
I have no opinion as to which we should go for - let's wait for the prices to come in.
http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk
From time to time I'll post a few images showing what the Killin area has to offer. The first two were earlier today (forests) and yesterday (meadows). Future posts will have their titles beginning KILLIN 2016.
-
Option 1 seems to outstandingly good! ;) I think we can spend a little extra to be together, the other workshops has been best when we stay close to each other ;)
Tanks for the effort!
-
7-14 is good for me, 14-21 is more of a problem.
-
7-14 is good for me, 14-21 is more of a problem.
There are two public holidays in May 2016, 2nd and 30th, and they already have numerous bookings for those weeks; what's left is the two middle weeks. I think we may possibly get a better deal for the week beginning 7th.
-
7-14 is better for me. 17th is the National Day of Noggieland so family obligations are too high allowing me to escape Stavanger.
I am easy so just put me in a bunk, hammock, inflateable, whatever...
-
My wife just gave her OK for my travelling in May, so 7 to 14 is OK for me.
Option one is better. We should certainly have a room for public critique of the files we produced, and a Loch to jump in and have a cold bath after a heated discussion is not to bad either.
-
I'm all in for any period in May, as long as we team up in Scotland :D
-
I've heard that Nessie has been demystified...any new strange creatures we ought to look for Dave?
-
A couple of things I forgot to mention in last night's update - first, to be clear, this is a popular holiday establishment - there will be other people around, though in early May it shouldn't be terribly busy. Second, they insist on a deposit at the time of booking, and *payment in full* at least 8 weeks before the planned week. I will pay the deposit - probably around £500 - and collect the money from members via Paypal. Later we can discuss how to pay the rest.
Option 1 and 7th-14th May are currently the most popular possibilities.
I've heard that Nessie has been demystified...any new strange creatures we ought to look for Dave?
Well, there's always the kelpies . . . .
-
I'll change my other plans and will participate 7-14 May.
-
The Kelpies need to be documented in UV ...
-
Betterlight is dead. They offered full spectrum for Sinar and Hasselblad.
Betterlight and Polaroid were the reasons for me to choose 4x5 qinch over smaller formats. Polaroid made the 55 for 4x5 qinch.
All dead and gone.
pity.
-
The Kelpies need to be documented in UV ...
When the time comes, there are two day-trips from Killin that I will suggest to our members - one is a visit to the Kelpies, the Falkirk Boatlift and The Pineapple. All are unique structures, and all are situated in one small area around the town of Falkirk.
As well as being interesting subjects in their own right, they would provide some variety to the diet of nature and landscapes available around Killin.
-
Sorry guys, i can't make it in either week in May. A pity.
Hope to see some good pictures after the get-together.
-
After finally finishing the book, family holidays can be the worst
hinderance to reading as every body has plans for you other than
you own, I can only recommend it all the more.
The essence is hope. Hope that our children and grandchildren
will probably see more Biodiversity and the the public will learn
that Biodiversity is enriching everybodies life directly and indirectly
read this book.
Elephants and Lions in Scotland. Wow.
-
The cost of various options for the Loch Tay Highland Lodges have come in. They are all more than I was led to expect but still quite affordable, I think. Here are the options:
1) 8 Woodland Cabins (2-3 beds), all together in one location - £1920.00 (£96 per person if 20 members participate)
2) Loch Tay House plus 2 4-bedroom lodges - £2750 (£138.50 per person)
3) 3 4-bedroom lodges - £1800 (£90 per person)
In my opinion, option 3 is way the best of the offers. It is the cheapest, all 3 lodges are together side-by-side, they have very flexible sleeping arrangements, an extra camp-bed is available in addition to the normal fittings, wi-fi is available and electricity is included in the price. At the moment they want to make a small daily charge for wifi but I hope to get them to drop that.
The web-page for the 4-bedroom lodges is http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk/accommodation/holiday-lodges/four-bedroom/forest-lodge/ (http://www.lochtay-vacations.co.uk/accommodation/holiday-lodges/four-bedroom/forest-lodge/)
This gives full details and lots of photographs.
So it's decision time. If this is to go ahead, we need to make a committment pretty soon. They are holding all the various accommodations for us, but this will not last very long. The next steps would be:
1) Bjørn R and his team give the go-ahead.
2) Those who definitely want to participate make their own individual committments. This will involve making a deposit of money, prob. around 20% of the final cost per
person. We will discuss how this is to be done. Prob. I will make the whole deposit and members pay me back via Paypal.
3) Members state their preference for which type of accommodation we should book, and which week (7-14 or 14-21 May).
4) I book the desired accommodation and make the deposit.
5) We wait for spring.
During that wait we will have to raise the rest of the cash, and pay the outstanding balance at least 8 weeks before our booking. If substantially more (or less) than 20 people get involved, we can adjust the accommodation we are booking. But I must emphasize again - this is a very popular place and they will soon start to get other bookings for next spring. We must decide soon.
Weather permitting, we will have a great time.
Yo, Scotland!!!
-
I second you concerning option 3, you can get full payment in a second via Paypal from me, details via PM please.
I understood the 7/14-5 was majority vote? Not?
Thanks for your effort! Great job!
-
I agree option 3 seems the best.
I am currently in negotiations with my wife to see if she would let me go for a few days. would it be ok to join the trip for only a few days? Also how much time is there to decide? I am trying hard but it is difficult to get my wife to plan beyond a few weeks.
-
PS it doesn't matter which week at this stage.
I would travel up on a Friday night and return probably on Sunday afternoon.
-
Dave, you are the local representative for NG. Go for alternative 3 and let us know the practical detail(s) for payment. Perhaps a deposit now and the remainder later?
-
Bjørn, Frank, Simone and everyone -
I am off to London tomorrow night for a few days (back Thurs. night). Before I go I will find out from the lodges how much they want as deposit. When I get back we should be in a better position to know how many members are involved and therefore how much we each should pay.
There was never a formal vote on which week we would do this, but most of those who expressed a preference went for 7-14 May. Option 3 (three 4-bedroom lodges) is also shaping up as the likely accommodation choice.
Please all, make your minds up if you are coming, and let me know asap!
-
I'm in, 7-14 May and Option 3.
-
I am also very interested in participating - final decision depending on the exact date.
-
I am in 7-14 May, too.
-
Same as Jakov for me.
-
I am also very interested in participating - final decision depending on the exact date.
Gunther (I couldn't find the umlaut on my keyboard) - so far everyone has preferred 7-14 May, so it looks very much like that will be the week we book.
-
Me too..7-14 although I might have to cut the week a bit.
-
On the assumption that we rent the three 4-bedroom lodges, they want a deposit of £100 per lodge, £300 in total. If 20 members take part that's £15 each, or just under €21 at today's rate of exchange. But the deposit is non-refundable.
-
You get the full rent from me and refund what is necessary if anything goes wrong
-
Not sure whether we can manage twenty participants total to fill three lodges. But two lodges should be within reach.
Dave: I suggest you make a list to which people can sign up by paying a £15 deposit to you. We can use NG funding to cover any deficit if required.
-
I can contribute 15 pounds even though it is not sure whether I will be able to go. If I go it will be only for a few days so I hope I won't have to pay the full amount. If I cannot manage to go I am not bothered about the deposit.
-
15 pounds sterling is absolutely fine by me!
-
How about members just add their names to this list:
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. ?
-
Not sure whether we can manage twenty participants total to fill three lodges. But two lodges should be within reach.
Dave: I suggest you make a list to which people can sign up by paying a £15 deposit to you. We can use NG funding to cover any deficit if required.
Yes, my feelings are the same, re numbers and the establishment of a list. We can get 7 people into each lodge - 3 in their own rooms and 4 sharing two more rooms, making 14 in total plus me (staying in my home) - 15 altogether. I believe the final number will be close to that.
When I get back from London we should be in a better position to know who will be coming, therefore how much space we need and how much we need as deposit. At the moment we we seem to have 10 (incl. thee and me) who are pretty definite, tho' Sten and Simone may have to cut their week a little short. At the end of the week I will pm everyone who makes it on to the list of "probables", with a request for whatever the actual deposit turns out to be.
-
How about members just add their names to this list:
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
-
As the date is fine for me, I am in too (7-14 may).
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
-
I would book three lodges!
May 2016 is so far away, I can't see this list not growing to 20 by then...
-
Thanks for organizing this together David! Brilliant ;)
-
I would book three lodges!
May 2016 is so far away, I can't see this list not growing to 20 by then...
Jakov - thanks for starting that list - it makes numbers clear at a glance. It's probably also a good idea to book 3 lodges - the worst that can happen is that we would lose £100 if we cancelled later - not a big problem. Let's wait a few days; I expect things will be clearer by the end of the week.
Perhaps we should also think about closing the list when (if) it reaches 20 or at most 22. Three lodges can take a max. of 21 people all with their own bed - more than 7 in a lodge would mean two people sharing a bed - and I will be staying at home.
To make the bed situation clear to members; each lodge contains:
A room with a double bed
A room with a single bed
A room with two single beds
A room with two adult-size bunk-beds
A camp-bed which can be used in any room
That's 7 beds, so a max. of seven people. But I will check out the camp-bed to make sure if it is really usable, so in the worst case we might only be able to handle six members per lodge.
-
If wi-fi is readily available, plus adequate restroom amenities, I can do with a couch or similar simple arrangements myself.
NG can guarantee coverage of the deposited sum if the event isn't fully booked, by the way. These events are considered by the Team as one of the core attractions of NG and something that sets the NG community apart from other photo-related sites. In particular due to the fact that the events are fully member-driven. The members make up the site, not the owners.
-
I would be interested to join in principle, but it's too early for me to make commitments. In case there is still a vacant spot by the end of winter, I might join in then.
-
If wi-fi is readily available, plus adequate restroom amenities, I can do with a couch or similar simple arrangements myself.
They say they are upgrading their wifi this autumn, and I don't think you should need to rough it. "A bed for everyone and everyone in his own bed" - the new motto for Killin 2016. ;D ;D
I'm off to London in about an hour. I won't be checking this page again until Friday morning.
-
this is really great news - I am in (we are talking May 7-14) with my wife Ulli, she picked up photography last year after watching me for nearly 40 years of struggling, so that list would then be
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli
12. Martin
If anyhow possible in one of the 2-bed rooms . . . ;)
Of course the deposit / full payment is now problem, just tell me when and where to send our 180 Pounds. My discussion with my wife is now: do we fly and rent a car or do we travel by car from Vienna, that is nonly a 2 days derive of maybe 2.200km . . .
Great, thanks for organizing
Martin Prager (and Ulli Prager), Vienna
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli
12. Martin
13. Chris Dees
I'm in as well. I'm not sure yet if I'm coming by plane or by car.
Thanks for organising Dave and have a good trip.
-
I plan to fly in to the nearest international airport and use a rental car from there.
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic (room with double bed)
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli (room with double bed)
12. Martin (room with double bed)
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler (room with double bed)
Since we are filling up the space rather quickly, it might be a good idea to start occupying the beds too. So I have put down next to some names the actual beds in the lodges. Feel free to add to your names where you would like to sleep. That will help with the final pricing and make David's orgainising much easier.
-
I am easy, share me with anyone you like 😊
-
I want to have one bed for myself. A rug on the floor will do as long as there are enough restrooms
of Western European standard...
-
I plan to fly in to the nearest international airport and use a rental car from there.
I'm in but maybe David can see if there are some cars with a lot of seats...
-
I think about driving and taking a boat from Germany
Someone to join in?
-
I sleep very light so prefer my own room but am open for sharing if needed.
-
I will drive up from Manchester with my car. It is a big car that will seat people comfortably also in the back, but I will only stay a few days.
Depending on weather and (to a lesser extent) availability of others so inclined, I could hike one of the several ridges of this prime location.
Anyone keen and suitably fit and equipped is welcome to join, with the reminder that hiking safely to the end come first, and then comes photography (of which I hope there will also be quite a lot, at least more than when I am with non-photo-inclined hiking friends).
As for the accommodation, I am adaptable, and whoever will share a room with me will actually get a single for more than half the trip.
-
I prefer my own room, and would be willing to pay a reasonable premium for this.
I have not yet decided on travelling arrangements. Most likely I will fly and rent a car at the airport, or take the train and rent a car at the station. I will be happy to meet others if we can synchronise times, and to ferry people around.
Frank, the drive from the ferry port to Scotland is a long one, and the motorways can be very congested until you get to the north of England.
-
Anthony: Thank you. I probably take a plane & rent a car too
-
It's too early for me to be able to sign on but I'm certainly interested, so hopefully I'll be able to participate.
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic (room with double bed)
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli (room with double bed)
12. Martin (room with double bed)
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler (room with double bed)
15. Bez (room with double bed)
I will pay the deposit immediately on request ...I have not read the whole thread so don't understand (room with a double bed) but it seems fashionable to claim one? :-)
I would prefer my own room but would be willing to share.
Cheers
Bez
-
Frank, you are welcome to share my car.
Any others?
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic (room with double bed)
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli (room with double bed)
12. Martin (room with double bed)
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler (room with double bed)
15. Bez (room with double bed)
I will pay the deposit immediately on request ...I have not read the whole thread so don't understand (room with a double bed) but it seems fashionable to claim one? :-)
I would prefer my own room but would be willing to share.
Cheers
Bez
Bez, a room with a double bed, means you will be sleeping with someone in the same bed :)
Your other options are:
a room with just one single bed, or
a room with two single beds, and
a room with two bunk beds.
at least that is how I understood it...
-
@Jakov: I am not sure about the validity of your statement. I am ready to share s ROOM not a BED (unless there is someone I really like and female ... theoretically... :o
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic (room with double bed)
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli (room with double bed)
12. Martin (room with double bed)
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler (room with double bed)
15. Bez (room with double bed)
I will pay the deposit immediately on request ...I have not read the whole thread so don't understand (room with a double bed) but it seems fashionable to claim one? :-)
I would prefer my own room but would be willing to share.
Cheers
Bez
Bez, a room with a double bed, means you will be sleeping with someone in the same bed :)
Your other options are:
a room with just one single bed, or
a room with two single beds, and
a room with two bunk beds.
at least that is how I understood it...
??? ::) :o Perhaps the poll on top should reflect the actual options then and put the 'couples' if any together in the list...
-
Yes dear :)
I have edited the poll, because the last one didn't make any sense.
I still think that we should stick to the list.
So all those going to Scotland, choose your beds.
There are 3 cottages as David explained, thus all the options in the POLL are available three times.
I hope it's clear to all, including Frank :)
-
Personally I think we're overthinking this, until now sleeping accommodations has sorted itself out locally pretty successfully with those that ACTUALLY ATTEND a NG gathering, no point in dividing the beds amongst members that PLAN to come.
I propose we reserve enough beds for everybody based on how many financial commitments are received and divide them locally based on common sense like a tall bed for the Danish Giant, no top bunks for the senior members, extra comfort for the drivers so they are well rested, isolation of the heavy snorers, etc, etc.
Prima Donnas can either stay at home or book a 5 star hotel around the corner ;) :P
-
Please add me to the list. I'm so excited to see Scotland and meet up with you all !!!
ADDED: I will bring a jar of foam earplugs in case anyone needs protection from snorers. :D 8) ;)
-
JA what you wrote makes totally sense. Thanks for having the wits to say it.
Andrea I am pleased to hear that you are joining the trip.
You are among the people in the forum whom I have been curious to meet in person for years.
-
I share a room with single beds
-
I will bring a jar of foam earplugs in case anyone needs protection from snorers. :D 8) ;)
That's not a bad idea at all... ;D
-
Please add me to the list. I'm so excited to see Scotland and meet up with you all !!!
ADDED: I will bring a jar of foam earplugs in case anyone needs protection from snorers. :D 8) ;)
Andrea
It will be great to meet you.
Please think about spending more time in the UK. London is a great place for photography.
-
Back from London and it seems a lot has happened - we now have 16 people (incl. Andrea) on the "committed" list and it looks likely that we will need three lodges. I will contact them later today and make that reservation.
I propose that we should limit the number of participants to 21 (20 in the lodges plus me at home). If the list fills up to 21, members still wishing to join in could put their names on a "cancellation" list.
I agree with Jan Anne - it's too soon and too complicated to be allocating beds when the event is still many months away. The members who actually attend may change quite a bit over the months, and who gets what bed can be negotiated on the day of arrival. The one thing which seems sensible to suggest is that couples (of any gender) should be given priority when the double beds are allocated. Looking at the bed situation again - it is important, after all - if we have 20 members in the lodges including three couples in the the three available double beds, the other 14 will have -
3 twin-bed rooms (6 people)
3 single-bed rooms (3)
3 twin-bunk rooms (6)
3 camp-beds (3)
- so we could actually accommodate a max. of 18 people ( plus the three couples). But we will only have 14 so this gives us a bit of slack and those who really want a room to themselves will more easily achieve that.
They describe their wifi coverage as "patchy" and I will find out what this actually means. When I first spoke to the owner, he said they were upgrading very soon and I will check this out too. In the meantime, if poor wifi coverage is a definite deal-breaker for anyone, please let me know.
Vehicle-rental is something we should discuss in detail. I will have my car and could take up to three people; did Anthony and Simone say they were travelling to Scotland in their cars? Bjørn R intends to rent a car. And a couple of others may drive over from continental Europe. Two "people-carriers" would be enough to take all other members but there is the question of getting from the airport in Glasgow or Edinburgh to Killin. There is the possibility of 4x4 rental here in Killin but I suspect it will be very expensive - something else to check out. I think the car question may have to be solved by those members who can travel (fly) together, or are arriving at the same airport, jointly rent a vehicle. If two groups each rented a biggish vehicle with multiple drivers registered, it would be "problem solved". But there is plenty of time to deal with this.
I will pay the deposit for the three lodges. Can everyone who is definite about coming, please send £15 to paterson@wildcountry.uk.com via Paypal. Those who are intending to bring partners or spouses should send £30. At today's rate of exchange, £15 = €20.4 or $23.1 but Paypal lets you chose what currency you send and I would prefer it if you can send UK pounds. But I don't want anyone to send any more than this deposit; we don't know the final number of participants and so we don't know what each individual share will be.
-
Deposit made. :)
-
15GBP transferred.
-
Deposit made.
Dave, I do not intend to drive - it is over 8 hours from London. I will fly or take the train from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow - which of these do you recommend?
I will rent a car on arrival - if anyone is interested in sharing please let me know so that we can agree on vehicle and costs, and also about timing. It is probably easiest for me to rent as a UK person. Frank and I have already been in contact about the car.
-
Paypal says: "Sie haben 15,00 GBP an paterson@wildcountry.uk.com gesendet."
I share a car with Anthony and possibly someone else.
-
Dave, I do not intend to drive - it is over 8 hours from London. I will fly or take the train from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow - which of these do you recommend?
I will rent a car on arrival - if anyone is interested in sharing please let me know so that we can agree on vehicle and costs, and also about timing. It is probably easiest for me to rent as a UK person. Frank and I have already been in contact about the car.
Thanks to all those, including Anthony, who have already made their deposit. I will be going out to the lodges this afternoon.
Anthony - I find travel by train more pleasant and less stressful than air-travel, and having just suffered a gruesome return trip to London at the hands of Ryan Air, I will never do that again. There is little to choose between Edinburgh and Glasgow - Glasgow is slightly nearer.
The one new piece of information since I last posted is that there is a 12-seat Landrover conversion available to rent here in Killin. The cost is £70 per day.
-
IMHO Please book the landrover! Can a 'normal' driving licence drive it?
-
deposit sent (in the strong hope to manage to come) = 17 on the list
can bring tools to repair the Landy
-
I also just sent the deposit for my wife and myself
-
The roads to Killin from Glasgow station and from Edinburgh station go past the airport, so it would be easy for me to take the train and meet people at the airport.
-
I love Glasgow. If there might be some time on the way back I sure hit the city with a camera.
-
Stay an extra night there.
-
The deposit has been paid and three 4-bedroom lodges are now firmly booked for 7-14 May 2016. We will not lose £100 if we need to cancel one lodge - they will credit that amount to our account. Electricity and wifi will be free.
The situation with wifi is that the signal strength varies across the site, which is quite large. In many places it is good but the big lodges suffer a bit because they are in a hollow and have a lot of trees nearby. A new supplier is supposed to be bringing superfast broadband and wifi to the site this autumn, but they were supposed to do this in the spring and it didn't happen, so The Lodges feel they can't make any guarantees about it. They have good (separate) wifi at their office, and if there is a problem at our accommodation, members can make use of that.
If problems persist and anyone has to make some crucial upload or download, they can do so at my house, for a modest fee. 8) ;D
Erik - I will find out more about the Landrover bus. They will not accept bookings until much nearer the time (I asked).
-
David, I just transferred 75 pounds as a deposit for the NG admin team as an appreciation of their hard work setting up and maintaining NikonGear.net :)
In case you lost track, the deposits are for Andrea, BjørnR, Erik, Jakov et moi.
-
If problems persist and anyone has to make some crucial upload or download, they can do so at my house, for a modest fee. 8) ;D
Dark beers are well appreciated by our local host :)
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic (room with double bed)
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli (room with double bed)
12. Martin (room with double bed)
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler (room with double bed)
15. Bez (room with double bed)
16. Andrea
17. Thomas
Welcome aboard, Bez, but I think your chances of getting a double bed to yourself are pretty slim. ;)
-
David, I just transferred 75 pounds as a deposit for the NG admin team as an appreciation of their hard work setting up and maintaining NikonGear.net :)
In case you lost track, the deposits are for Andrea, BjørnR, Erik, Jakov et moi.
I may just flee to South America with all this dosh. ;)
Nearly everyone on the list has now paid the deposit.
-
David, I just transferred 75 pounds as a deposit for the NG admin team as an appreciation of their hard work setting up and maintaining NikonGear.net :)
In case you lost track, the deposits are for Andrea, BjørnR, Erik, Jakov et moi.
I may just flee to South America with all this dosh. ;)
Nearly everyone on the list has now paid the deposit.
Everone is eager to go. :)
-
David, I just transferred 75 pounds as a deposit for the NG admin team as an appreciation of their hard work setting up and maintaining NikonGear.net :)
In case you lost track, the deposits are for Andrea, BjørnR, Erik, Jakov et moi.
Erik already paid, so this means he has paid twice, I just realised. I suppose that's only fair, as he is twice as tall as anyone else. :D :D
Erik - I will send you your own £15 back, via Paypal.
-
Welcome aboard, Bez, but I think your chances of getting a double bed to yourself are pretty slim. ;)
Thank you for the welcome David ....I always aim high, but I just hope to avoid a bunk bed :-)
Seriously I feel you should organise rooms on arrival based on occupants size, age, relationship, bribery.
Cheers
Bez
-
Shall we bring some repeaters?
WIFI-Repeaters to better the local WIFI coverage I mean
-
It's too early for me to be able to sign on but I'm certainly interested, so hopefully I'll be able to participate.
I hope you make it, Jørgen - if the numbers start to fill up, I'll keep you informed.
-
Shall we bring some repeaters?
WIFI-Repeaters to better the local WIFI coverage I mean
I'm not familiar with repeaters and extenders but if anyone has such a device and knows how to set it up, it would do no harm to bring it. But let's hope the promised improvements to wifi at the site go ahead as planned.
-
http://www.devolo.com/uk?gclid=CPjq_eugzscCFQVuGwodWuUHtw
This is a very easy way to extend an internet connection. It is more effective than a wireless repeater.
-
I was thinking of the repeaters Anthony pointed to
nothing else. Plug in and you are done. Two good makes.
Anthonys link and www.avm.de
Both are WFi repeaters that suckle directly on the mains
-
To David Paterson :
Hi Dave !
Deposit sent !
Many thanks for your hard work and for your time.
Looking forward to meet everybody next spring ! ;)
Cheerio, Francis.
-
Thanks, Rosko - safely received.
I am also looking forward to next spring but I want to do a lot of other things between now and then. Life is short.
-
Payment sent.
I will probably leave home on Friday night and camp one night to get the morning light for shooting early on Saturday.
The aim is to camp on Loch Lomond, any suggestions on locations from the locals?
I am very willing to share my car but remember that I'll be around just a few days.
-
Payment sent.
I will probably leave home on Friday night and camp one night to get the morning light for shooting early on Saturday.
The aim is to camp on Loch Lomond, any suggestions on locations from the locals?
I am very willing to share my car but remember that I'll be around just a few days.
Simone - the best location for early-morning shooting is "the head of the loch" and camping is permitted there, by permission. I will get permission for you. The simplest way to tell you where to go would be - pm me with your postal address and I will send you a copy of our excellent local map, published by the national park authority.
I've just re-read your email - do you mean Loch Lomond or did you intend to say Loch Tay? I was referring above to Loch Tay. Loch Lomond-side is extremely poor in possible tent sites, and you would inevitably be very close to the road, which is busy 24/7. There might be some local bias here, but I were you I'd make for Loch Tay. From my suggested location you are looking straight along the loch towards the dawn sky, with only wildfowl and the occasional otter or beaver for company, and traffic is far away.
Dammit, it sounds do good I might go down there tomorrow morning! ;D
-
Everyone on the list has now paid their share of the deposit and booked their place in *KILLIN 2016*. At the moment the number stands at 17 participants. We could go as high as 22 but I suggest that perhaps 20 would be more comfortable for everyone (thinking about sleeping arrangements).
Two or three others have expressed strong interest but are unable to commit at the moment. I will keep a list of those names, in the order of their posts expressing interest - in other words, first come first served.
-
I think we should refrain from multiple people in a bunkbed, these are made for kids and are usually in the smaller rooms.
This way one sleeps on the bottom bed and have the gear on the top bed.
-
I think we should refrain from multiple people in a bunkbed, these are made for kids and are usually in the smaller rooms.
This way one sleeps on the bottom bed and have the gear on the top bed.
JA - I think there are only two bunks - one up, one down - in the bunkbed rooms, and we might need to have them both occupied. I haven't been able to actually inspect the rooms yet because this is peak holiday season and all the lodges are in use. As soon as they can let me inside a lodge I will report back on exactly what the situation is. They have assured me that the bunks are adult-size, not intended just for kids.
I think some of us in Lofoten were in bunks - I certainly was - and it was absolutely ok, though to be fair, I was alone in the room.
-
Simone - the best location for early-morning shooting is "the head of the loch" and camping is permitted there, by permission. I will get permission for you. The simplest way to tell you where to go would be - pm me with your postal address and I will send you a copy of our excellent local map, published by the national park authority.
I've just re-read your email - do you mean Loch Lomond or did you intend to say Loch Tay? I was referring above to Loch Tay. Loch Lomond-side is extremely poor in possible tent sites, and you would inevitably be very close to the road, which is busy 24/7. There might be some local bias here, but I were you I'd make for Loch Tay. From my suggested location you are looking straight along the loch towards the dawn sky, with only wildfowl and the occasional otter or beaver for company, and traffic is far away.
Dammit, it sounds do good I might go down there tomorrow morning! ;D
Yes I did mean Lake Lomond, based on its fame and that it less distant from home. If I left home at 6PM I could camp at 11PM. Loch Tay is a bit beyond and I could get there a little too late, especially if I am planning to get up before sunrise the day after.
However what you say about Loch Tay is very interesting too. Maybe I can speed a little on the motorway...
I'll send you a PM regarding the map, thanks. Also location tips are useful and I trust you are the expert here.
-
Bez, a room with a double bed, means you will be sleeping with someone in the same bed :)
Your other options are:
a room with just one single bed, or
a room with two single beds, and
a room with two bunk beds.
at least that is how I understood it...
I think I should also come along - and I definitely want a double bed!
please put my name on the list - I also cant commit right now but will give it serious consideration
-
I would like to visit Scotland also. Sign me up :)
Petter
Petter - I'm sorry, for some unknown reason you didn't get added to *the list* but there are still places available so if you still want to come I will add your name.
Of course this means you will have to stump up £15 as deposit. 8) ;D Let me know what you want to do.
Sorry again,
Dave
-
I have a list of those who are still interested but not yet committed. They are:
1) Jørgen
2) Elsa
3) Danulon
4) Simsurace
There is also Petteram who originally said he was definite but his name didn't get put on the list. As things stand, we could take all five, and that would take us up to our max. possible of 22, if there are no drop-outs.
-
My family wants me to go to Sweden that week to celebrate my aunt and her 75th birthday so I have to pass this one.
I was really looking forward to meet you guys again, but it has to be some other time:-)
Petter
-
My family wants me to go to Sweden that week to celebrate my aunt and her 75th birthday so I have to pass this one.
I was really looking forward to meet you guys again, but it has to be some other time:-)
Petter - shame you can't make it next spring, but for sure there will be other opportunities.
-
I have a list of those who are still interested but not yet committed. They are:
1) Jørgen
2) Elsa
3) Danulon
4) Simsurace
There is also Petteram who originally said he was definite but his name didn't get put on the list. As things stand, we could take all five, and that would take us up to our max. possible of 22, if there are no drop-outs.
I am definitely in for it!
Sorry for my late reply - I didn't check this thread for a while.
I'll read the remainder of this thread in the evening - especially which room choices (if any?) are still available.
Will transfer my part of the deposit in the evening, too.
Cheers,
Günther
-
I am definitely in for it!
Sorry for my late reply - I didn't check this thread for a while.
I'll read the remainder of this thread in the evening - especially which room choices (if any?) are still available.
Will transfer my part of the deposit in the evening, too.
I'll add your name to my "committed" list - welcome aboard. As you will see when you read the rest of the thread, there are no bed/room decisions made yet, except that couples should be given the rooms with double beds. All else will be for negotiation on the day of arrival.
The list now stands at 18 members - 17 in the lodges plus myself.
-
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten R.
6. Frank
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. Dave
10. Rosko
11. Ulli
12. Martin
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne Fichtler
15. Bez
16. Andrea
17. Thomas
Two more names for the "committed" list -
18. Danulon
19. Mikes
That's 18 staying in the lodges, plus me. As we have a total of 18 beds, the list is pretty well full and we can only take more as long as couples (or friends?) share the 3 double beds.
-
GBP15.00 sent. Please let me know if there were any fees associated with the transaction - I will reimburse.
I will hire a car whilst I am in Scotland, and I don't mind sharing a room (but not a bed!).
Mike.
-
GBP15.00 sent. Please let me know if there were any fees associated with the transaction - I will reimburse.
I will hire a car whilst I am in Scotland, and I don't mind sharing a room (but not a bed!).
Thanks, Mike - safely received. Don't worry about Paypal fees - if they are at all significant I'm sure the Forum will make up the difference.
Car-sharing (and room-sharing) is something we have several months to sort out. In early 2016 I will start to collect information on which airport (Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen) people intend to arrive at, what time of day, and whether they are intending to rent a car.
-
I removed the poll btw and locked the other Scotland topic as both didn't serve a purpose any more.
So we're pretty much booked for this NG event, at lot can change in the coming 8 months however so a spot might open up.
The general idea is to organise a NG event twice a year, one week in autumn and one week in spring preferably organised together with a local host. The first two have been planned now but it's a bit early to start planning the autumn 2016 trip, we will probably open up a poll early next year to see where the community would like to go next.
-
@Jan Anne: But it would be nice to have an ongoing discussion on possible future VENUES.
Edit by JA: Which is fine of course but not in the Scotland topic so content is removed.
-
Update: Deposit payed.
-
And where do I find the removed content now?
I wrote it down once. Here. Move it to some other place, give me my words back by PM, open a new topic, but do not delete what I wrote. I do not have backup.
Please.
-
And where do I find the removed content now?
I wrote it down once. Here. Move it to some other place, give me my words back by PM, open a new topic, but do not delete what I wrote. I do not have backup.
Please.
Sorry, you mentioned you popped the question somewhere else and the content of the post looked like a quick and dirty copy and paste action (formatting was all over the place) so I assumed it was a double post from another topic hence I deleted it to keep this topic about the upcoming Scotland trip clean and on topic (already 13 pages to go through).
As we try to refrain from removing content I tried to find the topic you talked about to link to but couldn't find it. In hindsight I should have checked first and split your post into another topic to preserve the content, a rookie mistake from my side and apologies for the inconvenience.
-
I just said I proposed the workshop on fotozones / old NG
I wrote this text for the first time. I never copy and paste. I am a writer by profession.
The formatting is caused by me writing most comments on my mobile combined with the fact that this forum
still does not feature a mobile theme. A mere workaround.
13 pages? 4 pages I see.
-
Update: Deposit payed.
And received - thanks, Guenther. I have been very impressed with how quickly everyone has paid their deposit. :)
-
Scotland is off the map for me - Just ordered a new pair of specs that was the same price as a plane ticket. Priorities.
-
Scotland is off the map for me - Just ordered a new pair of specs that was the same price as a plane ticket. Priorities.
Sorry to hear that, Elsa - the men in the group are all going to be very disappointed. :-[ ;D
-
no i think Elsa is afraid to get disapointed when she see´s the men group in crop mode
@ Elsa: just buy IR specs and you´ll be surounded by young men
-
hahah boys - next time !!!
and of course I want to meet all the nice young rich virile men that can cook!
-
hahah boys - next time !!!
and of course I want to meet all the nice young rich virile men that can cook!
I can cook ok - not so sure about the nice, young, rich or virile though.
-
haha - well ask Bjørn - I have this list that even he laughed at.
-
Sorry to hear that, Elsa - the men in the group are all going to be very disappointed. :-[ ;D
Indeed... :'( :'( :'( (even if I am not rich and young !) ::)
-
don't rub it in - I am going to be very jealous of you lot party-ing together :(
-
rub rub
-
Party?? Why I can't imagine that all these serious photographers would actually party?? Surely not.....
:P 8)
-
Just pack Bjørn some bananas - and he will party too.
-
Doing some research for the 2016 meeting in Scotland:
Anyone else travelling by plane to Edinburgh? It doesn't look as if public transport to Killin offers easy choices.
Anyone interested in sharing a rental car?
Cheers,
Günther
P.S.
ETA @Edinburgh = 05/07/2016, ca. 1 p.m.
ETD @Edinburgh = 05/14/2016, ca. 3 p.m.
-
Doing some research for the 2016 meeting in Scotland:
Anyone else travelling by plane to Edinburgh? It doesn't look as if public transport to Killin offers easy choices.
Anyone interested in sharing a rental car?
Guenther - unfortunately you are right - public transport is poor, especially from Edinburgh. However, you can catch a bus from the airport to Stirling. I am happy to collect you (and anyone else) from there. Otherwise you would have to take a bus from Stirling to Callander, and another one from there to Killin. :-\
However, after Christmas I will post all relevant bus timetables, etc, from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to Killin.
-
Guenther - unfortunately you are right - public transport is poor, especially from Edinburgh. However, you can catch a bus from the airport to Stirling. I am happy to collect you (and anyone else) from there. Otherwise you would have to take a bus from Stirling to Callander, and another one from there to Killin. :-\
However, after Christmas I will post all relevant bus timetables, etc, from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports to Killin.
Thank you very much for your effort, David! :)
I "stumbled" over this helpful site: http://www.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do (http://www.travelinescotland.com/welcome.do)
Unfortunately it doesn't inform about time tables in 2016 yet. So I am looking forward to your information after Christmas!
Cheers,
Günther
-
Ms Blum what planet do you live on? ;)
-
Zylon, of course ! :D
-
Just a quick "heads-up" to anyone who is following this thread - I am away (in Japan) for the next 3+ weeks and may not always be able to respond in a timely fashion to enquiries about the Scottish event.
Back home on 3rd December.
-
Please, please put me on the "maybe" list!
Andrew
-
Would it be acceptable for me to meet up with you all and 'tag along' for one or perhaps two days of this NikonGear gathering? Living in the North West of England I am well placed to nip up and while I would very much like to join the Scotland gathering for the week, I have other commitments which I can't avoid. I could Camp or B&B nearby for one night if need be.
It would be a pity to miss this opportunity to meet up when so many of you are so close. I pass Killin on my way to the Isle of Mull many times over the years.
-
More than welcome Robert :)
-
Robert, I don't see why that would be a problem :)
Everybody is welcome to join the Get Together!
-
The more the merrier.
-
Certainly no objection from me. We had just such a "visitor" during the Lofoten week.
-
Since Sten is no longer coming with us, perhaps it's time to have another look at the list of participants, to make sureit is accurate. I have -
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten Rasmussen
6. Frank F.
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. David Paterson
10. Rosko
11. Ulli
12. Martin
13. Chris Dees
14. Susanne
15. Bez
16. Andrea
17. Thomas
18. Mike
19. Danulon
I have been in error to say the list was closed at 20 people - actually it is 19 - we have 18 bed-spaces, plus myself (not staying in the Lodges). with Sten's cancellation we are currently down to 18 and I am contacting our waiting-list members to see if anyone wants to take Sten's place.
-
Dave, could you mark up the participants that have paid (bold face name or starring or by other means)? That will help give a better understanding of the current status of the Event.
-
More than welcome Robert :)
Thank you all, :D sorry I haven't acknowledged sooner but I have been trying (and failing) to keep up with the avalanche of posts on here and keep forgetting... :-[
-
Dave, could you mark up the participants that have paid (bold face name or starring or by other means)? That will help give a better understanding of the current status of the Event.
Yes - here it is -
1. Bjørn R.
2. Jan Anne
3. Erik Lund
4. Jakov Minic
5. Sten Rasmussen
6. Frank F.
7. Simone
8. Anthony
9. David Paterson (exempt - not staying at the Lodges)
10. Rosko
11. Ulli
12. Martin
13. Suzanne
14. Chris Dees
15. Bez
16. Andrea
17. Thomas
18. Mike Selby
19. Danulon
So as of today, nine people have paid. But now I have a very red face. I always calculated the cost per person as if 20 people were staying at the Lodges, but actually it is only 18. :-[ :-[ :-[
The Lodges cost £600 per week (we have booked three); each can sleep 6 people; so the cost per person is really £100, not £90. At some stage, payments will need to be adjusted accordingly, but let's leave things as they are for now. Everyone has paid a deposit of £15, and nine have paid an additional £75. When all 18 members have paid the £75 we can decide the best way to make the adjustment. I feel that I should take a hit for being so stupid.
-
Dave: You were "hired" as a photographer not a mathematician :D We'll find a practical solution later. No worries.
Perhaps each participant can bring with them a photographic item for a joint NG Raffles Sale and we cover the deficit from the sales proceedings? Just an idea. People are welcome to suggest more.
-
Why don't the rest pay the appropriate amount of 85, and we, who already have paid, can bring the cash to Scotland...
-
Also a good suggestion ....
I take it you don't want the Raffles then? I could take the opportunity of reducing some lens stock :D
-
Why don't the rest pay the appropriate amount of 85, and we, who already have paid, can bring the cash to Scotland...
+1
I agree immediately, if I get my money back from pos.8 - the only serious one in the group I know
-
Also a good suggestion ....
I take it you don't want the Raffles then? I could take the opportunity of reducing some lens stock :D
May the Raffles begin!
Which particular lenses are we talking about here :)
I'll give $10 for the Coastal Optics ;)
-
More payments, but a little bit of complication because of me calculating on the basis of 20 people sharing the rental costs when it shoould have been 18. As has been posted elsewhere, the correct cost per person is £100, not £90, so those who have already paid the £15 deposit plus the £75 balance will have to pay an additional £10 (probably when we re all in Scotland). Those who have not yet paid in full should now pay £85 instead of £75. My apologies once again for the mistake.
The list of participants is re-published below, now with details of payments made. This is in no way intended to put pressure on anyone but is just in order to have clarity, and to avoid further mistakes since everyone can now check the figures.
Updated to 19 Jan 2016.
Amount Paid (everyone has paid the £15 deposit)
1. Bjørn Rørslett £75.00
2. Jan Anne £75.00
3. Erik Lund £75.00
4. Jakov Minic £75.00
5. Simone Surace
6. Frank Fremerey £75.00
7. Simone
8. Anthony £75.00
9. David Paterson (not staying at the Lodges)
10. Rosko £85.00
11. Ulli £85.00
12. Martin £85.00
13. Suzanne
14. Chris Dees £75.00
15. Bez
16. Andrea
17. Thomas £85.00
18. Mike Selby £75.00
19. Danulon £75.00
-
Those who have not yet paid in full should now pay £85 instead of £75.
Hi Dave !
£85 just sent. ;)
Cheers, Francis.
-
Hi Rosko - thanks - I'll mark you as paid.
Regards,
Dave
-
I had an email tonight from The Lodges, with a list of the payments they have received, how much, and from whom.
THEIR LIST AGREES WITh MY LIST.
Can you believe it?
-
Sometime the Brave New World and its technology just work ... Let's take that as a good sign for the event to come.