I've been procrastinating looking at this stuff...and it's a lot more expensive than I'd thought. Was anticipating $80-$100/person, it's more like twice that -- $180 to $200+. That's a bit steep for me, apologies.

This is still a nice place to mobilize, there are a few events (Mustard Festival, if the buzz at work is accurate) and the more conventional wine tastings and/or moseying around the Valley thing. I'm still getting combobulated in the new place (phone should start tomorrow -- yay!, and cheaply yours might even spring for DSL this time 'round).

Carl, if we keep the festivities on the inexpensive side and shoot for a mid-morning (9-1pm or so) schedule, could you make something?

Hmm...thinking...thinking...

I could get us all elevated on Mt. Tam. This will be pretty easy for Ben to get to (from SF), likewise I could come down from Napa. It's cheap ;-) And the views are awesome (particularly with weather of late). And I know the area really well. There are some nice hikes of varying intensity which would take a few hours. Decidedly not Manhattan either, which might make Ben happy. Takers?

I've got an afternoon/evening obligation on the Penninsula, but could probably scootch into midafternoon if needs be.

My thinking is this: assemble at the Tam High School parking lot, 700 Miller Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94941, between 9:30 and 10am. You can reach this via the CA Hwy 1 exit from 101, following Almonte Blvd. as it becomes Miller Avenue. [link|http://maps.yahoo.com/py/pmap.py?Pyt=Tmap&addr=700+miller+av&csz=Mill+Valley,+CA+94941-2926&city=Mill+Valley&state=CA&slt=37.891100&sln=-122.527000&mlt=37.883100&mln=-122.517000&zip=94941-2926&country=us&BFKey=&BFCat=&BFClient=&mag=9&cs=9&name=&desc=|Map]. Note that you bear right at the Arco gas station, turning off Hwy 1.

I'll be reachable on my cell at 650 575-8512 if anyone gets lost on the way.

From there we'll head up the mountain, pooling cars (parking can be limited). My truck seats three friends or five people I don't like that much (extra cab -- usable, but cramped). I'm thinking of starting at the Rock Spring trailhead, heading through Mountain Theater and West Point Inn, then hitting the summit. Total elevation gain is pretty light, and most of the grade is easy, with a short steep bit at the end, southern exposure most of the way, excellent view of the City and Bay, as well as Marin Headlands and the Pacific Ocean. I'll be bringing binoculars for pointing out views.

Trails are quite passible in winter -- there's a sandstone clay on most parts with good drainage, and we've not had appreciable precipitation for a week (not since moving day ;-). There may be a couple of muddy spots, but otherwise clean walking.

Temps are coolish -- 50s and 60s. The summit's usually sunny but can be windy, bring a good windproof jacket and dress with layers (t-shirt, fleece, windbreaker is good) as conditions may vary. I'll be bringing both shorts and jeans and work out what I wear when we get there, along with a fleece and windbreaker.

There's food on the route at both West Point (snack bars and tea) and the summit (a snack shack). Water is available on the route, I'll also carry some. Total distance is ~6 miles, call it a 2-3 hour hike. And if you fall completely apart, we can leave you and return by car -- there's paved road all the way up. Sturdy footwear -- sneakers, Doc Martins, or boots (you don't need alpine gear) is recommended.

I'm still somewhat sans personal email though I hope to get something set up tonight at home. karsten@freerun.com will work in an emergency.

And you're more than welcome to invite friend(s) or family to join us.

Ben's medicated and resting in San Francisco, with little Web access. So we can pick on him ;-)

Rest of all y'all buzz me on my cell and leave a message with your number so I can call y'all back.