Ok, the winner for 2009 U.S. roundup is September 19-20, Columbus, Ohio (Columbus Zoo and The Wilds). But the number of votes in the last poll (the dates poll) was very low. So I am making a deadline of this Wednesday night, August 19, for people to reply to this thread that they can definitely make it. Please do NOT reply if you cannot make it; only post a reply saying I will be there. If we have 6 or more commitments on this thread by Wednesday night, it's a go (and we will choose a hotel). If we have less than 6, we will cancel this year and plan on next year (with a longer notification time). So here is vote number one: I can make it.
The 2009 U.S. trip is officially cancelled. We will aim for summer 2010. I think with a summer date for the younger members and a longer lead time to allow people to plan, we should have a good turnout. Watch for a new round of polls at the beginning of next year.
Seems like a sensible decision. It may be advisable to set up things earlish ... I normally sign on for holiday time right in November/December of the previous year. So, if you and okapikpr think this over, you might want to set up another pole later this month. For 2010, I do commit to whatever timing you suggest over the summer. That is a definite and a great excuse to go over to the Mid-West of the US and perhaps drop off in Florida for a few days too ... (we have cheap flights going that way from Amsterdam). Again, thank you very much for a great initiative! K.B.
