Thanks for the input. It is all good info.

I also feel we need to keep the meeting location close to I-5. Make it a central location that participants can drive to in a couple hours.

I hate to say it but, around the Portland area may be the most central - considering those from Seattle and those from southern oregon would then need to drive a couple hours each. ( I konw that sounds self-serving, since I live in Portland but, it is not ment to be.)

We could meet at say 10:00 ~ 11:00 a.m. then go on a "drive" locally to some off-road places and hit a late lunch at a McMenamins Pub. Large rooms and noise is no problem: cheap good food and beer !!!

After that participants could still get home by late afternoon / early evening depending on where they came from. We could also have the meal at one of the McMenamins that offer lodging and those who wish to stay could get a room there and not worry about the drinking driving issue.

Let me know if the above sounds reasonable ( as a basic out-line ) and then we can get started on activities: Off-Road location, where to eat, etc.....

Input requested - all ideas welcome - we are brainstorming here so keep it coming.