Actually those two words were "I'm sorry" or perhaps "So Sorry" but I neglected to edit them into my post in time, and now it is too late to do so.

Also if people could throw some food and stuff ideas out there that'd be greeeeeeeeat. Thanks.

Oh!

Geeze. I'm sorry. I assumed that since they were left out, they were meant to be implied as ... well you can imagine.

Here are some of the fun things that this place offers for those too lazy to look at the link.

* Private Pool (16 x 32) * 6 Person Hot Tub
* Kiddie Pool * PlayStation
* Whirlpool in each MBR (2) * Phone & Answering Machine
* 2 Enclosed Outside Showers * 2 Dishwashers
* 2 Microwaves * 2 Icemakers
* Washer and Dryer * Private Volleyball Court
* Horseshoe Pit * Beach Cart
* 7 CATV, 4 VCR * Poolside Stereo
* Stereo/CD/DVD (Greatroom) * Stereo/Cd/Cassette (Rec Room)
* Foosball Table * Gas Fireplace
* Central Air & Heat * 2 Levels of Large Decks
* Charcoal BBQ Grill * High Chair & PortaCrib
* Linens Included * Community Children's Play Area
* Community Indoor Pool * Community Tennis Courts
* Indoor Community Workout Facility * Non-Smoking
* High Speed Internet with Wireless Network (New for 2006)

Activities and Attractions
Fishing (Surf & Deep Sea), Golfing, Minature Golf, ParaSailing,
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Paddle Boats, Wave Runners, Go-Carting,
Lighthouse Tours (4), NC Aquarium, Wrights Brother Museum (December
2003 is the Centennial Celebrartion), Jockey's Ridge (World's
Largest Sand Dune), The Lost Colony, ATV Rentals in 4 wheel drive
area, Sun, Surf and GOOD FAMILY FUN!

it is probably going to be too cold to do anything like scuba diving or snokeling. I know someone who went to the same area last year in May and he said it was far too cold to do anything in the ocean.

Oh yeah, and me going will all be depending on my next job, if I can pick one up, how long it will last, and how much it pays. I should have a real answer hopefully by the end of the week.

I think this is amazingly short notice for a deposit, man.

If this were in the summer sometime, it would be theoretically possible. But now, it's just way too thin. I probably won't be able to make it, especially if I have only 10 days to lock in a spot.

Well, we only had two weeks that we could work with, and to do this in August more than doubled the costs. Only a deposit of 90/180 dollars is required to secure a spot. We could have waited a couple of weeks to reserve the spot and allow for people to get in money quicker, but the week we picked out was one of the only free weeks in April, and considering April is the start of the busy season we really needed to get things started right away.

I really want to go too. I've missed the other gatherings and it has always disappointed me, so I really want to hit this one, but I'm just not so sure I'll be able to get the cash in time, especially with the sporatic nature of working for a temp agency.

If there is any possibility of a yes answer from me it won't be until at least the 30th, possibly the 31st, and that's cutting it really close.

Wish I could make it, but the notice is too short =(
Airfare would kill me.

Yeah, same. Stupid airplanes.

This is annoying and frustrating to me, personally. We knew there was going to be a meet in 2006, and that it was likely going to be in early spring, maybe even in February. We've known this since the last Gathering. This is not a shock, nor is it a surprise. It's been floated out here in a semi-official way for a month or two, at least. To do it later (August) would mean it would be that much more expensive. There's still two months worth of notice, more than enough time in advance to purchase airline tickets and get the advanced purchase rates.

So, therefore, please don't complain about short notice. And consider that you have a couple of months to go, here. I'd like for there to be enough people to keep costs low and to have a good time.

Additionally, holding it on the east coast was also supposed to help facilitate attendendance by folks on that half of the country, but it sounds like several regulars either don't want to or can't attend for a full segment, even if they can simply drive rather than fly.

At this point it doesn't look like I will be able to make it. Between bills, family vacation, and a possible multi-state move, I don't think that I will be able to afford it this year.

I agree with Deacon totally. The reason we decided to do this in April is because 11 people stepped up and said they could make it in April, thus making it a better choice. We have already reserved those dates and if a bunch of people start backing out now that makes things really difficult for us. We've been planning this for about six months, and very heavily planning this for at least the past month with the knowledge that Aprilish would likely be the timeframe. I really hope that more people step up and can come, otherwise they really shouldn't have said they could make it in April. If the response for April would have been less favorable we would have went with August. Don't let us down guys okay?

I would encourage people who are on the fence to dig down and truly see if they can do it. Don't just dismiss it. It could be a lot of fun. We're talking one of the least expensive vacations you can plan and still have great amenities and also actual company, plus something you can look back on years from now when you tell your grandkids about "the internet" and when it was young.

Also, allow me to repeat this.

You only need to pay $90 by Feb. 1st in order to stay for four days. For the entire 8 day stay, you only need to pay $180 by Feb 1st. The rest is due at a later date.

We have to give the owner $1000 in ten days, and that is why we need to money ASAP.

If we wait until August it will jump up to 200-300 every four days, or 400-600 for the entire week.

I didn't vote because my life is in chaos right now. There was no way for me to know what week I would be able to make it. Hopefully I will be able to make it, but I will not know until the last moment. I'm not complaining or making excuses, but 10 days to get the deposit in is a bit short notice for me. I only have myself to blame for that.