I would have to add my 2c for the Oasis.
It has very good parking, especially in the far lot, is a big place so seating is no problem either.
Parking is a big problem for Baby A's or Stubbs, Pappasitos is OK parking I suppose.
The food is a better at Pappasitos, but the views at Oasis are pretty cool.

This is terrible...I went to college in Austin, but tore out of there soon after for cooler temperatures in Colorado. I wish I could make it to the meet...

21st works for me...

[aol mode]
ME TOO!!!
[/aol mode]

Ok, since the 21st seems cool, The Oasis seems like a place that could work. Someone mentioned a far parking lot that might be reserved for the competitions?

All right then, I'm going to speak with Chimaera tonight and we're going to get some of the details solidified. This means if you have anything else to add now’s the time to do it!

If you need my help for anything, let me know...

All right, then. I've been speaking with Chimaera trying to nail down some specifics and here's what we have:

12:00 on June 21st at the Oasis (if we can get a room).

Dave's going to check on availability at the Oasis, but I need a headcount, so I'm going put a poll in. Also, Chimaera was thinking some people might be interested in doing dinner as well as lunch so I figured I gauge the interest. My plan is for this to be a low hassle affair with a very loose itinerary (where we can plan a more developed meet next year). Still, it'd be best if we could reserve an accurate space, so here's the poll (I included options for two people in case you're bringing a better half):

Texas Meet Head Count
1 person, lunch only
2 people, lunch only
1 person, lunch & dinner
2 people, lunch & dinner

I will likely be bringing our brat^H^H^H^H cute and loveable young son as well, but he only needs a highchair.
I guess staying for dinner would depend on how well the small child holds out.
So I put 2 for lunch.

The Oasis doesn't do reservations, but I did get on the "Call Ahead" list where we will get seated ahead of others when the entire party arrives. She said that weekends aren't too busy for lunch, dinner time is when the crowds set in for the sunset views from the decks.

Some other things she mentioned:

They don't do seperate checks, and there is a 15% gratuity, so we'll need an empeg with hijack installed for the calculator.... I also told her it would be individual meals, no catered function.
I requested outside seating, non-smoking, hope that's cool with everyone. If not I can probably change it. I think the decks are shaded enough that it wouldn't be miserable and it is in the early part of the day so heat shouldn't be too bad then. Plus it overlooks the main lake part on Travis, lots of sailboats on weekends out there.

Let me know if we need to reconsider outside/inside seating. (They have no "rooms" to reserve unless, I assume, you are getting a catered event. Then they probably charge for the room too.)

So hoping for cooler but still sort of dry weather for the 21st at noon, I think we could probably start gathering in the lot at 11AM-ish and move inside for food and fun then back out to the lot for showin' off the empegs and their sled holders...

So we are on the Call Ahead list for up to 20 people oin June 21st at noon. (Start gathering at 11AM-ish)
Does this sound like a plan?

PS I need ot go drive out there to get accurate directions, the one's on the Net don't place it accurately.

Well, I'm trying to make it but at this point it doesn't seem like it's going to happen. Cheapest flight I can get is around $500 and in this economy it doesn't sound like a good thing to blow that much money.

Still put me down as a "maybe." I'd hate to break my new years resolution.

Still put me down as a "maybe." I'd hate to break my new years resolution.

I told them up to 20, I think we had 12 on the poll, so there's room. It'd be cool if you make it, I have a spare room at hte house if you need a place to crash. I'm about 15-20 minutes from the Oasis 30-45 from the airport.

I think we may be able to take this opportunity to start planning on a larger gathering for 2004...

Excellent work Dave. Thanks for checking this all out and making the reservation (er . . . "call ahead"). I hope we can get a good gang out there.

Cheapest flight I can get is around $500

Rob, have you checked flying into Houston or Dallas and then riding up with someone else? I'm not sure about airports in Austin, but I know Dallas and Houston serves as hubs for some airlines (and could potentially be cheaper). It'd end up making for a two hour drive after you land, but a New Year's Resolution means some sacrifice might be in order.

I should also add Rob, if you can't get a flight out I wouldn't feel too bad about missing this one, as it's going to be pretty informal anyway. Now next year . . .

Rob,

I have a couple of spare rooms, so could put you up for a while if you want to take some extra time in Dallas, as for the flights, there is DFW and Love Field in Dallas, neither of which are a problem to pick a visitor up from

Orbitz have flights between LGA and DFW on Northwest for $254 on that weekend (Friday to Monday) with what looks like a reasonable choice of times, still economy, but half the price.

Thanks for the room offers guys. I would probably stay at a hotel anyway (no offense).

Coming into DFW was an option, but it gets a bit pricey for the flights I want to be on. I will keep looking. At this point I'd say I've got a 50-50 chance of being there.

No problem, and no offense taken.

If you do end up coming into DFW and need a lift, to or from the airport or the meet let me know and we can arrange something.

Ok I actually found the website for the Oasis, and I drove by on the way home, PLENTY of parking for us in the lot across the street. The website should answer most questions on how to get there, etc.

I think I'll plan on getting there before 11AM, probably with boat in tow from Lake Austin, so look for the BIG black Dodge RAM with the pretty white/black boat hooked on the back. If the boat isn't on it, you still can't miss the truck, it's got a large Triton Boats decal on the back window.

Yeah, that far parking lot is pretty large, eve with the restaurant packed it doesn't get full.
It is well worth staying for sunset as well, it is probably the only time the place is quiet Most folks to shut up and stare, then they ring a bell to declare the sun 'down' and the place goes back to its noisy self.
How do I know this? I came to Austin as a tourist 13 or 14 years ago, some things don't change.

Is this meet still happening? I think I can make it.

Yes, as far as I know we're going to do it. I hope to see you there!

I'll be there, and hopefully not the only one there!

I'll be there...

It's official. I will be there.

If anyone wants to swap cell numbers, send me a PM.

Rob,

Will you be able to have any of the black sleds there?

Thanks,

If I have them ready (and I should be able to), I will definitely bring some.

I will be there too,

Both me and my better half as well as our pint size will be there

90% likely, I'll be there as well.