3/2/07
Hey
Scouters,
Now that we
have 2 crews set for the Sea Kayak High Adventure trip, I would like to start
finalizing some of the plans.
First I
would like every one to reply to this message so that I know you have received
this. Also, let me know if there is a different email you want me to use
or an email to add to this distribution list. Once I have all the correct
emails, maybe Craig can set up a distribution list through the Troop email
server.
The next
thing I would like to do is close on the air travel. I have been looking
into this and have talked to a travel agent to figure out the best way to book
airfare for a group. Airlines have group rates. The group rates are
more expensive than individual airfare, but give you the advantage of guaranteeing
the group is on the same flight and specific names do not need to be given
until 30 days prior to travel. Using a travel agent will cost a little
bit more, I’ve negotiated a $20/person fee (down from $30), but off loads the
logistics from me which I am all for as well as arranging car rental for no
fee. Here is a summary of the rates as of yesterday.
Frontier
group rate - $338 + $20 fee
Frontier
individual rate - $288 + $20 fee
Alaskan
individual rate - $275 + $20 fee (but only 8AM departure)
United
group rate = $405 + $20 fee
United
individual rate = $332 +$20 fee
I’m
recommending that we use the travel agent to book with Frontier at the
individual rates, and that we do this within the next week. This means I
will give the travel agent the names of all the travelers, and you will need to
call and give them credit card info.
With 2
crews, we have some logistics to work through in regards to cars and traveling
in the area. With the current number of persons per crew (8 people), we
need at least 2 mini vans per crew. However the kayaking crew does not
need any cars. There is a shuttle from the airport that will go where we
need to stay the first night in Anacortes. So, one option is to get 2
cars, and the kayakers take the shuttle. One crew from the airport, the
other crew to the airport with a vehicle swap half way through. This
would save the cost of 2 rental cars minus the shuttle costs.
One rental
car for the week runs about $263. The airport shuttle which departs about
every 2 hours costs $33 (adults) $20 (15 and under). Assuming rates for 8
adults, the shuttle will total $264. So, using the shuttle will save us
the cost of one rental car.
Currently,
the kayak outfitter is recommending that we swap crews on one of the islands, this
will require a ferry ride to/from the island which will require a little more
time in getting to the destinations, but otherwise should not be a problem.
Finally, we
need to figure out what we want to do for the non kayaking days. There
has been some discussion of going to the peninsula and stay in the rain forest
in Olympic
Other
options include sailing, day or multi-day. This is expensive and the
number of people per boat is usually limited to 6. You can estimate about
$300/day for multi day trips, and a 6 hour cruise at $120. The kayak
outfitter has recommended camping/hiking in the North Cascades to make the logistics
of the crew switching easier. The North Cascades are beautiful and there
is plenty of hiking. There are plenty of trees, but it is not the
rainforest. Another option is to just stay in the
Please
reply back and let me know your preference for finalizing the airfare and what
you would like for the non kayaking portion of the trip.
Regards,
Steve