Aussies!!- Are you interested in a crop???

[Lauren]

We are thinking maybe the Gold Coast - possibly April/May....

We need to know possible numbers in order to see if we can organise something

[Robyn Gough]

I am SO there. ;-)

[Erica]

With bells on :D :yahoo::yahoo:

[honeymoon]

Hmmm... we were thinking of heading to Noosa in the middle of the year.

[Leslie]

H'mmm!! Gold Coast hey? Sounds VERY interesting.

[ebears]

If only it was closer to the west coast

[idtwinmom]

I'm not an Aussie, but boy would that be fun! Of course, DH will let me go to Seattle, but think he would draw the line on all the way to Australia. :lol:

[dagwood]

me....me.....and I think I could find a DSP friend or too to take with me as well....Gold Coast is really good for me....my son lives there!!! He will have to put me up:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee:

jumping all :yippee::yippee:over the:yippee::yippee:place in:yippee::yippee:excitement

[evergreen100]

Registering tentative interest here.....I dont have a laptop but I could probably be the one running around looking over everyone's shoulders and annoying them????

[webfrau]

WOW! Would love to come BUT I suspect I'd need to get a job first to pay for it!! LOL! If I win Lotto I'll be there. Love the gold coast and love DSP crops.

[shazzt]

I will be waiting for a Lotto win too :( If only it was 2010 I might be able to swing it (MIL's 60th). Now I will go into a corner and grump :)

[Ineke]

That sounds wonderful - would love to try and get there - all I need is a laptop now!!!

[Erica]

How exciting, it would be great to see you all there and good one Daggs, bring as many friends as you like LOL

[KrystalW]

This is my kind of thread!! I would love to be there...have to check finances...but pencil me in. Wow..so exciting. Gee now I am nervous...hehehe

[littlekiwi]

I will be waiting for a Lotto win too :(

me too Sharon - don't think I could pull off a holiday in the middle of studying

[scamptx]

I'll be there--as a flat granny! I'm sure that I can slide under the door with Inks or Daggs or Jill or Leslie (or maybe I'll slide under with all of them and there would be several of me! What a scary thought that is! ;))

[dagwood]

Registering tentative interest here.....I dont have a laptop but I could probably be the one running around looking over everyone's shoulders and annoying them????

I too don't have a lappie, but I do have bags of chocolate, so I am sure they will let me in:D

[ChrisM]

Have laptop, can travel - pencil me in too .... just got to check finances and see if i can put enough away between now and then.

[auswoofer]

I would be interested. it would depend on the final date though.

[sammdc]

well for me would depend when if it was if it was during the school holidays and if i could use my frequent flyer points to get the flights seeing as it be about a 7 hr flight for me to get there but I would also prefer a diff destination say Melbourne as its much closer

[landofoz]

Count me in with bells on ,I have to get a laptop

maggie


We are thinking maybe the Gold Coast - possibly April/May....

We need to know possible numbers in order to see if we can organise something

[Erica]

looking forward to seeing your flat granny scamp or two or three of you LOL - this is going to be a great crop and no matter if you don't have a laptop do as Daggs is doing, bring chocolate!!! :rofl:

[essee]

WA school holidays finish on April 26th and then I will be back at work (Caro also). So if it could be in April before then I would love to come over.

[essee]

I agree Caro, Melbourne is much more central for us from the west coast. And cheaper for us.

[Leslie]

A lot of us were wondering if it has to be at the Gold Coast as there are no direct flights there and it involves waiting around and changing at airports.

Some of us were wondering if it could be in Sydney or Melbourne??

[Leslie]

Pretty please DSP, have it at an easily accessible place for us over here. :) I think we'd get double the people being able to come.

[evergreen100]

Melbourne is great for me!!!! I have a son and family living there...they could put up with me(oops I mean put me up:D) for a few days. Actually we will be in Melbourne in March but any excuse to see the grandkids again is fine by me:D. Daggie and Inks live there, so they wouldn't have far to go:). I VOTE MELBOURNE!!!

[Lauren]

Actually we have a commercial customer in Melbourne !!- Michaels Photography is going to be running DSP classes

[Lauren]

We havent made any decision on where it will be or even whether it will be - we are just asking for expressions of interest but a year or so ago most of the aussie members lived in the queensland region

[essee]

:lol::lol:Perhaps it is time to conduct a poll of where people would like it to be held. Don't think you can wriggle out of having a crop now Lauren, you have got us all worked up and the adrenelin flowing!!!!

[landofoz]

I think Lauren's idea is to get the nos first!

Give the girl a chance , and maybe she will put it to a Poll later on.

[Lauren]

Seems like the NZers are keener tho - maybe we should have a contest as to which COUNTRY we should have it in!!!!!!!!!!!- Im a tease huh!!!!

[Lauren]

and btw we chose Queensland originally as we have a designer there who can do some of the organising - we dont have any staff in Melbourne or Sydney - its much much easier to organise these things when there are people on the spot so to speak -
also many will be having to travel from NZ to get there and I know most of us NZers would prefer a better climate option. - Right now its not even in the planning stages though so no point in doing a poll or anything else.

[webfrau]

Come on Lauren we'll be having SOMETHING here this year surely!!
As for Australia - we all want a winter holiday so we're keen for somewhere warm! :) I thought that was the idea behind the Gold Coast - Lauren's winter holiday. :)

[Lauren]

yep Julia and yes we will certainly be doing something in NZ - either in addition to this or maybe in place of - who knows whats around the corner!!- and yes Id certainly like an extension to the short NZ summer thats for sure . - but honestly Queensland was chosen because Robyn is on the spot.

[Robyn Gough]

Yup, Gold Coast is nice and close to me and an easier location for me to organise, only 2.5hrs drive from where I live and I know it reasonably well. It is also very well situated for Conference facilities etc as it is a popular place for conferences and seminars. Plus the weather is much better up here than down south that time of year.

Also, there are lots of tourist attractions there if you want to make a big trip out of it, Dream World, Movie World, Sea World, Casino, Beach & only 30mins drive from Brisbane.

It is also really easy to get around at the Gold coast without your own vehicle as the public transport is really good and everything is fairly close by.

Anyway, if you have any questions just ask, but for me the Gold Coast works well. Unfortunately Australia is very big and spread out and we are never going to be able to please everyone. ;-)

[Lauren]

I checked and you can fly direct into the Gold coast from Cairns, newcastle, melbourne sydney and canberra as well as Auckland Wellington Christchurch and Hamilton so that shouldnt be an issue and for those who cant fly direct - well its only a hop skip and jump from Brisbane - theres a good train service.

[shazzt]

Perhaps we need to start a NZ thread! I have been thinking we need to organise another crop. Probably better to wait until after summer though :)

[Lauren]

yes - we sure do Sharon - need another one that is but yes lets wait for the monsters to get back to school

[webfrau]

Perhaps we need to start a NZ thread! I have been thinking we need to organise another crop. Probably better to wait until after summer though :)

I'm more than keen to do something here Sharon, even if it's only a day crop rather than a full retreat. I'd be happy to help out if I can.

[Lauren]

Id be up for another retreat too - any time child free has to be a bonus

[Lauren]

dont know - just went to the gold coast airport website and it told you all the places that flew direct into it

[Leslie]

I looked and most flights go via Sydney but there are some late night ones that are direct.

I'm sure it will all work out and be fine. :)

[Lauren]

and its MUCH more convenient than going to the USA!!!!!!!!!( not to mention cheaper)

[Leslie]

You're not wrong!

I'll be there. :)

[sammdc]

well I still think given that most of us would have to do this over a weekend and not an extended holiday time having it in Queensland makes its more difficult as its much longer flying time and much more expensive. So those looking for a winter getaway no reason they cant continue to have that before or after a DSP crop in the beautiful citoes of either Melbourne or Sydney

[Robyn Gough]

well I still think given that most of us would have to do this over a weekend and not an extended holiday time having it in Queensland makes its more difficult as its much longer flying time and much more expensive. So those looking for a winter getaway no reason they cant continue to have that before or after a DSP crop in the beautiful citoes of either Melbourne or Sydney

Well I guess that depends on where you are flying from? ;)

[Lauren]

As Robyn mentioned we can't cater for everyone. We have to do this where we can organize it easily. We aren't looking for suggestions of cities merely indications of interest in a crop in the Gold Coast as we have staff there. If you can't make it then that's unfortunate but feel free to organize your own.

[landofoz]

As Robyn mentioned we can't cater for everyone. We have to do this where we can organize it easily. We aren't looking for suggestions of cities merely indications of interest in a crop in the Gold Coast as we have staff there. If you can't make it then that's unfortunate but feel free to organize your own.

Come on Aussies C'mon.
life is too short,Lauren is coming here , We dont have to go to NZ.
Now thats what you would call Expensive.

maggie

[butterbly]

my interest is jumping now :yippee:
my mum lives at the Gold Coast, and I'm so sure she would come with me, she has had very little time to scrap lately.

Also, I dont have a laptop, YET!! but hopefully by then I will, and I am in the process of ridding the chocolate from my body :rofl: But I bet I will certainly still have fun.

[dagwood]

Melbourne is great for me!!!! I have a son and family living there...they could put up with me(oops I mean put me up:D) for a few days. Actually we will be in Melbourne in March but any excuse to see the grandkids again is fine by me:D. Daggie and Inks live there, so they wouldn't have far to go:). I VOTE MELBOURNE!!!

what time can I expect you all:think::think:

[dagwood]

Actually we have a commercial customer in Melbourne !!- Michaels Photography is going to be running DSP classes

more info please Lauren....which Michaels?? the one in Elizabeth street?

[Lauren]

more info please Lauren....which Michaels?? the one in Elizabeth street?

http://www.michaels.com.au/

If you pop in and see Peter there mention tell him I said hi!!- When he gets his scrapbooking classes up and running I might suggest a crop to him seeing there is some interest in having one in Melbourne -Ive only met him a couple of times at PMA's in Vegas but he seems like a really great guy

[essee]

Come on Aussies C'mon.
life is too short,Lauren is coming here , We dont have to go to NZ.
Now thats what you would call Expensive.

maggie

Maggie, it is just not a matter of expense, although coming from WA IS expensive. in my opinion, it is more a time consideration. I could not get to the Gold Coast for a weekend crop. If I could manage to get on the 6 pm Friday flight after work that will get me to Melbourne or Sydney at midnight and there would be no connecting flight to the Gold Coast. So I would have to fly up Saturday morning and miss half the crop. I would then have to leave at midday on Sunday to get home for work on Monday. Just not viable to spend at least $1000 for 24 hours.

I was quite excited to hear about the first Aussie crop but sadly it seems to be becoming out of my reach now.

[landofoz]

Sorry ,I know ,Its the distance here.
Would love to meet you .Maybe another time
Well we still dont know for sure , Untill Lauren gets the NOS

[Lauren]

yes Robyn is going to start looking at locations in the Gold Coast - we wanted an indication of numbers and there seems to be a few interested just from this thread so we should be able to make a go of it

[chantillylace]

I would be interested to attend. I'm a GC local.

[JanP]

Yay - I'm back in. Withdrew my previous posts because I thought I wouldn't be able to get there, but now looks like I can! :yahoo:

[landofoz]

Great the more the Merrier

maggie:yippee:



Yay - I'm back in. Withdrew my previous posts because I thought I wouldn't be able to get there, but now looks like I can! :yahoo:

[landofoz]

Good love to meet you

maggie







I would be interested to attend. I'm a GC local.

[landofoz]

So sorry , dont put the coffee on For me
I cant make it.LOL:lol:

maggie


what time can I expect you all:think::think:

[landofoz]

Hi again, i am so happy ,I got my New Laptop. Toshiba
i have just been playing with it ,hard to get used to the scroll wheel.
Everything takes time.

maggie

[Erica]

I can feel a crop coming on...:yahoo::yahoo: looks like we'll get to meet some newer members too, hi Chantilly and Auswoofer.

So by my count that's 16 yes and a couple of maybe's - can't wait to meet you all :wave:

[dagwood]

neither can I:wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave:: wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave::wave:

[Lauren]

Yes I think we should be able to organise something with this many. We will start researching soon

[evergreen100]

:yahoo::yahoo:, hoping the dates fit in, it would be lovely to meet so many DSPers..Ive already met Dagwood, Ineke (and will be seeing them again in a week or so), KayButler, and Vallie!! I'll have to wander around and just be an annoyance though:D, no hope of me having a laptop by then...lucky you Maggie:)

[Robyn Gough]

Hey Ladies

I have started contacting places to find a suitable venue. If you know anywhere at the Gold Coast worth checking out feel free to email me or send me a pm. ;-)

[essee]

Do you have dates yet Robyn? Would be wonderful to have it during the WA school holidays so that we have a chance to attend also. Saturday April 18th would give Carolyn and I time to come over and back without having to worry about time constraints because of work. I realise you have to consider everyone but am just throwing this in for consideration also.

[Lauren]

Its likely it wont be in school holidays - because venues accomodation and flights are more expensive at that time and are much more difficult to book but we havent finalised anything yet

[Donut]

This would be amazing! But short of having that winning lotto ticket a few of us are competing for I'm going to have to wait for the next NZ crop to come around I think.
Have a margarita for me! :)

[dawn-in-nz]

I'm voting for Melbourne - my son & his wife are expecting their second baby in April so the timing is perfect.

[dawn-in-nz]

Oh poop I didn't notice you'd made up your mind about it being at the Gold Coast, oh well, I'll be there for a Melbourne one when it happens.

[ChrisM]

I checked and you can fly direct into the Gold coast from Cairns, newcastle, melbourne sydney and canberra as well as Auckland Wellington Christchurch and Hamilton so that shouldnt be an issue and for those who cant fly direct - well its only a hop skip and jump from Brisbane - theres a good train service.

Adelaide has direct flights to Gold Coast (I think everyday) leaving mid- morning.
If the trek from Perth Thru to Brisbane/Gold Coast is too long for the West Aussie contingent, you are welcome to have an overnight stop over here in Adelaide at my place on the way!:):)

[essee]

Adelaide has direct flights to Gold Coast (I think everyday) leaving mid- morning.
If the trek from Perth Thru to Brisbane/Gold Coast is too long for the West Aussie contingent, you are welcome to have an overnight stop over here in Adelaide at my place on the way!:):)

Thank you for your offer, but it isn't about the long flight (if you live in Perth you get used to that!!). It is a time issue - Caro and I are teachers and cannot leave until after school on Friday, so we cannot get to Brisbane or the GC on Friday night. We can only get to Melbourne or Sydney, by midnight, and there are no connecting flights until the next day. Very disappointing.

[Robyn Gough]

Thank you for your offer, but it isn't about the long flight (if you live in Perth you get used to that!!). It is a time issue - Caro and I are teachers and cannot leave until after school on Friday, so we cannot get to Brisbane or the GC on Friday night. We can only get to Melbourne or Sydney, by midnight, and there are no connecting flights until the next day. Very disappointing.

I am guessing taking the day or afternoon off is out of the question then? I will probably be taking the Friday off work to go down and be able to spend time setting things up etc. I normally keep my holidays for spending time with our kids on their school holidays, but I figure one day can't hurt. ;-) Mind you my work is pretty flexible and if I wanted to I could just work up the hours and take it as time in leu. Who wants to work extra hours tho??? LOL!

It is a shame we can't cater for everyone, but it is simply impossible to do so. :-(

Are there many DSPers in WA?

[cowboy]

I would be interested in the gold coast venue mainly. Possible Sydney - but Melbourne is definitely out for me.

[landofoz]

Pam , you must have not seen Lauren's replie's .
Its the Gold Coastas she has staff there that will arrange things for her.
maggie:yippee:









I would be interested in the gold coast venue mainly. Possible Sydney - but Melbourne is definitely out for me.

[Lauren]

Yes and we are researching venues now for the first weekend in May - so fingers crossed!!

[landofoz]

Hi Pam,How do i get the
Blinkie I'm an aussie ??

maggie




QUOTE=cowboy;593909]I would be interested in the gold coast venue mainly. Possible Sydney - but Melbourne is definitely out for me.[/QUOTE]

[Vallie]

I would like to come but I dont have a laptop either. I bet there will be lots of note taking I could do! And coffee making! :lol:

[dagwood]

first weekend in May is very good for me....I too don't have a lappie...do we need to hire one??? Is having one necessary??

[evergreen100]

Oh dear, we have a grandson's birthday that weekend:cry:, I'll have to do some thinking..Ive never missed a local grandchild's birthday in 15 years!

[cowboy]

Hi Pam,How do i get the
Blinkie I'm an aussie ??

maggie




QUOTE=cowboy;593909]I would be interested in the gold coast venue mainly. Possible Sydney - but Melbourne is definitely out for me.[/QUOTE]

Maggie, you right click on the flair and 'save picture as'

[blackstilletos]

Oh wow, how exciting. Keep an eye on Jetstar. Flights are quite cheap (from $40 one way from Melbourne - dpending on date of course). Got the laptop, but don't have Photoshop on it - only on work 'puter (budget doesn't run to it for myself). Is there any value in coming if I can't actually do anything?

[Lauren]

Sure theres value in coming -- I hardly scrap at all at crops - just chat mostly!!!!!!!

[Donut]

Oh wow, how exciting. Keep an eye on Jetstar. Flights are quite cheap (from $40 one way from Melbourne - dpending on date of course). Got the laptop, but don't have Photoshop on it - only on work 'puter (budget doesn't run to it for myself). Is there any value in coming if I can't actually do anything?

SARMA!!! :wave:
GO GO GO!! You will have SO much fun! I wish I could get a flight for $40 and I'd be there like a shot! We could have a real life chat! lol!

[KrystalW]

Yes and we are researching venues now for the first weekend in May - so fingers crossed!!

That may rule me out. But it is early and plans change.

[Robyn Gough]

Pam , you must have not seen Lauren's replie's .
Its the Gold Coastas she has staff there that will arrange things for her.
maggie:yippee: he he, yes, that would be me. ;-) I

I would like to come but I dont have a laptop either. I bet there will be lots of note taking I could do! And coffee making! :lol:
first weekend in May is very good for me....I too don't have a lappie...do we need to hire one??? Is having one necessary??

I can probably bring dh's laptop with me. It has photoshop elements on it, (I think version 4) and I can install some trial versions of your favourite software if you like. You guys are welcome to borrow it for the day. Dh's will just have to use my desktop at home. He he. I am sure he will survive! We have two laptops and two desktops at my house! LOL The second desktop is for the kids, dh has a laptop and I have one of each.

Oh wow, how exciting. Keep an eye on Jetstar. Flights are quite cheap (from $40 one way from Melbourne - dpending on date of course). Got the laptop, but don't have Photoshop on it - only on work 'puter (budget doesn't run to it for myself). Is there any value in coming if I can't actually do anything?

You could install a trial version for the weekend.

That may rule me out. But it is early and plans change. I hope you can still come Krys, would love to meet you in person!

[Margie]

Got the laptop, but don't have Photoshop on it - only on work 'puter (budget doesn't run to it for myself). Is there any value in coming if I can't actually do anything?

you could always install a free 30 day trial just before the crop!

doh! just saw that robyn said that... :)

[Lauren]

ah yes - goooooooood tip Charlie Brown!!-

[Margie]

pssssssssssssssssst! i am so coming!!!!!!!!!!! yes, i do realize it's in australia, but guess what? I'LL BE THERE!!!!!!! your crops sound way too fun and i can't miss another one!!
i have to go read this whole thread now, but we're coming to australia and new zealand in may and will see you then! omgosh! :eek: i can't wait!!!!
i just have to brush up on my language skills. i know i don't talk near fast enough for you people (if i can judge by lauren and steve)!! :D

:yippee::yahoo::applause::tup::rofl::eek:

[webfrau]

Woohoo - does that mean we have to have a kiwi crop in May so we can all meet Margie too!

[Lauren]

Oh hey I thought i was doing so well keeping it a secret too - geeeeeeeez talk about spoil my fun - and yes we will have a crop or a get together in Auckland too thats for sure!!!!

[webfrau]

Aww Margie has deprived you of teasing Lauren! ROFLOL!

[Vallie]

Wow, Margie is coming!!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

[Margie]

absolutely! i'm not coming if you don't!! :D noooo, i'm coming so you better! let's say it that way! :lol:

[Leslie]

Wow, Margie is coming!!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

:love3: from me too, how lovely!

[Margie]

Oh hey I thought i was doing so well keeping it a secret too - geeeeeeeez talk about spoil my fun - and yes we will have a crop or a get together in Auckland too thats for sure!!!!

sorry, you know i LOVE to tease, but i couldn't hold this one in!!! :D i tried! :rolleyes:

[Erica]

Talk about secret squirrel stuff!! WOW Margie's coming to Aus and NZ, what a treat for us or should that be for her :rofl: :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Leslie]

Just so you will know which one is me, I'll be the tall, willowy, athletic looking, outgoing one - the one who goes for jogs with a sweatband and stays up really late at night partying!

*chortle* - *snort* - lmao

[Lauren]

Oh and I should add that due to Margie gate crashing ( in the nicest possible way of course - we will probably need to change the date of the crop to the second weekend in May. - We will confirm all details of course as soon as we know them for sure

[Margie]

Oh and I should add that due to Margie gate crashing ( in the nicest possible way of course) - we will probably need to change the date of the crop to the second weekend in May. - We will confirm all details of course as soon as we know them for sure
sorry, :o but i DO like to make things difficult. :p but i have to be there for our anniversary!
and since allen craves as-near-to-death-as-possible activities, i'm sure we'll be enjoying kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, bungy jumping, etc! (now i'm getting nervous :yikes:)

[Lauren]

Just so you will know which one is me, I'll be the tall, willowy, athletic looking, outgoing one - the one who goes for jogs with a sweatband and stays up really late at night partying!

*chortle* - *snort* - lmao

Well Im the short dumpy one who types fast stays up late at night partying!!!!!!

[Margie]

ooh! i had to see who all might come, so i sorted. i really should be sleeping, though i'm already pretty much on your time schedule nowdays!! :D
ooh! and i don't even know where the gold coast IS yet!! :D
and new zealanders, don't worry, we'll chat soon too!!! :D

not sure it's right, but here's what i see. these are probablies and maybes...

margie
lauren
robyn
erica
dagwood
landofoz (maggie)
janp

blackstilletos?? (samra)
cowboy??
chantillylace??
butterbly?? (sheree)
sammdc?? (carolyn)
auswoofer??
chrism??
krys2280??
ineke52??
evergreen100?? (jill)
honeymoon?? (fiona)
leslie??

[Lauren]

im sure there will be more now we have a special guest!!!!!

[Leslie]

I already told a work colleague that I was going to a PSE conference. It will go towards my 6 hours of PD that I have to complete each year in my own time.

Oh - and I was describing Vallie before, actually. :p

Pop me in the top list please - and pop Vallie in there somewhere too. :)

[Robyn Gough]

pssssssssssssssssst! i am so coming!!!!!!!!!!! yes, i do realize it's in australia, but guess what? I'LL BE THERE!!!!!!! your crops sound way too fun and i can't miss another one!!
i have to go read this whole thread now, but we're coming to australia and new zealand in may and will see you then! omgosh! :eek: i can't wait!!!!
i just have to brush up on my language skills. i know i don't talk near fast enough for you people (if i can judge by lauren and steve)!! :D

:yippee::yahoo::applause::tup::rofl::eek:


OOOOH Oooh ooh!!! HOW exciting!!! :yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee::yahoo::yahoo::yah oo::yahoo::yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee: :yippee::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::tup::tup::tup ::tup:

Can ya tell I am excited???

[littlekiwi]

I'm unable to come to an Aussie crop but would be more than willing if it is a crop in Auckland

[Lauren]

Yes we will certainly organise something in Auckland Jennifer - stay tuned - I just need to get some dates finalised so we can get to planning

[Vallie]

Just so you will know which one is me, I'll be the tall, willowy, athletic looking, outgoing one - the one who goes for jogs with a sweatband and stays up really late at night partying!

*chortle* - *snort* - lmao

Sure!!!! I am the shadow that lurks in the corner!:eek:

[cowboy]

I'm definitely there if it is the first weekend in May, but unfortunately, the second weekend is out - the local Pony Club gymkhana is then and I have to be there to score and for Treasurer's duties. It is our major fundraiser for the year. Please try to stick to the first weekend, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze

[Lauren]

Sorry - Margies flights have to be in May so if shes coming it wont be the first weekend as due to the date line she wont make it in time - so its looking most likely it will be the second weekend. - sorry about that

[dagwood]

I will have a suitcase full of flattie upovers with me:tup::tup:
.....so far I think I am going to meet

margie:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee:
lauren
robyn
erica
ineke52
dagwood (Jenny)
landofoz (maggie)
janp
leslie
vallie

blackstilletos?? (samra)
cowboy??
chantillylace??
butterbly?? (sheree)
sammdc?? (carolyn)
auswoofer??
chrism??
krys2280??
ineke52??
evergreen100?? (jill)
honeymoon?? (fiona)

[landofoz]

Maggie:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee: (landofoz)

lauren please try and get a date as soon as possible ,as i leave for UK on the 22nd
I would like to try and book a cheap (special) before i go.
I will return on the 24th Feb only if you can. Remember when you dont hear from me for the next 4 wks i am still going !:yippee::applause:

Now please tell me what programn does everyone use?
I use Pse 5 and what should i expect ??:help:



I will have a suitcase full of flattie upovers with me:tup::tup:
.....so far I think I am going to meet

margie:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee:
lauren
robyn
erica
dagwood (Jenny)
landofoz (maggie)
janp
leslie
vallie

blackstilletos?? (samra)
cowboy??
chantillylace??
butterbly?? (sheree)
sammdc?? (carolyn)
auswoofer??
chrism??
krys2280??
ineke52??
evergreen100?? (jill)
honeymoon?? (fiona)

[Lauren]

Yes I have Robyn working furiously on it !! I promise as soon as we have it booked we will let you know. I know those of us from NZ want to book our flights too.

[Lauren]

Oh and for what you should expect... Fun laughter chocolate .. Oh and a bit of scrapping!!

[honeymoon]

So exciting.

Don't think I'll be able to make Australia, but Auckland could be a goer.

Margie, there's a bed down here for you as well.

[KrystalW]

I hope you can still come Krys, would love to meet you in person!

And you!! I will still try to get you on that trampoline. :):rofl:

[KrystalW]

Oooohhhhh, I just read the posts...yay!! second weekend is perfect, puts me back into the definite's.

Oh and I am the nervous shy one in the corner...or trying to look inconspicuous while looking over Lauren's shoulder...;)

[essee]

Oh Lauren, second weekend is Mother's Day. That may be a bit awkward for some Mums.

[ChrisM]

what a brilliant mothers day pressie it would be!

[Lauren]

Forgot about mothers day - unfortunately we are fighting with dates right now!!as soon as we have a confirmed date we will let you know. It may have to be our mothers day gift to ourselves!!!

[Margie]

oh yeah, definitely a mother's day gift for ME. my mom? yeah, i'll send her a card! :D

[Lauren]

Yes I'm sure most if our mothers won't mind if we treat them the week before so we can treat ourselves!!

[evergreen100]

:yippee: The second weekend in May is MUCH better for me than the first which was my grandson's birthday...I was having a big argument with myself about whether or not I could miss his birthday for the first time in his 14 years. I certainly wont mind treating myself to meeting lots of DSPers for my Mothers Day present:D

Now I dont have a laptop, but maybe that's just as well, I would definitely look sillier trying to do a single LO within the course of a day than I will look walking around with no laptop:D:D

[essee]

Lauren, or someone else in the know, could you please give me some idea of what actually happens during the course of the day?

Is it just a day of everyone scrapping their own layouts, are there educational sessions where someone gives a presentation about a technique, program etc? If so, is it generic or specific to computers and programs?

I have so many questions in my head about what a crop actually is.

Thank you.

[webfrau]

In my experience it's largely been about chocolate, socialising, chocolate, looking at each others albums, chocolate, pretending to scrapbook, chocolate..... :)

[essee]

Sure sounds inviting!!! I can see why the word scrapbooking does not appear in the invitation, that seems to be just an incidental option. Crop can mean anything!!

[Ineke]

Second weekend in May is good for me - DH is off to India on the 20th but I should be back by then - sounds like a great Mothers day gift to myself!!!:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Lauren]

Essee - basically its just a big get together where you can chat with each other - work on layouts, get to know each other and enjoy scrapping together - and often we do give some lessons through the day - depending on the event and how many people are involved . The bigger crops are a little more organised and the smaller ones are much more formal .
Any lessons can be tailored to the attendees needs and often can be just one to one helping out.

[cowboy]

Lauren - as this will be a once in a lifetime thing for me I have advised the Pony Club that I will not be available on the second weekend - they are looking at changing the date for the gymkhana. So I am again a starter.

Can you give us an idea of what is involved, accommodation wise, do we book our own. Also is there a cost involved in attending the crop and approximately what it will be.

[Lauren]

As soon as we know and have booked somewhere we will tell you - -we are still trying to sort out Margies flights !!hopefully they will be all confirmed very soon
-- I hope we dont have to change the date again - honestly we are doing our utmost to finalise things as soon as we can!!!!!!!!!! -
BUT - yes we will leave it to you to book your own accomodation - that way you can suit yourself budget wise. - We have a selection of venues that we are looking at and its likely the cost will be somewhere in the vicinity of $50 AU each for the day but that includes food ( coffee/tea morning and afternoon tea and lunch ) -but again this is all tentative as we only have options and nothing confirmed
We may get you to pay through the DSP store or we may just take money at the door - as yet we cant give you any details because we havent booked it but we are really working very hard on it.
If we have it at a hotel ( which we may - one of our options is a hotel ) we will let you know and try and get prices for rooms etc so you will know what they are but you are free to stay where you want.

[yvspeck]

Hmmmmmm I have some wicked, wicked, very expensive ideas roaming around in my head.... Let me get this straight, you are trying to plan an OZ crop one weekend and a NZ crop the next? Margie will be island hopping laptop cropping?

[Lauren]

Well the NZ crop will be soon after - may not be the very next weekend but probably!!
And yes to the island hopping!!!

[Margie]

Margie will be island hopping laptop cropping?
i love that line!!!! yes i will! :D not sure on the dates yet, but we'll be posting soon!
could be the following week, the week after that... we've got LOTS to pack into a few short weeks!

[Lauren]

And my brain is a swirl of dates. I have a whole new respect for travel agents!!

[yvspeck]

DH and are celebrating our 35th this April.... We have been rolling around the idea of both OZ and NZ for a few years now...I am thinking this would make a pretty awesome anni gift to each other..and I absolutely adore the idea of being able to hit both place and do a DSP crop at both as well.... I am keeping my eye glued to this thread :D...

[Lauren]

Wow! That would be amazing!!

[landofoz]

Lauren,ask for Nos. Who wants to stay at a hotel ? I want to go with the crowd ,since i dont know anyone. Maybe its time for hands up as to who wants to stay at a hotel? Others may have there own arrangments already made .I hope you dont mind me butting in lol
maggie









As soon as we know and have booked somewhere we will tell you - -we are still trying to sort out Margies flights !!hopefully they will be all confirmed very soon
-- I hope we dont have to change the date again - honestly we are doing our utmost to finalise things as soon as we can!!!!!!!!!! -
BUT - yes we will leave it to you to book your own accomodation - that way you can suit yourself budget wise. - We have a selection of venues that we are looking at and its likely the cost will be somewhere in the vicinity of $50 AU each for the day but that includes food ( coffee/tea morning and afternoon tea and lunch ) -but again this is all tentative as we only have options and nothing confirmed
We may get you to pay through the DSP store or we may just take money at the door - as yet we cant give you any details because we havent booked it but we are really working very hard on it.
If we have it at a hotel ( which we may - one of our options is a hotel ) we will let you know and try and get prices for rooms etc so you will know what they are but you are free to stay where you want.

[Lauren]

as soon as we have the venue and date confirmed I will - just hold fire ladies until its all confirmed and set

[evergreen100]

DH and are celebrating our 35th this April.... We have been rolling around the idea of both OZ and NZ for a few years now...I am thinking this would make a pretty awesome anni gift to each other..and I absolutely adore the idea of being able to hit both place and do a DSP crop at both as well.... I am keeping my eye glued to this thread :D...:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee: :party::party::party: :tup::tup:TOP idea I reckon, I couldnt think of a better anniversary gift for you and DH:)!!!! We need to talk Kay into this too, her Aussie vegemites live nearby the proposed area! Can I lean over your shoulder and watch you create some of your gorgeous pages at this crop because: 1. I dont own a laptop and 2. There is no way I could create even a single LO in a day:annoyed::annoyed::annoyed:

[Margie]

DH and are celebrating our 35th this April.... We have been rolling around the idea of both OZ and NZ for a few years now...I am thinking this would make a pretty awesome anni gift to each other..and I absolutely adore the idea of being able to hit both place and do a DSP crop at both as well.... I am keeping my eye glued to this thread :D...
us too! not 35 years just yet, but our anniversary is in may! email lauren, there are some GREAT rates! you'd be surprised!

There is no way I could create even a single LO in a day
you need to come to the dark side with me! i can use a plopper and be done in 5-10 minutes! but a kit scares me to death! :D

just hold fire ladies until its all confirmed and set
no idea what "hold fire" means, but i guess it's more of the language i'll have to learn! i know i need my togs instead of my swimsuit though! :D

[shazzt]

Well I don't think you will need your togs in NZ in MAY (well maybe in Rotorua where they have nice hot pools) :)

[Margie]

k, i think we're going to rotorua, although i really have to study a map soon! but the togs are for snorkeling the great barrier reef!!! can't wait! :D

[shazzt]

Watch out for sharks!! The Barrier Reef is amazing! You will love it :)

[yvspeck]

:yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee::yippee: :party::party::party: :tup::tup:TOP idea I reckon, I couldnt think of a better anniversary gift for you and DH:)!!!! We need to talk Kay into this too, her Aussie vegemites live nearby the proposed area! Can I lean over your shoulder and watch you create some of your gorgeous pages at this crop because: 1. I dont own a laptop and 2. There is no way I could create even a single LO in a day:annoyed::annoyed::annoyed:

You can sit in my seat and use my lappie if you like.. I think if I can make this work I will be so excited to be there and see you all that I won't be using it much... You can pick out your favorite plopper I'll snap a shot of us and let you go to town.. LOL.. I just had my DD get online and do some checking for me.... I was very surprised at how affordable the whole trip would be... USA to Australia, Australia to New Zealand and New Zealand to USA with hotel and car would be just around $5,000 US dollars...I had her work up the 7th of May to the 24th (Australia through the 14th) hoping that would cover both crops... Margie have you already booked? Is this price sounding reasonable? I have so many questions for you all but I am getting way ahead of myself cause I have to talk to Mr. and convince him "NOW" is a good time :lol: But as soon as I do I am going to need lots of US, OZ and NZ input.

[landofoz]

us too! not 35 years just yet, but our anniversary is in may! email lauren, there are some GREAT rates! you'd be surprised!


you need to come to the dark side with me! i can use a plopper and be done in 5-10 minutes! but a kit scares me to death! :D


no idea what "hold fire" means, but i guess it's more of the language i'll have to learn! i know i need my togs instead of my swimsuit though! :D

Hold Fire ............Dont Shoot................Not so fast

[yvspeck]

Watch out for sharks!! The Barrier Reef is amazing! You will love it :)

:eek: Gulp SHARKS... I think maybe a SEAplane would be a nice way to see the reefs :lol:.

[essee]

:eek: Gulp SHARKS... I think maybe a SEAplane would be a nice way to see the reefs :lol:.

If you go for a day trip on one of the big boats you can snorkel, go in an underwater submarine to look at the coral and fish, and have a helicopter ride over the reef. Amazing day.

[Lauren]

If you go for a day trip on one of the big boats you can snorkel, go in an underwater submarine to look at the coral and fish, and have a helicopter ride over the reef. Amazing day.

Yes that's what I'm recommending in my travel agent persona to margie and I'm totally jealous cause I want to go too!!!

[Lauren]

Ok for the Americans - there are som VERY good airfare deals with Air NZ

http://www.airnz.com/bookings/airfares-deals/discover-new-zealand-in-may-gnz10u.htm but its for may only and the offer closes soon....

this one you get Australia for free and a really really good price for the fare to NZ

http://www.airnz.com/bookings/airfares-deals/special-offer-discount-flights-usa-to-new-zealand-snzspu.htm
this fare is even cheaper but doesnt include Australia but includes an extra stop in NZ ( this fare just came out )

[shazzt]

And remember your money is worth twice as much over here!

[yvspeck]

:yippee::yippee::yippee: Happy dance, happy dance.... Hubby did not fall over faint when I told him what I wanted for our anniversary :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:. He is seriously considering it.. Or I should say we are... This is so crazy.. We have never had a trip that was just for us. We have only traveled in North America... I might get to meet some of my favorite DSPer's face to face...A 14 hr plane ride :eek: This is so wild!..

If I come all you lappieless ladies can use my lappie cause I will be too excited to sit...:lol:

Lauren, I looked over the free Australia link... I can't find anything that tells how long you can strecth your stopover out for. I know there are sometimes limits. Did you notice any?

Gosh I have so many question roaming around in my head... Who of you can tell me all about what we might want to do while in the Gold Coast area. My altlas makes me think the GBR is like an 8 hr drive from the Gold Coast.. Wondering what kind of a drive it would be.... Well I know you all drive on the wrong side of the road and from the wrong side of the car:D:D:D so that will be a challenge but is it an easy scenic drive... Or would we be smarter to do it another way.. Input please! Lots of it.. The more ammo I have to make this seem like the right choice for us the better:D...

[Lauren]

I dont know - I think it might be more than 8 hours drive but a local might be able to help out with that one - its about 1000km I think- so a minimum of probably 12 hours

[Robyn Gough]

I dont know - I think it might be more than 8 hours drive but a local might be able to help out with that one - its about 1000km I think- so a minimum of probably 12 hours

Brisbane to Cairns is 1700km, so gold coast would be pretty similar to that. You CAN see the GBR in Mackay but it isn't near as nice as it is near Cairns.

My advice would be to take a domestic flight unless you are keen on driving that many km's. It's a LONG trip. I have driven as far as Mackay and that was bad enough.

For those of you lappieless, Dh is more than happy for me to bring his along, so you are more than welcome to use it if you need too.

There is SOOO much to see in Australia. The gold coast hinterland is beautiful, as is the sunshine coast hinterland. There are the usual touristy things at the gold coast, Sea World, Movie World, Wet n Wild, Dream World. The gold coast itself is full of duty free shops and souvenir shops. Although Pacific fair (might be Australia fair now actually) isn't bad. (tho getting a bit dated now!)

Brisbane is beautiful if you like big cities (well big for Australia anyway!). It is only 30mins drive from the Gold Coast, and has a river winding all the way through it. Southbank is beautiful and is in the heart of Brisbane. Shopping is really good in Brisbane too. The botanical gardens in Brisbane are gorgeous!

If you want to head South, Sydney is a really beautiful city too, but still a long way away, I think about 1000km from Brisbane.

If you wanted to fly inland, (wouldn't be worth driving, not much to see but desert) Ayers rock, now known as Uluru I think is an amazing site to see, right near the centre of Australia. I haven't been there yet but google it, the photos are AMAZING.

I haven't been to Melbourne but I hear it is really nice too, but even further South from Brisbane than Sydney by a fair way.

Just a few off the top of my head. Australia is so big and spread out with relatively small population so there can be lots of distance to cover.

[Robyn Gough]

:yippee::yippee::yippee: Happy dance, happy dance.... Hubby did not fall over faint when I told him what I wanted for our anniversary :yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:. He is seriously considering it.. Or I should say we are... This is so crazy.. We have never had a trip that was just for us. We have only traveled in North America... I might get to meet some of my favorite DSPer's face to face...A 14 hr plane ride :eek: This is so wild!..

If I come all you lappieless ladies can use my lappie cause I will be too excited to sit...:lol:

Lauren, I looked over the free Australia link... I can't find anything that tells how long you can strecth your stopover out for. I know there are sometimes limits. Did you notice any?

Gosh I have so many question roaming around in my head... Who of you can tell me all about what we might want to do while in the Gold Coast area. My altlas makes me think the GBR is like an 8 hr drive from the Gold Coast.. Wondering what kind of a drive it would be.... Well I know you all drive on the wrong side of the road and from the wrong side of the car:D:D:D so that will be a challenge but is it an easy scenic drive... Or would we be smarter to do it another way.. Input please! Lots of it.. The more ammo I have to make this seem like the right choice for us the better:D...

I forgot to say!! HOW EXCITING that you might be coming!!!! :-)

[Lauren]

ook Margie has BOOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- so we can definitely say the crop will be on the 9th - - now Robyn and I can work on a venue and get those details to you asap.

For the kiwis watching - we will probably do a crop on the 16th in Auckland - but I havent even LOOKED at the wheres and whens of that -- we can start doing that now we have some confirmed dates - its SOOOOO exciting!!!!!!!

[Margie]

oh my heck! (i'm going to utah tomorrow, have to speak utahese?) i don't know what a hinterland is, but sounds great! :D and i'll have to learn to think in km instead of miles... oh man! see you all soon!! :yahoo:

[bendipez]

Oh my heck!!! I just looked at airfare from San Francisco and it's in the realm of semi -possibility!!!

[Lauren]

oh my HECK!!!!!!!!!!

[Lauren]

Im making a separate thread now for the NZ crop

[PacificTonz]

Oh yeah - count me in!!!!

Thanks for the note Lauren - I'll be there with bells on - looking forward to all the details. Was only thinking today that there has GOT to be other people over this way that digi-scrap but I am sure as heck having trouble finding them.

I was so disappointed at moving just before Waiheke and couldn't justify the trip back so soon - this is awesome!!

[PacificTonz]

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is amazing - and very long, the very bottom of it near Gladstone is Lady Elliot Island and Lady Musgrave Island which are beautiful and about 8-9 hours drive to the Gold Coast but most tourists base somewhere like Cairns or Port Douglas to go to the most well known parts of reef, you'd allow about 20 hours by road to do this. While there are many great places to see on the way you'd need time - other than a gorgeous stretch between Cairns and Port Douglas very little is along the Coast itself so it is not a scenic drive. Personally unless I had at least a couple of weeks to explore I'd fly and use the extra time at either end.

If anyone is interested in a peek at the Gold Coast I did a 12km walk there last weekend, there are photos on my blog (blog link below).

If anyone needs any help with info I am happy to help, I moved here just over a year ago so still a bit of a tourist myself but it is sometimes easier to get info on the ground.

[Ineke]

DH and are celebrating our 35th this April.... We have been rolling around the idea of both OZ and NZ for a few years now...I am thinking this would make a pretty awesome anni gift to each other..and I absolutely adore the idea of being able to hit both place and do a DSP crop at both as well.... I am keeping my eye glued to this thread :D...


I sure hope you can make it Kim - it would be so exciting to meet you face to face!!:yahoo::yahoo:

[Ineke]

For those of us flying in from interstate - what are the official dates for the crop - is it Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th, or are we including Friday the 8th as well?

[Lauren]

Official date is the 9th but I'm sure many will meet up before and stay later. We could do a photo walk Friday afternoon maybe.

[essee]

Lauren, I only have a Canon Ixus point and shoot, and really don't even know much about that. Are the photo walks mainly for the better photographer with a DSR?

Also, is the crop just for the Saturday? What happens on the Sunday?

Sorry to bombard you with questions.

[Lauren]

Photowalks are just fun get together before a crop to take photos and get to know each other. Doesn't matter what your camera is!! Some might plan to get together on the Sunday, I just haven't got that far in the planning process yet. Some may be leaving early so plans are usually fairly flexible.

[webfrau]

Lauren, I only have a Canon Ixus point and shoot, and really don't even know much about that. Are the photo walks mainly for the better photographer with a DSR?

Hey, our 10yo gets better shots with the Canon Ixus than his dad does with the fancy Nikon DSLR!!:D:rofl:

[Karen]

Hmmm think I might just join you ladies :)

[Lauren]

Yay Karen! At last I get to meet you!!!

[ChrisM]

Well, I am definitely coming now, and I will probab fly up on the Friday morning.
Is it safe to book the airfare? I mean, the date wont change now??

[yvspeck]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee::yippee::yippee: I am going to Australia, I am going to New Zealand, I am getting my hugs warmed up...I am so excited I can't sit still....
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee:::

We are heading to the Dunes this morning and won't be home until Sunday but as soon as we do I am booking.. Ineke, Jenny, Jill you all 3 had better be at that OZ crop or Speckles is going to be leaking sad tears :cry:...And Pam (Donut) get your trekin shoes on cause we are going NZ site seeing...I can't wait to see both beautiful countries and see all your beautiful faces.... Can you tell I am just WAY excited!!!!!!!!!

Will play catch up when I get back on Sunday....

Desert Sized hugs all, Kim

[Lauren]

Wow Kim that is wonderful!!how exciting!!

[Donut]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee::yippee::yippee: I am going to Australia, I am going to New Zealand, I am getting my hugs warmed up...I am so excited I can't sit still....
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee:::


:yahoo::party::yahoo::party::yahoo::party:
I'M SO EXCITED!!!

WOOHOOO! I have been sulking that I can't make the Gold Coast crop :cry: but this will make up for it!! :tup:
I can't wait!!

[Erica]

Yay Karen and Kim, these are going to be two awesome crops to remember!!!

[Lauren]

They sure are - Im going to make a list of definites and maybes here from this thread - I will post the list on both this and the NZ thread so those who are doing both can easily see and change . How awesome is this going to be !!!!!!- Im sooooooooo excited. - can you tell???

[Lauren]

Well, I am definitely coming now, and I will probab fly up on the Friday morning.
Is it safe to book the airfare? I mean, the date wont change now??

Sorry I thought Id replied to this yesterday - no the date wont change now- if our original venues cant do our date we will find another one that can!!!!

[Lauren]

oh and by the way Im all booked now too - airfare is all paid for and Im just ready to come NOW - but May will come up really fast I know

[Lauren]

Lauren, I only have a Canon Ixus point and shoot, and really don't even know much about that. Are the photo walks mainly for the better photographer with a DSR?

Also, is the crop just for the Saturday? What happens on the Sunday?

Sorry to bombard you with questions.

Not sure on the Sunday yet - Im planning to try and get Margie and Allen to Currumbin at some point during the day hopefully. ( I havent been there for a year or two but when I last went I thought it was a great place for an introduction to Australian wildlife!!) . But if many of you are staying for at least Sunday morning we could try and organise something for us to do as a group and then we can all go off on our own separate ways in the afternoon.
We might have to play it a bit by ear when we see how many are there.
Im throwing poor Robyn into the deep end with the organising of this as it is!!!!!!!
Luckily Ive been to Surfers a few times now so Im a little bit familiar with it but hey its been a couple of years now so I know a LOT will have changed.

[webfrau]

Currumbin is brilliant. I'm currently scrapping my photos from there - in 2007 I might add!

[Margie]

karen! kim! so cool!!!! cant wait til may!!!!

[landofoz]

lauren,
are you flying into Brisbane? what time do you get in at?
just trying to get organized before i goto Ireland






oh and by the way Im all booked now too - airfare is all paid for and Im just ready to come NOW - but May will come up really fast I know

[Lauren]

LOL maybe we were there at the same time Julia !!!!- oh no I think Im worse - I think it was 2006 and I still havent scrapped them - well i have scrapped SOME - let me find a few ------ oooooooooooooooh myyyyyyyy goodnesssssssssss- it was 2005!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!- where does time GOOOOOOO -- well I definitely needed to come back then didnt I!!!!!!!!!- but here are a couple from Currumbin - http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52601&ppuser=13 and http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=52603&ppuser=13

Im embarrassed to admit Ive hardly scrapped the photos from that trip - although I did do an album for a trip to the sunshine coast the year before!!- what a BAD example - and I have hundreds of course too!!!!!!!!!

[Lauren]

lauren,
are you flying into Brisbane? what time do you get in at?
just trying to get organized before i goto Ireland

Yes we are - Im flying in with Margie and Allen -arriving at 10.55am on Thursday ( IM sure after well over 24 hours flying from Ohio Margie and Allen will be completely exhausted so Robyn is meeting us and driving us to Surfers. ( Thanks Robyn!!) - Me I will be ready to hit the shops - he he he!!!

[evergreen100]

:yahoo::yahoo::party::party: :yippee::yippee::yippee:
KIM!!!! I am so excited!!!! Now we just need to lean on Kay, she is caught up looking after her sick brother right now, but by May she may need to come over to Aus again to get some hugs from her Aussie vegemites...and also from lots of DSPers!!!!! Hope all the Aussie GTers can get there too:party::party:

[Lauren]

For anyone who is doing both crops who wants company Im flying back on the Monday around midday.

[littlekiwi]

Currumbin is one of my highlights of my trip there in 2007 - A few layouts of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/data/4997/koalas.jpg (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=256049&ppuser=60028)

http://www.faithsisters.com/photopost/data/6113/medium/hanging-out---kangaroos-2.jpg

http://www.faithsisters.com/photopost/data/6414/medium/play-2.jpg

[PacificTonz]

Currumbin is a great place to see Australian wildlife. If you want to feed the lorikeets (parrots), which is a lot of fun and great photo opportunity, you are best to get there for the 8am session, generally a lot more birds turn up for the morning than the afternoon feeding.

If there is a group planning to go they do discounts on groups of 10 or more.

[Lauren]

Cripes Toni - 8am!!!!!!- you know we DSP gals like to trip the light fantastic at night !!- weve had many a very very late night over margaritas in Vegas!! - we shall have to develop a new favourite drink for Australia and New Zealand!!-

[Lauren]

If there is a group planning to go they do discounts on groups of 10 or more.

Well I guess thats something we could look at closer to the time - maybe we could see who would be interested in a trip there.
I know that ONE of the venues we are looking at - and Im not spilling the beans yet - has an event PLANNED for us thats around 8am ...............
It all depends on which place can cater best to our needs and which will cope with a rabble of screaming DSPers and flat grannies

[cowboy]

Sounding good to me Lauren - can't wait!

[Lauren]

We could possibly organise currumbin for our photowalk on friday - or we could do a beach photo based photo walk friday and a visit to the park on sunday. - when we are organised with a venue all confirmed we can get down to the nitty gritty of planning.

[Robyn Gough]

:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee::yippee::yippee: I am going to Australia, I am going to New Zealand, I am getting my hugs warmed up...I am so excited I can't sit still....
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yippee:::

We are heading to the Dunes this morning and won't be home until Sunday but as soon as we do I am booking.. Ineke, Jenny, Jill you all 3 had better be at that OZ crop or Speckles is going to be leaking sad tears :cry:...And Pam (Donut) get your trekin shoes on cause we are going NZ site seeing...I can't wait to see both beautiful countries and see all your beautiful faces.... Can you tell I am just WAY excited!!!!!!!!!

Will play catch up when I get back on Sunday....

Desert Sized hugs all, Kim

Oooh how exciting that you are coming all that way Kim! I am getting rather excited myself and it is only 2.5hrs away for me! ROFL

Hmmm think I might just join you ladies :)

WAHOO Karen! That is SO cool, at last I get to meet you! ;-)

They sure are - Im going to make a list of definites and maybes here from this thread - I will post the list on both this and the NZ thread so those who are doing both can easily see and change . How awesome is this going to be !!!!!!- Im sooooooooo excited. - can you tell???

Nah, you don't seem excited at all!!! :rofl:

Yes we are - Im flying in with Margie and Allen -arriving at 10.55am on Thursday ( IM sure after well over 24 hours flying from Ohio Margie and Allen will be completely exhausted so Robyn is meeting us and driving us to Surfers. ( Thanks Robyn!!) - Me I will be ready to hit the shops - he he he!!!

I will be so ready to hit the shops right there with you! ;-) I LOVE going to the airport! LOL Any ole excuse will do! :lol:

Cripes Toni - 8am!!!!!!- you know we DSP gals like to trip the light fantastic at night !!- weve had many a very very late night over margaritas in Vegas!! - we shall have to develop a new favourite drink for Australia and New Zealand!!-

We could possibly organise currumbin for our photowalk on friday - or we could do a beach photo based photo walk friday and a visit to the park on sunday. - when we are organised with a venue all confirmed we can get down to the nitty gritty of planning.

Hmm, maybe Friday would be better for Currumbin, then we can go to the afternoon session and not have to worry about getting up early on Sunday! ROFL

[essee]

Currumbin is one of my highlights of my trip there in 2007 - A few layouts of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary



Jennifer, those LOs are gorgeous and you are a great photographer.:applause::applause::applause:

[landofoz]

Julie are you going to the Crop?

If so that means i have my own Personel Mentor !lol:yippee:




QUOTE=webfrau;597473]Currumbin is brilliant. I'm currently scrapping my photos from there - in 2007 I might add![/QUOTE]

[landofoz]

I will stick to my red wine. :rofl:

Cripes Toni - 8am!!!!!!- you know we DSP gals like to trip the light fantastic at night !!- weve had many a very very late night over margaritas in Vegas!! - we shall have to develop a new favourite drink for Australia and New Zealand!!-

[landofoz]

Me too:yahoo:



Sounding good to me Lauren - can't wait!

[webfrau]

Julie are you going to the Crop?
If so that means i have my own Personel Mentor !lol:yippee:


LOL! Only a very remote possibility at this stage. I'd love to though.

[Lauren]

I will keep working on you Julia !!!-

[Lauren]

I will stick to my red wine. :rofl:

We can wine together Maggie - Im a red wine girl too ( but I never say no to a Margarita !!)

[webfrau]

I will keep working on you Julia !!!-

GULP!:help:;)

[JanP]

Lauren, please put me down as a definate for both GC and Auckland. Don't know how I'll do it yet, but I'm coming (barring accidents of course!) :lol:
I would also love to go to Currumbin again.

[Lauren]

Yay Jan!!!!!!!!!- doing that now - how EXCITING

[Donut]

Did someone say red wine and Margaritas?! :)
If only I could time travel! We are hoping to go to Brisbane in the July school holidays and much as I would love to I can't swing it to be May instead! :(

[essee]

Lauren, could you explain to me what the ATC are and possibly show me a sample, so I could get an idea of size and what is on one please?

[Lauren]

Oh sure - and we will have an ATC swap for both crops - Here is a link to a forum where we discussed ATCs for the Adobe crop and it has some links to some I made - basically they are just a printed card to swap with others as a memento of your crop experience

[Lauren]

Ok it helps to add the url - http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32540

[Erica]

YAY my flights are booked...:yahoo::yahoo:

[JanP]

What flights are you on Erica - maybe I could book the same.

[Karen]

What are your plans Erica? I have to wait till I get home next week to book my flights, on dialup here on the Island :)
I see Lauren is flying in on the Thursday are you to?

[Erica]

these are my flight details, would be great to have a group of us together:
NZ-Aus Thurs 7th May NZ135, 9.25am, returning Mon 11th May NZ136, 12.25pm same flights as Lauren :tup:

[Lauren]

We are both on the same flight NZ 135 and returning NZ 136

[Lauren]

Hey do you think we could fill up a plane with dspers!!!!!!- well maybe not a WHOLE plane - but a bit of one anyway!!!!!

[JanP]

Did you book online? And how are you getting to GC once in Aussie?

[Lauren]

Yes booked online - Im getting a ride with Robyn -but there is a train and bus services direct to the gold coast I know - - It will be fun if there are a few of you!!!!!!

[JanP]

It looks like I will have to fly up to Auckland on Wednesday night and stay over. There isn't a flight early enough for the Brisbane flight check in. :(

[JanP]

Maybe we can get in touch with each other and work out if we want to travel together. I don't really mind - I'm a confident lone traveller - but it would be nice to have company - maybe for others too.

[Lauren]

Gold coast tourist shuttle - door to door - brisbane airport to gold coast hotel - is $37

and here is the train info - http://www.bne.com.au/content/standard_v4.asp?name=PublicTransport#50

[Lauren]

It may be cheaper to fly into the gold coast airport too - so check that out.

[Lauren]

Ooops heres a better link to the door to door connect service offered by the train - http://www.airtrain.com.au/products_airtrainconnect.php - seems like a great option

[JanP]

Thank you Lauren - that's great. I have just booked my tickets on the same flight as you and Erica - now to organise the rest. Ooooh this is soooo exciting! I haven't had a time away on my own for years - and now I get two weekends in a row!!!

[Lauren]

Yay - this is very exciting!!

[JanP]

I'm supposed to be working! But all pretence has now vanished :lol: I'll get back to it later. (Lucky I work at home, eh?)

[sammdc]

well believe it or not after all my concerns with time distance and costs I have decided I really do not want to miss this opportunity to meet you all so I just used up some of my precious frequent flyer points and booked my flights so Lauren you can add me too the definite list woohoo I am so excited and shocked cant believe I just did it.

So now i am going have to work out how to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast too hehehe and book accomodation eeeek I am so excited

[JanP]

I know the feeling Caro - when I pushed the "Book flights" button I had that sort of lurch ... but it's done now and I'm soooo excited. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

[JanP]

Lauren - that airtrainconnect link looks good - I can just imagine a bunch of us turning up in a chauffeur-driven limousine - probably just a taxi really, but you never know! :lol:

[Lauren]

YAY Caro!!!!!!!!- it will be sooooooooo good to meet you - I posted a link to the door to door train service in a post a few back - it looks like a great option - we will let you know if the venue will give us a discounted rate on accomodation as soon as we have it all confirmed.


well believe it or not after all my concerns with time distance and costs I have decided I really do not want to miss this opportunity to meet you all so I just used up some of my precious frequent flyer points and booked my flights so Lauren you can add me too the definite list woohoo I am so excited and shocked cant believe I just did it.

So now i am going have to work out how to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast too hehehe and book accomodation eeeek I am so excited

[evergreen100]

Yea Caro!!! My flight is booked :yahoo: I get in at 4pm Friday and leave 4.30pm sunday...will wait a bit before arranging accommodation, I would like to be where lots of other croppers are if it fits the budget. Look forward to meeting everyone

[Lauren]

awesome - yes wait on accommodation - we are finding out if we can get discount prices at the hotel

[Erica]

:yahoo::yahoo: Caro great to get to meet you at long last :tup:

[sammdc]

heheheh yes I am still hyperventilating hehehehe

[sammdc]

my flight gets into Brisbane 6.30am Friday morning so will need to get early check in at the hotel and flying out around 4pm sunday

[sammdc]

so now i need to reread the whole thread to see if there was any decisions about accomodation woohoo as I will want to stay where everyone else is staying too

[sammdc]

I know the feeling Caro - when I pushed the "Book flights" button I had that sort of lurch ... but it's done now and I'm soooo excited. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

Lauren - that airtrainconnect link looks good - I can just imagine a bunch of us turning up in a chauffeur-driven limousine - probably just a taxi really, but you never know! :lol:

YAY Caro!!!!!!!!- it will be sooooooooo good to meet you - I posted a link to the door to door train service in a post a few back - it looks like a great option - we will let you know if the venue will give us a discounted rate on accomodation as soon as we have it all confirmed.

Yea Caro!!! My flight is booked :yahoo: I get in at 4pm Friday and leave 4.30pm sunday...will wait a bit before arranging accommodation, I would like to be where lots of other croppers are if it fits the budget. Look forward to meeting everyone

:yahoo::yahoo: Caro great to get to meet you at long last :tup:

well I just couldnt miss the opportunity to meet all of you

[sammdc]

awesome - yes wait on accommodation - we are finding out if we can get discount prices at the hotel

ok just now saw this so will wait and see what develops with this

[ChrisM]

awesome - yes wait on accommodation - we are finding out if we can get discount prices at the hotel

What hotel is it anyway Lauren?? I want to GoogleEarth it and see exactly where we will be, especially as I am flying to Coolangatta airport and need to organize transport from there.

So glad you are coming Carolyn - is Essee coming too? Love to meet you two, cos you are from my beloved Perth :):)

[JanP]

Just booked my flights to Auckland too. Now comes the boring bit - waiting and dieting! :lol:

[essee]

What hotel is it anyway Lauren?? I want to GoogleEarth it and see exactly where we will be, especially as I am flying to Coolangatta airport and need to organize transport from there.

So glad you are coming Carolyn - is Essee coming too? Love to meet you two, cos you are from my beloved Perth :):)

Yes I am coming too. But I am about to escape Perth and return to Melbourne.:lol::lol::lol:

[PacificTonz]

Oh wow - so many coming, can't wait to see the Auckland scrappers again and meet everyone else!!!

Looking forward to the venue announcement - haven't decided whether to commute down from Brisbane or stay on the coast - will probably stay overnight so I can join in a bit of Aussie Red consumption.

[Lauren]

What hotel is it anyway Lauren?? I want to GoogleEarth it and see exactly where we will be, especially as I am flying to Coolangatta airport and need to organize transport from there.

So glad you are coming Carolyn - is Essee coming too? Love to meet you two, cos you are from my beloved Perth :):)

We are looking at a couple - and hope to have made a decision very soon....

[essee]

Yes, stay overnight. You would hate to have to leave and miss out on the "after crop" socialising.

[Lauren]

will probably stay overnight so I can join in a bit of Aussie Red consumption.

Ah - a woman after my own tastes!!

[Robyn Gough]

I'm supposed to be working! But all pretence has now vanished :lol: I'll get back to it later. (Lucky I work at home, eh?)

he he, I can so relate to that one! I am excited you are coming! ;-)

well believe it or not after all my concerns with time distance and costs I have decided I really do not want to miss this opportunity to meet you all so I just used up some of my precious frequent flyer points and booked my flights so Lauren you can add me too the definite list woohoo I am so excited and shocked cant believe I just did it.

So now i am going have to work out how to get from Brisbane to the Gold Coast too hehehe and book accomodation eeeek I am so excited

WAHOO!!! That is so exciting!! YAY! I am so glad we will all still get to meet you!

Lauren - that airtrainconnect link looks good - I can just imagine a bunch of us turning up in a chauffeur-driven limousine - probably just a taxi really, but you never know! :lol:

How cool would that be! I was envisioning a mini bus. They a lot of those around for transporting to and from airports.

heheheh yes I am still hyperventilating hehehehe

:yippee::party::yippee:

Oh wow - so many coming, can't wait to see the Auckland scrappers again and meet everyone else!!!

Looking forward to the venue announcement - haven't decided whether to commute down from Brisbane or stay on the coast - will probably stay overnight so I can join in a bit of Aussie Red consumption.

I am so glad so many NZ'ers are coming too! At least I won't feel like I am TOTALLY missing out by not going to the NZ crop! ;-) It is going to be wierd with all the different accents, Aussie's, Kiwi's and American's too! How cool! :tup:

[Karen]

I'll most likely fly out of Christchurch on the Thursday and I think that flight arrives around 5.30pm in Brisbane, I'd have to leave a day earlier to catch the Auckland flight on Thursday morning :(

[Lauren]

Well we will look forward to seeing you on friday evening Karen!- yes it is rather an early start for us on the Thursday.!!

[Karen]

No I'll be there Thursday 5.30pm, well in Brisbane then, can't miss out on a day of the fun lol

[yvspeck]

Just got home and read through the posts I missed... We are looking at leaving the US on Tuesday which gets us to OZ on Thrusday (gosh that is so weird)... I was looking at one of the package deals with airfair & hotel.... But now I will wait to see what hotel you all end up at before booking anything. We were thinking we would need to rent a car but I see you posted info on a bus and train. That get us to The Gold Coast from Brisbane? What about getting to your hotel room and the crop and Currumbin? Now that all this is sinking in I am getting a bit nervous.... Never having done this kind of travel... Big Adventure... Lots of decisions to make.. Margie you mentioned going to the Great Reef... Have you already done your homework on this one? Would you be willing to share? The Gold Coast sounds like it has an awful lot to offer but being this might be the only time we find our selves in Australia I can't see passing up the chance to see the Reef or anything that is unique to Australia. Anybody reading this who is an International travel pro please feel free to offer any advice that might make this all a bit easier for us... Be back when I am not soooo tired...

[Lauren]

Yvspeck the train has a door to door service called Airtrain connect - http://www.airtrain.com.au/products_airtrainconnect.php - which will get you to the hotel in the gold coast ( its a bout 75 minutes drive south )
Apparently there is a bus service that runs regularly to Currumbin .

[Lauren]

No I'll be there Thursday 5.30pm, well in Brisbane then, can't miss out on a day of the fun lol

Oh yeah I meant thursday evening - - My brain is a fuzz of dates and flights and hotels and you know.... - this being a travel agent thing is very foreign to me !!!!