Ray, Let me say thanks for myself and the other members for all of the effort that you have put into organizing the 2009 Conference. Most people do not realize all of the time and effort without pay that goes into making a conference happen and run smoothly. The next conference planning starts before the last is over. I would suspect that the Nuytco sub dives and a visit to Phil’s facilities is the main reason most of us are trekking all of the way out to Vancouver. Hopefully you will be able to firm these aspects of the conference up shortly. Hear you on the expenses involved with attending a PSUB conference…I wish that it cost me only $1,600 each year to participate in the Conferences. Can’t place a value though on having high quality speakers that are knowledgeable on some aspect of PSUBs, exchanging ideas with other members, and getting to crawl around a variety of sub hulls. R/Jay Resepectfully, Jay K. Jeffries Andros Is., Bahamas Save the whales, collect the whole set. -----Original Message----- Hi Jay, The convention organizer, me, doesn't yet know where the diving or conference room is going to be. Even the visit to Phil's place isn't nailed down to his shop or his museum. Though fortunately those two are just half an alley away. Dave Walls and I had planned to go up on Friday, 21 August 2009 to meet with Phil to finalize details. We are still going up. Well since the group wants The Inn at False Creek. That is where we will stay. We will drive to where ever the other events occur. I will drive up from Oregon for the convention and can carry 4 in my car. I can split a room. Last year's convention cost me $1,600. I have to economize this year. Regards, Ray |