The 2008 GTC REUNION vote results are

[debrac69]

Rhonda ~ I'm planning on driving 7 1/2 hours with a 3 year old to get to this reunion!!! You'd better find a way to make it! LOL!!

[greenasagourd]

I obstained from voting because we're not sure if we'll make it or not & either city or date would work for us. We hope to see the Thumbies in Pittsburgh! Can't confirm yet, but we are giving the trip serious thought. Tommy & I are big fans of The Burgh ... & of Pburgh & Carol too!!! Having the reunion at your houses -- how cool is that?! We're sure to be an organized group & hopefully won't get lost! LOL! Big kudos for such a generous offer.

We used to visit friends in Pittsburgh during the 80's, so it would be fun to revisit now. The friends we used to visit played in a band, so we saw a lot of nightlife, not daylight. This time, we'll be visiting gardens & new places we've never been. P'burgh, I do remember the beauty of the 3 rivers city, quite a skyline driving in, & taking a tram up the side of Mt. Washington (I think that's the correct name).

And the date, my b'day is that Saturday night! Having another Thumbie b'day could be lot of fun -- I know from experience! LOL! Will the Pirates be playing that weekend? I know a few guys who may want to go.

Danaus, when we used to make that trip to Pittsburgh from Richmond, KY, we'd visit friends in Columbus, OH too. First one city, then the other. It's an easy drive, you really should go this year.

Sounds like a great plan. I'll let you know if we are going or not as soon as I do.

[deano38]

danaus. i dont think its ,ore than about 180mi from columbus to the burgh and its I70 all the way. 3hrs max.

[herasday]

QUOTE (Bird Lover @ Feb 7 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How nice of you Debra, I just may take you up on that....but I'm seriously thinking of trying this on my own if Leo isn't up to it. And I won't insist, because he could be taking care of all the birds, cat & dog for me. I might even invest in a GPS system to guide me along the way. As we get closer to August, I'll have to make some definite plans.
Thanks, Karan for the Bus station info. Do you know anything about Trains?[/b]

I hope the GPS system doesn't have any "roundabouts" on it.

Pat, there is a train line called the Pennsylvanian that runs out of Penn Station in NYC to Pittsburg. It takes about 9 hours and currently costs $60 round trip. You should be able to get train into penn station from somewhere along one of the other lines that runs on the tracks coming down from Albany to NY so that you wouldn't have to drive into NY City.
Amtrack website is here.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServe...Amtrak/HomePage

There is no train that goes to Pittsburg from here, even though there is a station in town...I would have to go either to West to Cleveland and back track southeast to Pittsburg, OR go southeast to NYC and backtrack West to Pburg. Either way it will take longer than going to Bangaladesh what with transfers and layovers. Probably over 24 hours. .our country has a "You can't get there from here" train system.

[Pburgh]

Dee, that's crazy. It will take you about 6 1/2 hours to get to my door if you drive straight down I79.

Rhonda, you better mark that date with INK instead of pencil on that calendar. It takes me 3 1/2 hour from New Albany. I70 to I79 I'm a little north of the Burgh. You take the Wexford exit from 79.

Lauren, I was going to get some Pirate tickets for that weekend but they're on the road. We can definitely have a wonderful birthday party for you. I'll make a special cake. I really hope you can come.

deb, you'll be in great company if you ride with Pat. She's so much fun.

Running girl, I hope you can make it over. See if you can get at least 1 or 2 days off.

Hey deano, what about you?? Come on over!!!

I emailed QTBug and she's ready!!!!

Hey Petal..................... it's not that far of a drive for you either. I think you absolutely love Phipps Conservatory and the National Aviary.

I really want to take you guys on one of the riverboat tours. They only take an hour or two and cost about $12. You really get to see the 3 rivers and views of the city which are really great.

Ok, I'll get back to some planning. Can you tell I'm excited. I'll have so many excel spreadsheets on this my computer will probably crash!!! LOL

[Pburgh]

Just a few things to see around the Burgh. I'm checking on hotel accomodations for those that prefer that.


This is a Must see: Beautiful flowers and it takes about 2 hours
Phipps

This takes about 30 minutes and the view is breathtaking
Duquesne Incline, historic cable car railway serving commuters and tourists since 1877, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I would love for everyone to go on this land/boat tour - price is really reasonable
Just Ducky

Beth, this ones for you
Carnegie Online

Birdlover, this ones for you!!!!! We have a NATIONAL Aviary!!!!
Welcome to the National Aviary - The Nation's Premier Bird Park

If anyone has any questions, just PM me and I'll give you my phone number.

CAN'T WAIT

The Brownell clan - Richard, Janet, Craig and Beth.
Pburgh/Karan
Carol/Adopted Thumbie
deb/Joey and possibly John
Birdlover/Pat
Danaus/Rhonda & Tim very possible (I'll just swing over from the Burgh and get them)
GAAG/Lauren and Tommy - 85% chance (gotta talk them in to this)
Bloomin/possibly Blair YIPPEE
QTBug/sent me an email - she's commin!!!!!!
Herasday/Dee I just realized her name was not on here. Dee, you have to come!!

[deano38]

does the cog railroad still run up the hill?

[Pburgh]

deano, we have two inclines running. Check the incline site above.

[debrac69]

Do you know how far you are from Frank Lloyd Wrights Falling Water house? I would absolutely love to see it while I'm out that way.

[Bird Lover]

That National Aviary looks fantastic! All the attractions do.
I can't wait!