Puerto Rico Party Weekend - Time to make it happen

Hey all,

For those did not get the update. It looks like full speed ahead for Rincon(West Coast) Puerto Rico. It seems to have everything we want within a short distance, SCUBA/SNORKEL beaches , rainforest mountains, golf, restaurants, if you're interested casinos are only a few minutes away. There are a few interesting historical points as well. The west coast is the more remote area of the island as compared with the touristy northeast, also boasts the most surfable waves in the caribbean. The Island is only 4 hours long from coast to coast in a car ride, so if you want to take a day trip it should not be a problem.

Right now here's the list of those interested:

Definites:

Ben Bennett
Sarah Spendlove
John Smart
Dave Burton
Rachel Morrissey

Almost in's:

Marni Myers
Jeremy Freeman

Still thinking:
Ann Steele
Brian Merrell

Accomodations:
We've been planning for 6 based on the response from folks, but I told most of the places (rental houses) that we have 6 for sure, and possibly 8. I've sent you some examples of housing we're looking at reserving. I want to reserve one very soon, so we can book accomodations. We are looking at moderate accomodations probably between $100-$145/ per person for the full 4 days. This means that most likely at least a couple of people will be sharing a queen sized bed, and others will have full or twin size beds. If you do decide you want to come, later, most of the places allow extra people on a futon/pullout, for a minimal fee...($20 per night or something, but we'd add that to the total and divy it up for everyone given there is room.)
See the website for the unit I think is our best option right now: www.elmiradorpr.com
(I'm still shopping)

Transportation: Most of the cheap and nonstop flights are to San Juan (SJU) even though BQN and MAZ are closer to our chosen area. We figure we can get a flight from D.C. to SJU for about $350-550 given holiday weekend. The Nonstop is 3 1/2 hours.... a one stop trip takes about 4- 8 hours with delays.

The dates I'm getting the house for are the 24th-28th, becuase that's when most people can go. Sarah and I may stay an extra day. But given that if you don't get a nonstop flight and you may have to drive 2 hours from the airport thursday 24th and Monday the 28th may prove to be complete travel days.

We have really not planned the coordination plane tickets yet but if you can take off thursday we might see if there is a late night on wed or red eye....

Cars: We planned to rent two intermediate size cars, it ends up costing about $150 per person for the week (for 6)

Activities are up to you. There is plenty to do, and I hope to get a house very near the beach (within walking distance) Sarah and I will be going on SCUBA trips at least 2 or 3 days in the mornings then hoping to spend afternoons with everyone. You're welcome to come SCUBA if you get certified, you still have time! Take a weekend course at a shop in the area, or take the course here and pass the certification test there!

Horseback, snorkeling, golf are all in the area, nightlife and casinos are nearby if you'r into that. Rinco has the best surfable waves in the caribbean too. I'm looking into a backwoods caving/mountatin trip. http://welcome.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml

Estimated costs of the basics: (I over estimate for good measure)
Plane: $ 500-600
Rental Car: $150
Housing Rental: $100-$145 per person for 4 nights (If you'd like more luxury let me know; it might cost a little more, if everyone's willing)

Total Estimated Basic Costs
$700-850

Outstanding Costs:
Meals: (TBD) Expect some groups meals at the house and some restaurant meals (restaurants prices are comparable to the U.S.
Activities: It's up to you!

Total Estimate Costs

$1000-$1200+

Please, "Reply to All" or post on the blog with your intentions, preferences, activities you think you'll be involved in and available travel dates.

All of you should also be on the blog at http://somewherebesidesduck.blogspot.com - if you're having trouble logging in go back to the email invitation to join the blog sent from blogspot and follow the instructions, you were all invited as authors, so you must accept the invitation to see the private blog.