I am glad I postponed the prior one as it was a cold and miserable day, even though the predicted rain did not materialize until later in the day.
So now we will try for Saturday, May 13, starting at 10 am and lasting at least til 11; longer if there is interest. Location: Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island.
I will arrive early and claim a picnic table in the open grassy area overlooking the lake for the books and maps. The park is just off I-90 and a short walk from the Mercer Island Park and Ride if you want to take public transport (Sound Transit bus 550 from either Seattle or Bellevue). Or be bold and come by kayak or SUP from Chism Beach Park in Bellevue. Or swim like our Labrador tried to do.
Drivers park in the North parking lot if you can (there should be space at that time). If not, there is the South parking lot and you can enjoy the walk through the park. Here is a map:
And more information about the park facilities:
https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/luther-burbank-park
Dogs are welcome, and can enjoy the very nice nearby off-leash area before or after the meetup. The fenced area includes water access for dogs who like to swim, and there is usually a friendly group there. Leashes are required when not actually in the fenced area.
Or bring your kids or grandkids and enjoy the nice playground or tennis/pickleball courts.
There is no need to bring anything to actually exchange if you don’t have anything; just come and browse what is offered and take what you like. I will have lots of books, travelogues, and maps (road maps, hiking maps, and a few city maps), mostly for Italy and Switzerland, but other countries as well. The areas covered by the maps and hiking guides include Tuscany and Puglia in Italy, Val Verzasca and the Berner Oberland in Switzerland, the Zugspitze region in Germany, and the Calanques in France.
All I ask is that if you bring something and no one claims it, you take it home; please don’t leave it for me to deal with. I am trying to downsize my collection!
I know there are lots of forum members in this area, and I am hoping for a good turnout. I have tried organizing RS travel group meetups in the past, and so few people came I was discouraged and gave up. But this is different—-no need to sit around and talk about subjects that may or may not interest you. And no name tags. Just show up, say hello, browse the offerings on the table, take what might be of interest, and depart if you like. But I will be ready for conversation or travel questions if you like, and I hope others will be as well.