We're back! Even though we were fairly successful holding outdoor meetings last year, we were pretty uncomfortable in November, which was also about the same time Covid cases skyrocketed here. So we called a halt. But the weather is warming up, and Covid seems to be diminishing, so, we're ready to try again. It's been too long since we've talked travel, and way too long since we've seen some of our friends.
We're still planning on meeting outside, though, at least for now. Our next meeting will be Saturday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m., at LaFortune park. If you feel comfortable coming, we'd love to see you. If you are not comfortable coming, then stay home and we'll try again in May. We totally understand. We're hopeful about the weather, but this is Oklahoma, after all. We're supposed to be in the 80s next week, but we're also being warned it's too early to plant our tomatoes.
LaFortune is a big park, so to find us, head for 51st Street, which borders the north side of the park. Enter the park through the Garden Entrance, off 51st Street between Yale and Sheridan. The entrance is just a little east of Tandy YMCA, and directly across the street from a strip mall with a big sign saying "5525 S. Park Place." Head into the park on the Garden Road; it meanders a bit. Just about the time the road turns east, you'll spy a shelter. If you continue around the curve into the parking lot, you'll see a picnic table just to the west.
We will be at either the shelter or the picnic table - probably the shelter. The shelter does not have any tables or benches, so bring lawn chairs or folding chairs, and anything you want to eat or drink. The table has (obviously) a table and benches, but no shelter. Since we'll all have our folding chairs anyway, we won't have any trouble social distancing. Last fall there was a run going on at the park, and our favored places were taken. We found some benches (but no tables) east of the parking lot, overlooking a pond. So if you don't see us, look around.
And wear your mask, please. They're still mandated in Tulsa, and even though we're meeting outside, we choose to be as safe as possible.
So let's get together and talk travel. Old trips, cancelled trips, future trips - let's take a break from all the bad news, virus topics, and politics, and share our travel dreams and stories. If you're still hoping to travel in 2021, come share your plans. Maybe you've read some travel books or blogs lately? Or watched our favorite travel guy's videos? Let's talk about them.
But as always, all travel topics are open for discussion, and all comers are welcome. It's an open forum - come join in the fun.
If you love to travel, or would like to travel, or are curious about travel, come join us. Anyone is welcome; you don't have to have been on a Rick Steves tour, or any tour at all. You'll recognize us by the RS books on the table, and the big smiles on our faces.