| I'm back - miss me? Thought not.
Been away from the computer for 2 weeks, but now recovering. I'd like to say the interlude was spent enjoying the new babe, but instead I've been busy entertaining the stream of encamped friends and family (in-laws finally left today...).
It's like we just got through a successful Christmas, so someone decided that we needed a sequel that is twice as long.
Anyway, I'm still undecided on whether to fly or drive to a rendezvous. Flights cost twice as much as two years ago, thanks to less competition, fuel costs, more security theatre, etc.. I would prefer to drive to NH and fly back home, but somehow it doesn't work that way.
Budget: Yes, this will be more expensive than 2006. The most important factor by far is that the US$ is worth almost 20% less. Also, fuel prices are higher than at any time except briefly post-Katrina. It's just under $1/L here in Ottawa ($3.70/gal), which means about $1.10 in the Maritimes and $1.20 in Newfoundland. By my calcs (C$1 = US$0.98, 1USgal = 3.78L), that makes for about:
US$4.25 / gallon.
And that's for regular. Not quite Europe, but half-way there, in more ways than one.
A couple lurkers have thanked me for posting budgets for previous years. arcticmini.com, so I'll try to update that soon for 2008.
With all the co-pilots disappearing, participation this year appears to be hitting a new low. Fortunately, many new people have expressed interest in going in 2009, which is promising. Hopefully, they'll convert into actual trip-goers. I'd hate to see participation dwindle any further. | 
