Well, It's Official: Gibbsy is Out

According to T-Clog, we all got an email last night (which I haven't yet seen). Gibbs is apparently giving official word that he's out for next summer, while being a bit characteristically cryptic in his reasons.

To his credit, it sounds as though he doesn't want this to drag on like last year, for which he may feel a little guilt. Against his credit, from my standpoint anyway, is that it appears clear that this trip has simply not been even close to the priority for him that it has been for us. I just don't understand it. When I consider various things such as my age (35 with arguably fewer "prime of my life" days in front of me than behind me), and the geographic distribution of my friends (getting together once or twice a year takes some finagling; a trip like this can only happen every five years or so, tops), it can't help but to rise to the very top echelon of my dreams for this coming year. But the man has spoken.

It seems kind of crazy, considering it was his participation in a college class & getting this Escalante adventure book from it that initially spurred on this interest. But getting this word early on in the game can hopefully free us up, from a planning and logistical standpoint (e.g. less schedules to consider, earlier & better idea of rental/gas costs we're likely to incur, and easier & better understanding of our various responsibilities).

Moving on...

Cory: expedition planner (where we go, where we camp, timing of it all, considerations such as temp, rain, flooding, wilde beastes)
Dan: logistics of getting there (timing, vehicle rental), coordination of gear
PMix: getting self to Midwest, meal planning (though Dan secures foodstuffs)