Here's my virtual 2 cents ( clunk, clunk!). It looks like we'd all like to have the event in our own backyards for 1) convenience sake 2) financial reasons 3) braggin' rights 4) etc. and I'm not above that. Proximity looks like it could be the deciding factor for many of us. The West is huge. I remember the first time I flew back (EAST, that is) to Texas some 1500 mile and I was welcomed by the locals to be "Out West"! I kinda side with Open Mike for those same selfish reasons. And I'd be there with Joe but navigating SF is a real pain that I avoid every chance I get. I want to see this concept take shape. There are many really great and scenic beaches and cities on CA's Northern coastline and the end of the first week in Aug. '07 is mid-Summer. Pacifica, Muir Beach, Stinson, Mendocino, Ft. Bragg or even Richardson's Grove (Redwoods) would be great. Nonetheless, let's work for a concensus to accomodate the greatest number. You might also want to remember the movable feast, hit 2,3 or even 4 locations around the West. I think visiting a couple of places consecutively would be a nice vacation and a chance to meet more Mudcatters.