Pools look warm at grande ocean! plenty of open chairs!

[TUGBrian]

They posted this pic to their facebook page today!

 

[jmhpsu93]

You know @jme and @Dean are down there chair-hogging at MGO as usual!

 

[GrayFal]

Nevermind

 

[Dean]

You know @jme and @Dean are down there chair-hogging at MGO as usual!

Not me, I'm not a pool or beach person but this summer our group of about 80 will be taking over the North pool but in a nice way.

 

[jme]

You know @jme and @Dean are down there chair-hogging at MGO as usual!

Dean has a huge family, and I just have a LOT of friends.....

(BTW, within the last 2 weeks my wife and I have dined on separate occasions at HH with TUG gurus BocaBoy and dioxide45 and their wives
.......great moments indeed!!!)

 

[Dean]

Dean has a huge family, and I just have a LOT of friends.....

(BTW, within the last 2 weeks my wife and I have dined on separate occasions at HH with TUG gurus BocaBoy and dioxide45 and their wives
.......great moments indeed!!!)

We're both blessed.

 

[jme]

We're both blessed.

Amen!!!!! And Dean, as I've told you many times before, I truly consider you one of my heroes...
What you do for your family regarding the annual extended family get-together, and the sacrifices you incur
in order to make it happen, are nothing short of amazing.
It's one of the most heart-felt and magnanimous gestures I've ever heard of. And you do it with a smile on your face,
and I'll bet that YOU come away with more inner joy and that sense of blessing than any of your family members.
That's what real "givers" feel, and the very first time I heard of it, I knew you were that special kind of person.

 

[pedro47]

Is that snow on the ground.

 

[TUGBrian]

Is that snow on the ground.

yes it is!

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

I live in the area.....I shoveled for the first time since November 2020 (Maine)

I then offered my Grain-type-shovel to my neighbor....he was using a spade............

 

[dioxide45]

They posted this pic to their facebook page today!

View attachment 104982

We were there early last week and while not as cold as it is now, it was still rather cold. There were two ladies floating around in the lazy river. I am sure it was lovely while in the water, getting out and back to the room, maybe not.

 

[Dean]

Amen!!!!! And Dean, as I've told you many times before, I truly consider you one of my heroes...
What you do for your family regarding the annual extended family get-together, and the sacrifices you incur
in order to make it happen, are nothing short of amazing.
It's one of the most heart-felt and magnanimous gestures I've ever heard of. And you do it with a smile on your face,
and I'll bet that YOU come away with more inner joy and that sense of blessing than any of your family members.
That's what real "givers" feel, and the very first time I heard of it, I knew you were that special kind of person.

Thanks for those kind words but you're right, I think I get even more joy out of it than the rest of the group. I get to see family I'd never see and meet family I might never meet and my kids/grandkids get to do the same. And I'm blessed that I'm in a position to do it, most people couldn't if they wanted to. I do make it a priority and I forego other travel and spend both the time and $$$ on this as neither are endless. But we're also blessed that we have family that we can do this type of trip and it not be stressful. Many people can't get a small group together without drama but we've only had one issue and that person is no longer invited as the drama stemmed from an addiction that we thought was under control. And we must be doing something right as we basically almost no one who opted out and basically all go year after year and the couple that have not been able to go had a very valid reason and returned the next year. I can't tell you how stressful this would be if I was trying to organize such a trip and coordinate when everyone wanted to go then having to hound them for payment. Now I just say "Here's where and when we're going, let me know if you can or can't make it".

We do MGO almost every year, there have only been 3 exceptions (1 OP & 2 Gatlinburg). I can't say enough good things about the staff at MGO. Even when there is turnover and I'm dealing with someone new, they always seem to do a great job. We've had no issues though the specifics of the process has varied a little some years over others. There too though I try really hard to make limited and reasonable requests and to make it as easy as possible for them to do their job. And when things aren't perfect, I don't add stress to their life. For example, one year a couple of units were going to be separated. I always knew this was a risk and actually was surprised it hadn't happened previously. They let me know this was what was happening which was helpful and I appreciated. Then within about a week out they let me know things had changed and all would be in the same building. I don't know if things changed or they just put the extra effort to move things around and it didn't matter, I felt they were doing their best either way. And to be honest, I find similar examples of helpful staff consistently across the resorts. The one exceptions I can think of was at Ko Olina and even then I came away with a positive experience and a good impression of the management there are the time.

 

[pedro47]

I live in the area.....I shoveled for the first time since November 2020 (Maine)

I then offered my Grain-type-shovel to my neighbor....he was using a spade............

LOL, do they sell snow shovel on The Island? Sound like your neighbor need to go by the local hardware store or order a snow shovel from Amazon.

I used my snow shovel to pick up grass cuttings and other garden chores around the house.

 

[jbman]

Thanks for those kind words but you're right, I think I get even more joy out of it than the rest of the group. I get to see family I'd never see and meet family I might never meet and my kids/grandkids get to do the same. And I'm blessed that I'm in a position to do it, most people couldn't if they wanted to. I do make it a priority and I forego other travel and spend both the time and $$$ on this as neither are endless. But we're also blessed that we have family that we can do this type of trip and it not be stressful. Many people can't get a small group together without drama but we've only had one issue and that person is no longer invited as the drama stemmed from an addiction that we thought was under control. And we must be doing something right as we basically almost no one who opted out and basically all go year after year and the couple that have not been able to go had a very valid reason and returned the next year. I can't tell you how stressful this would be if I was trying to organize such a trip and coordinate when everyone wanted to go then having to hound them for payment. Now I just say "Here's where and when we're going, let me know if you can or can't make it".

We do MGO almost every year, there have only been 3 exceptions (1 OP & 2 Gatlinburg). I can't say enough good things about the staff at MGO. Even when there is turnover and I'm dealing with someone new, they always seem to do a great job. We've had no issues though the specifics of the process has varied a little some years over others. There too though I try really hard to make limited and reasonable requests and to make it as easy as possible for them to do their job. And when things aren't perfect, I don't add stress to their life. For example, one year a couple of units were going to be separated. I always knew this was a risk and actually was surprised it hadn't happened previously. They let me know this was what was happening which was helpful and I appreciated. Then within about a week out they let me know things had changed and all would be in the same building. I don't know if things changed or they just put the extra effort to move things around and it didn't matter, I felt they were doing their best either way. And to be honest, I find similar examples of helpful staff consistently across the resorts. The one exceptions I can think of was at Ko Olina and even then I came away with a positive experience and a good impression of the management there are the time.

Can I ask how you handle meals and activities for that large of a group? Everyone just make their own arrangements? Take over multiple BBQs in the evening? Try and make dinner reservations for 80?

 

[Dean]

Can I ask how you handle meals and activities for that large of a group? Everyone just make their own arrangements? Take over multiple BBQs in the evening? Try and make dinner reservations for 80?

Sure, I'm happy to share. I go into this with the idea of keeping it simple and not over planning other people's vacations. I have some basic rules which I let everyone know about. Basically don't bring drama and don't leave charges on the room. Then we have a family meal and a group photo. After that you're on your own and can hang out with whom you please. We have 2 sides of the family, mine and Kim's and each has their own interests and personalities. There are beach people, pool people, balcony people and explorers as well as a group of shoppers. Until Covid we did a meal out and I put a fair amount of effort in finding something that worked well and wasn't overly expensive as I want to be considerate of others budgets as well as their personal space and vacation time. That meant generally something with a lunch menu or an early bird that wasn't dramatic otherwise. Starting with Covid we've done meals in and 2 meals, one for each side of our family with a core group for both family meals. We've kept this format because it's worked much better especially with the group size increasing the last few years. I ask for volunteers to spear head them and fortunately we have plenty of people willing to pitch in. All I do is show up and mingle and interact with the resort where necessary.. Everyone loves it and I think the eating in has been much better than eating out anyway. There will be smaller group meals along for breakfast, grilling, dinner, etc. They are usually loosely within family units with a lot of variability. Then the last couple of days we're trying to whittle down the leftovers. I can honestly say that the only trip Kim and I have done that ever rivals our enjoyment for our family trip was our AK cruise/tour and we both feel that way. I'll say again how blessed Kim and I both are to have such an amazing and easy going family that allows this to work and be this much fun. Thanks for asking.

 

[jme]

Sure, I'm happy to share. I go into this with the idea of keeping it simple and not over planning other people's vacations. I have some basic rules which I let everyone know about. Basically don't bring drama and don't leave charges on the room. Then we have a family meal and a group photo. After that you're on your own and can hang out with whom you please. We have 2 sides of the family, mine and Kim's and each has their own interests and personalities. There are beach people, pool people, balcony people and explorers as well as a group of shoppers. Until Covid we did a meal out and I put a fair amount of effort in finding something that worked well and wasn't overly expensive as I want to be considerate of others budgets as well as their personal space and vacation time. That meant generally something with a lunch menu or an early bird that wasn't dramatic otherwise. Starting with Covid we've done meals in and 2 meals, one for each side of our family with a core group for both family meals. We've kept this format because it's worked much better especially with the group size increasing the last few years. I ask for volunteers to spear head them and fortunately we have plenty of people willing to pitch in. All I do is show up and mingle and interact with the resort where necessary.. Everyone loves it and I think the eating in has been much better than eating out anyway. There will be smaller group meals along for breakfast, grilling, dinner, etc. They are usually loosely within family units with a lot of variability. Then the last couple of days we're trying to whittle down the leftovers. I can honestly say that the only trip Kim and I have done that ever rivals our enjoyment for our family trip was our AK cruise/tour and we both feel that way. I'll say again how blessed Kim and I both are to have such an amazing and easy going family that allows this to work and be this much fun. Thanks for asking.

Dean, I've done some research and I think we're related.

 

[Superchief]

I'm at Surf Watch and the pool area looks about the same. Everything around here was pretty much shut down today because there is a thick layer of ice with snow on top. There were kids swimming in the outdoor pool a few minutes ago even though it is 26 degrees and the pool patio is covered with ice. I can't believe any parents would actually let their children swim in these conditions, but they've been out there several nights this week until after 10pm. I'd still rather be here than in Cincinnati where we had 13 in of snow several weeks ago and it is still on the ground (9 below 0 this morning there). At least it should melt here in a couple of days.

 

[amycurl]

So, I was at Surfwatch the week after New Year’s and I’m kinda bummed about missing out on meeting @jme and @dioxide45. But we were also the crazy people who used the outdoor hot tub twice, lol.

My daughter, who is a snow sprite, is also kinda miffed, though: she came south for winter break, just a day or two before NYC had their first real snow of the winter. Then, we head to HHI, missing not one, but TWO, snow events here in NC (she saw some flurries from the first as she was packing up her car to come meet us on HHI—we had headed down earlier in the day, before the snow began.) And now, just days after getting back from HHI, they get inches of snow while we got a pretty little dusting. (We were just on the NW edge of the snow line.) No, she is actually MAD about it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jme]

So, I was at Surfwatch the week after New Year’s and I’m kinda bummed about missing out on meeting @jme and @dioxide45. But we were also the crazy people who used the outdoor hot tub twice, lol.

My daughter, who is a snow sprite, is also kinda miffed, though: she came south for winter break, just a day or two before NYC had their first real snow of the winter. Then, we head to HHI, missing not one, but TWO, snow events here in NC (she saw some flurries from the first as she was packing up her car to come meet us on HHI—we had headed down earlier in the day, before the snow began.) And now, just days after getting back from HHI, they get inches of snow while we got a pretty little dusting. (We were just on the NW edge of the snow line.) No, she is actually MAD about it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

@amycurl: A hearty and gracious Thank You for the kind remark......The fact is, I'm so sorry to have missed meeting YOU!
I'll concur that your missing meeting dioxide45 and his lovely wife Melissia is the real bummer, as they are both so wonderful,
and we had a most enjoyable brunch together.....talked forever. Jeremy is simply awesome--the kind of guy you feel like you've known all your life.....
We laughed and ate, then laughed and ate even more. Great time together, and we vowed to do it again.

Not seeing you, however was definitely our loss. But who knew?
I'll be back for TWO weeks in February, though, if you want to book another trip to HH, LOL.

Hope you enjoyed Surfwatch, but I'm sure you did...it's a super-nice resort, and the units are superb.
It's a fact that there is no so-called "off season" at Hilton Head anymore----I'm convinced of it after visiting the island for over 50 years now.
It's as crowded as any other time, or at least it feels that way.
Restaurants are packed, resorts are full or close to being full (95% occupancy or more), and traffic is insane.

And best thing is, people love the island in Jan/Feb just as much as any other time----my wife and I have come to love it even MORE than our actual ownership
weeks in summer, and we own 6 summer weeks at MGO! We get to HH by hook or crook in winter, and have every bit as much fun as any other time.
The REAL TRUTH is that we have become extremely close to about 23 other "Snow Bird" couples who come down each year for 15 years now,
and we all have an absolute blast. Big group dinners, shared card games or whatever, etc, and other activities, and simply getting together ----
One couple from Massachusetts invites us over and makes me Manhattans on one evening, and we talk and visit for at least 3 hours. Dear friends now.
Wanna have some fun? Here's the challenge----Come down and break into our group......
Folks come from every Northern state you can name....NJ, NY, MA, CT, IA, MD, PA and on and on....
Some stay from Dec to March........wow.......I can't do that because I still work full time, but I do come on lots of weekends...wife stays weeks at a time,
sometimes with her best girlfriend, and then I arrive....lol. But those times are priceless.

The seasons during which we visit are simply different, but all are just as great.
Can't say that about every destination, but it's still our little secret........Shhhhhhh.

 

[b2bailey]

Amen!!!!! And Dean, as I've told you many times before, I truly consider you one of my heroes...
What you do for your family regarding the annual extended family get-together, and the sacrifices you incur
in order to make it happen, are nothing short of amazing.
It's one of the most heart-felt and magnanimous gestures I've ever heard of. And you do it with a smile on your face,
and I'll bet that YOU come away with more inner joy and that sense of blessing than any of your family members.
That's what real "givers" feel, and the very first time I heard of it, I knew you were that special kind of person.

You really are a part of a group of 80? How?

 

[TUGBrian]

i struggle to plan a trip with just 2 or 3 other families so our kids can play....i cant even imagine 80! wow!

 

[pedro47]

i struggle to plan a trip with just 2 or 3 other families so our kids can play....i cant even imagine 80! wow!

TugBrian, wait until you have to plan a trip for your sister-in-law. Who is a picky eater..LOL.

 

[Dean]

i struggle to plan a trip with just 2 or 3 other families so our kids can play....i cant even imagine 80! wow!

If I had to coordinate schedules and wait on others to commit, I would as well. That's the beauty of our family trip and what timesharing has allowed me to do. Timesharing doesn't save me money but it allows me choices. I schedule it and invite people till I fill it up starting from closer to further family plus a couple of family friends and in laws. Now at this point everyone knows when and where a year out so there is some familiarity. I generally tell them the dates for the next year on this years trip. So I don't have to wait on anyone. We must be doing it reasonably since we haven't had anyone who doesn't want to go. If I'm able to invite them and they can go, they all do unless they have some reason they truly can't. That speaks louder than any kind words in my book. And I put a lot of effort into avoiding subliminal messages and being considerate of others situation including finances. That way I don't put someone in a position that backs them into a corner. We have an eclectic group with a range of means and options. There are those who even taking the time off is a struggle but most would probably be considered lower middle income.

TugBrian, wait until you have to plan a trip for your sister-in-law. Who is a picky eater..LOL.

That's why I'm so blessed, there's not a single person in any group that is invited that I think OH NO or that I feel anyone needs to be walking on egg shells. The one person I had to disinvited caused drama which is one of my rules I tell them about. Well I call blue lights and security drama but YMMV.

 

[Quilter]

We've been on the island the first week of January when an ice storm was approaching. The baby pool froze over. We cut our stay short so we could stay ahead of the front as we went north.

We're going to be at GO in 2 weeks. Not expecting to get in the outdoor pools but definitely not expecting snow . Our daughter lives just south of SAV and they sent pictures of pulling the kids around in the snow on boogie boards.

 

[jbman]

If I had to coordinate schedules and wait on others to commit, I would as well. That's the beauty of our family trip and what timesharing has allowed me to do. Timesharing doesn't save me money but it allows me choices. I schedule it and invite people till I fill it up starting from closer to further family plus a couple of family friends and in laws. Now at this point everyone knows when and where a year out so there is some familiarity. I generally tell them the dates for the next year on this years trip. So I don't have to wait on anyone. We must be doing it reasonably since we haven't had anyone who doesn't want to go. If I'm able to invite them and they can go, they all do unless they have some reason they truly can't. That speaks louder than any kind words in my book. And I put a lot of effort into avoiding subliminal messages and being considerate of others situation including finances. That way I don't put someone in a position that backs them into a corner. We have an eclectic group with a range of means and options. There are those who even taking the time off is a struggle but most would probably be considered lower middle income.

That's why I'm so blessed, there's not a single person in any group that is invited that I think OH NO or that I feel anyone needs to be walking on egg shells. The one person I had to disinvited caused drama which is one of my rules I tell them about. Well I call blue lights and security drama but YMMV.

This is fascinating, pulling something like that off one time would be impressive and generous, every year is mind boggling!!!!!

It's really great that your focus is on including everyone and prioritizing that they all are able to come and enjoy regardless of budget. I guess that most people would think, well they are getting free accommodations, the least they can do is x, y, or z. Using timeshares with full kitchens must help here as even free accommodations at a hotel can expensive for people when you need to eat out every meal. Also choosing HHI, and Grande Ocean in particular, while I've never been myself (at least until October) it seems like the island and resort itself is more than enough to keep anyone entertained all week that doesn't want to spend money on additional excursions, other than perhaps the cost of a bicycle rental. Is everyone in your group within driving distance or do people fly in for it as well?

Whenever there have been attempts at family trips in the past, I've found that people focus on trying to make it the best trip possible with the idea that they are trying to make it special, of course everyone has different budgets and different priorities, and then everything just ends up falling apart.

I do wonder, did you just keep buying more weeks and inviting more people, or did people start hearing out about the trip and indicate they would like to be included and then you bought more weeks to accommodate?