Saturday, September 4, 2010

Facebook talking with Trip Hopping

Trip Hopping is now working with Facebook, here's how you can take advantage:

Login to Trip Hopping with your Facebook account, no Trip Hopping account needed.

See your Facebook friends on the map (along with your Trip Hopping and Couchsurfing friends).

Share your rides in your newsfeed.

Simple as that, we'll be working on more too, hope you enjoy!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Passing the bump in the road

About a month ago we missed a payment and a miscommunication cost us dearly when our hosting company deleted all of our data. Things have looked dire, the site was down and there were few answers. I've since managed to restore as much of the data as possible and get the site back online.

All data (meaning members, ride and locations posted) has been restored to December 11, 2009, but everything past that date is mostly gone. That means if you became a member after that, you'll have to join again. For the majority of people, this is just a five minute fix, but still, I apologize for the lameness of all this.

The site may be a bit buggy for a bit while I get it adjusted to the new server and sort out any issues that may arise, but I really wanted to get it back online, so it's up! Moving forward, I won't let this sort of thing happen again. I put my trust in the wrong places, lost focus on the core goodness of the idea and failed to get basic things done such as more frequent backups.

I'm in talks now with more talented folks that are eager to be a part of this site and I'm always open to anyone else who'd like to be a part of it. Good times.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Tent Surf 2010 was Awesome

For those of you who made it out to Rocky Point, you already know how great a trip it was. For those who couldn't make it, go ahead and check out TentSurf.com to see what we got up to, there's a lot of pictures posted!

We relaxed on the beach, we partied on the beach, we partied on a boat, we jumped off a boat, plenty of bars, plenty of music, plenty of good times. Tent Surf 2011 is already in the works, go ahead and sign up now on the Facebook event page, you won't want to miss it - same place, same time of year, but even more people and events going on.

There's plenty more events and festivals coming up this summer too, I'm personally looking forward to the North American Hitch Gathering in Boulder, Colorado this August. If you didn't know, Trip Hopping isn't just about finding rideshares, but also connecting with hitchhiking partners, the preferred arrival method for the Hitch Gathering. Hope to see some of you there, bring on the summer!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tent Surf 2010

Tent Surf is back! Last year Trip Hopping helped people all over North America car pool and find hitchhiking partners to get there way to Colorado where all the action was. This year we've gotten more involved, heading down to Rocky Point to scope out the area, and we'll also be heading the caravan from Arizona down to the campsite.
Don't know what Tent Surf is all about? 

Get ready to Camp with CSers and THers! This is going to be a four-day three-night camping extravaganza on the beach in Mexico. Wake up every morning to shake off the sand, walk over and jump into the 75 degree water of the Sea of Cortez. Rent a jet ski and explore the beaches of Mirador, Sandy and Cholla bay. Explore the Fish Market or many of the late night activities that are planned. Let’s celebrate not only each other’s company but also International CS day.

Travelers arriving in Phoenix, TripHopping.com will be guiding our caravan down into Mexico starting at 8am on the 10th Camping will begin when we arrive and will end at sunset on June 13th. Maps will be provided.
Here are just some of the activities you can expect at CS Camp.

- Bonfire
- Live DJ’s and Artists on stage
- Dancing
- JetSkiing
- Hiking
- Pillow Fight (Dayna B.)
- Camp Pot Luck
- Body Painting
- Fire Spinning
- Drum Circles
- Sky Diving
- Ultra Light Rides
- Charity event

Registration:
This year there will not be a registration process. We will have a table set up to get a wrist band that will be used throughout the weekend for out of camp activities.

Location:
The location of the camp will be on Sandy Beach just east of The Reef bar and restaurant. Please see map here:

http://www.thereefrvpark.com/location.jpg

We will have an organizer directing traffic and lining up tent rows as people arrive.

Elevation:
The best kind of elevation is Sea level

Terrain:
Terrain in the camp will be sandy. The spots closest to the entrance are harder and more suitable for 2 wheel vehicles. Other areas that are available for camping will require 4 wheel vehicles.

Weather:
June on the beach of Rocky Point is sunny and a stable mid 80° F/30°C during the day. Night time temperature can dip into the high 60° F/20°C. The Sea of Cortez water temperature is steady during this time of year at 75°F/23°C day or night!

Lodging:
You have options when it comes to lodging at the camp out! Of course you can bring your tent or RV (RV hookups available on the west side of the restaurant)That is what camping is all about. If you’re not into sleeping on the sand you can also rent one of the many condo’s that are in the area or stay at a local hotel in Puerto Penasco about 4 miles from Sandy Beach. Please contact any of the local resorts for pricing.

http://www.sandybeachresorts.net/

Getting There:
Travelers participating please understand the closest airports to Puerto Penasco is Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and Tucson International (TUS). There is an operational international airport about 15 minutes away from Puerto Penasco that does not provide international service at this time. (PPE) Please arrive to Phoenix or Tucson on the 9th if possible to secure a ride-share to Mexico on the 10th. Please make your arrangements prior to your arrival.
We have partnered with www.triphopping.com Want to see all the options available to get to the camp, and partner with others that will be attending the camp out go to: www.triphopping.comPlanes Trains Hitchhiking and rideshares will be available on Trip Hopping. Also be sure to check the event page for other campers offering rides.

Fees:
Organizers will not be collecting any fees to cover this event. There will be charges for using local businesses and services. There is a fee to enter the campgrounds. This generally runs $5 - $10 per vehicle for the whole weekend and is collected by the guard. We will hold a raffle and an auction to cover some operating cost however these activities are completely voluntary.

What to Bring:
BRING YOUR PASSPORT or PASSPORT ID
I have made it back to the US using only my AZ ID however the wait and hassle of doing so will delay getting back into Arizona for everyone. Passport ID’s are cheaper and can be obtained in one day (Show this event information to the clerk with your application). More info here:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Pets are OK on a leash!
Please Bring your off road vehicle, ATV Boat or Jetski, we love rides!

Camping is fun and exciting but it doesn’t have to be a chore. This will be a self-sustainable camping experience. What this means is bring your own supplies. The standards are Tent, Sleeping bag or blankets (remember it will be cold at night) Propane Camp Stove, Flashlight or Lantern, Food and Water to last the amount of time you will stay and proper clothing. Extras would be Hibachi, portable shower, playing cards or games, fishing gear, radio, hammock…etc. Clean toilets and showers will be available to all at a small cost. Facilities and convenient store is managed by The Reef Bar and Restaurant. Most camping supplies can be purchased from Wal-Mart, Target or your local sporting goods store. There are local shops and markets not far from the campground if you will need additional supplies.

What NOT to bring:
Just like any good run campsite there are items that will not be allowed at the event. No Glass Bottles, NO DRUGS, No Weapons of any kind, No hazardous Chemicals, respect both the landowners and Mother Nature to assure a welcome return for the future. These rules will be handed out at registration

Services:
There are many amenities that will be available at the campout location here is a list.
- Showers and Bathrooms
- Wi-Fi (on the RV side)
- Restaurant and Buffet
- Convenience Store
- Bar and Nightclub

Activities:
We have a team of organizers working on daily activities to keep you busy in-between the relaxing times of your stay. Party Boat, Ultra light Rides, hikes, Pub Crawls and workshops are just a few of the activities that will take place. Tent decorating contests and musical acts on stage are among others. I heard a rumor about another attempt at a pillow fight may take place. Please feel free to dream up what you would like to contribute at the campout. Please keep in mind that we do not want to disrupt or destroy the beauty of our surroundings. Whatever is dreamed up in those wonderful minds of yours; please make sure that we can clean it up easily. If you would like to add a workshop or group activity please contact organizer April to get your idea on the event schedule.

Contacts:
Here are your Organizers (Camp Counselors)

Jon Cordoba - Organizer
http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=3HRAF60

April Menegazzo – In Camp Activities http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=64MYY8K

Larry Streech – Organizer / www.triphopping.com, Travel http://www.couchsurfing.com/profile.html?id=JF0KFK

Mike Huang – Welcome Party and Website
http://www.couchsurfing.org/people/muchium/

Get Faq’s on twitter

https://twitter.com/TentSurf

Still on the fence? Come interact with the organizers and other campers?
Check out our group:

http://www.couchsurfing.com/group.html?gid=16378

on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tentsurf


By attending this event you understand that traveling into another country and participation in is at your own risk. You or your guests will not hold couchsurfing.org, the organizers, affiliates and or sponsors liable under any circumstances. This is not a sanctioned CouchSurfing.org or TripHopping.com event.

For new info you can also check www.tentsurf.net






See you guys there !!!!!