FC 2009 Summary
Sorry I'm so late with this, but it's the first time I've had to sit down and reflect on this year's FC... Overall, it was another great time there in San Jose. And after 2 years of weather issues driving down from Portland, finally we had a smooth drive caravaning with Orwin. All together in our group besides myself were my navigator, Mousepaws and with Orwin in his car was Frizbee, DannyWolf, and Brandon. We had a good time driving both down and back from FC (which helped combat the PCDs on the long drive back)..
As I feared, I overslept a little and we were 30 minutes late leaving from Mousepaw's place but it was okay. We stopped at a Fred Meyer in Grants Pass for some breakfast and picked up some snacks to have in the room for the con, and later on stopped in Redding at the first In-N-Out Burger on I-5 going south (we also stopped at one in Vacaville on our way back, so that really satisfied our In-N-Out cravings, since we don't have them up here). I suggested that we take a different route into the Bay Area to avoid most of the rush-hour traffic, so we continued down the 5 to Stockton and then went west on 205/580 into where we catch the 680 going into San Jose. Big Mistake. We encountered as much, or maybe more traffic going thru Sacremento and Stockton, plus it was 30 miles longer going that way, too. Needless to say, we didn't go back that way, even if we didn't avoid taking a toll bridge. So we finally made it to the Doubletree by around 7:30. Luckily, Orwin and I were both able to find a place to park without too much searching around, especially since they put up the "parking lot full" sign up, but they let us in anyway.
It was fun meeting up with everyone again, and getting invited to some cool parties. One was on the first night, a tropical-themed party with margaritas for everyone (over 21 with ID). The next night, Pepe hosted another plushie party (it was great that it was on the fursuit floor, right across the hall from our room).
Whoever was organizing the rooms on the fursuit floor did a really great job...everyone who was aquainted with each other seemed to get rooms next to one another, which helped make things alot more festive!
The surfing theme was a really great one for this year...I was prepared this time with some leis and tropical shirts to wear with my fursuits. Except for my Ninja Turtle suit, which I wore for the first time at FC. It was quite a challenge trying to get around the con in it, especially in crowded areas due to limited vision in the head (all I can see is the ground, thru the mouth). I did encounter a Turtle fan in the Dealer's Den and she got a pic with both Michaelangelo and Raphael (at different times).
I finally got to wear Aubie in Critterlympics this year, since he missed out last year due to the weather and things went alright. Next time I'm at FC, I think I might just be a fursuited spectator however. The events seem to go the same way every year and they're getting a little too physical for my fursuits (and me).
It was great getting a good seat to shoot video of both the Masquarade and Furry Nite Live this year. It never ceases to amaze me all the new suits people come up with...extremely inovative, especially that last one, Wolflink (?). And every year FNL seems to improve on the previous year...great job, Jimmy, especially with the bug you were fighting on putting together a fabulous cavalcade of furry talent (without belly dancers!).
Monday came all too soon again and of course, we had the nicest weather of the con when we were leaving. At least all the sunny weather made the trip back north easier...as was having the company of everyone that we drove down with.
As for next year, I didn't pre-reg for FC 2010 at the con as I'm not sure we'll be going. The new hotel for the con looks fabulous, but there are still some questions I have about whether it will be affordable and if parking will be available. When I went to AFF in Spokane last year, the valet parking was already full at the hotel (and we arrived there at noon) and we scrambled to empty the car on the street and then I had to find a nearby garage to parking in. I don't really want to go thru that again at FC. I'd like to take advantage of the valet parking, but with no guarantee that it will be available by the time we drive all the way down there...I don't know. Plus, how hard will it be just to get there into downtown San Jose and what exit/freeway will be the best to take? So many questions.... It might be a good idea to take a year off from FC to see how it goes and instead either go to a different con (or maybe Disneyland!).
Hugs and thank to everyone that I got to see...Super Jayhawk, Ultra Gor (great job customizing my FC 2008 shirt!), Scruff E., Plushlover, Pepe, Dagget, MikeYote, Grant, GamerWolf, Bradhound, Axelroo, Thumper (how did you get into my video?),TH Squirrel (glad you could make it!), Pika, Thrash, the members of "The Eclectic Oddballs", and everyone else I wish I could remember...and I hope to see you again soon!