About us
This is a group for anyone who has encountered the Seattle Freeze and persisted in the face of it -- whether you're new in town and wondering why it's so hard to connect, a long-term transplant who's all too familiar with the chill, or a native who wants to break out of the Seattle shell, we're here to give you a group to hang out with and some like-minded people who are also looking for friends, not just being "Seattle nice".
Here's a great Seattle Times article about the Freeze: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2005/0213/cove....
Come join the group, and do your part towards the Thaw!
Featured event

Great Migration Photo Safari & Zanzibar Extension-Journey of a Lifetime.
We all have seen Lion King in one form or another . . . It's now time to go to the source.
Our meetup is off to Africa for The Great Migration Photo Safari! We did this amazing trip in the summer of 2024 and everybody had a blast! (see photos in the link below)
Encounter the exotic wildlife of the Serengeti! Marvel at the lions, zebras, elephants and so many majestic animals we have only seen in the zoo or in movies.
On Serengeti's vast, treeless plains tens of thousands of hoofed animals are constantly on the move in search of fresh grassland. This is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience the best game viewing in Africa!
Like every trip we do with Meetup, this one is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.
The itinerary is:
July 5 Arrival Kilimanjaro Intl Airport and transfer to Arusha
July 6 Arusha to Tarangire National Park
July 7 Ngorongoro Crater full day game drive
July 8 Ngorongoro to Serengeti National Park (Central Seronera area)
July 9 Serengeti (Central)
July 10 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
July 11 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende)
July 12 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) to Lake Natron
July 13 Lake Natron to Arusha
July 14 Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport
All of these locations don't mean much to you at the moment, but after the trip you will remember them forever as some of the best places you have ever visited!
How much does this cost?
African Migration Safari $4998 per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement $750. I.e. price for a solo accommodation $5748
We offer roommate matching for those, wishing to share and save.
***Airfare is not included.***
RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.
The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $350 deposit:
CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK
IF you need an airfare quote, Click here to message Anna
Land Cost includes:
- 9 nights accommodation
- 3 meals every day
- All park fees to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- All concession fees to Tarangire and Serengeti.
- Crater service fees.
- Professional driver guide
- Open roof land cruiser vehicles
- Drinking water during the safari
We offer an Optional Extension 5-day to Zanzibar:
Price per person, Double occupancy $870.
Solo room - $1285
**Airfare from Arusha (Kilimanjaro Airport) to Zanzibar is not included**
To sign up for Zanzibar, pay the $200 deposit through this secure link
For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST
Have more questions?
Click here to message Anna
Click here to message Marc
AND/OR
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet other attendees.
To see pictures from our Photo Safari adventure in 2024 CLICK HERE
We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/reginal camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here for our other events:
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SOT 200318-10
Upcoming events
9

Razor Clamming on President Day Weekend at Long Beach
Location not specified yetDescription
Presidents’ Day weekend at Long Beach feels like stepping into a moment that the Pacific has been saving just for you. Before the sun is even up, the whole coast is washed in that dreamy pre-dawn blue—soft, quiet, and full of promise. The air is cool enough to wake you gently, not bite you, carrying that clean, salty scent of tidal flats opening up for the day.
As you walk onto the vast, flat stretch of sand—Long Beach always looks a little endless—you’ll see it: headlamps bobbing like floating fireflies across the shoreline, families and seasoned diggers already tracing the receding tide. The ocean is whispering instead of roaring; the waves feel calmer during these winter minus tides, leaving the sand glossy and smooth like polished stone.
Then the magic moment:
You spot a subtle “show”—that little dimple or donut in the sand—and adrenaline sparks. One quick plunge of the clam gun, a twist, a pull, and from the cold packed sand emerges a gleaming razor clam, its shell catching the light like brushed bronze. It’s strangely thrilling every single time—half treasure hunt, half coastal ritual.
The deeper the tide goes out, the more the whole beach transforms. The sky brightens into soft pink, then gold, and the entire landscape becomes a watercolor of ocean mist, wide-open beach, and silhouettes of people laughing over their buckets. You feel part of a shared winter tradition—quiet, simple, comforting, yet full of little bursts of triumph with every successful dig.
When the tide turns, you head back to town with your bucket clinking, fingers chilled but spirit warm. Maybe you grab chowder at a local cafe, steam rising from your bowl while you watch the surf beyond the windows. Or you head back to your rental to clean the clams and plan a crispy pan-fry feast that tastes impossibly fresh because you earned it yourself.
By afternoon, the coast shifts again—stormy clouds breaking open to reveal sudden beams of sunlight on the water, or sea fog rolling in like a silvery curtain. Long Beach in February always feels alive, unpredictable, cinematic.
There’s no holiday weekend quite like this one: crisp winter air, dramatic coastal beauty, and the simple, satisfying joy of pulling your own dinner straight from the sand. It’s peaceful, energizing, and just wild enough that you feel like you’ve escaped the rest of the world for a while.Airbnb spots and costs
We have 1 airbnb split between 6 people. It'll be $150 each person for a spot. Everyone is responsible for figuring out their own bedding arrangements. If you want to guarantee not sharing a bed then you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag. The spots will be first come/pay first serve. Deadline for full refund is Jan 21st. After that only $100 is refunded if you can find a last minute replacement from the waitlist and no refund if there is no replacement. This is necessary because last minute drops impacts lots of people on the trip. Clam closure is not a valid reason for a refundNo cancellations for clam closure
There is a chance of razor clam closure. There is NO REFUND for that. Instead we will find alternative things to do near our airbnb.Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/familyGas and Food Costs and Sharing
Gas costs is negotiated within each car group ahead of the drive. Everyone should bring food and split costs for additional food bought. I encourage people to share part of each of our shellfish harvest as part of our communal experience.Equipment to bring
- Headlamp
- License
- Gloves for warmth before and after harvesting
- Water
- Change of Clothes
- Cooking ingredients
- Buckets/containers
- Food to share
- Razor clam gun or shovels
- Things you want to bring to airbnb
Itinerary
- Friday Night: Drive to Airbnb
- Saturday Morning: Leadbetter point state park
- Saturday Morning: Oysterville and Oysterville Church Museum
- Saturday Afternoon: Fort Canby
- Saturday Afternoon: Deadman cove
- Saturday 4-6pm: Razor Clam Harvest
- Saturday Evening: Eat Razor Clams
- Sunday Morning: Cranberry Museum
- Sunday Noon: World Kite Museum
- Sunday Afternoon: Marsh Free Museum
- Sunday 4-6pm: Razor Clam Harvest
- Sunday Evening: Eat Razor Clams
- Monday morning: Go home
License
You will need to buy an annual shellfish license or a temporary combination license.Regulations
Signup Form
This form is requiredCommunication
We will communicate through whatsapp. I will only provide the link to people who have paid to confirm a spot.Carpool and Location
We will arrange carpools and airbnb in the whatsapp chat. You are responsible for figuring out your own carpools and airbnb arrangements. Unsatisfactory arrangements is not an excuse for a last minute drop. I will post airbnb address the week before we go.1 attendee
India & Dubai - Embark on a Journey of Wonders! Taj Mahal, HOLI Fest and more...
Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), 17801 International Blvd,, Seattle, WA, USReady for a truly unique adventure?
Come explore India and Dubai with us! We’ll wander through the colorful streets of Delhi, take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal, and soak up the royal vibes of Jaipur. To top it all off, we’ll celebrate Holi—the festival of colors—like locals do, in an authentic and joyful way!
But that’s not all!
After India, we’ll enjoy a bonus 3-night stay in the glamorous city of Dubai, one of the world’s most fascinating cities. From jaw-dropping skyscrapers to desert sunsets, Dubai is the perfect mix of modern luxury and deep-rooted tradition.
This isn’t your typical tour. It’s a Meetup-style journey filled with curiosity, connection, and shared experiences. We’ve done this trip before, and every time it’s been more than just a vacation—it’s been eye-opening, transformative experience that connects you to new perspectives, cultures, and unforgettable memories with new friends.What is included in India
➢ 2 Nights’ stay in Delhi
➢ 2 Nights’ stay in Agra
➢ 3 Nights’ stay in Jaipur
➢ Meals : 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners
➢ Round trip airport transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
➢ Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing
➢ Entrance fees to monuments as per itinerary
➢ Rickshaw ride at Chandini chowk (ancient bazaar) in Delhi
➢ Elephant ride in Jaipur (subject to availability)
➢ Old and New Delhi sightseeing included Rickshaw ride
➢ Agra sightseeing included Magnificent Taj Mahal and Agra fort
➢ Jaipur sightseeing included with Amer fort, Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal
➢ Holi celebration in Agra
➢ All taxes, driver allowances, parking etc.What is included in Dubai
➢ 3 Nights’ accommodation in Dubai with breakfast
➢ Meals: 3 breakfast, and 2 dinners
➢ Round trip airport transfers in Dubai on private basis
➢ Driver/Guide in Dubai
➢ Half day Dubai City Tour (Includes Photo Stop at Burj Al Arab, Photo stop at the Atlantis at the Palm Island, Visit to Gold and Spice Souks etc.)
➢ Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner
➢ Desert Safari with BBQ dinner (4x4 sharing vehicle) & Arabian Tanoura dance show and belly performance
➢ All taxes and tourism DihramWhat is not included:
➢ Any International/Internal Airfare
➢ Visa, insurance
➢ Any meals other than specified in cost include
➢ Porterage, tips, laundry, beverages, cost of personal nature like telephone charges
➢ Any sightseeing not mentioned in inclusionsCost:
- $3990 per person (based on room sharing)—we offer easy roommate matching!
- Prefer a room to yourself? Solo supplement is $1500 for a total of $5490
RSVP with your email address to receive detailed Day-by-Day itinerary or fill out this form.
If you wish to attend, deposit of $250 is the only way to secure your spot. Please pay the deposit through this secure Deposit Link.
Deposits are refundable up to 90 days before departure.Airfare is not included, but we are holding a group space from Los Angeles for $1299 including all taxes and the flight from Delhi and Dubai. To secure you airfare from LAX submit a nonrefundable $200 deposit HERE
If you are not in LA, we can help you arrange the airfare from any other city.
Space is limited and this event is cross posted to our sister groups. RSVPs on this post do not reflect actual number of participants.
Don’t wait—this trip will sell out fast!***Click Here ***to fill out our google info request form for detailed itinerary on this or any of our other international events.
Got questions? Click Here to message Ekaterina direct with any questions.
Still have questions? We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events.We believe in good decent social! We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free events, local/regional camping getaways, and our overseas trips too. Click Here to see all our events
Our events create and foster community and a sense of discovery. We welcome and are inclusive of all.
Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 2000318-103 attendees
Cherry Blossoms in Japan - The Golden Triangle incl. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka!
Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), 17801 International Blvd,, Seattle, WA, USJoin us on this magical trip to Japan to experience the enchanting allure of spring, where nature paints the landscape with vibrant colors. We chose this season for the unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations at their best: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka. We will also visit the Japanese Alps with stays in Matsumoto and Kanazawa. Each city boasts unique attractions and seasonal charm that will captivate our senses and leave us with unforgettable memories. A true Meetup Experience!
What is included:
- 3 nights in Tokyo
- 1 night in Matsumoto
- 2 nights in Kanazawa
- 2 nights in Kyoto
- 3 nights in Osaka
- Arrival and Departure Airport Transfers
- Transportation throughout by Coach
- English Speaking guide throughout the itinerary
- Sightseeing tours with admissions fees per itinerary
- Breakfast Daily
- 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Experience:
- Visit to shrines, temples and castles with amazing Spring Blossoms
- The Bullet train-Shinkansen
- Sushi Making Class
- Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Maiko Dinner (apprentice geisha)
- Samurai Experience
What is not included:
- International Airfare
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Items of personal nature
Japan during spring is a feast for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban excitement. We will enjoy it all and this promises to be an unforgettable adventure with our fellow Meetup travelers!
Land Tour cost $5760 per person, double occupancy
(we match roommates for those wishing to share)
Solo occupancy additional $1050
***International Airfare not included***The only way to guarantee your spot for this meetup is a $400 deposit.
CLICK HERE for secure deposit link:Upon submitting the deposit, please fill out this form
RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.
RSVP DOES NOT RESERVE YOUR SPOT.
Deposit is the only way to hold your spot.
Click Here for secure deposit link.Your deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before the departure.
For airfare and other info on the trip, click here to message Anna
Click Here to fill out our google info request form to receive detailed itinerary.We believe in good decent social. This event is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective.
Click Here for the main location of this event.Still have questions? We do a monthly Q&A Travel Zoom on all our events
Come to the zoom and ask any questions. Great way to get the info you want without all the other fluff. As well as meet us and other attendees.
Click here for General Policies and useful info about our international trips.
We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see all our other fun eventsLive the adventure instead of only dreaming it!
SOT 2000318-10
2 attendees
Past events
2280



