The FaffCon Friday Field Trip
That’s right: we’re going whale watching!
A FaffCon tradition! The FaffCon Friday Field Trip is a terrific networking opportunity to have fun hanging out with old friends, and making new ones before we jump into the very serious business of unconferencing. (just kidding–we have fun doing that, too!)
For Your Guests
- For those of you that have guests, there are plenty of options to keep them entertained while you’re hard at work meeting and greeting your fellow FaffCon participants.
- There’s a Friday 9:30 AM whale watching excursion that’s open to the public for $35 per person, and two departures on Saturday.
- There’s also a little shopping center called Ventura Harbor Village, just a short, scenic walk away. If they’ll have a car, downtown Ventura is full of fun, eclectic shops and great food. There’s a lot to see all on one main drag.
- Guest tickets for Friday evening’s In-n-Out picnic dinner will be available at the registration desk Friday morning for $10 cash each.
Fun Facts:
- Each year, approximately 22,000 magnificent Gray Whales travel back and forth between their mating lagoons in Mexico and their arctic feeding grounds.
- March is a great time to see Gray Whales off the California coast as they head back up north to eat.
- FaffCon is taking place on the California coast during March.
- So Faffy’s chartering a boat!
Need To Know:
- First, go to the FaffCon Welcome Table at the Marriott to pick up your name badge and boat pass
- Plan on arriving at Island Packers no later than 12:45! (Drag to browse map; click “directions” to create a custom route. View Larger Map)
- Carpools will start leaving the hotel at noon
- Prefer to remain on dry land? Ventura Harbor Village, 33 acres of dining, shopping, people watching, and scenery just a short walk away! Wave and shout “Bon Voyage,” and enjoy soaking up some local color!
What to Eat:
- Faffy will have boxed lunches waiting for you. Have a little picnic while waiting to board the boat!
- There is a cash only snack bar on the boat. Click here to see the menu.
- Ginger chews and hard candy lemon drops will be in the FaffCon Ocean Motion Comfort Kit near the snack bar for those who need them.
What to Wear:
- Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes with good tread. (No high heels.)
- Sunscreen
- March can be a little chilly, and there can be sea spray. Bring a warm jacket, and hat or hood.
What to Bring:
- Low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes with good tread. (No high heels.)
- Cameras and binoculars are great to bring along.
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages can be brought aboard; beer & wine is available from the snack bar.
- Cash for the snack bar. (They don’t take plastic!)
- Check with your healthcare provider for appropriate motion sickness medication if you feel it’s necessary. Be sure to take this medication about an hour before boarding the boat.
Weather Cancellation Information:
- In case of unfavorable weather or sea conditions, Island Packers will cancel Friday at 5:30AM. To check on the status of the trip, call 805-642-1393, select option 4 and listen to the recorded message and check this page for updates from the FaffCon team.
Learn more about Gray Whales: