<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> <Taylor Cush(ing? more?) wrote re: the vacation. " Here is my idea....I went to a wonderful GF dinner in Connecticut about three weeks ago. The chef was very >familiar with gluten problems, either someone in his family or he, himself, >was GF. Anyhow, I asked him if he would be interested in cooking GF for a >group on vacation and he thought it was a very interesting idea. My thought >is this. We find a place. Then pay for his and his family's vacation and he >would prepare meals for us at the resort kitchen. (Actually I spoke to him >about a cruise). Something to think about. Believe me this guy was good , >even willing to share his GF recipies and make things to order for the group. >(The CT celiac group. One of the best). >Does this idea have any merit? What do others think?" Here's what I think...In Estes Park, Colorado there is a camp owned by the YMCA that has cabins, hiking, lodge, and I don't know what else, because I have only heard about it, but never been there. That might be available for a week of gluten-free vacation time - I think the Y might find it an interesting concept. In Hemet, California, not far from Palm Springs there used to be a place called Meadowlark that was an inexpensive health spa. Swimming pool, main house with dining room and library, exercise room facilities, and various rooms for guests. I spent a week there for under $1000. There is a lovely chapel. The place was run by a kind of guru named Evarts Loomis, MD. I believe he has since gone on to another location. There were chiropractic MD's connected with the place, and massage therapists and yoga instructors. Also color therapy (?), dream analysis (??), meditation. It was a mixed bag. The last letter I received from the place was dated 1990 and I've no idea whether or not it is still in operation, but they have a sufficient kitchen to deal with - I'd guess - 50 guests. There are hikes in the country and marvelous quiet. I'll send off a letter and see if they are still in operation. Perhaps someone on the LIST knows the area and could check out the possibility of taking over for a week of gluten-free cooking and relaxation. Cruising has always been on my list of nothing to do. I suppose if we were in the Caribbean and stopped at different islands every day it would be lots of fun. But gambling and movies and dancing are not quite what I want out of a vacation. Good, gluten-free food in a nice setting sounds like heaven, however. The point of this rambling, is that I think a gluten-free vacation location is a real possibility. Perhaps we should find out how many people on the list would be interested, what they think it should cost, how many of the family would attend. Do they want Manhattan or the Adirondaks or?? Other considerations... I guess I hear myself saying that I'd be willing to be the coordinator if Taylor C would lend a hand. I wouldn't be able to pull it together until fall, at the earliest, as I am sure any place would already be booked for summer 1996. Perhaps we should think about a winter getaway in warmer climes. I have no need for golf, but perhaps many of you do. Tennis might be nice. Walking and swimming would be great. A canoe or a boat or a little sail boat would be great, but please no jet skis and no snow mobiles. Maybe others would prefer skiing or cross-country. If you want to send me your thoughts, I'd make lists and let you know what happens. We'd have to have some sort of financial committment before we shift into high gear. Perhaps Dr. Fasano and Dr. Murray or Dr. Kagnoff or ??? would like to come lead a seminar...they could do some sort of blood test or psychological analysis of the group for research purposes - the mind boggles. So, if you think this idea has merit, send me a note with ideas - [log in to unmask] Happy New Year to all you wonderful people. What a great resource you are. Gayle Kennedy