The wild popularity of BlogHer means that even this "big shot" writer for the BlogHer site can't get in at the last minute. Oh, I tried, but seeing as how I was hardly the first person to ask for a last minute pass, it wasn't going to happen. I'm telling you this so you know you're not alone. Even with 1000 attendees, there are lots of us who couldn't spare the cash, deal with the logistics, make the conference a priority, or are terrified by large crowds...

Did you get one? I didn't - yet, but I've read about it everywhere. It's an "open letter" from a coalistion of airlines asking passengers to contact Congress to... oh, no they didn't! Did they ask for government regulation?

So, you're off, are you? If you can tear yourself away from the conference, San Francisco is a terrific city. In fact, one might accuse the BlogHer organizers of being a little heartless in making you choose between that choice session about [your favorite topic here] and heading up to North Beach to drink coffee and window shop. Make time for that wonderful city, it's a West Coast gem.

Yo, travelbloggers headed to SF! Will you be attending the BlogHer meet and greet on Friday? It's hosted by Suzanne Reisman, the former contributing editor for travel here at BlogHer, (she now covers feminism and gender) the blog mistress of Cuss and Other Rants, and the author of a new travel guide called Off the Beaten (Subway) Track.

Like lots of Americans, you may be thinking "backyard BBq and trek to the nearest fireworks display." It's a good plan, a classic really.

When it still looked like I was going to make it down to San Francisco for BlogHer, I researched taking the train instead of flying. I liked the idea of looking some time staring out the window at the blurry countryside, watching the light fade while still in motion, then crawling into a rocking bunk for the night.