I have tripped with the same friend for 5 years and we have agreed it would complicate things if more people are involved and we both prefer a quiet journey.
After 5 years of stories and pictures there are a few more interested parties. How do you say no to your wife and a couple of friends without offending someone?
The wife thing is easy, take 2 trips this year!
As far as the others I will let them handle their own trip, permits and transportation. We will travel together, sort of, but not be bound as a group. It just always seems the same person ends up doing most of the work (or at least thinks he does).
                 Jeff