Thanks for all your input everyone! I asked around at my local orchid club meeting and quite a few members grow Catts and hybrids outdoors. I have seven palm trees and one eucalyptus tree in my back yard. All the maples with leaves/shelter are in the front.
I think I will but them on bark and loosly attached then to the palms that provide the most protection from sun. I can then remove them if it were to get too hot or cold for an extended period of time.
Traveling concerns me as well, but that is where sprinkler systems come in.
I didn't pay a lot for these so I'm going to give it a shot. I'll keep everyone posted to successes and failures.
PS - YES epiphyte I would love to come visit your orchid collection and misting system! LOTS of new snow in the mountains; if we decide to venture out with chains this weekend I'll give you a call and we can introduce Malea to falling SNOW!!