There is no completely appropriate forum to post this in, so I made a command decision that this was as close as we had, so here goes:

Over the past several weeks I have been working on some ideas for the requested gathering for 2006. I have been helped by Joyce Holland, (Bonnebert). Here is what we are working on:

Tentative Date: June 24-25, 2006 (weekend after Father’s Day, before Independence Day)

Location: Tidewater area (Norfolk, VA)

The plan:

Saturday would be a lighthouse cruise. We would head past Old and New Cape Henry before turning east towards the Chesapeake Light Tower. Next would be Cape Charles, past Thimble Shoals, Old Point Comfort and finally Newport News Middle Ground. This is an all day cruise, so we would have lunch on board.

Sunday would be a bus trip to the USCG ANT School to see their magnificent display of Fresnel lenses. Then off to historic Fort Monroe to visit Old Point Comfort before moving on to Fort Story to visit Old and New Cape Henry.

Keep in mind that this is all tentative, nothing firm has been set. We have a hotel identified, but I won’t try to work out anything with them until I get some feedback as to whether or not this idea interests anyone. The area will provide for additional lighthousing opportunities either before or afterwards. The OBX is only a couple hours away. There are numerous Virginia and Maryland lights within easy driving range. The goal would be to set up a weekend where you could fly in on Friday evening and home on Sunday evening, spending the weekend lighthousing with friends. Or, the weekend could easily be just a part of a larger lighthousing vacation for those who chose to drive in.

The weekend would have a limit of 100 participants. Costs have not yet been established. If I feel there is adequate interest we will proceed so that we can begin to “lock in” the various components.

So, is this what you were looking for? Quality time with 98 or 99 of your lighthouse friends, lots of lighthousing and probably a group dinner.

The Brady's would be very interested in the weekend.. We would probably wrap a week's vacation around it..

This sounds really good, Dave. Since I have every intention of becoming a Wacko very soon, I guess I will qualify to participate in this gathering. Any chance that there will be an organized bus trip for those of us who don't have the resources to do our own extended driving tour? I have never been to this area and would love to add some days prior to and/or after the "official" gathering.

Terry & I would be interested too...he doesn't like bus trips so we would probably drive ourselves and follow the bus if there is one. We would like to work out something for the week before for a side trip. Sounds like fun.

Jim and I would be interested also. We lived in the CHesapeake area for a few years back in the 80's and it is absolutely gorgeous. I would love to go back.

Cathy

We're interested.
Bob & MaryAnn

Amy and I are very interested in this idea and the area as we were planning a trip to look the area over for a possible retirement area. We were stationed there in the 60's and 70's.

Stan & I will be there.

Sandy

We are also very interested in the idea of the Tidewater area. Was stationed there in the early 60's and would love to go back and see it again.

Bert

Dave,

Sounds like a great idea to me as well. Esther and I would like to be involved. We have not seen any of the Lighthouses in that area yet.

Dennis

WOW! Count me in at this point (My daughter graduates from High School, May 2006, so depending on some events here in Colorado I might not be able to go). I grew up in Hampton, (1957-1982) just down the road a-ways from Ft Monroe. I could visit and stay with family as a before or after.

My wife and I would be interested. Have never seen the lights in that area.

Dave,
Nettie and I would like to be part of this trip. Having lived in the area for a number of years, it would be nice to visit the area again.
Mike and Nettie

I too would be interested.

Hey Dave. Would a side trip to the naval yard in Norfolk be possible? Your a Navy man, I know you would be interested!!

Dave,
Can a trip to the Portsmouth Lightship, be worked into the schedule?
Mike

I would be interested...especially since it's after I get out of school (first weekend of freedom!). Plus, I think Parental Persuasion might be easier by then..."I'll drive!"

One thing that could make or break it for me would be price. I could probably go with just one parent (if both came, you'd have to meet my little brother, too, which might be a traumatic experience). If it topped out at maybe $100-125/person, then I could see being able to go. But a $300/person or more trip is just not feasable.

I could also see making it into a several-day trip, also covering some lights along the bay, and then maybe coming back home to go sailing from LI (which we always do weekend after we get out of school). Kind of like "lighthouse week."

Dave, when I mentioned the possibility of an organized tour prior to and/or after the group gathering, I meant something like the trips John set up for the Baltimore reunion. They were day trips which included four or five lights, if I recall correctly. Those of us who were able to take advantage of one or more of those tours thoroughly enjoyed them. (Didn't want you to think I was requesting a tour a la Chicago style!)

Grace,

If bussing isn't doable, I'm sure there'll be room in someone's car. Stan and I would be happy to take you along if "by car" is what happens.
Sandy

Thanks, Sandy. The folks on the CF's are all so friendly and generous. I really appreciate that. It doesn't hurt to be from Connecticut either, it seems. I met several wonderful people from Connecticut at the reunion.

By that time hopefully Jeff will be over his bad cold. It sounds great to us. Count us in.

Mary and Jeff

Mike, you know a visit to the Portsmouth will be worked in if at all possible.

Grace, have to wait and see what develops. Pretty sure we couldn't do any day trips with a full size bus (that would take half the weekend's participants to work) but may be able to come up with something if it seems workable.

Greg, the goal is to keep the cost as reasonable as possible. With fuel prices as they are (especially diesel fuel) it will be a challenge for charters to quote prices for 8-9 months out, but it's being worked on.

Geez Dave...this is sure nice of you to plan me a birthday party!

Add John and I to the list. We have seen most all these lights while my son was in college at William & Mary but getting together with everyone next year will be a great birthday.

Susan and I are interested also.

Looks like about 40 so far? Dave, "If you give it, they will come!" I'm looking foward to the event pieces and the thumbnails.
LOL

only kiding Bubba,
Bob


1st Wacko Gathering

Bob, A number of Wackos gathered at a HL event during the good old International Collectors Exposition (Rosemont show) in June 1999:
Grosse Point gathering 6/25/99

Kidding?! Unh-unh, I'm expecting the full blown scavenger hunt, goodie bag, reunion pin, etc., etc. After all, Dave loves to do all that. We don't want to make him wait until the next H.L. reunion, do we?!

Unfortunately, my Conestoga's wheels are minus a few spokes, and the mules would simply die--- hooves up---trying to cover so great a distance. There IS a lighthouse up between Lincoln and Omaha, NE [Linoma], and if a gathering [or should I say, git-together] were staged, there, I could hope to make it.

Danny

Sounds great to me-Always wanted to visit Virginia Beach. S&T tells me that it's an easy 537.8 mile drive. But the best part is seeing all those wackos together!

Dave, where is the closest airport?

Norfolk 20 minutes. There are others in the area.

Dave, Ken and I would be interested in attending. Thanks for all of your hard work.

Well you know I'm at least thinking about it. Could I be # 101 on your list???

Dave- Carolyn and I had such a fabulous time on the tour (bus) you arranged pre- and post reunion, we'd do all we could to enroll in another. Frank Carbone, NELL

Fran And Rich are in. Grace if you can't get a ride you are welcome in my car also. My husband will be playing golf so I could use the company.

Fran, thanks so much for the offer. Lighthouse people are the friendliest, most giving people in the world, I think. I am so glad I finally started posting in the forums - after being a quiet observer for years. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know everyone - finally!

Would New Point Comfort be too far out of the way to add to the boat trip?

We asked, Melody, and it is quite a ways up the way. What we have scheduled is a very full trip according to the captain. Have to remember that the Chesapeake Tower is 12-13 miles out into open water so it is a significant trip all by itself before you get to the other stops.

It *might* be in the cards for us. I have family all throughout VA, so it would be a good excuse. Put us in as a tentative.

Hey Dave...Count Larry and I in for sure. We, like the Brady's, will probably plan a trip around this event. I lived and grew up in Va.Beach and went to Norfolk Catholic High School. I still have lots of family in the area and will make a family vacation out of this trip. It sounds like a lot of fun, and sure hope there is room for us!!

Larry and Kat Waterson

I was looking at flying into Norfolk and out of Wilmington, NC. I have never made it past Cape Hatteras and would like to finish out seeing the rest of the lights down to Bald Head.

Anyone else interested in heading down the Outer Banks after the VA lighthousing weekend is over?

That is such a great idea! I've always wanted to go through the Outer Banks. Maybe, if there is enough interest, we could rent a small bus or a van? First, we need more responses and, Dave, maybe you could give us some input?

Dave...Count Kay and I in on the trip. We haven't been to Virginia since the Baltimore outing and we're anxious to get back.

Gary

Surely there are not only two of us interested in the Outer Banks post Virginia trip. Is it too early for you to think about this? Anybody want to voice their opinions one way or another? Would love to hear if this is feasible for more than just two of us.

Dave I know it is very hard to put this kind of event together so I don't want to insult anyone. Is there a way to add New Point Comfort and Wolf trap on Sat. Do another boat ride on Sun morning to do Chesapeake Light tower since it is so far away and then do the bus ride. I would like to get as many lights as possable. I understand that you are still working on the trip which is a long way off, it is what keeps me sane through the winter trying to plan my future lighthouse trips.
Grace I would love to join you for the Outer Banks but I plan on driving down on Thursday after work and driving home on Monday. Calling in sick at work on Mon.

Hey Lorie,
Larry and I were talking about heading down to the outer banks area, Old Baldy, Cape Lookout and a few others we either have not seen or was not able to climb because they were closed when we were in the area. So we would most definitely be interested in continuing a trip down the coast.

Kat

Count me in! Even if I live there, I never get enough. And Dave, if you would be interested in an entertaining and most informative speaker for dinner that Sat. night, I believe I may have the perfect contact.

Judy

I am proceeding with filling in specifics and lining up hotel, bus charters and such. As soon as all the details are in place I will post them. The purpose of this original posting was to gauge the group's interest in participating. Obviously there is significant interest so hopefully all the parts will fall into place.

Fran,
Unfortunately there is no practical way to add NPC or Wolf Trap to a boat trip. NPC is about 20 miles north of Thimble Shoals and Wolf Trap is another 8 miles or so further north. These lights would be a good candidate for smaller group tours via charter boats in Matthews County. There are also other Bay lights further north yet that would provide excellent opportunities for small group boat charters. NPC can be seen from land, and the last time I was there several years ago there was even a viewing platform set up along the shore.

Looking forward to starting to get details of this trip. Sounds like it will be another good one, Dave!

Yes Dave, there is a viewing platform for New Point Comfort about a mile to the North.

Thanks Dave.
Would anyone be interested in looking for a charter with me for maybe Friday or Sunday after the bus ride to Thimble shoals and or wolf trap.
I will try to find something. I could use any suggestions or help you have. Anyone have a boat?

Dave,

You can count me in.

bobo

Fran, I am still hoping that Lorie's idea about the Outer Banks will materialize. However, if that doesn't work out, my daughter and I will be interested in any other pre or post tours which might be available. We can't afford to add too much. I suppose many people feel it's too early to think about this. For me, the sooner I know, the sooner I can start figuring out how to make it happen moneywise. Maybe there will be more responses forthcoming soon.

Correction here. Thimble Shoal is done on the boat ride so it would be Wolf Trap.

Fran, is New Point Comfort too far to catch it along with Wolf Trap?

Wolf Trap and New Point Comfort are fairly close to each other, it could be done on the same boat trip.

Sounds fun. I've never seen any lights in that area. Unfortunately we'll most likely be in Washington during that time. If our plans change, then I'd be interested.

NPC and Wolf would be great. I'm searching the web for Boat info. Anybody have a clue where to start?

I would be interested since I am already here in Virginia. Have seen alot of the lights, but I could check off a few on this trip!

Dave, I'm beginning to think this gathering will be bigger than you anticipated. Sounds like great fun! And a good side trip does seem to be in the offing.

Lorie and Fran, has either of you heard anymore about interest in side trips? For me, a lot of the fun is in the planning. Fran, I feel like you, probably for very different reasons, that knowing a trip is coming up is what keeps me going. Dave, do you have any little tidbits you could share yet?

Frank & Edith & possibly a third and a half (child) would be interested but a lot depends on cost. Been a tough year so far. Won't need hotel, have friends in the area close by. Sounds good though. Your trips are always a good thing.

Grace I left a personal email for Wolf Trap and a post on his topic of Wolf trap. I was hoping he would know of a charter. He also gave an invitaion for visiting his light. I have not herd from him yet. Maybe he will join us on Sat. i will be there on Friday. I have a 7 seater and if we meet early we can go to New Point Compfort. I am still looking for a boat to share for Wolf Trap. I contacted 2 and so far they are to far North. When are you coming in? Maybe on Sunday after the bus we can arange something. Im leaving that monday to drive home.

Sounds good, Fran. Depending on what materializes, I can come in Thursday evening and leave Sunday or Monday night. Justine, my daughter will be coming, too. Usually when I go on one of my trips, she house sits for me and keeps the dogs. This time, I want to give her a break. As long as we know ahead of time and can budget, we are pretty flexible. I would love to do an Outer Banks trip post reunion but have to see what everything will cost. I want to start doing some research, too - help you find info on a charter and help Lorie figure out something. Several people from the Chicago bus trip are coming, so they may be interested, too. I will contact them.

Grace your daughter is welcome if we go anywhere in my car. I don't think I have the time for the outer banks unless we use Sunday and forget the bus ride. I don't know how far you can go in one day. The outer banks would probably take more than the one day.

I wish I had the time and money to start in Maine and work my way down to Florida. Playing mega and dreaming of 300 mil.

What a fantastic trip! If only we had the time and the money.

Ms SHARON & I would like to do the trip.Let us know!!

Dave, how many folks have signed up so far? I know some contacted you directly. This is going to be even better than we anticipated.

There is no one signed up for this outing at this point. Remember, this was a thread to gauge interest.

I am still trying to work out a deal with a hotel for rooms and a dinner. As noted before, once all the parts are in place I will post details, along with cost and start the sign up process.

I guess we are all getting ahead of our self. I guess thats why you have the title of SAINT I for one can't wait and have put on our work calender Sick on 6-23 through the 26

Dave,
Sis and I are definitely interested but are waiting to see about a specific date and time.
I have a 4th grandchild due around that time and also a wedding in Boulder Colorado. So the time and expense are and issue.
If all things come together we would very definitely be there.
Rick

Hey Dave, it all sounds great. I'm in and looking forward to hearing about the details when they're available. Thanks so much for getting this together. Scott

Sorry Dave, been there done that, no interest....

Sean

Dave, count me in for sure.

Ken