OK, the NJ Regional is about 3 weeks away. Shall we attempt to find a motel where we gather everyone who will overnight in the area for a wacko get together?
With the help of our NJ friend Dennis Whelan, we have located a Courtyard by Marriott in Basking Ridge, NJ which appears to be about a 10 mile drive from the Regional site. They have rooms with a king bed for $79.00/night, rooms with 2 queen beds for $89.00/night and with AAA/AARP discounts they would be $71.00 or $80.00 per night. http://Courtyard.com/dpp/PropertyPage.asp?MarshaCode=SOSSM&checked=True&Marriott_BD={37F8AFAA-1B31-41AA-A822-6AD797A2DAD0}
The local phone number is 908-542-0300. What does everyone think?
Jim
Johnson

Sounds great to me JJ, I was getting ready to contact Dennis to get a suggestion on where we might stay in the area... I have gone ahead and made reservations for both Friday and Saturday nights at theCourtyard Basking Ridge..

Paul

[This message has been edited by engbrady (edited 03-17-2002).]

There are great directions to this particular hotel right on the site.

I'll be staying there myself Friday night. I'm not sure about Saturday night. I have a Birthday party to go to on Sunday.

See you all there.

Dennis

FYI Dennis, Sue and I are booked into the Fairbanks Motel in Sea Bright on Thursday night April 4th.

We can't come all the way to New Jersey and not visit a couple of lighthouses.... maybe take a picture or two...... The last time we were at Sandy Hook and Navesink, I was busy playing tour guide for John Chidester on the connected collector bus tour.

Paul,

I might be able to get down to Sandy Hook on the 5th midmorning to let you get a closer look at the Lighthouse and Keeper's house.

Let me know and I'll contact the NJLHS and get permission.

I'd have to have enough time to get back to Trenton to pick up my wife to go up to Basking Ridge.

Dennis

We will also be in that area by Friday morning, so let us all know if you get something set up, Dennis. Heather absolutely has to go see Navesink.

Dave

Dave,

Navesink is no problem. It's open Wed thru Sun this time of year from 10 AM to 4 PM.

I'm working on getting permission to open up Sandy Hook. I figured there might some other Wackos lurking about on Friday.

Sandy Hook actually opens for the first time this seson on April 6. It will be open every Sat & Sun until the middle of Dec from 12 Noon to 4:30 PM.(Last tour goes up at 4:30)

We also make special arrangements for tours by Groups (Boy, Cub or Girl Scouts; Church Groups; School Kids; Motorcycle Clubs and other assorted Lighthouse Enthusiasts)before the tours open to the General Public on Weekends and if we can find volunteers during the week. This has to be arranged in advance with Tom Laverty at Navesink or Al Smith at Sandy Hook

Dennis



[This message has been edited by wheland (edited 03-18-2002).]

Unfortunately I can't make it to the Regional on the 6th, but I would love to met up with you guys on Friday night in Basking Ridge. Any plans for dinner yet? I live about 35 minutes from there.
I have my connected collector badge so I'm all set!

Those who are visiting NJ for the regional should stop by Sandy Hook Lighthouse the next day, Sunday April 7th. I'll be there to give tours that day! I'd love to see some of you there.

shirin

I would love to be able to stop by on Sunday, but I will be driving back towards Indy early Sunday morning... I have to be back at work on Tuesday with a stop at Cincinnati on Monday night to pick up our 19 year old cat (Comet) from my son's home..
That's why our only lighthousing time will be have to be late Thursday night and Friday day..

If you'd like to pick up a few "Younger" cats feel free to stop by my place Paul!

Shirin,

MJ and I will be staying at the Marriott Fri. & Sat. nights. We will try to plan to visit Sandy Hook on our way home Sun.

Ron
(CT Keeper)
[This message has been edited by RFoster (edited 03-25-2002).]

Ron - I hope to see you and MJ there. It is always nice to have visitors for your tours!

shirin

I've gotten some info on restaurants in the area.

I hope to have more info soon.

Dennis

I will definitely be at Sandy Hook on Friday 4-5. I'm still not quite certain on the time- probably closer to Noon.

Please let me know if any of you who are coming into the area early think you can make it there.

I need to keep it small as I'll be the only volunteer there and I can't overdo climbing the light right now.

You can email me directly if you would prefer.

Dennis