Last summer and fall lots of rumors were around that there would be a Great Lakes reunion this year. It's now February and if my old memory serves me, it seems like all the past reunion sign-ups occured almost 1 year prior to the dates of the reunion. Is business so bad that HL has given up the idea? Have the layoffs at Younger and Associates left them without staff to do the planning and detail work? Is it still possible to plan a reunion after many folks have their yearly vacation plans in place. Also, with the downturn in collecting in general, would a reunion sell out as fast as it has in the past? To quote my friend Bob (and many others as it turns out), "inquiring minds want to know!"

I think our conclusion in the last thread that the next reunion would be in the Fall of 2005, not 2004.

Actually, rumors seem to indicate Mackinaw Island in August 2005.

When they have the HL Reunion in the Autumn of 2005, we should have the pre-reunion party at Jimmy Johnson's House. After we all drink and eat everything he has in the house, we can all drive over to an area near the Great Lakes for the HL Reunion.

On behalf of all the people who will be attending the party, Jimmy, I salute you and we all promise to help you clean up after.

I can't wait for that reunion!

(lol!)

Bob

Sounds good to me! As I've already seen the Great Lakes lighthouses near Jim the rest of you can go to the "Reunion" and I'll stay at JJ's and help clean up. Clean up the leftover food and drinks that is.....

Well, I must have missed the original invitation, but I sure didn't miss this one, and am looking forward to the pre-party. Sounds like lots of fun.

Joyce

I guess I missed that one too Bob The only problem is that I'm quite a ways from Mackinaw Island. I think it would be closer to go to Mary and Jeff's pole barn! What do you think?

That sounds great, JJ!!! A big party at your place one day, then on to Mary and Jeff's the next day! Wow!!! What fun!

Jimmy, are you still considering that "Toga Theme"?

(lol!)

Bob

I doubt it would be in August. Still a busy season with kids out of school. Think more like early October.

I vote for JJ's and/or Jeff and Mary's place. We know we won't have to dress for those events!

Sue, Mary is very adament that after last year's "incident" she will insist everyone must dress for the event. She will accept casual attire, but this year you have to dress...

This was heard coming from Kim. I thought August was a mistake, but that is what was heard.

Robert, we were at the same meeting and I believe she did say Summer 2005. So, August could be it. I hope we get some information at the Regional in St. Augustine.

Joyce

I'm ready to start planning whenever or wherever the reunion might take place. It sure would be nice to have something to look forward to.

Remember, Summer usually doesn't end to around September 22. You may be having a late Summer Reunion in September, and not in August.

Bob

HL could very well be planning it for August if they are planning it for Northern Michigan (Mackinaw Island?). August is generally the warmest month in that part of the state. I've been on the island many times in August and due to the water and being that far north it generally stays in the low 70's.

Would it be tough to bring 850 or so people to that area at that time of the year? Wouldn't August be a peak tourist month?

Bob

Think SOUTH, SOUTH, SOUTH . Rumors have it the Great Lakes but rumor are rumors and nothing is in concrete until the word is official .

Have a great day and hope this hasn't burst anyones bubble.

THE GREAT LAKES....... THE GREAT LAKES.........
You folks from the south will just have to buy some cold weather clothes.

Rich, I don't believe the south was even in the consideration mix for the Reunion. The targeted area is the midwest, specifically the northern end of Michigan.

A pre reunion party at our pole barn on the way to a Mackinaw reunion would be fun. For those that came to last years pizza party someone will have to refresh Jeff's and my memory was there a clothing incident that we missed that night?

We remember having Jeff and Larry wait for pizza crust to me made so that we could get the pizzas that were ordered. The back yard didn't have a pole barn at that time. It does now. We would need some time to get it ready but I am sure we could pull it off. We also remember having a great group of people from all over the country come to our house for some food and conversation. But as to a clothing incident, we just don't remember that one.

WE STRONGLY VOTE FOR A GREAT LAKES REUNION.

Mary and Jeff

"Chanting: Great Lakes! Great Lakes!"

October in Northern Michigan is a very special time. Fall color is at it's peak by the third weekend in October. That's also the last weekend the seasonal shops are open in Mackinaw City and there is always a HUGE blow-out sale that weekend. Typical Michigan weather to be expected. It can be in the 70s or it can be snowing. This past year on October 11, I was cruising down the Inland Waterway in Cheboygan on a pontoon boat in shorts. It was incredibly gorgeous.

I vote for October in Mackinaw City.

Hey Rich...I think you are sadly outnumbered! I have a sneaking suspision that the next reunion will take place in the Great Lakes area, more specific upper Michigan. If you have never been to Mackinaw City you will definitly NOT be disappointed!!

Well I think that a Reunion in the Great Lakes area would be peachy but I don't think that I'm in favor of the Mackinaw City/Island location.

For starters just getting there seems like it would be a challenge for those from other areas. If you take extra time and drive your own car I suppose it would be ok. If you can't do that it seems that it would take a couple of planes and a rental car. Then if it's on the island isn't it a no cars island? So the rental car you're paying for just sits somewhere during the time the Reunion's going on. And if it's at a fancy hotel and we're not sequestered from other guests we'd have to bring fancy clothes as well? All these items plus the cost of the actual Reunion would seem to put the Reunion out of reach for many.

I thought that we heard a while back that HL wanted to get out of the hotel business as far as Reunions went. Having the Reunion near a large, more accessible city with a choice of hotels and a convention type place for group meals, gatherings would seem a better choice. In the whole mid west it seems there is such a place.

As far as Florida is concerned I wouldn't mind that either but we northerners wouldn't want to go there in August. Depending on the location, even in cooler months, airfares aren't bad and deals with hotels could be worked out as long as it's not the peak months of Jan-March.

Whatever the location, seeing lots of lighthouses and area attractions would not be that important to me. We can do that anytime. For me the best part of a Reunion is the people. Meeting new collectors and renewing friendships with those we've already met is the main reason I'd want to go.

Hey! Just announce it already so we can start planning!
Bob

Did anyone who attended the Regional in St. Augustine ask the Youngers about the next reunion? Anything to share with us about it?

Bob

Decision making is in the final stages. Expect an announcement in the not-too-distant future if things work out.

Hey Dave, ....How far away do you figure the not-too-distant future is?

Inquiring minds on the East Coast, where it's pouring rain and four inches are expected within the next 48 hours but at least it's too warm to snow and it won't snow because the snow almost ground to a halt when I bought the new snowblower last December, and it's time to start the process of preparing the boat for another season especially since we have reservations at many different marinas starting with Memorial Day Weekend, and I would like to be able to look into the not-too-distant future so I can start making plans to avoid conflicts in 2005, and is this really a run-on sentence in violation of good English grammar because if it is that really doesn't matter because I won't be graded on it either way.

:p Bob :p

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes: Bob,I was out of breath just reading this.
Ruthie

I think Bob had a few too many cups of coffee today. Maybe its time to switch to decaf??

Anyway, the decision process is still underway. It has hit some slowdowns, but it is moving forward. I think it is a safe bet to believe that everyone (HL included) wants a reunion for next year. Hang in there - I'm sure that the announcement will be made as soon as possible, and I'll bet it will be for a great reunion.

I would have to assume that someone brought up the reunion question at the Door County WACKO gathering. Anybody have any moere insight?

Mike

It would be nice to get a few straight answers about the next reunion. If the economy stays down and the price of gas keeps rising, this reunion may have a less than expected attendance. I guess time will tell.

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

Can I post my vote with Mombo's for the reunion in the Great Lakes area? I could then come to that one but the others are just too far away for this old lady to drive.

Eskilady

How about Baltimore? You all liked Baltimore didn't you? Don't you want to come back?

The reunion question was brought up in Door County, and Kim's very straight-forward answer was, "I don't know."

There you have it!

Well isn't that special! That kind of takes a little of the hype out of the ever-building enthusiasm. Not quite the answer I think we were all hoping for. There could be a lot of uncertainty in the future of collectibles and this may have pushed a reunion plan back somewhat. Probably one of those, "Let's give it another year and see what happens."

Maybe 2005 won't be the year of the next reunion. Maybe we as collectors haven't expressed enough positive feelings to warrant another HL Reunion. Maybe the two Regionals we have in 2004 will be all we'll see in 2005 but at different locations.

Can you tell I'm a little disappointed?

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

How about finding a place somewhere in New England. Maine would be a super place to have a reunion.

Bert

Getting there would not be half the fun.

Think Pacific Northwest Washington has lots to offer in the way of lighthouses and Oregon's lighthouses would make a nice pre or post trip

Whatever will be, will be. Think positive and maybe good things will happen. More interest generated will eventually lead us all to where we want to be.

Think HL Reunion!

Bob

True what ever will be will be. But if HL has a reunion next year (I hope), then I better start saving some cold hard cash. I have a feeling with the way things are going, the next one will cost somewhat more than the last one. But great things are always worth more.

So Keep the Flame and Keep thinking Reunion

Too bad there aren't enough accomodations in Key West. Think of the cruise to the Dry Tortugas and the other lights off shore. Remember the first reunion had espresso in the hotel lobby in the evening. In Key West we could have Margaritas!!

Judy

I had a conversation with Kim on May1 and thought I got a more encouraging answer but not a committment. Exploring the feasibility.

I totally agree.
It would be a fantastic place to see lighthouse and get away from it all. I never suggested it because of the obvious. Where would we all stay?
The only solution would to go back to the cruise idea.
There is plenty room on the cruse ship

Hello Everyone
Well I guess I can add my two cents worth in this debate.
Pam & I just got back from lighthouseing up the west coast of Michigan, up to Mackinaw City. While there we went over to Machinaw Island, which was a beautiful Island, plus a great view of Round Island LH. We stayed there about 4-6 hours. In going around the shopping village in an out of most shops, I can tell you there is very, very little of LH related items to be found and no shirts to speak of ( I did finally found one Round Is. LH t-shirt.
Then we walked UP to the Grand Hotel which is up hill all the way. It costs $10 just to look around the Hotel if not a guest (I BS'ed, Pam and I passed the guard) and walked into Hotel Lobby area. This is a very High End Hotel, had upscale dress and men's suit shops. There is also a Dress code for all guest after 6pm Men in coat & ties and Women no slacks ( skirts or dresses)
There are no motor vehicles allowed on the Island, so all cars would have to be parked at the mainland for a cost. (sorry did not find out the cost) Travel by foot, bicycle, of horse drawn carriage, on the Island.
Even thought this is a nice Island (the part we saw anyway) I feel that most of us collectors would enjoy a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Plus there is not a major airport near there.
I think a Great Lakes Reunion would be great but think that Mackinaw Island would be a little too much for most of us. And if Harbour Lights is planning on the site, has anyone been there to check it out

Twiggy, I think if HL plans a reunion in the Mackinaw area, it will most likely be in Mackinaw City. There are more hotels, conference space, and overall better accessibility. There are 22 lighthouses within an hour and a half of Mackinaw City (some of which are accessed by boat only). Pellston International Airport is 20 miles away and services Northwest, American, and United Airlines.

When you travelled to Mackinaw Island, did you pay to park your car? You shouldn't have. The ferries offer free parking when you use their services to get to Mackinaw Island.

I'm throwing in Daytona Beach, FL again. It's a great place to be in October. Low rates because of the off season and pleanty of local lights plus Disney, Universal, etc. only 1 1/2 hours away. Plus the beach and a large convention center.

Jen
No we did not pay for parking, you do get to park free for the day. But I did talk to the Ferry people and they have no overnite parking, said that that long term parking (overnite and longer) would cost us.
And yes Mackinaw City or somewhere close would be better, I was just putting my 2 cents in on someone's post about it being on Mackinaw Island at the Grand.

Ok gang first off lets get the spelling straight as to where we are talking about. The spelling is as follows:

Mackinac Island
Mackinaw City

Yes, there are no cars on the island. You can get fat just smelling the fudge smells coming from the fudge shops.

If some of the forum members will search their memory they will remember Kim saying she has been there at least one night. I believe it was after an Alpena event.

I would think that if a reunion is done on the island the cost of parking a car longer than one day would be taken care of in the cost we would pay.

The next thing I have to say is that for years the collectors have wanted a Great Lakes reunion. The one thing you could say for this area is that you would see more lighthouses for this reunion than for any of the others. This is prime lighthouse territory. I am sure there would be boat trips done with Shepler ferry boats and most likely GLKA guides for commentary.

What will the cost be????? who knows
When will it be????? who knows

But remember this...what I have found is a great many of us come from a long way to get together for a long weekend. The friendships we have made are wonderful. In todays busy age that says something about this group of people. Door County was a prime example of this.

After reunion activities could take you up Lake Michigan to Wisconsin and going over to the Lake Superior side all the way up to Split Rock and work your way back to Mackinaw City along the Lake Superior coast. This would take you a little while but why not....you are already half way there.

There is my two cents worth for now.

2beacons

I've only been lucky enough to attend 1 Reunion but I'm all for one at any of the places mentioned but 2beacons makes a strong case and I've never been north of Chicago. Sounds like an adventure plus all the Collector/Wacko camraderie. I'm in whereever.
Rick

I am going to close this thread at our usual 50 posts. Please continue the discussion at:
http://www.lighthousekeepers.com/cgi-bin/forumscgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=44&t=000007