NELL PUBLIC CRUISE TO CONNECTICUT’S WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND LIGHTHOUSES

New England Lighthouse Lovers (NELL), a chapter of the American
Lighthouse Foundation, is sponsoring an all day public cruise on
Saturday, June 3, 2006, to the lighthouses of western Long Island
Sound.
This first-time event will visit 10 lighthouses, including seven
offshore Connecticut lights that are rarely seen up close, and will
allow plenty of time for photography. It is sure to attract lighthouse
enthusiasts from New England, New York, New Jersey, and beyond.

The cruise aboard the 250-passenger vessel American Princess (website
at
www.americanprincesscruises.com will depart from Brewers Yacht Haven
Marina in Stamford, CT. The approximately seven-hour tour will include
these lighthouses: Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, Green's
Ledge,
Sheffield Island, Peck Ledge, Penfield Reef, the onshore lights at
Fayerweather Island (Black Rock Harbor), Tongue Point, and Stratford
Point, and conclude with Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground).

The cruise will be narrated by lighthouse historian Jeremy D'Entremont,
author of a number of books, including his recent The Lighthouses of
Connecticut. What better way to learn more about these historic
beacons?

Cruise fares are only $50 for NELL members and $60 for non-members,
children age 12 and under half fare, and must be received before April
15, 2006, or after that date add $10. Breakfast coffee and bagels are
included, but you must bring your own lunch. Proceeds after cost and
from onboard fundraising events on the return trip will go to
lighthouse
preservation.

Payment in full is required for registration by CHECK ONLY, payable to
NELL and is NON-REFUNDABLE unless the tour is cancelled. Registration
forms for non-members are available on the NELL website at www.nell.cc.

NELL MEMBERS should register ASAP by sending payment to: Tom Pregman,
2240 Shepard Ave, Hamden, CT 06518. Any questions contact Tom at:
tomarpregman@webtv.net or call (203) 287-8064,

NON-MEMBERS should register ASAP by sending forms and payment to:
Shirin
Pagels, 8 Pulaski St., Apt 3G, Norwalk, CT 06851. Any questions contact
Shirin at: keeptheliteson@yahoo.com or call (203) 554-0053.

Additional details, directions, and recommended hotels in the area will
be provided to those who register. This tour is limited to 200
passengers and will fill up quickly. Don't miss this great opportunity
to view these remote lighthouses up close and personal!


Tofix a non-working link...

Shirin,

Sounds great to me. I'm hoping to make this one.

It will get me to some hard to see Lighthouses- CT is not Wacko friendly in some cases.

Dennis

Dennis,

Stan and I will be aboard as well. Wear a flower in your lapel or something that makes you different from everyone else on board this time and I'll make certain to track you down!!

Sandy

Looking forward to seeing you again Dennis, Sandy and Stan. And should you both like an introduction, let me know. I can certainly point you out to each other!

I don't know how we manged not to bimp into each other on the NY Harbor Cruise- I was on every inch of the ship selling 50-50 tickets.

I'm sure we met we just didn't know it. I probably not be selling anything on the LI Cruise so it should be easier to meet each other.

Dennis

Well Dennis, with your track record with NELL events...maybe we shall wait and see how things go closer to the date of the trip. I'm hoping this trip will break the streak of NELL events that you haven't been able to join us for.

My check is in the mail.

Thanks Fran! Looking forward to meeting you on this trip!

What time will the ship leave Shirin?
Bob

9AM Bob.

Maybe Bob could meet the boat half way between LI and CT?

Shirin,
I sent my check today for two people. This excursion will push my light list over the 300 mark.

Robert

Glad to hear you will be joining us Robert. Glad we'll be pushing you into the 300 club. That is certainly an accomplishment to be proud of!

Shirin, can you keep us posted on how many slots have filled up? I want to go to this but I'm probably not going to know if I can make it until mid-March or so, unless it fills up faster and I need to make a decision. Thanks!

Sure Jen that should be no problem. Currently, I know of 10 non-members who have indicated they are interested in attending. And I have no clue about the number NELL members attending other than myself but will get that info in a few days. Please feel free to email me anytime to inquire about this trip.

Shirin, I'm pretty certain I'm going to do this. I'll know definitely in a couple of weeks, and will hope that there is still a slot at that point.

It could be my first NELL event - finally!

Judy

Well Judy, it looks like we'll just have to do all we can to get you up here then! Let me know if you need some help with the trip planning!

Shirin...where do you find the registration form on the NELL website for non-members? I looked and can't seem to find it. Thanks

It's about mid-page..

Form

Well, heck. You folks need don't to go on this Cruise! The photos are right there on the form.

Oh but it never hurts to see the lights for yourself! Or, as in my case for this trip, go see them more than once. Only one of these lights will be new for me on this trip - Stratford Shoal

And Great Camaraderie!!!

UPDATED INFO FOR THIS TRIP!!!!!

Hi to All,

The arrangements have been finalized with a hotel for our NELL Spring
Meeting / Tour weekend. Sixty members and twenty non-members have
already registered or committed for this tour. If you are not one of
them, what are you waiting for? Come along and bring a friend so we
can
meet our 150 minimum See our website at www.nell.cc for the original
notice, and this update.

GROUP RATE AT THE DOUBLETREE CLUB HOTEL, NORWALK, CT

Accommodations are held at this 266 room hotel for Friday June 2 and
Saturday June 3, 2006 at the rate of $79 plus tax for NELL members AND
FOR THE PUBLIC PARTICIPANTS in our Saturday Western L I Sound cruise.
The rate is held until May 19 (two weeks before the stay) as long as
any
rooms remain available. Cancellation is by 6:00 PM the day of your
stay.

The hotel is just off exit 13 from I-95 (north or south), turn right
from either direction to 789 Connecticut Ave. (Route 1). The hotel is
very central to our NELL weekend, and was completely renovated in July
2005. Rooms are non-smoking and have 1 king bed or 2 queen beds. Visit
their website at www.doubletree.com, and enter the city name, Norwalk,
CT.

Please make your own credit card
reservations at the Doubletree by calling their toll free number
800-222-8733 or direct at 203-853-3477 ASAP. Be sure to say you are
with
the New England Lighthouse Lovers group. If you wish to register
on-line
at our rate, ask Shirin or Tom for the group code when you send in your
tour check.

Breakfast is not included but they have an extensive buffet for $10.95
from 7:00 AM or you can order off the restaurant menu including
continental items. There are also Friendly's, IHOP, and McDonald's only
a few doors away. The hotel restaurant has a reasonable dinner menu and
there are also Bertucci's and Cook House (steak) restaurants
essentially
next door.

The Brewer Yacht Haven Marina WEST for Saturday's cruise is 5 minutes
(less than
5 mi) drive south on I-95 to exit 7 and another 5 minutes to the Marina
from there.

DIRECTIONS TO BREWER YACHT HAVEN MARINA WEST for 9:00 AM departure
(Check in before 8:30 AM)

FROM DOUBLETREE HOTEL turn LEFT on Connecticut Ave., and in a short
distance LEFT again onto I-95 SOUTH.


FROM I-95 SOUTHBOUND (from New Haven) take EXIT 7.
At the 4th light turn LEFT onto Washington Blvd. and proceed until the
stop sign at its end.

Turn LEFT and IMMEDIATE RIGHT onto Dyke Lane for 1/8 mi. then RIGHT
into
the Marina.


DIRECTIONS TO BREWERS YACHT HAVEN MARINA FROM I-95 NORTHBOUND (from
NY):

Take EXIT 7 and proceed through the light and at the next light turn
RIGHT onto Washington Blvd. and proceed to the stop sign at its end.

Turn LEFT and IMMEDIATE RIGHT onto Dyke Lane for 1/8 mi. then RIGHT
into
the Marina.

NELL MEMBERS WEEKEND:

The South Norwalk shops, restaurants, and entertainment area, known as
SONO, is north on I-95 off the next exit, 14. This area is "where its
at" for Friday or Saturday nights. The Maritime Aquarium and I-Max
Theater are there, and to name a few places to eat, there are Brewhouse
Restaurant, O'Neill's Pub, The Rattlesnake, SONO Seaport Seafood, and
for more upscale dining on the water, across the Norwalk River there is
Harbor Lights Restaurant. A Norwalk map of these locations by
lighthousemaps.com will be in your tour envelopes.

The SUNDAY AM NELL MEETING will be from 9:00 AM - 11:00+ AM in the
ballroom at the Doubletree hotel. Fundraising will be held on the
return
leg of the Saturday cruise aboard the American Princess and will not
take up time at the meeting. Committee reports and Secretary minutes
are expected to be distributed before the meeting so you may read them
ahead of time. Also it will be time for election of NELL officers so
you don't want to miss this meeting.

SUNDAY RECOMMENDED 2:00 PM NORWALK SEAPORT ASSOC. (NSA) TOUR TO
SHEFFIELD ISLAND LIGHT: (Check in 30 min. before departure)

NSA DOES NOT TAKE RESERVATIONS UNTIL MARCH. To make your own
reservations then, and pay at the tour, call 203-838-9444, or WEEKENDS
at 203-838-2898, or by e-mail to nseaport@snet.net. Check their
website
at www.seaport.org. for info and other tour options. Their 2005 rate
was $16.

Members going on the tour pick up the Norwalk Seaport Assoc. (NSA) boat
right next door to The Maritime Aquarium and I-Max Theater in SONO.

DIRECTIONS TO SONO & NORWALK SEAPORT ASSOC. DOCK FOR NELL MEMBERS
SHEFFIELD ISLAND TOUR
FROM DOUBLETREE hotel:

Exit to Connecticut Ave. and turn RIGHT.
Continue to the 6th light then turn RIGHT onto Scribner Ave, following
the signs to get onto I-95 NORTH.

Take the next Exit 14 from I-95. Go straight at the stop sign onto Reed
Street and down the hill to West Ave.

Turn RIGHT onto West Ave. and follow the signs to South Norwalk.

Bear left at 1st major intersection (second light) onto North Main for
3
lights.

Turn left under railroad overpass onto Washington Street and take 1st
left onto N Water Street, then immediate right into parking lot where
the NSA vessel docks.
You will need to be there 30 min. ahead of your tour time. (1:30 PM for
the 2:00 PM tour)

This lot by the NSA dock will most likely be filled by the time our
meeting gets out so people would be lucky to get a spot there. There is
a pay box for parking passes to display on your windshield. Rate is $1
per hour for the first 4 hours and $5 for 24 hours.

More than likely you will need to continue on N Water Street past the
Maritime Aquarium and use the parking garage on the left across from
the
Aquarium entrance and allow time to walk back. The rate there is $5 for
3-5 hours. It increases to $8 for 7-12 hours.

The 2:00 PM boat returns to the dock at 5:00 PM. Have a safe trip
home.

The AAA rate is a bit cheaper- $75.65 plus tax- of course there may not be as many rooms available at that rate.

Dennis

I will be on the boat. Who else is going?

Fran,

Stan and I will be aboard, but you already knew that. . . .

Sandy

Esther and I plan on being there for the weekend. I've got my hotel room reserved and the payment in for the cruise.

Dennis

We will be there.

Ron & MJ
(CT Keepers)

Carolyn and I will be there too...Frank Carbone NELL

I'll be there too!

I'll be there too, and I look forward to meeting all of you who/whom I haven't met yet.

My lady friend wanted to travel by train. Is that possible?

Amtrak has a station in Stamford, CT.

Sharon and I will be there also.

How far is the train station from the hotel, which by the way doesn't have any more rooms in the block that was saved for ther group?

You mean they've already filled 30 rooms? I just signed the contract last week. The train station is about 7 miles from the hotel. However, if you hit the right traffic you'll be sitting on I-95 for quite awhile.

I just called the 800 number and made my reservations and didn't have any trouble getting the $79. rate. They never said anything anyway. There's no campgrounds in the immediate area so I can't take my trailer.

Thanks for letting me know Tom. I just passed the hotel on my way back from the dentist. Had thought about stopping in to see what the deal was with the rooms but didn't quite feel like it with half of my mouth completely numb at the moment.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones!
Hilari & Jim

Hey Hilari, how you doing? Go to see you posting.

We will be there as well.

Hey Augie, It'll be good to see you again. I couldn't make the picnic last year..to busy travelling.

It is going to be great to see all of you folks again. Augie, are Lisa and Tim coming?

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Yes, Lisa and Tim will be coming. Also, Lisa's mother and sister will be joining us. Looking forward to having a great weekend with our NELL friends.

This is shaping up to be a great weekend.
Not only to get together with old friend, but to make new ones too!
HCS

Looks like I'm in too...although I'm not sure if I'm flying or driving yet...haha!

Jen, I don't know where in Mi. you are but it takes me with my trailer 1 overnight stop from Mackinaw City to home - Fishkill N.Y. Down I75 to 23 to I 80/90 to I80 into Pa. to I81 north to I84 east into N.Y. and then on into Ct.to Rt.7 south to Norwalk. Its not a bad ride except for the mountains in Pa (pulling a 30ft.R.V.) Should take you, depending on how you drive, 18-20 (driving time) hours. Two drivers you could go striaght thru and maybe make up some time. That's from Mackinaw City to Nowalk.

Terrific, Jen!!

Tom, it looks like I'm going to be driving the last half of that same route to get to CT. I'm going to be driving from Richmond to Charlottesville/Waynesboro/Staunton VA first and leaving from there, getting on I-81 from there instead of heading up I-95.

Thanks for spelling it out. Now the map makes sense!

It's about a 12 hour drive from where I'm at, Tom.

Just wanted to let everyone know that this cruise is sold out!

Wow - sold out! and Tom P. from NELL thought we would have trouble filling the boat!
So glad I booked early
HCS

And I'm still getting tons of calls and emails and still plenty of checks in the mail that I'll now have to return to people. There was certainly a lot more interest in this cruise than we thought!

Maybe, next year, the event can be even bigger. Just think of all the money you will be able to raise! Good job, Shirin!

You gotta have faith. I really wold have been very surprised and greatly disappointed if the cruise didn't sell out. Its not all that often you get to "see the light" from the water.

Your welcome Judy and I think you choose the better route. I think I81 is a much nicer, better and less hectic ride than I95. Safe driving!

Thats a piece of cake Jen. You should be able to make it straight thru w/out stopping except for gas and stuff. Leave at 8am and arrive at hotel Norwalk just in time for bed and you'll have the afternoon sun at your back. Makes for eaiser driving late in the day.