The Raritan Bay boat trip tomorrow has been cancelled due to weather. My sister and I had plannned to visit Fire Island tomorrow morning and then take the boat trip in the afternoon. I am trying to figure out Plan B. My question is this: Would it be feasible to visit Montauk and Fire Island tomorrow and then drive down to spend the night near Sandy Hook, NJ to start the challenge Saturday morning? Any suggestions on another plan?

Laura,

It would be feasible but keep in mind you would be trying to do it during a classic Noreaster- probably.

Staying near Sandy Hook is a good idea- the traffic pattern near Navesink and Sandy hook may be a challenge in and of itself due to the major bridge reconstruction project there.

Looks like the last Challenge - at least until 2011- may be a major washout. This is unfortunate but we have been very lucky over the last 9 challenges- some very cold years but never a real rain event.

Dennis

Thanks Dennis. I have been looking at the weather now. Maybe our best plan will be just to get a room early and watch the storm while we visit. I have never seen a Noreaster. According to a co-worker from New Hampshire, they are awesome to watch, and not to be messed with.
You may have saved us alot of grief. Thanks again.

Laura,

I'm the answer man on the NJLHS website for the challenge and I've had about 20 questions this morning about if it will go on as planned.

I have not heard anything from anybody at this point. There is no contingency plan for the challenge.

It has always been a rain or shine event but we've never had a Noreaster hit on challenge Weekend before.

We may not have a choice if the forecast is too bad- or if NJ declares a State Of Emergency (which has happened in the past with these types of storms)

You mentioned that the Cruise was already cancelled- I imagine you got an e-mail or phone call from Renard telling you this?

Dennis

Yes, got 2 emails last night. Didn't see them till this morning. On the website for the challenge it says the northern trip is canceled and that they will know about the southern one by this evening. Hope the challenge isn't canceled. Nancy and I will be there anyway and will see at least some of the lighthouses. I am meeting her tonight at a hotel in Newark. Weather Underground seems to says things will be calming down some by Friday night. Hope we run into you this weekend.

I would be very surprised if the Challenge is cancelled. (I won't be surprised if the Southern Cruise is cancelled, though)

There is no contingency in the planning for that. The show will go on unless forced to close by the State.

Dennis

Per the NJLHS website, here is the latest status of events:


"The Challenge will be held Rain or Shine.

Due to the forecast of rough seas, the Northern and Southern Boat Trips have both been cancelled. We will be discussing the possibility of rescheduling these trips in the Spring of 2010. Check the NJLHS web site in 2010 for updates."

Weather is not bad here, as long as you're not out on the water. We saw Fire Island, Montauk, Coney Island and Fort Wadsworth today, and are ready for the New Jersey fun to begin tomorrow. (Those last 2 were just dumb luck)

You have already done a fair amount of driving today. Some great lights. The view from Fort Wadsworth is really nice - wonderful panoramoas with the bridge and the harbor and all.

You guys be careful tomorrow and have a great time.