Clear the decks!!!! for a Mystic Seaport EBS!!!!

[Ed Harrow]

EDOE: either Friday, 6 Dec or Saturday, 7 Dec.

ETOE: Sometime after 5 PM

ELOE: TBD

Honorary guests: TBA (but famous, trust me)

As usual should you or any of your wood-clad force get caught, Scot Bell will disavow any knowledge of your activities.

[ 11-08-2002, 12:38 PM: Message edited by: Ed Harrow ]

[Concordia..41]

Ah, er, I suggested to Dave that we make a trip to Connecticut in December.

I'm afraid his reply isn't printable, so I guess that counts us out :( :(

- M

[Ed Harrow]

OK, we have a date - Saturday, 7 Dec.

As to location - there is a restaurant on the border of Mystic Seaport, and a number of other places within walking distance. Perhaps we'll get some local guidance...

As to our honorary guests, hopefully they will make an announcement, but I understand their scribe has been incapacited as a consequence of defending his bride and their larder from being ravaged by a marauding feline. Hopefully he will recover in time to make the nearly 1000 mile trip.

For a start SWMTMH and I will be there (where ever there is)

[Wayne Jeffers]

As luck would have it, Michelle has a professional conference in Boston during that time period, I plan to go with her, and we plan to spend that Saturday, December 7, at Mystic Seaport Museum. Since we'll be in the neighborhood, I'm sure we can stick around for EBS. It would be nice to meet some forumites from New England. smile.gif

I can't wait to hear what famous guests Ed has lined up for the event!

Wayne

[Scott Rosen]

December 7th it is. There are lots of good meeting places in Mystic. It'll be hard to pick just one.

[Ian McColgin]

Pearl Harbor Day.

Sounds possible.

[Alan D. Hyde]

"A date that will live in infamy."

Alan

[Donn]

What's an EBS?

[Ed Harrow]

LOL, well Donn we could be mean, miserable sob's and tell you that you'll have to come to find out. ;) But, since we're all nice folks and not at all into "fishing": Elbow Bending Symposium. You ought to cruise over.

[On Vacation]

Ed, please let me know of the housing you have aquired for me as I have not received the conformation yet.

[Stu Fyfe]

What a great excuse to go to Mystic! (Do we really need one?).

[capt jake]

Just left Mystic about a week ago. Great place to have an EBS gathering! Spend the day looking at the site! smile.gif

[Donn]

"cruise on over??" are we bringing our boats? I was still fishing that time last year. It'd take me a couple of days, at that time of year, to steam to Mystic.

[capt jake]

Oyster and Donn in hte same place?? Looks like a storm brewin' in Mystic.........
Make up you two!

[LisaS]

I want to come too and put faces to names.

Lisa

[capt jake]

If it had only been last week! durn it!
Have fun y'all!

[On Vacation]

capt jake
.
Member # 4696

posted 09-19-2002 10:39 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oyster and Donn in hte same place?? Looks like a storm brewin' in Mystic.........
Make up you two!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Puget Sound WA | IP: Logged

Inland Perfect Storm. Hey, that maybe the next box office hit. Yes Capt. Jake, a lot of makeup would be required. But Donn has been practicing with some contrasting color tones over on another thread I see. :D

[Ed Harrow]

Mike, I don't know what the trouble is, there's tons of places to stay around Mystic, and business is pretty slow come December. You trying to use Donn's credit card ;) .

[Scott Rosen]

Originally posted by LisaS:
I want to come too and put faces to names.

LisaNo problem. I'm the good looking one. LOL

[Scott Rosen]

We need some ground rules.

No politics.

Wives, husbands, significant others and pets are encouraged to attend.

Bring pictures.

No politics.

and finally,

No politics.

[ 09-20-2002, 10:05 PM: Message edited by: Scott Rosen ]

[On Vacation]

Ed, he doesn't have fingerprints and I do. It is confusing the card holders idenity system. ;)

[capt jake]

And I just missed this! Dad gum it! I would LOVE to be there! I see another trip on the horizon (in a year or so).
Dang! Have fun, and as Scott says...
No politics.

Wives, husbands, significant others and pets are encouraged to attend.

Bring pictures.

No politics.

and finally,

No politics.

[JimConlin]

Can't I say "ignorant big-hat-no-cattle cowboy" just once?

[Ed Harrow]

ROTFLMHO - Just say it very, very, quietly LOL. With luck, the writer will join us:

All Night Long I Had a Thought

(For Ed Harrow)

All night long I had a thought;
how it kept my forehead taut.
My whole intellect was fraught,
shrinking from the fierce onslaught.

In its maelstrom I was caught;
with its power how I fought.
Gave it all I had been taught,
but at last it came to naught.

;)

[Don Olney]

Count me in. What time is the arm wrestling contest?

[Ed Harrow]

Just dragging this up as a reminder - we're about 30 days out - be there or be square...

[rodcross]

No politics?

Do I have to know what kind of keel bolts I have?

I'll bend an elbow, though. Its an easy drive for me.

Where am I supposed to be?

[Thomas Garber]

The Pub @ Seaman's Inn is a good spot to hoist a few, but I like that divey Irish Pub downtown (can't remember it's name).

[Ian McColgin]

I want to lobby for Saturday given both an existing Friday commitment and the fact that I'd not be able to drive from Boston down there after work and be in any way on time for anything.

That way we can also wander around Mystic before - probably run into each other in one of the boat sheds where we'll recognise each other by the secret woodenboat walk . . .

[On Vacation]

The secret code of idenity should be a chisel and bib overalls. Then you guys could look like a special religious sect.

[Wayne Jeffers]

I can do bib overalls, but I doubt they'd let me take a sharp chisel on the plane. :rolleyes:

I thought we were a special religious sect. We even have our own temple. :cool: It stands next to Ed's house! :D

Wayne

[Ian McColgin]

At my local coffee shop one day there was a guy with a WB hat. When I got to the cashier (wearing my WB shirt) she asked me, "That some kind of support group?"

"Yes"

[On Vacation]

Wayne make you one out of cardboard paper and color it with magic marker. See the world's problems can be solved in a few short moments here.

[ 11-07-2002, 11:53 AM: Message edited by: Oyster ]

[Wayne Jeffers]

I have a nice wooden spokeshave. :cool:

Close enough? :D

Wayne

[On Vacation]

You can check to see if that is in keeping with the sect's worshiping guidelines. But for now, no one outside or the cult would know the difference.
Later :D

[Ed Harrow]

Re date: I forget what Wayne and I thought made the most sense, but I think it was Saturday. Wayne?

[Wayne Jeffers]

Yes, Ed, we concluded Saturday was the best day for Mystic so that Sheryl could make the trip, too.

Michelle and I will fly in to Logan Thursday evening, arriving 5:42 pm, IIRC. We'll do the Boston tourist thing Friday. Saturday is Mystic. Sunday, Michelle starts her conference and you and I can complete the rebuild of that hulk in your yard. :D Not sure what we'll do with the leftover time through our departure Wednesday evening.

Wayne

[Alan D. Hyde]

Wayne, "...can complete the rebuild..."

:D :D :D

Alan

[Don Olney]

Saturday works best for us.

[Scott Rosen]

Saturday.

[LisaS]

Saturday...and I'm NOT wearing bib overalls.

Lisa

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Im up for it. Sounds like fun and dam close to me.

[Meerkat]

No politics? Oh well, that leaves sex and religion :D :eek: :D

[rodcross]

Any clues, yet, as to where?

I've got the state, town, year, day and time on my fridge. I'm going to plan on going to Defender Marine in the AM, if they're open, Boat Stuff in Mystic, later, the Seaport and finally, the Seaport Store Art Gallery.

Things can get busy on a Saturday night at the popular places in Mystic.

[abe]

Sounds like a good plan Ed.

An EDOEBS for Saturday, the 7th.

My ETOD from NH will be early AM.

Have you decided on an ETOE Ed? If 5:00pm or later, can you recomend a low budget motel room.

The NH Caddy will be available for passengers for those in the Newburyport-Exeter-Haverhill area or points North if you wish to meet in Plaistow NH.
Send an e-mail if interested in transportation.

abe

[Bruce Hooke]

I think I can probably make it too...

I've got something going on during the day but I should be able to make it down to Mystic by around 5:30 on Saturday.

It'll be great to see you all.

- Bruce

[On Vacation]

Lisa, this is an equal opportunity site. I submit to you this link as a matter of fact. And it even has online shopping for your conveinence. You still have time.
http://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/di57b.htm

[Scott Rosen]

Oyster, you're on to something. I think Lisa would look mighty good in those skimpy little things. ;)

[John of Phoenix]

Now I'm not just sorry I'm gonna miss this, I'm CRUSHED. Lisa, do it!!

http://www.allseasonsuniforms.com/graphics/di57d.jpg Bend one for me folks.

[ 11-14-2002, 09:55 AM: Message edited by: John Teetsel ]

[Norske3]

I do believe Mystic is open..free of charge on Xmas week-end..either Sat or Sunday .....I don't know which..FREE FOLKS :D

[Ed Harrow]

Hey, I don't really know anything about this - I'm guessing that we (Wayne, SWMBO, Foster Monster (??), SWMTMH, who knows, maybe even Finbar) will head down Sat AM.

I've got my secret decoder ring all picked out, you'll all know it's me when you see it, LOL. As to the location of the EBS, well that's still not picked out, as far as I know. Ed

[Ian McColgin]

Saturday in the morning. To wander and enjoy and learn.

[On Vacation]

Reply to the question of wearing his blue dress from Scott Rosen: Lisa, bib overalls ain't nothing to worry about at this point. :D Yea, Scott, he would be something touring the Mystic Museum in those high heels and falsies.
Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )
.
Member # 4659

posted 11-14-2002 01:33 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If it gets ya to buy me a drink I will, but I'm warning ya if you think you can get me drunk and take advantage of me your sadly mistaken I'm saving myself for Memphis

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

OK but unless I'm Missing something were missing the time & place we got the date and a town. Anyone wanna nail this down yet? AND NO IM NOT COMMING IN DRAG tongue.gif

[imported_Steven Bauer]

I just got it all worked out. My sister is coming to my house to watch the kids and the pets and Mary and I are coming to Mystic! We'll stay over and go to brunch Sunday at the Indian restaurant that our new friend from the Scotia Prince(see Yarmouth, Nova Scotia thread) manages in Rhode Island. Maybe we can get some Christmas shopping in also. I hope to be to Mystic by noontime so we can look at boats all afternoon before the Elbow Bending Symposium. I'll be the one just standing there gazing at Alerion with that far away look in my eyes. Last time we were at Mystic we were looking at her and Mary said 'why don't you build one of those?"
See you there,
Steven

[LisaS]

Overalls, yuck. I've never found a pair that were long enough without being so baggy it looked like I was wearing a gunny sack. Please tell me I don't have to get dressed up for this though, and can wear jeans...pretty please.

Lisa

[rodcross]

Drag? Drag? Did somebody say something about dressing up? Where's my feather boa?

Somebody's got to decide where before I set out on the 7th. I know two places in Mystic, sad to say. I live too close to have spent much time lurking around town and I have very little experience with either of them. One thing, though, The Steak Loft has a very large bar area, the sort of place where you might be able to shove a few tables together if you're nice to the waitress, and it is an easy place to find, though not particularly nautical.

[Art Read]

Steven...

"why don't you build one of those?"

Well... why don't you? That's exactly how my little project started.... ;)

[Ian McColgin]

We definatly need a local scout to ID our evening anchorage. And set a time.

But I bet most of use will be spening the pm roaming about the Seaport (I've already convinced my partner that we've not time to do the aquarium justice, heh heh) and we'll begin to whip in spontaneiously.

Like in all those westerns where the hero (each of us) starts down the street alone but is joined along the way by the other good guys.

See ya.

[Bruce Hooke]

I won't be able to spend the afternoon at the Seaport :( -- I'll be coming straight down from the Worcester area in the late afternoon -- so I will need a time and place to meet folks...

Lisa - Wear whatever the heck you want to...I doubt I'll be wearing overalls! :D

[Scott Rosen]

Why don't we meet at the big anchor just outside the Seaport Gallery.

We can have several meeting times; that way we'll be able to gather everyone regardless of when they get there.

First meeting at 3:00.

Second at 4:30

Last call at 5:30

How that sound?

[Ian McColgin]

That's easy.

If I get there first, I'll draw a line in the sand. If you're there first, brush it out.

See ya all at the anchor.

[ 11-15-2002, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: Ian McColgin ]

[Wayne Jeffers]

I'm flexible on meeting place.

As I understand it, Ed was going to get some input from his buddy who lives in the area on the best prospects for a place to drop anchor for the evening and raise a few glasses. I was hoping to find an independent establishment with real character, not the local rendition of one of those cookie-cutter national chain restaurants.

I note that Mystic closes its doors at 4:00 this time of the year, so meeting shortly thereafter seems to make sense. It seems, too, that there are several of our number who also plan on touring the museum in advance of the EBS, so maybe a few of us can informally assemble in the museum earlier. I'll be the grumpy old man wearing a fedora, accompanied by the tall pretty blonde and the Harrows.

Wayne

[Bruce Hooke]

It would be great for me if we could agree on someplace to meet where people will be for a while, because I'd hate to get delayed and arrive at the anchor at 5:45 only to find everyone gone...

I know someone who works at the Mystic Aquarium and I will be seeing him tonight so I will see if he has any ideas.

[Scott Rosen]

There's a place right outside the Seaport called The Seamen's Inn. It would be a good place to settle in for the night, and could serve as a meeting place too.

It's not the most upscale, yuppified, trendy bar in Mystic, but it's decent and a beer's a beer, if you know what I mean. All the really salty old places have been chased out by the tourists who come from the Casinos.

[Ian McColgin]

We'll hold nominations open for a safe harbor for another unspecified little while, but I'm happy with Seaman's since I've seen it in passing.

Do we know it has space to put some tables together?

Do they serve single malt epoxy?

[Scott Rosen]

Originally posted by Ian McColgin:
Do we know it has space to put some tables together?It's a big place. Sounds like you're offering to buy dinners all around.

You're a Prince. I nominate you for chairman and sole member of the dinner buying committee. LOL

[Scott Rosen]

I agree, Ian, that we should keep the location open for a while. I was suggesting Seamen's mostly because it's easy to find and it's close to the Seaport. What do you say we agree to pick the place by next Saturday, November 30th. That'll give everyone a week to wander into this Forum and get the right info.

We can have an official vote next Saturday.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Outreach to Memphis Mike & Sue take the trip up you guys can spend the weekend at our compound bring ye guitar. Ill drive to Mystic and you can drive home deal smile.gif

[ 11-15-2002, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson ) ]

[rodcross]

Not so fast, Ian. The line was in a 'Two Black Crows' routine from the thirties...'If you get there first, you draw a blue line. If I get there first, I'll rub it out.'

Seaman's Inn is gentrified and is unlikely to be particularly interested in letting ten or more people slide a few tables together at six, especially if it looks like no one's leaving until after eight...unless someone call's them, of course. Its a busy time of year for them.

[rodcross]

Joe,

Do you know where Memphis is? Its not exactly a day trip. It would take them a day to get to the Smokies and another to get to Scranton.

[Bruce Taylor]

Man, am I jealous of you guys!

Someone post a few pictures at least, for those who can't make it?

[Scott Rosen]

Here's another possible locations.

S&P Oyster House.

It's about a 5 minute walk from the Seaport. It's located on the East bank of the Mystic River, about 100 yards from the Mystic Highway bridge.

They have a bar upstairs, with tables and a big room. It's a less stuffy atmosphere than Seamen's Inn.

[abe]

Posting a few photos from our previous Mystic meeting, way back in '99. More to follow.

abe

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid39/p9b96de44e0f02d72a016048fbef390ad/fd09b875.jpg

[ 11-16-2002, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: abe ]

[Concordia..41]

Doesn't look like the '99 one was held in December :D

- M

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Margo, your rite it was in Febuary tongue.gif don't ya know us New Englanders keep our shorts on till the snow covers the knees :D

[Mrleft8]

Lisa... There is NOTHING as sexy as a woman in overalls.... NOTHING! It's the mystique (not to be confused with Mystic) that makes the garment/woman combination work. Hell... Even Madonna looks good in a bra and panties over a lycra body suit.... I'll be there if Rod will drive....and if I'm not in San francisco....

[abe]

Another photo from our meeting in Mystic back in July '99. Looking forward to another get together, but looking over my project schedule shows that I need a volunteer crew on that day to apply 35 gallons of paint to fresh sheetrock walls.

More to follow.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid39/pb5c68f004de09a50b5ff86b7e5965863/fd09b17e.jpg

[Ed Harrow]

I received this message from our man on the ground

"I have assembled some intelligence on the alcoholic topography of Mystic and
tried to post it but was stymied by a mobius strip phenomenon in the login
department. I emailed Webmaster Scot and hope to hear from him soon. Until
then,..."

Ed

[Alan D. Hyde]

If your man's on the ground, Ed, perhaps his ingestion of alcohol has not been sufficiently governed by his intelligence...

A cold berth, the ground.

Alan

[Ross Miller]

One might be tempted to think that I am returning to The Forum only to reestablish my credentials in time to attend this gala event, and one might be close to the truth. I can, however, due to relative proximity (The Committee will not allow me to divulge my exact location) assist in the selection of a suitable establishment.

The Seaman’s Inn is indeed a bit gentrified, which might be why I’ve never been there. I don’t think that it caters to real seafolk unless they are wearing blue blazers or pink logowear. John’s Cafe is the funky little joint downtown, but it’s a bit small for this grand assemblage of luminaries. The Snake Loft has the tables, as rodcross points out, and they have food, and reasonable prices. Saturday nights there is no music, which makes conversation easier (though the music is generally good jazz) but the downside is that they usually close before closing time. That might not be all bad, though, inasmuch as the more domesticated could yawn off to any of the many nearby houses of lodging, and the hardier could migrate on to further adventure nearby or downtown. I am somewhat acquainted with the Snake Loft’s staff and management, though, and perhaps advance notice might grease the skids and preclude The Bum’s Rush as the evening wears on, as would generous tipping.

I must admit that I am not the world-class barfly that I once was, and therefore am not intimate with every establishment in town, but I believe that this is a realistic assessment of options. Please feel free to disagree.

[Scott Rosen]

Wow! Tell us, abe, who is that handsome, salty looking youthful genitalman in the picture? The women in this group don't stand a chance.

[Ed Harrow]

Originally posted by Scott Rosen:
...who is that handsome, salty looking youthful genitalman in the picture? ...Hmmmmm, a little Freudian spelling or wishfull thinking perhaps... ;) :D

The Snake Loft (better than the Snake Pit, perhaps) sounds fine with me, tho I have no idea as to where it is located. As for generous tiping - you've got to be kidding - we got's boats to maintain, LOL.

[abe]

Difficult question Scott. It would appear that all the participants could be considered salty looking, youthful, handsome gentleman with the exception of my wife who is the lady on the right with sunglasses. After careful consideration, she chose to return home with the photographer.

abe

[rodcross]

The Snake Loft is immediatly off the highway ramp in the direction of town. It is a prominent brown structure on the left. If you get to the cemetery, you've missed it.

[Ross Miller]

Oh, dear, did I say Snake Loft again? I meant to say Steak Loft. Back in the seventies a friend played music there and facetiously called it The Snake Loft. I have found it hard to call it anything else since then, though it’s not the least bit sleazy. It’s right off I-95 at exit 90, about a mile north of the Seaport, and it’s an entirely respectable establishment, despite my habitual misnaming of the place.

[Ed Harrow]

OK, we need a bit of a head count here, as far as the EBS proper is concerned - who's figuring they'll be around after 5ish to partake of wimmins (and mins too, to be fair) and booze?

I'm putting in for 4.5 (including our distinguished guests).

[Wild Dingo]

Sorry Ed and mates... not this time round for me sigh sniffle sob... but yous mob over east better keep yer eyes peeled cause Im gonna try my damnedest to get acrross the long stretch of the nullabour track to Galwa {sp? yous fellas spels yer places real funnylike eh? :rolleyes: } next year even if I have to flamin well hitchhike... by gar!!! :D

Have a great time at Mystic people!!... oh and HEY!!... Dont forget to fill yer mates in on all events expeshally them embarressing ones! :D

Take it easy
Shane

[Ian McColgin]

I'm even passing up the Hyannis Harbor lighting for this one. Planning on self & Mary Ellen.

[Wayne Jeffers]

Michelle and I will be there to represent the State of Ohio!

Wayne

[LisaS]

I'll be there!

Lisa

[Scott Rosen]

One, maybe two.

[Hughman]

OK, to review:

Steak Loft
exit 90, RT 95
Mystic, CT
Dec 7 2002
3:00 PM

This right?

[ 11-27-2002, 02:20 PM: Message edited by: Hughman ]

[Don Olney]

2

[Scott Rosen]

Is it Three O'Clock or Five?

Who's gonna bring a digital camera?

[Ed Harrow]

Can't hardly speak for Wayne, but I suspect he won't be ready to leave when they kick us out. Those doing just the EBS can start anytime they want, seems to me. ;)

[Wayne Jeffers]

Mystic Seaport Museum closes at 4:00 this time of year. I believe some others were going to show up in time to visit the museum, so maybe some of us can informally assemble at the Museum earlier.

For those of us visiting the Museum, it may be best to plan on assembling at the Steak/Snake Pit/Loft(whatever) shortly after closing time at the Museum, say between 4:00 and 4:30?

Wayne

[Don Olney]

I'm bringing a digital with lots of memory plus a 35mm. I'll catch every Kodak moment and then some...and work em' over in Photoshop for great effect. ;)

[Mrleft8]

OK..... I got the time down just fine as frog hair split 4 ways.... Did we ever decide on an actual real solid day?
I mean... If I'm gonna show up on Rods doorstep at 10 AM (EST) I better not be there a day late...

[Ed Harrow]

Pearl Haba day.

[Mrleft8]

Pearl habba day? Are we gonna get bombed?

[jeff pierce]

I can't believe I almost missed this one. Being as close as I am to Mystic it'd be a shame not to make it.

Count me in.

[nedL]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for attending to about 4:30 or so! :D

[Ross Miller]

I talked to the weekend manager at the Sna... er, Steak Loft last Sunday, informing him of our tentative plans. He reminded me that there is no food in the bar on Saturdays because the dining area is so busy that particular night (as it is at any restaurant in town on Saturday). Any time after 6pm there is an hour wait for the dining area, but if we were to get there at, say, 5pm, they would most likely have no trouble accommodating us. I told him that we would probably number between 15 and 25 people, and he said that putting tables together for up to twenty was not a problem, but over twenty would probably end up separated. I told him that I'd most likely be able to inform him of our specific plans beforehand. Perhaps we should assemble at The Anchor around 4pm, as The Seaport is closing, and mosey on up Greenmanville Avenue towards a 5pm seating at the Loft. Or maybe call it 5pm at the Steak Loft. Or both.

[rodcross]

Went to Nantucket for Thanksgiving. Man! Nasty weather...40 mph winds and snow on Friday. Couldn't find Ian's boat in the inner harbor, either.

On the way back with my sister and a friend, the Steak Loft was a good stop for a break and some food, Saturday evening. We got there about 5:30 and were seated, right away. I went out to smoke at 6:00 and passed people muttering about the 30 min. wait.

Ross is right. Not that I thought he was wrong, before. Its just that we might want to claim a space in advance.

[Ian McColgin]

I'm right east of the steamship dock on the corner of the bulkhead.

[Bruce Hooke]

I am hoping to get to Mystic at about 5:30. So, if you get a table before then at the Steak Loft save me a spot please. I 'googled' the Steak Loft and found a listing for it at 27 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT. Does that sound right? Mapblast says Exit 90 off I-95 to Route 27 south and then left onto Coogan Blvd. 400 feet from the end of the exit ramp.

- Bruce

[Ross Miller]

Yep, that's correct. It's a large dark brown building occupying the corner of Rt. 27 and Coogan Blvd. and "Steak Loft" is writ large across it. If you're coming in on I-95 south, bear right off the exit and it will be staring you in the face.* If you're coming from the north, take a left off the exit, pass under the highway, and turn left on Coogan. It's the first drive on the left on Coogan.

*From 95 south: two lanes of the exit bear right. Be in the left hand of those two.

[jeff pierce]

Originally posted by Ross Miller:
... He reminded me that there is no food in the bar on Saturdays because the dining area is so busy that particular night (as it is at any restaurant in town on Saturday). Any time after 6pm there is an hour wait for the dining area, but if we were to get there at, say, 5pm, they would most likely have no trouble accommodating us. I told him that we would probably number between 15 and 25 people, and he said that putting tables together for up to twenty was not a problem, but over twenty would probably end up separated.I'm just a little concerned about how this is going to work out. It sounds like we will have people arriving at the Loft at various times from 4:30 on. If they were serving food in the bar, the casual gathering we have planned would work fine. Assuming not everyone will be satisfied with a liquid dinner, are we planning to get group seating in the restaurant? If so, I can't see the management being keen on setting aside a block of tables and having people arrive at various times to fill them up and ordering dinners at different times. Especially on their busiest night. My wife used to work at the place and they were very adamant about all the orders for a party being taken at once, and all the food arriving at the table simultaneously. So much so that she was not allowed to take two trips from the kitchen to the table, regardless of how many dinners she had to carry. I suppose we could agree that we will gather and hang out at the bar from, say 4:30 to 6:30, then those that are inclined to eat dinner could get seated as a group.

It may be too late to suggest a different venue, but I'll offer it anyway. It occurs to me that the Seahorse on the Thames River might be well suited to our gathering. Granted it's not in Mystic, but its still within the town of Groton. (Mystic is not a town, but a village split between the towns of Groton and Stonington). The Seahorse has a large bar area that overlooks the river on two sides (OK, the view on one side is mostly of Electric Boat, which isn't particularly pretty). The bar area has tables that can be (and often are) pulled together for large groups. They do serve casual pub type food within the bar. There is a restaurant as well. Because of its proximity to Electric Boat and Pfizer, Inc. and away from the tourist attractions, their busy time is actually Friday right after work rather than Saturday.

[ 12-04-2002, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: jeff pierce ]

[Ian McColgin]

I'm content with local knowledge. Mary Ellen & I are going to stay over at 'The Inn at Mystic' anyway.

But the idea of a pub place like over at Groton makes much sense to me. Perhaps consensus will not be reached till we're at the anchor at 1600 -

Nah. We gotta do better than that so's the later folk can find us.

Whatever prevails.

[On Vacation]

What about a cell number for the principle leader of the pack for the late comers to find the group. It might be hard for Memphis Mike and me to find ya'll in a big city like that. ;)

[ 12-03-2002, 08:42 PM: Message edited by: Oyster ]

[Ed Harrow]

Well, here's my thoughts, for what they are worth...

Ross checked in with the Sat night manager, who seemingly has indicated a willingness to work with us.

Could we be all in our places with sun shiney faces and ready to order by 6PM... There is, reportedly, ample parking at the loft, the Seaport will have been closed for what, two hours by then. That ought to be time sufficient for our honored guests to straggle up from the Museum, laden down with all sorts of purchases, LOL.

Some, hopefully, will make their appearance before this time, serving to establish a beach front and secure the flanks... If there were one or two stragglers, well either we'd share our booty, or perhaps the establishment would entertain their order?

Ain't nobody that gets my cellphone number, but you can page me - 800 321 9137.

[jeff pierce]

Yeah, that should work. It retrospect, if we changed the venue now, someone might not get the message and end up at the wrong place wondering where everyone is (and boy would I feel guilty).

Steak Loft it is, then. See you all there. smile.gif

[gunnar I am]

Any body gonna have a boat there? Doesn't look like the Vikings are gonna be out at Cape Cod.

[Mrleft8]

Theoretically, I'll be at the airport at that particular time.... But..... If I can get someone else to pick my wife up at the airport..... I'll be the guy who looks kinda like me, but scarier...

[Ross Miller]

What Ed said, pretty much, but,

I was there tonight having dinner and listening to jazz and I had a chance to ask one of my favorite bartenders about her perspective on our situation. She stressed that a problem arises mostly when people want to hold spaces for people who take hours to show up.

Therefore I suggest that we:

1) take a roll call, that I might be able to tell them how many we will be, and when.

2) assemble at The Anchor (at The Seaport, those of us who are going there) at closing time, which is alleged to be 4pm (1600) and anyone from anywhere be at the Steak Loft by 5pm (1700). That will be the first table or three.

3) those of us who must arrive later, catch as can. The wait begins around 6pm (1800).

No doubt we’ll be able to figure out who’s who, table to table, and once we’ve eaten, we might even migrate to the bar and homogenize fully.

Sound off.

[Scott Rosen]

One.

[LisaS]

Two.

Lisa

[Wayne Jeffers]

The Ohio delegation (Wayne & Michelle) will be present, barring an insurmountable airline mess.

We're supposed to catch a plane in a couple of hours. I suppose the 4 inches of white stuff on the ground here won't be too much of a problem. I'm not sure what the weather is like in Pittsburgh (connecting point) or Boston (destination.)

See you Saturday! :D

Wayne

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Mary and I are coming down from Portland.

I just got a room at the Hilltop Inn through Priceline.com for $45. I guess it's a little closer to Foxwoods than the seaport.
See you there!

Steven

[ 12-05-2002, 10:07 AM: Message edited by: Steven.Bauer ]

[Bruce Hooke]

Count me in. I expect to reach the Steak Loft around 5:45 - 6:00 PM...

- Bruce

[Ed Harrow]

2.5 :D

[LisaS]

I should have been clearer....I will be one person, second response.

Happy snow day everyone!

Lisa

[Scott Rosen]

2.5? Ed, are you bringing Zach? Are any kids going to be there?

[LarryJacobson]

Just heard about the get together from Jeff Pierce. It will be great to connect some of the faces to the the forumites.

Count me in.

Larry

[adampet]

Aw H..., everyone will be close and I have school on Sat. :(
I hope a good batch of pictures come out of this.
Adam

[jeff pierce]

One

[ishmael]

Sorry I'm gonna miss this one.

Jack

[Roger Stouff]

*sniff!* I am so jealous...

[nedL]

Its looking like a go from here (till a bit after 5:00 at least), so count me as one more smile.gif , but no dinner :(

[J. Dillon]

I'd like to make this one and meet the names but Steak Loft for a confirmed vegetarian, ugh. and I don't DRINK and drive.

Hadn't had much luck in meeting up lately. Drove all the way to Beaufort in 2001 and met nary a Forumite.

Agreed to meet Gondola guy in Venice, He never showed, but later explained via E mail he got there 45 min later. It's enough to give a guy a complex. So I don't know ?

JD

[Ed Harrow]

Hey Mr Dillion, we're in the same boat and we don't know what we're going to eat either. Might have to get by on lettuce (or stealing Zach's food) but we ain't passing this up. Don't give up, we expect to see you!

Yes, Scott, Zach is coming. It was going to be either he or Finbar, but I don't see how we can manage both, and Zach is still with us... We're going to draw numbers out of a hat to see who gets to take him home. ;)

[nedL]

I'm planning on getting to the Seaport about 2:00 & checking in at the anchor pretty regularly till 4:00, so I hope I meet up with a number of forumites before the Steak Loft.

[nedL]

Ed, thinking of 'drawing numbers out of a hat' I've got (I'll just say) a number of similar items that came from 'my favorite shopping spot' that I'll be bringing to the Steak loft for all to do with as they wish for door prizes. :D

[Thad]

Vegetarian too. Usually do all right.

[Scott Rosen]

Likewise on the vegatarian thing, but I'll eat fish if they have it.

[LisaS]

I've talked one of my friends/co-workers into coming with me, so we are planning to poke around the Seaport during the day.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm also vaguely vegeterian but I'm counting on them having some fish, which I'm quite happy to eat. Pretty funny how many vegetarians we have going to a place called The Steak Loft.

[Don Olney]

Suggested agenda for discussion tomorrow night at the Steak Loft:

5:00-5:15 Get Acquainted
5:15-6:30 Traditional v Modern Boatbuilding Methods & Materials
6:30-7:00 The Many Uses and Curative Powers of Ethylene Glycol
7:00-8:00 Health Insurance
8:00-9:00 Democrat v Republican
10:00-11:00 Global Warming
11:00-12:00 Abortion
12:00-1:00am Gun Control
2:00am Last Call

Gun Control discussion to be continued in parking lot.

[John of Phoenix]

Maybe next time. <sigh :( > Bend one for those of us who can't make it. Take lots of pics.

[Joe ( Cold Spring on Hudson )]

Have a great time guys tilt a brew for me Ill be thinking of you all maybe next time. DAM I wish I could go :mad:

[Mike H.]

*sniff, sniff* - what Roger and Joe said!
You guys have a great time. We inlanders will survive somehow! I swear, if Mike weren't on call this weekend, I'd raid the savings and buy him a plane ticket, not because I'm trying to be rid of him, but because it would do him no small amount of good to be among you crazy bunch of hooligans! :cool:
At any rate, take pictures and let us poor shmucks live vicariously! tongue.gif
And dress warm!!!!!!

[On Vacation]

I told him I would go and he could ride with me and help drive. But he told me you wouldn't let him go off with a right wing wacko. tongue.gif

Translation from the sunny south:

:00-5:15 Get Acquainted-Hi ya'll folks?
5:15-6:30 Traditional v Modern Boatbuilding Methods & Materials-Did you see how many jetskis and bikinis there were in the haabor?
6:30-7:00 The Many Uses and Curative Powers of Ethylene Glycol-Does the ladies need another mint julep?
7:00-8:00 Health Insurance-Lets have one more Southern Comfort on the rocks to clear up this blurded vision.
8:00-9:00 Democrat v Republican-Them damn Yankees will rise again one day.
10:00-11:00 Global Warming-I think the girl in the corner is hot.
11:00-12:00 Abortion-Get out of my way quickly. Here it comes. Ralph!!!
12:00-1:00am Gun Control-Hold this here bottle steady good buddie.
2:00am Last Call-Hey honey, come bail me out of jail.

[ 12-06-2002, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: Oyster ]

[jeff pierce]

For all you vegitarians and others with dietary concerns/restrictions, here is (or at least was, several years ago) their menu. Hope this helps:

Steak Loft

Dinner Menu

All entrees include our complete salad bar and baked potato, steak fries, baked stuffed potato, or mashed red-skinned potato

Appetizers

salad bar alone $4.95
new england clam chowder
cup $2.50
bowl $3.50
soup of the day
cup $2.50
bowl $3.50

Steak

*skewered beef $13.95
baby back ribs $15.95
*junior sirloin 9 oz $14.50
*top sirloin 11oz $15.95
teriyaki pork chops $14.50
*steak teriyaki 11oz $16.50
*new york sirloin 11 oz $18.95
new york sirloin - heavy cut 14 oz $20.95
filet mignon 9 oz $19.95

Seafood

grilled seasonal "steak" fish p/a
baked new england cod $12.95
maryland-style crab cakes $13.95
stuffed filet of sole $16.50
scallops - baked or fried $15.95
fried shrimp $15.95
stuffed shrimp $16.95

Poultry

baked breast of chicken $11.95
baked chicken teriyaki $12.95
roasted bbq chicken $12.95
roast duckling $13.95

Combinations
bbq chicken & ribs $15.50
*steak & chicken $14.95
stuffed shrimp & chicken $16.95
stuffed sole & chicken $15.95
stuffed shrimp & stuffed sole $17.95
*steak & stuffed shrimp $18.95
*steak & fried shrimp $17.95
*steak & stuffed sole $17.95
*steak & lobster tail $22.95
*steak & bbq ribs $17.50

*Certified Black Angus Beef
For your health, we fry in a corn & canola oil blend, Supreme Fry-On, low in saturated fats and no cholesterol.
Please refrain from pipe & cigar smoking in the dining room.

Menu information last updated: 8/18/1999

[J. Dillon]

Jeff,

You're a prince. :D

That's a great menu. :D

Thanks for posting it. :D

JD
PS Is that the latest date ?? :confused:

[ 12-06-2002, 06:48 PM: Message edited by: J. Dillon ]

[Ross Miller]

Saturday:
Sunny and warmer. Highs in the lower 40s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph.

I suggest wearing shoes that will keep your feet dry and warm.

Jeff - They’re still wondering where that menu went.

Don - Does that mean you’re coming?

[Don Olney]

Yes, Ross, there'll be two of us at the Steak Loft at 5pm (If the Port Jefferson Ferry doesn't sink that is).

[Ed Harrow]

You ought to drag that Loon character along with you...

Just for the record, Wayne and Michelle are here, and we'll be there.

See you!!

[abe]

If I can clear the decks at my job site by 3:00pm and find a place to bunk down for the night, just might make it. SWMBO is attending the Boston dog show at Bayside so it will be a solo flight, about 2 1/2 hours from here to Mystic.

Another photo below from our '99 meeting. If the gentleman on the left, renowned WB writer, artist, world traveler and vegetarian is seen at your meeting, say hello for me. The next in line is probably working in Maine editing our next issue of WoodenBoat. The guy third from the left has probably aged considerably in the past three years given his line of work and I doubt you will recognise him.

Enjoy your visit, Ed is a great host and take plenty of pictures.

abe

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid41/pc897cd1b7bce62ee45317506f8d3efdb/fcf779da.jpg

[J. Dillon]

Abe ,

Ya can bunk down here in Hamden if you want.
I got some carpentry and repairs to make. ;) We're 1 hr 15 min out of Mystic

JD

[jeff pierce]

Originally posted by J. Dillon:
PS Is that the latest date ?? :confused: Sorry for the potentially outdated info. I can't swear to it still being valid. The Steak Loft's own website is down for some reason. I pulled that off an independent website that posts menus. I couldn't find a more recent version.

-Jeff

[Donn]

I figure a few elbows are bending in Mystic by now, so I'm bending mine in absentia.

Cheers! :D

[ishmael]

Hope they have a photographer or two.

[On Vacation]

Rumor has it from a good source from within, At five there was about 12 already navigating their way through the tall stools.

[Donn]

Wish I could have gone, but SWMBO left about 15 minutes ago for JFK. She's flying to Heathrow tonight, then on to Bath for her company's Christmas party...so I've got pet care duty.

This is the first time either of has flown since 9/11, and I'm not at all thrilled about it, but it was a command performance for her, so no avoiding it. :(

[Mrleft8]

Think I'll call the steak loft just to see who's there....(10:15 est :D

[Mrleft8]

Just called. Very nice lady said they'd all left by 9:00PM EST.
She also said that aside from some rowdy drinking games, and trying to pick up wait staff (of both sexes), that you all were "fairly well behaved, no one got thrown out at least...."

[Donn]

"rowdy drinking games"???? Like who can chug their fingerbowl faster? What kind of rowdy drinking games can you imagine from a bunch of woodenhead vegans who left at 9? :D

[LisaS]

You guys and gals shoulda been there! As we prepared to move from the bar to the dining room, the manager read us a wonderful greeting from Oyster. Thank you! I counted 22 people there, and of couse, misplaced the list of names...ugh. We had a terrific time putting faces and voices with names. There were a lot of pictures taken, so hopefully, some will get posted this weekend. As Bruce pointed out, the next gathering should be during warmer times with camping facilities nearby.

I'm going to miss people in this list (and screw up some too), but here's a partial list from memory...Scott Rosen, Jack Dillon, Jeff Pierce, Larry, Ed and Sheryl Harrow (with Zach), Thad, Steve and Mary Bauer, Ian and MaryEllen McColgin, Wayne and Michelle Jeffers (from Ohio), Greg Higgins (from VA!), Don Olney and his better half, Ross Miller, Rod Cross, me, Bruce Hooke, Dick Ramsey...and I know I'm missing at least one person and am going to feel REALLY stupid when I figure out who it is I've missed here...I'm SORRY in advance for messing up anyone's name or misplacing them in my memory banks.

Lisa

[On Vacation]

:D :D :D :D Sorry I couldn't make it. I'm glad you guys got the message. :D :D

[LisaS]

Darn - one person I forgot was NedL...I can't let that one go, as he provided door prizes for everyone (along with Larry) that were distributed in an amusing fashion by Ian and Ross. I'm sure someone else will rotate to the surface of my memory too...

Lisa

[Dave Fleming]

That is ***ACES*** Lisa, thanks for the update. Us poor folk out here on the left coast at least the Southern California division should do something similar.
Now in the next days I/we/all of us, will expect full details with photos. Bleary eyed faces, silly grins and all. :D

[jeff pierce]

Lisa,

I'm impressed, I never would have gotten them all by memory. I declare the 'Symposium' a rousing success. A good time was had by all, near as I could tell. (that is all of us participants, the lady at the corner table who declared us "rude" when we got a bit noisy is another story).

Thanks for setting it up, Ed.

[LarryJacobson]

For those of you unable to attend here are a few of the photos taken at the December 7 Mystic gathering. I'm sure that more photos will be posted by others over the next week or. Over the course of the day/evening I counted 20+ wooden boat forumites!

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/4oclock.JPG

A few of us at the 4:00 initial gathering at the anchor at the Seaport. Had there been much more snow none of us would have been able to find the anchor.

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Part1.JPG
We were fortunate to find enough room at the Steak Loft. This is the first of two tables. Please identify yourselves. I'm the one holding the camera.

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Part2.JPG
Our second table at the Steak Loft with a few familiar faces.

A few Seaport photos:

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/VisitorCenter.JPG

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Shell.JPG
I visit the Seaport several times a year yet have never noticed the 57' Racing Shell suspended from the ceiling.

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Seaport.JPG
Winter view of the L.A. Dunton.

[On Vacation]

Nice shots. Maybe for some of us with dial up connections a new thread could be started for these COOL shots.

[Scott Rosen]

I had a great time, and I think others did too. "Borrowing" one of Larry's pics from the above post, I'll try to put names to the faces, starting from the left and going clockwise around the table. http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Part1.JPG

Me, Dick Ramsey, Lisa, Steve Bauer, Mary Bauer, Thad, Ed H., Jeff Pierce, Jack Dillon.

[ken mcclure]

Knowing what little I know of some of the different personalities here (and looking at the pictures) I'm reminded of one of those salads. You know the kind - a mixture of anything and everything conceivable which sounds like a culinary disaster but winds up being absolutely delightful.

What a great group of people! I will make it to one of these gatherings one of these days!

[J. Dillon]

Yes it was a great affair. Seeing faces you can pin to names.

I'd like to suggest the idea that our next "Gam" happen at some place like a state park with a beach and camp grounds. That way we could intermix better, more family members attend (children), you can bring you're own food,drinks, enjoy the beach etc. Those of us who come distances could camp over at the grounds. Our long suffering spouses might attend and commiserate about our other half's addiction.

Also those of us with musical abilites could share their talents .

Hammonasset state park in CT fills the bill BUT you have to make reservations well in advance. Slightly off season is a good time like after labor day.

Any other ideas out there ?

JD

Any others on this idea ?

[rodcross]

...and a good time was had by all...

Some time during the evening, I began to regret having gone as I was beginning to find it difficult to return to the Forum and resume calling them ridiculous, biased, uninformed blockheads. Scott saw it differently. He thought it would be OK to return to the Forum and continue calling people ridiculous, biased, uninformed blockheads, and not only that, you're ugly! Good point, Scott.

And for those of you who found 3,000 miles to get to an EBS in Mystic a little daunting, you should know it was a summit of sorts. We did come to the unanimous conclusion that everybody else on the Forum were a bunch of raving lunatics.

For Donn W: I owe you a book I received as the door prize reserved for the most conservative attendee, titled "Sailing to Leningrad". I had to promise to pass it on. I scanned it a little, last night, and it looks pretty interesting.

[Donn]

Thanks, Rod...but I have a copy right here. I sold several thousand copies as a remainder at $1.98. It is an interesting read. I thought Canna was a particularly pretty (if fiberglass) boat, and love the pic of her berthed up for winter in Derrynane Harbour (p. 104).

[ken mcclure]

Originally posted by rodcross:
...everybody else on the Forum were a bunch of raving lunatics...I have never raved.

[Donn]

JD..I like the idea of a place and season where we could bring our boats if we wished. Hammonasset is a good choice. Misquamicut in RI is another good spot. Great beach, and tons of B&B's around for non-campers. There are several spots on Long Island as well; Orient Point on the north fork and Montauk on the south fork. Fire Island has campgrounds, the bay and ocean, and even a nude beach for those inclined.

In answer to your question on the folder thread, I've had Loon on the sound several times, from each direction, but since she's so slow, it's a long trip. I like the trip around the east end, or up through the Shinnecock Canal and Peconic the best.

[On Vacation]

rodcross
.
Member # 2524

posted 12-08-2002 10:25 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...and a good time was had by all...

Some time during the evening, I began to regret having gone as I was beginning to find it difficult to return to the Forum and resume calling them ridiculous, biased, uninformed blockheads. Scott saw it differently. He thought it would be OK to return to the Forum and continue calling people ridiculous, biased, uninformed blockheads, and not only that, you're ugly! Good point, Scott.


That is probably the best point out of these gatherings that one will return home with. Then we all can just learn new ways of saying blockheads like Scott does and paid big bucks to learn how in law school. smile.gif

[Mike H.]

Thanks for posting the great pictures, guys. You look like you're having a ball! And you couldn't have been too ill-behaved: you put the baby to sleep! tongue.gif
Have a great time today, and a safe trip back home. The rest of us raving lunatics will be here waiting for ya! :cool:
PS: the snow looks lovely! We're still waiting for ours.

[Ed Harrow]

Put Zach to sleep?!?! :eek: If there was anyone (or several) with that power at this event you can be certain we'd have brought them home. The Foster Monster was starting to get wound up (He'd not had a chance to be loose all day...) so it was pronounced that we'd best be on our way.

Great time was had by us, and if I did forget to bring Dave's words of wisdom, well I did manage to get the essance across, LOL. Thanks to all you who truned out, and esp to Ross Miller, our man on the ground, to Ned L for the book donations, and Larry Jacobson for the CD-ROMS (and no, I will NOT tell you what is on them ;) , and especially to Ian and Ross (again) for doing such a creative and noble job, on short notice, awarding the prizes.

As for doing it again ... whatdaya think of Our Lady of St Phoenix. I bet, if we don't count the Virginia flatlanders, Woodville, MA would be about the epicenter of the event ;)

In the imortal words of somebody, "Ya shoulda been there!"

[Thad]

Glad you made it home safe and sound Ed, trust that applies to all. I had an easy trip. Have to look at the rest of NedLs pictures next time. Cheers.

[Dave Fleming]

Ed! Ya mean ya forgot my 'piols of wisdom' :D

Fer thems what missed 'em.

If ya drink DON'T drive.

Be safe, have fun and talk about lots o'wooden boats.
How to keep them afloat in good condition? Use them, enjoy them and do the maintainance work on a religious schedule with NO slacking.

Over with Gary B., who bye the way told me he took you out sailing when you were in SF, we saw a number of 'woodies' that were just on the cusp of slipping over to the dark side, if ya folla?

Get some 'think tanks ' going on some problems you folks are having. Chew on them till there is nothing but gristle left.

DON'T waste your time gabbing about the WB Forums.

See if you all can form a loosely knit support group for each other's projects. Get a AAA map of the region and pin point the location of each member and make copies to send to each person. That way you all know who is closest and who might be available to give a hand on some project.
Share, cross fertilize, that sort of thing.

Give my best to all and extend my Holiday Greetings.

[John Bell]

Wish I could have been there.

I've had the privilege of attending two forum gatherings this past year, the first in Tennessee this summer and the second in Annapolis. Both of those events were great as well. I hope people will continue to do more of them, because they really are great fun and they show what a great group of people we have here.

I'll see what I can do to get a Southeast gathering (on the water even!) going for this spring.

[Ian McColgin]

It was great.

I mostly drive 'em and since every good varnish day is also a good sailing day, I've been known to let the cosmetics slip a bit and my craftsmanship (except for rigging, where I actually am pretty good) is kind of casual.

It was a gas to be around people people who can bring a couple of pieces of wood close together. Sand cleanly. All that. Pix were a great help.

I love the idea of a gathering some family friendly place with camping or what not - hopefully a place I can anchor Grana.

There are so many different ways to be in love with wooden boats and it's a real delight share with other lovers.

[Chris Coose]

Maine Boat Builder's Show will be the third weekend in March.
Magine that if Steve Bauer and I collaborate, we could put the next conflab together.

I've got a large group get together place a stone's throw from the Show.

Mark your calenders.

[Ian McColgin]

Yeah yeah.

Plan ahead.

[NormMessinger]

How's camping in March in Southern! Maine? How's sailing for a little boat like Prairie Islander?

--Norm

[nedL]

How would Shane say it! It was Absoluteflamingfantasticlygreat :D !!
I got to the Seaport about 2:30 & pretty much did a quick self guided update tour for a while. I stopped at ‘the anchor’ & wrote “WBF” in the snow in front of it so that any forumite to follow would know they weren’t alone (only later did I find out I did that at the wrong anchor, so we may still have some poor sole standing there waiting for us to show up) ;) . It seemed like I was looking sideways at everyone I passed & saying to myself “do I know you?”. Sometime after 3:00 I was heading down to check out what is going on at the Henry Dupont shipyard. As I entered the viewing gallery I was all alone except for a couple of guys leaning over the railing a ways down. I didn’t pay them much attention at first, however I did notice that they were wearing headgear that seemed a bit out of place for where we were, something more like you would see in maybe a kind of cyberworld ;) . As I closed in I realized that one of the hats was actually the foundation for a sort of billboard. A very important billboard that read “Bob Cleek Lives”. At that moment I knew the goal had been achieved!, the pilgrimage was over!, that etherial Mecca had been reached! :D :D . I had met forumites!!! In fact they were Ed Harrow & Wayne Jeffers. We of course went through the required round of secrete handshakes, formal introductions & other obligatory gestures. Once that was finished we got down to the business of critiquing the restoration job that the Seaport is doing on the sandbagger “ANNIE”. (Her deck is off and a lot of new frames & planking are going into her.) When finished there we moved on out to the lift dock to inspect the steamer “Sabino” which is having her port side bottom & sponson rebuilt. I’m glad to say that all work passed muster.
As we headed back up to the main grounds of the Seaport we caught up to Thad at which time he & I exchanged the required round of secrete handshakes, formal introductions & other obligatory gestures. Shortly thereafter as we were walking up one of the lanes by the ship carver we came across Sheryl Harrow, Zach, and Michelle Jeffers. (I knew I had hit paydirt the crowd was growing!) As eight bells approached (figuratively of course) we headed toward ‘the anchor’ for the appointed rendezvous – the correct anchor that is! I was almost amazed how people just sort of started appearing out of no where every time I turned around! When it seemed like the arrivals were slowing a bit we took a moment for the photo shoot, when instructed to “Smile” we all joined in unison & responded with “CPES!” :D ; after which we had some explaining to do to the uninitiated onlookers.
After some additional holiday shopping in the Seaport store (for me mostly googling among the books and artwork upstairs) we headed over to the Steak Loft where Ian, MaryEllen, Larry & a couple of others had staked out a nice quite corner (at least it started out as quite I’m sure.)
As the gathering grew so did the discussions & picture sharing. Ian & I had a brief talk about the merits and benefits of Gronnicles and the which work best for various situations. We agreed that considering the “Mariners Catalog” has devoted so much press to them in multiple editions then they must be of the utmost importance. After the reading of a decree of good times and rules of order that were sent by Oyster and read by the Metradee (guy that runs the place, I never could spell), and Ed’s confession of forgetting & then reciting from memory (very well done) Dave’s “piols of wisdom” we were ushered into the dining room for dinner.
My only regret was that I had to depart at 5:30 and miss out on what I’m sure was the best part of the day.
I know I’m not to good with names (especially with my head still reeling), so I apologize if I have mixed up any names or forget any, but I would like to thank everyone for the great time I had(!), Lisa, Scott, Jack, Jeff, Larry, Thad, Steve, Mary, Ian, MaryEllen, Wayne, Michelle, Greg, Don, Ross, Rod, Bruce, Dick and the instigators of the whole affair Ed, Sheryl, & Zach.
I’ll be the first right here & now to sign up for the next EBS at Our Lady of St Phoenix. Just say when :D !
(Sorry it took so long to get this up here, as Shane would say ‘Dang those eight smileys’, for you see I had this typed once already today but had to many smileys & lost the whole thing when I went back to erase a few.)

[Ian McColgin]

Now there's a thought. We gather at Our Lady of the Phoenix, half of us pick her up while the other half give the keel a kick and the third half catch it as it falls . . .

Then we can adjourn for some fluid replenishment.

[Ian McColgin]

On the Maine Boatbuilders' show - I keep threatening for '04 to sail Grana up but all be warned - there's always still snow on the ground then.

[Greg H]

Y'all ducked out early! Ross and I were holding down the bar 'till 11, but no stragglers showed. ;)

I'll borrow a photo and label the 'other table'...
http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/Part2.JPG

Clockwise (best as I can tell)
Me, MaryEllen, Ian McColgin, Don Olney, Ross Miller, Wayne Jeffers, Sheryl 'n Zach, Bruce Hook

It was a pleasure to meet all of you. Lets do the next where it's a bit warmer. Brrrr

[Wayne Jeffers]

Absent from the table above when the photo was taken were Don's charming companion, Grace, as well as Rod Cross and my Michelle.

Michelle and I got home from Boston in the wee hours this morning. We had a wonderful time in Boston, Hopkinton, Mystic, Bristol, and Newport. It is said that Southerners are hospitable and friendly. I will attest that New Englanders can hold their own on these accounts, too. Not only our gracious hosts and the other forumites, but also the people Michelle and I met around Boston.

I think the shot at the anchor deserves a caption, too.

http://server107.hypermart.net/vintageboatphotos/Favorites/4oclock.JPG

Left to right, NedL, Ed, Zach, Sheryl, Ross, Lisa, Wayne, Michelle, Don.

It was truly a pleasure to meet the forumites who were able to make our little EBS. Thanks to everyone for a great evening and a wonderful week!

Wayne

[ 12-12-2002, 10:30 AM: Message edited by: Wayne Jeffers ]

[Concordia..41]

Just got a chance to read (and re-read) Ned's post :D :D :D

We're even more envious than before.

- Margo & Dave

[Chris Coose]

How's camping in March in Southern! Maine? How's sailing for a little boat like Prairie Islander?
Jeez Norm,
I'm sitting here trying to come up with another adjective than the one I got that answers both questions.
So I'll just go with it. Lousy to both questions.

If you bring the Islander in hopes of a 20% chance that it will be unseasonably mild, I'll moor her and between me and Steve B. we might keep her active enough to keep the grass off.
Then you could return in September and bring her back home.

But don't let any of that keep you from the show.
I've got an open efficiency apt. downstairs that hasn't been "first served" yet.

[Bruce Hooke]

Originally posted by NormMessinger:
How's camping in March in Southern! Maine? How's sailing for a little boat like Prairie Islander?

--Normha, Ha, HA, HA, HA!!!!!

Well, the camping can be OK if you like either camping in the snow or camping in the mud. As far as sailing goes, if you're lucky the ice might have cleared out enough to allow easy access to the shore, but even then the water would be down at near glacial tempuratures. In cold years I've seen sea-ice so solid that you could walk out on it to 1/4 mile or more from shore in mid-March!

To put it another way, I sometimes go up to Maine in early March to go cross-country skiing; and snowmobiling and ice-fishing are real popular that time of year too... :D

[ 12-12-2002, 01:22 PM: Message edited by: Bruce Hooke ]

[Ross Miller]

It’s refreshing to get back with The Forumites. Even though it was actual rather than virtual human contact, I had a great time.

Sunday night I returned to the Steak Loft, mostly as an experiment, and for some reason they let me in. I apologized once more to Manager Tom for our debauchery and cannibalism, but he said it was nothing at all and proceeded to explain in detail how we could reserve a room the next time.

It was a pleasure to see all of you: those I’d met before, those I’d been hoping to meet for a long time, and those who were wondering who I was and where I came from.

For the latter group: I used to be a regular irritant. The Forum was a great source of inspiraton and procrastination in the arduous days when I was moving out of the country cottage I had occupied for a decade. After that I was living aboard, separated from the computer and otherwise busy trying to reorder this patchwork I call a life, and so got out of the habit. I repent.

I like Jack’s idea of a Hammonasset Messabout in September. It’s vaguely central from east or west, it’s a nice park, you can anchor nearby, row to shore, launch from shore (through sand) and shelter is close in the event of a blow. First weekend after Labor Day?

[Ed Harrow]

Originally posted by abe:
...
Enjoy your visit, Ed is a great host and take plenty of pictures. ... I've been meaning to correct this. SWMTMH is the great host. I'm merely the one who starts the trouble.

[Wayne Jeffers]

Actually, Michelle and I will attest to the fact that both Sheryl and Ed are great hosts. :cool: But, of course, Finbar is the top dog. tongue.gif

:D :D :D

Wayne