Ahoy, mates:
Last winter a few of us got together for a nice dinner. I took the liberty of naming this event the Mid Winter Gathering of the East Coast Compac-o-nauts. Yeah, kinda wordy, I admit.
So here it is, 2014 and maybe we could do it again. I was thinking about Princeton, NJ for 2 reasons: it's sort of a central point and there are probably some nice restaurants there, being the trendy NJ town that it is. Of course, I'm open to suggestions as to where and when. The when of it might be mid-february.
So, what say ye fellow Compac-o-nauts?
Bob23
How about Raleigh, NC? It's pretty central to ME. Okay, well, hey, I would like to attend some time, not sure when I could make it up that far. I bet the same thing would happen to you if we had it down here.
Have fun, and say when it is, and we can all go out and have a beer at same time; sort of the din-din version of Sailstice!
To the transporter room: Scotty: "Beam me down to Raleigh".
Bob23
wow.. i was just about to turn to Janet and suggest that it was time to start thinking about getting together with you all! Princeton might be fun, it has been a while since we last drove through there, and I don't remember ever really stopping.. any chance that we could make it a lunch date? that way we would not be getting home at 11 or 12 pm.. wow, am i really getting that old :) jt
ps maybe tigersailor would have better luck with a lunch date too!
uh oh... reality check.. we just looked at the calendar, and we are tied up every weekend in Feb. and leaving town the first week of march.. we may not be available till the 15th of march! :( by then we will all be focusing on getting ready for the season!! perhaps you had better plan this year's gathering without us... jt
Does it need to be on a weekend? There is life in the middle of the week!!!! ;)
Bob23
Bob,
At this point Suzie and I are good for any weekend in Feb. and into March. It's about 2 ½ hr. drive so we would spend a night and explore a bit the next day. We probably could do a Friday evening if that would help JT and Janet.
-Allen
Well, JT:
The Ides of March falls on a Friday so it would work with Allen's schedule and it wouldn't be the same without you. So, whadayasay?
Bob23
well. if that works for Marty as well, let's go for it.. Three weekends in February dedicated to school ( gotta retire soon!) and the forth dedicated to my wife who is singing in a concert... ( can't miss that!) and then a school trip to WV the first week of March ( really gotta retire soon :) ) thanks for being flexible.. we won't put it on the calendar till Marty chimes in.. maybe we will get matt to join us ( the guy who likes bikes) he is in the area.. perhaps some other new faces as well?
Once again, Bob takes the lead and gets things moving! jt
Ok, the balls in motion:
If I understand ya'll, it could be dinner on 3/15 or lunch on 3/16. Either on is fine for me and the Admiral...actually the luch idea of JT's would work better for us but I'll go along with the masses on this one.
Kick it around...once we get some kind of head count, I'll find a place in the Princeton area. I'm open to suggestions for other locations also. Just thought it was kinda central.
What say ye, me hearties?
Bob23
Hey, if there's food, I'll be there. I don't care what date or what time! 8) Princeton, NJ on the 16th of March works for me. Once again, I could (almost) walk there! ;D I'm not terribly familiar with Princeton eateries, but Palmer Square is a nice area. And I'm sure there are plenty of places to eat on Nassau Street across from the university. I can check it out if you like. BTW - I'm pretty sure any eateries near the university are pretty busy.
Jason called a bit ago and I suggested maybe lunch in Lambertville, NJ or New Hope, PA. Easy to get to and lots of eateries. Personally, I like the Lambertville Station Inn. Not cheap, but great for lunch (nothing's cheap around there). And its near water (Delaware River) just off Route 29. Easy access via I-95/295 and Route 31, US202 and US22.
Marty K.
P.S. Is it okay to invite Alex (Bristol 24) if I can get him to wake up before noon?
Marty:
Is Princeton too close for you? maybe I should've checked my map and found something as far from your house as possible! ;) ;) ;) Let's stay in touch about this and decide the where and when.
Alex? Sure, he can come but because he's not a Compac owner, he'll have to pick up the entire tab!!!!! ;D And he's got to promise not to talk politics! I can't stand to hear BS while I'm eating with good friends.
Bob23
hi bob... as marty mentioned. we had a nice chat today.. i happened to be in the area of lake nockamixoin where he and I sailed this past fall.. well. actually, we did a lot of motoring, but that was fine.. it was a gorgeous day.. we are certainly up for the mid march gathering.. lambertville or princeton.. either would be fun.. lunch might make the most sense .. looking forward to spending time with everyone.. jt
Suzie and I are still in.
You folks know the area so pick a time and place and we will work it out.
Marty...are you up for another race, maybe to the salad bar? ;D
-Allen
Ah...New Hope, PA.
That was one of my hangouts when I didn't feel that a particular day in high school was going to suit me. Many fond memories of....never mind. Not so fond after all.
If I'm reading everyone right, we're leaning toward lunch on the 16th of March in the area of Lambertville or New Hope. We could put it to a vote but the BBBer's are not a formal group.
Let's keep this rolling until we arrive at a time and place.
Bob23
I think Lambertville would be the better choice. New Hope parking is a nightmare! and expensive :o. If anybody wants to go to New Hope after lunch, no problem. It's just across the Delaware by foot or car (or boat if you're daring - hopefully the ice is gone by then ::)) and there is much to see and spend money on!
Marty K.
Eagleye - Sure, I'll race you, but I'll probably cheat and head straight for the entrees. As far as racing on the bay, next time I'll whip out my trusty battery powered fan. Then you'd better watch out, I stock a case of "D" cells on board Pegasus! Ha, ha ;D .
I just noticed that 3/15 or 3/16 conflicts with the Maine Boat Builders show. Does this affect anyone?
Bob23
No problem here, Bob.
i picked up the current wooden boat magazine just last night and noticed the same thing.. certainly enjoyed it last year, but won't be making the trip again this year. but thanks for asking :) what about you? jt
It's cold enough down here. Nope, I won't be going to Maine anytime soon! ;D
Marty K.
JT:
I am planning to be at the ECOMIWIG instead. If it didn't fall on the same weekend, I might drive up with my friend who has a home in Boothbay. Hope to see a great turnout in Lambertville, NJ. Apparently either in Lamberville or a nearby town, there is a large population with the same last name as mine. Hey, I might be famous! Or shot at!!! ;D
Bob23
Hi everybody!
I took the liberty of checking out the Lambertville Station Inn website: www.lambertvillestation.com (http://www.lambertvillestation.com).
I've visited the inn a couple of times, both were quite enjoyable.
Once for my big Seven 0h for dinner with family and once for a lunch meeting with
some Volvo friends to plan a meet. No complaints!
If we like, we can book a table(s) in advance right on their webpage.
They advertise prices of $30.00 and less per person. Parking is free for patrons and ample.
New Hope is just across the river (no toll) with its myriad attractions including the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad.
If we were to visit there today, we'd see the frozen Delaware... kind of cool, but not very boat friendly.
Looking forward to seeing the BBB friends and new faces (for me) as well.
Marty K.
Considering Marty's good taste in sailboats, cars and friends, I'm inclined to go with his suggestion. I can call the place to check on a beer selection. Is everyone on board with this plan? How many people are we talking about? Let's do a head count and reserve a table.
Bob23
janet and i are in! thanks for taking the initiative for getting the ball rolling.. jt
Bob,
Suzie and I are looking forward to seeing you all again.
Thanks,
-Allen
Hi All!
Okay. Count Barb and me in. Looking forward to the get-together in March. Hope it doesn't snow! ::) Uh, maybe a "snow date"?
Marty K.
Sounds like we have 8 firm commitments so far. Plus I hear through the grapevine there may be a few mystery guests...Let's put a deadline on this so Marty can make the reservations. What say ye to March 1st as a dealine? As far as a snow date, I think if we have to can 3/16 we may as well can the gathering but I'm open for suggestions.
Admiral Linda and deck swabber B23- 2
JT and Admiral Janet- 2
Marty and Admiral Barb- 2
Allen and Admiral Suzie- 2
Mystery guests- 2
It has been brought to my attention that I may have confused the dates and indeed, I did. I was thinking that 3/16 was a Saturday when in fact it's a Sunday. I'd like to make it Saturday, 3/15. Is that ok for everyone? Sorry about the mixup...60+ year old brain doesn't work like it used to.
Bob23
no problem. we were thinking saturday :) jt
OMG! :o Oh, okay. I guess Saturday works too.
Marty K. :)
Thanks, gents. Maybe I should actually look at a calendar when I plan these things. You know what they say about assume... ;D
I'm really looking forward to this gathering and so close to spring launch dates. Next thing you know we'll be at Tice's.
Bob23
Allen?
Saturday works for us. I figured you would work out the details, Bob.
The Madame is under a foot of snow now so the thought of spring sounds real nice.
Gotta get the snow blower going...later!
-Allen
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/SnowBlower010LoRes_zps3c35d1b4.jpg) (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/eagleye54/media/SnowBlower010LoRes_zps3c35d1b4.jpg.html)
(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t403/eagleye54/SnowBlower009LoRes_zps0e42940e.jpg) (http://s1058.photobucket.com/user/eagleye54/media/SnowBlower009LoRes_zps0e42940e.jpg.html)
Saturday 3/15 it is then. Man, you gotta a @#*& load of snow up there. We mostly get rain from these storms.
B23
Jumping back a few posts, I recommended March 1st as a deadline for signing on for the prestigious Mid Winter Gathering. If there are any changes, just drop a line here. Otherwise, Marty- can you make reservations for 10 at the Station? High noon still ok for everyone?
Thanks in advance to everyone who'll be there.
Bob23
can't wait.. maybe all of the snow will be gone by then :) jt
We will see you then!!!
-Allen
Marty of Pegasus fame pm'd me so it's cast in stone: About a dozen Compac-o-nauts will descend on the Lambertville Station, Lamberville, NJ on 3/15 at high noon for the second annual gathering of the East Coast Compac-o-nauts. Btw, there's also a good cross country ski shop right nearby, if your'e so inclined.
See you there!
Bob23
Ahoy, me Hearties! Ye Compac-o-nauts and Buckos. Announcing lunch at the Lambertville Station Inn in Lambertville, NJ. We be Weighing Anchor Saturday, March 15th at High Noon. Leave your Six Pounders on-board ye Yachts! Bring your Pieces of Eight for good eats and maybe to Splice a Mainbrace or two. Reservations have been made for those who wernt Three Sheets to the Wind when the invite went out! Argh!
Cap'n Marty
Pegasus
P.S. Directions at www.lambertvillestation.com (http://www.lambertvillestation.com) 609-397-8300
Looking forward to meeting up with you all again. It'll be the unofficial start of the sailing season.
Bob23
Good Morning fellow Compac-O-Nauts! Today's the day, and it will be simply gorgeous! Looking forward to seeing old and new faces. BTW, reservations have been made under "Kern". Parking is free for diners at the Lambertville Station Inn, but you may have to cough up $10.00 (returnable) to the lot attendant, but on the other-hand, you probably won't.
Marty K.
I went sailing instead. It just seemed like the right thing to do, since I couldn't be there.
TG
Tim - Hope you really enjoyed your sail. You certainly would have been welcome to come play with us. Right now, everyone is either on their way home or spending money in Lambertville and New Hope.
Happy Sails, (who said that?)
Marty K.
we missed you Tim!
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt71/pocono_couple/eastcoastcompacgroupmarch2014_zpse87041a1.jpg) (http://s599.photobucket.com/user/pocono_couple/media/eastcoastcompacgroupmarch2014_zpse87041a1.jpg.html)
and anyone else who may have been within driving range of Lambertville NJ but were unable to attend today's gathering. In fact, we had two empty seats, and when the waiter asked if we were waiting for someone Bob told him that we had invited the Governor but that he was stuck in traffic. The waiter's response was that he could order when he showed up... I don't think he got it.... :)
Thanks to the organization and planning skills shared by Bob and Marty, we had a wonderful time. Allen and Suzie made the trip from upstate NY And, the surprise guests.. PeterG and his wife.. all the way from VA... what a pleasure getting to know them.. We merely scratched the surface of topics of conversation ranging from, of course, sailing to building and sports cars and motorcycles and travel destination... what an interesting group! Hopefully, we will all be able to meet again on Barnegat Bay this coming season.. with plenty of room for anyone else who would like to join the fun... jt
It makes me proud to be a ComPac owner to see all these get togethers that happen, and all the smiling faces. :D
In reality, we are all within driving distance! Just depends on how long one wants to drive! LOL
I am glad you all could get together, and had a great evening!
Mac (I cant hardly wait for CLR :) )
Thank you to everyone who made the trip to attend this gala event. Indeed, our journey of only 1 1/2 hours was short compared to some of the others but it would not been nearly as fun if even one of us weren't there. It's wonderful to reunite with friends old and new and the Lambertville Station was the perfect place. Great food, small but very good beer selection and a fine waiter. But we did learn that there was a waitress employed there named Crystal who was so beautiful she'd distract one from ones meal. Glad we didn't have her...I have enough trouble concentrating! Last thing I need is a gorgeous waitress flirting with me!
As we noted while there, our son (Chris, 32) accompanied us on the trip north with one of his many bikes and planned to ride back down to Ocean County which he did. While munching lunch, I recieved a text that he'd left his pump in our car...oh well- his wish for no flats was granted and we finally caught up with him about 10 miles from the finish of an 82 mile ride. I wish I could still do that!
Among the topics of discussion that JT noted was the up and coming Barnegat Bay Bash 2014 and the wish for it to be a multi-day event. I look forward to that and in the coming months, we should see what dates work best for all interested parties. Think about it, mates!
Marty, the master planner thoughfully brought little sailboat shaped night lights as party favors- a very cool touch, Marty. Thanks!
Next account?
Bob23
Suzie and I had a wonderful time enjoying the company of our like minded group. Marty picked a perfect restaurant. If it weren't for the extended drive we would frequent the Lambertville Station often. Thanks to everyone for making it an eventful gathering!
Later that afternoon Suzie and I visited some local wineries and then took a small pizza back to our room. Can anyone guess what we had with the pizza? Yes, it was wine.....of course.
The next morning we explored the Upper Hanover Township which was settled by my family in the early 1700's. Unfortunately all the libraries and museums were closed but we did find a road with our family name.
Thanks again Com-pac-o-nuts!!!!
Thinking about BBB 2014
-Allen
Last Saturday was really close to perfect in many respects. Perfect weather, perfect location, perfect food & drink, and most importantly perfect friends. Well, maybe nothing is really perfect, but it sure came close!
Barb and I really enjoyed the party and wish we could have stayed a bit longer. The drive home was uneventful (a good thing) and we spent the entire ride talking about how much we enjoyed the gathering. We certainly look forward to doing it again.
Marty K. and Barb