I previously had a slot but cancelled it because +1 couldn't go. I've been soloing it for a month, so I figured I need to get out. Because of somebody else's misfortune, I was able to get back into the mix.
I live on the lake in Northern Ohio. Anybody coming from parts West and wants a free place to stay Thurs night, let me know. I'm heading out on Friday AM. I'm not far off the Ohio Turnpike and it's 370 miles to SF06. I have room for 3 couples or lots of respectful friends. Let me know.

 

RC! Glad we'll be able to meet you.

Let Deb know your dinner choice if you haven't already.

See you on Friday!

 

I'll be leaving Thursday noonish, but Sam (spt-s2k) just PM'ed me about directions from NE Ohio - MapQuest told him to go I-90 all the way then head south to the Finger Lakes. I thought I'd share my recommendation with you, too:

Definitely DO NOT take the NY Thruway. Last time I was on it it was really crowded, with long lines at every rest area gas station. Granted that was the middle of summer, but it wasn't any special weekend. I-86 along the southern edge of NY is almost empty most of the time and far more scenic.

If you want to go straight to the hotel, then take I-86 west, and get off at Savona, Exit 40, and head north on Rt. 226. Follow it all the way up until it joins with 14A north, up through Dundee (14A turns left - you go straight on Dundee-Himrod road) and on to Himrod. In the center of Himrod, you make a right and you're on Plum Point Road. Take it across Rt. 14 and you should see the hotel by the time you get to the lake.

If you want to cruise through Watkins Glen & get your bearings first, stay on 86 east until you get to Corning. Get off at Rt 414 (Exit 46), go north until you get to downtown Watkins Glen. 414 empties out right onto 14, which is the main drag through town. If you take 14 all the way through town and follow it up the hill, it will get you to Plum Point Road. It will be 16.1 miles from right in front of the Gorge - you can't miss it on the left as you go through the center of town.

226 is a nice drive if I recall. 414 is more busy, and you have a greater chance of getting stuck behind a motorhome, but that could still happen anywhere around there.

JonasM

 

Maybe we will just come over and spend the night; Marblehead is a nice area. Do you have a boat? If so, that could be our dinner cruise too. Just kidding.

 

RC - Ryder,

Please make sure we meet and it sinks in to me. A thump on the head might work. I'm going solo too since my husband is buried up to his eyeballs in work. It is hard to meet lots of new people and have a memory of it. I want to remember meeting you.

 

John has given me all his info. Thanks and enjoy!

 

It will be great to meet you, John! Glad you are coming after all.

Dave, we'll miss you this time, especially since it's Watkins Glen. But we'll see you next year -- (in VA, I think?). I remember how hard it was for me to cancel for SF04...

 

Yep, the plan is still on for next year in the Charlottesville, VA area. So, those who will miss this one (including me - ) have a chance to make up for it.

 

RC-- looking forward to meeting you

 

Thanks ladies. I'll be the one wearing blue jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers. No, it's more like I'll be the grey-headed, vertically challenged one without earings or tatoos and driving a Spa with Ohio Tags. Looking forward to meeting you all likewise.
Got to do Charlottesville next Spring. Been there many, many times and love it, especially the old walking downtown.