Back to the beach, part III: June 26

[Whiteymorange]

OK. Time to start planning the next installment of the beach saga. For those who haven't yet made it to the cottage at Pleasure Beach, in Waterford, CT, I'd like to try to convince you that a day at the beach can be just that, plus food, beverage and lots of good conversation. The location, albeit humble, is good for all of the above and, so far, the company has been well worth the effort. This year I want to get lots of people to visit Seaside Regional Center with large format cameras, as long as it's still accessible (the state just sold it!) as well as the usual Harkness romps and portraits in the yard.

As usual, there should be a "gear or whatever" trading table, though I don't have as much to give away this year; time for showing off your prints and far too much food (details to follow.)

Think about it... Beach, buddies, beer... What's not to like? Kids enthusiastically welcomed.

 

[papagene]

Can't wait!!!!

 

[bill h]

Oh yes.

 

[panastasia]

Does anyone bring a fishing rod for surf casting if the beach is near? Something else to do at the beach during the most exciting saltwater fishing time of the year (the spring & early summer striper run).

Yesterday I was viewing photographs taken by fishermen on the S.O.L (Striper's On Line) fishing forum. Some were what looked like fine art B&W photos. Many were typical and very good beach scenes at sunrise/sunset and shots of trophy catches, but mixed in were some of the most amazing photographs I've seen anywhere; photos of objects, structures, people silhouetted by low lying sun shining through wood fence (my favorite), atmospheric phenomenon, for some examples, and many other excellent compositions in all seasons.

These are people who never mention photography in there threads but some have the eye for it (and friendly like photographers). They don't talk about photo equipment, only fishing gear. I was blown away by many of the shots. Now I'll always pack my camera when I go fishing with my son - sometimes I forget to when my mind is on one track. I'm at that forgetful age.

 

[patrickjames]

How often do you do this Whitey? I might be up in your neck of the woods in August. It would be fun to meet some people from APUG. I don't think I have met a single person from APUG in person. I have always wanted to make it to one of Bill's little shindigs in Michigan too.

 

[Whiteymorange]

Does anyone bring a fishing rod for surf casting if the beach is near? Something else to do at the beach during the most exciting saltwater fishing time of the year (the spring & early summer striper run).

Panastasia
Not a lot of surf in CT. That said, there is good striper fishing from the beach at Harkness Park and lots of fishermen at the rocks right down the road from the cottage- mostly hoping for Porgie (scup), though I usually hope for blackfish (Tautog). As is all too often the case, hopeful is more common than successful. You need a license for salt water fishing in CT (new, dumb idea but enforced.) Bring your rod, but also bring a license.

Patrickjames,
I'm around in August, and a second shot at a larger gathering is always possible. Let one of us know when you'll be in NE and we can gather just for that! Anything for an excuse.

 

[SuzanneR]

June 26th is looking good to me, and the kids were asking about going there again a few days ago!! Great minds think alike!!

 

[patrickjames]

Thanks Whitey!

 

[papagene]

Whitey... I'll be in Colorado last week of August, so don't plan anything for that week!!

gene

 

[Whiteymorange]

June 26th is looking good to me, and the kids were asking about going there again a few days ago!! Great minds think alike!!

Bring 'em on!

Oh, and the Seaside Regional Center "pedestrian visitors welcome" sign is still up and folks seem to be using the beach there, so I guess the state hasn't closed it down yet. Keep all available fingers crossed.

 

[removed account4]

i'll have to chek the kalender ...
it looks like it might be a-go ...
thanks whitey!

john

 

[Elias Roustom]

I'd like to come.
Any kids in the 9 year old range - maybe I can persuade my daughter to join me.

 

[Whiteymorange]

Just back from a day of prepping the cottage for the coming season. I stopped in at the local boardwalk-arcade-public beach in New London, Ocean Beach. They have done a lot of work on it lately and the place looks interesting for another photo-destination if folk's interests tend that way.

 

[LizzBartlett]

If I don't go to Mt Washington for alpine wildflowers, I'll drag Ms Holly down to the beach.

IBBY!
Lizz

 

[Whiteymorange]

OK, so the Seaside Regional Center seems to be under "new management." I went there this weekend with an 8x10 and was turned away by a security officer who told me "Sorry sir, no photography is being allowed on this site." Didn't feel like pushing it, but I'm going to do some checking on what is going on. There has never been a security presence before this.

Lizz. We are far more fun than Mt Washington... honest!

 

[pesphoto]

I think I will be able to make it again, look forward to it!

 

[SuzanneR]

I'd like to come.
Any kids in the 9 year old range - maybe I can persuade my daughter to join me.

I'll have a nine year old, and an eleven year old (both boys) with me. Not sure if John Nanian is coming, but with any luck he will, and bring his three kids. That'd be fun... and the more kids to photograph, the better!!

 

[papagene]

BUMP!!

 

[SuzanneR]

As the day gets closer.. it turns out we have a "rocket day" with cub scouts (last one before boy scouts starts) from 10 until noon, and figured we'd head down for the afternoon right after. Probably won't get there until around 2pm, but I'm hoping folks with kids will be there for some fun in the crab pond!! (and making pix, of course!!) And what should we bring in terms of food and... of course... drink????

 

[Nicole]

Wish I could you join you Suzanne and all. Sounds like lots of fun!

 

[Whiteymorange]

Wish I could you join you Suzanne and all. Sounds like lots of fun!

Always! If it's not fun, you're doing it wrong.

Food: I'll cook up some chicken, maybe ribs, and put together a macaroni salad. I have soda and seltzer, along with some (budget-conscious) wine. Bring beer, if you want it, other salads and anything else you would like to throw on a grill, along with any "my-kids-only-eat-this" kind of stuff or special treats to share. Gene has promised his famous chili.

Suzanne, come whenever! The clam pond awaits.

 

[Elias Roustom]

I'll make a batch of Hummus, and bring some Syrian bread or chips.

 

[L Gebhardt]

Sadly I'll be out of town again. I may need to plan the family vacation for a different week next year. Have fun everyone!

 

[bill h]

I have a couple of boxes of give-away photo stuff -- will the table be available?

 

[Whiteymorange]

There's always room for a swap table... might have some give-aways myself.

Here are the directions from Rt 95. Rt 395 people, just take the exit for Rt 85, take a left and go .8 mile to the light at Cross Rd. Right on Cross Rd and you will cross Rt 95 after a mile or so. Follow the directions from there. There is no starting or ending time to this thing. Papagene and his (much)better half will come down on Friday evening. Morning light is nice, so show when you can.

RAIN INFO: There isn't any sense in doing this in the rain, so if the weather is wet, we'll think up another date. The cottage is very small, and a big party inside isn't really any fun. Cloudy? No problem... world's biggest softbox, right? I won't be able to post, since I will be there without internet access, so make your own judgments.