BBQ in June?

[Whiteymorange]

Hi folks. Papagene and I were talking and decided to plan a get-together for fun, friends and photography this summer. We were hoping to have it as a send off for gr82bart, but the guy is heading off to sunny CA before we can get it together. We'll have a beer and think fond thoughts of him anyway. (rotten deserter... what? 2nd class New England weather, bad roads, crowded conditions and low pay and high housing costs not good enough for you? Had to head west?)

OK, enough about my jealousy... Here are the particulars as we know them now. We can begin the gathering at a small cottage our family owns near the shore in Waterford CT (near New London.) The place is pretty basic, but it gives us a gathering point. The nearby state park is a wonderful spot for photography and merriment - very large, open and welcoming to large group parties and photography. I have set up tripods and LF equipment all over it it and have never been hassled. It's right on the water, and while swimming is prohibited at the beach there, there is plenty of walking, shooting and exploring to be had. The gardens are amazing.

Entry fees are by the carload, so meeting up at the cottage, less than 4 miles away, will minimize the cost of a day at the park.

I'll handle the food aspect of this and all local organization. We'll work out a donation / beverage scheme when we get a number for attendees.

We're thinking Saturday, June 21, all day. Another date might be possible, but I need to plan the family calendar for the cottage use, so we should act quickly. Any takers?

 

[bdial]

Sounds good to me.

Barry

 

[rst]

Too bad, I will be in New England (Nashua, NH) during August. So this is too early for me.

Regards
-- Ruediger

 

[jovo]

That's a haul from where I live, but it doesn't look like it's much different a haul than Springfield was, and that wasn't an unpleasant drive. I'll pencil it on the calendar and be more definite as the spring progresses. It sure sounds like a very enjoyable outing. Thanks for undertaking to organize it, Whitey.

 

[Whiteymorange]

Too bad, I will be in New England (Nashua, NH) during August. So this is too early for me.

Regards
-- Ruediger

Perhaps the New England group can host you for something in August, then, Ruediger. The first beer is on me. Nashua is close to where many of us live.

 

[SuzanneR]

This sounds fun, but June is always very busy. I don't think I can make it for the 21st. Or the 22nd for that matter. Bummer...

 

[Whiteymorange]

This sounds fun, but June is always very busy. I don't think I can make it for the 21st. Or the 22nd for that matter. Bummer...

True, June is always crazy, especially with school-age children. Too bad, though. I thought we might get a chance to meet your family, Suzanne - make sure you're not just renting those wonderfully photogenic kids you showed off in Springfield.

 

[papagene]

Can I go too??!!

gene

 

[rst]

Perhaps the New England group can host you for something in August, then, Ruediger. The first beer is on me. Nashua is close to where many of us live.

Yeah, if we can work something out, that would be great.

Regards
-- Ruediger

 

[SuzanneR]

June is starting to come into better focus... I might be able to do this on the 21st after all!! I'll keep an eye on this thread!

 

[papagene]

BUMP!!!!!!! Just want to keep this date in your collective consciousness. I am looking forward to this photo outing.

gene

 

[Whiteymorange]

Just thinking the same thing, Gene. I was down in CT yesterday and had lunch at a picnic table in the Harkness Park. GREAT place for photography. I bought a new (cheap) smoker too, so I hope we get a few people to cook for.

 

[Skorzen]

I might be able to make it down, as of now the 21st is clear

 

[Whiteymorange]

Yay! The more the merrier. I'll post travel info as the date gets closer.

 

[CAPTKEVIN]

I would like to try and make it I live in Milford CT only about 45mins away
Kevin Carey

 

[papagene]

Great... it will be wonderful to meet a new NE-APUGer!!!

gene

 

[Whiteymorange]

Door prizes!

I'm helping my old buddy clean out his stash of camera gear and, as a start, took out 5 contractor garbage bags filled with cameras, movie gear and flash stuff. Sorted down, it gives me a couple dozen toy cameras worth playing with - some 620 and some 127. I'll try to have take-up reels for the 620 gear and I'll give them away at the get-together. I threw away about 100 lbs of 8mm cameras - and that was just the ones that were mostly metal. The plastic stuff, like the newer Super 8 and (bad) Instamatics, went in another big bag to the dump.

and we've just begun... There is probably about a ton of camera gear in this storage area. Next we'll tackle the screw mount stuff he says he can't sell (not leica... stop drooling.)

There is also the matter of the film that is in some of these cameras. I took out some 616 that was exposed today. I'll try it in HC110 tomorrow.

 

[Peter Schrager]

meeting

seems like I'll be in the area...can I come too?? I'll bring any stuff that I'm not using too and can give away...look foward to the directions to the cottage
Best, Peter

 

[Whiteymorange]

seems like I'll be in the area...can I come too?? I'll bring any stuff that I'm not using too and can give away...look foward to the directions to the cottage
Best, Peter

It wouldn't be an NEAPUG gathering without you, Peter! I hope you can make it. Directions to come later.

 

[gr82bart]

Hehehe .... Well folks, the only sure thing in a plan is that it changes. I'll be in New England for another year! Let's BBQ ....

Regards, Art.

 

[papagene]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!!!!!! See ya then!

gene

 

[Whiteymorange]

Laissez le bon temps rouler! (if a New Englander can be allowed to say that)
JUNE 21

From 95 South:
From 95 North
From 395 South

I thought the day might go like this: We gather at the cottage, some of us head to Harkness Memorial Park, a few miles away for photography (LF friendly, really beautiful.) Some may choose to stay at the house and go to the swimming beach down the road. There will be a couple of simple kayaks that we might be able to coordinate for those who want to paddle and the whole scene is very kid friendly, so people are really encouraged to bring family. (Come on Suzanne, prove that you don't just rent those kids for photo sessions!) I'll be cooking pulled pork ahead of time and maybe smoking some fish that day. Provisions can be made for dogs and burgers, chicken or even tempe or tofu, if there are vegans in the crowd. If people want to share the food load in some small way, make suggestions, if not, bring a beverage of your choice.

Here's one photographer's take on the park.

PM me when you know you are coming and if you have questions or want to be more involved in the planning. Papagene and I are hosting this, though, so it doesn't have to be a big group effort - just show up and have a good time!

There is a lot of other stuff in the area if you want to make a more extended visit of it. Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, ferries to Long Island, Block Island and Fishers Island and, of course, the casinos are all within a very short drive of Waterford. Norwich, New London and Stonington each have their own photographic charm as well. Let's see if we can set a record for a NEAPUG gathering!

 

[SuzanneR]

Looks like I will be there... along with the "rented kids for photo shoots", and I expect we'll be hanging at the swimming beach. They're not entirely tripod trained, so best that they not hang out with those who will doing the zen LF thing!

What time does this shindig start? (maybe I should read the whole thread again... )

ETA.. bothered to read it..aha... all day!! We'll be there sometime in the afternoon, maybe around 2 or so!!

 

[Skorzen]

That park looks nice to me, maybe I can get my 8X10 fixed up for this. that way I can shoot that along with my 4X5

 

[Drew B.]

Going out on a limb here...
If the creek don't rise and the good Lord's willing, I should make it down to your "eat & shoot" gig Whitey. (Wife may not though)