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The Beach Party is back!

Discussion in 'New England' started by Whiteymorange, Mar 24, 2014.

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  1. Mar 24, 2014 #1
    Whiteymorange

    Whiteymorange Member

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    After a dry year, I'm happy to say that the
    Waterford, CT Beach Party is back!​


    For those who know, skip ahead, for those who don't: I try to host a gathering of APUGger's at a small cottage near the beach in Pleasure Beach, CT. That's just west of New London, in Waterford. The whole day is exceedingly low-key, everyone is invited, kids most welcome. There is a large shady lawn, where we tend to hang out, eat, drink and sometimes even do a little exposing of film. (I would like to re-instate the portrait session again this year, with my new-old 4 x 5 Darlot set-up.) Food is brought by many–no requirement, just bring what you like, if you'd like. I have a charcoal grill going most of the day and we cook lots of things at semi-regular intervals. Drink is also somewhat randomly provided. Usually there is more beer and wine than we can consume. I provide seltzer water and some of the aforementioned beverages, you bring anything special you want. The beach is 1/2 mile down the road, easily and safely walked by kids, dogs, adults, photographers, etc. We have passes for anyone who wants to hang out there. The beach itself is very kid-friendly and also a great place for adult swimming- sandy, with picturesque rocks at one end. There is a BIG sandbar that can be explored, and venues nearby for photo expeditions. To be honest, most of us sit around and talk much of the day. Parking is never an issue and the place is easily accessible from Rt 95. Train, boat and bus connections in New London, 4 miles from the cottage. Transportation to and from that can easily be arranged. I don't mind acting as a taxi driver. (hint, hint, you New Yorkers. This is even a semi-Yankee friendly area- one of the few in New England!)

    June 21, 2014
    45 Goshen Rd, Waterford, CT
    All Day- come any time    ​

    Some of us start the day with breakfast at When Pigs Fly cafe, just down the road. If here is interest, contact me.

    There is no rain date set, but we could try the next day, Sunday. Let's see what the weather brings come the week before. The cottage is small, and definitely NOT a good indoor party space for more than 4 people- and that would stretch it!

    Photo ideas in the area: Harkness Memorial Park, The Waterford Town Beach and Eugene O'Neill theater, boats, water, Seaside Regional Center, woods, etc.

    PM me if more info is needed or just to say "Hey, We're coming."
     
  2. Mar 24, 2014 #2
    jnanian

    jnanian Advertiser Advertiser

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    YES!!
     
  3. Mar 24, 2014 #3
    bdial

    bdial Subscriber

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    penciled in.
     
  4. Mar 24, 2014 #4
    bill h

    bill h Subscriber

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    Inked in. A group portrait this year? Bring our banquet cameras?
     
  5. Mar 24, 2014 #5
    papagene

    papagene Membership Council Council

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    My mind and spirit is already there!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
     
  6. Mar 24, 2014 #6
    Steve Smith

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    Sounds great... unfortunately, that little bit of water known as the Atlantic makes it too difficult for me - well, not too difficult, more like too expensive!

    You need a pass to go to the beach?!!


    Steve.
     
  7. Mar 24, 2014 #7
    StoneNYC

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    GAh!!'nnm

    Why did you pick Naked hiking day???!

    Of all the days you could have picked why that day!!! NOOO!!! Ugh....
     
  8. Mar 25, 2014 #8
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    Whiteymorange

    Whiteymorange Member

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    Naked Hiking day? Do tell.

    YES! to banquet cameras

    The beach is a private association, (groomed, watched, etc.) so a pass is necessary. Unfortunate but true in this rather overpopulated part of the world.

    Glad to see enthusiasm from the regulars. Hope new-bees jump in. There is no exclusivity and no learning curve (I assume everybody knows how to eat, drink and talk...maybe take some pictures). Come on, people. It's fun!
     
  9. Mar 25, 2014 #9
    SuzanneR

    SuzanneR Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    Darn.. I have a commitment that weekend, but maybe Mike and the boys will come down!!
     
  10. Mar 25, 2014 #10
    Steve Smith

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    Thanks for the explanation. It just sounded strange to me. In the UK, anything which gets covered by water at high tide cannot be owned by anyone.


    Steve.
     
  11. Mar 25, 2014 #11
    Thomas Bertilsson

    Thomas Bertilsson Member

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    Wish I could be there. Sounds like a lot of fun.
     
  12. Mar 25, 2014 #12
    StoneNYC

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    Yea, It's a celebration of getting back to nature. It's specific to the Appalachian Trail (AT)...but after doing more research I guess it's pretty much celebrated everywhere as part of the summer solstice and getting into nature, and many through hikers that are hiking the whole AT do it, but they also have a gathering at the beginning (or end depending on your perspective) in Georgia I believe, and go naked in celebration of getting back to nature.

    Anyway it's always June 21st and almost every year I go hiking for about an hour on the AT, I always carry a bandanna just in case I encounter kids or old people. I met one old man once with a dog and he said his daughter had warned him to be on the lookout so he wasn't so shocked LOL.

    Anyway I had missed the last few, and though I've always gone alone, this year I was going to go with my girlfriend who is more adventurous and have a good hike, I can't tell you how invigorating it is to be hiking in the nude, pack on your back but nothing else, it's very freeing and I can see how the natives used to feel before we came and corrupted the land.

    So now I have a decision to make because I already made these plans... ugh... should have had a POLL!! :smile:

    Well now you know about Naked Hiking Day... lol

    Some links...

    http://skywalker-pct.com/june-21st-hike-naked-day-on-the-appalachian-trail/

    http://www.nbcnews.com/id/31447805/...unday-hiker-may-wear-no-clothes/#.UzF4-tznum8

    http://www.backpacker.com/nude_hiking_day/blogs/daily_dirt/1116

    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nude-hikers-true-nature-buffs-article-1.377623
     
  13. Mar 25, 2014 #13
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    Whiteymorange

    Whiteymorange Member

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    Steve,
    The same is true on most of our coastline. The trick is getting to the part that is between the high tide and the low tide mark without walking over private land! Technically, one could arrive by boat, but the beach has a "no watercraft" area for swimmers that precludes that option. The only state I know that has a different rule is Maine, where the private property line is the low tide mark so, if your aren't wet, you're on private property. There may be other rules in other states of which I am unaware. In Oregon, all of the coast is public property. A person cannot own the shoreline. Driving south from Oregon to California, one has quite a surprise in trying to get to the shore, there are more "No Trespassing" signs there than I have ever seen before!

    In New England, home-owners' associations are pretty common. Think of it as a club that has beach front property, with varying degrees of amenities tacked on. I've been to beaches on Long Island where there were clubhouses, attendants, lounge chairs and a bar. Ours is pretty simple. They rake up the beach every day, have a lifeguard during the day and try to keep things neat. They also have social events during the season, some better than others. There are many public access beaches nearby as well–some quite lovely–but my wife's family has been a part of this beach association since the 1940's.

    Stone,
    Brings new concern for bug bites to mind, I'm afraid. i only like to get so close to nature and no farther. Have a good time.
     
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  15. Mar 25, 2014 #14
    StoneNYC

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    Not many bugs when you're moving... :wink:

    Plus it's so heavily used there aren't many, it's if you stopped and were hanging around (no pun intended) that I would worry.

    I've never had any bug issues... Maybe in other parts of the world.
     
  16. Mar 25, 2014 #15
    Drew B.

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    I've penciled it in...now if I could only talk the bride into coming...
     
  17. Mar 25, 2014 #16
    jnanian

    jnanian Advertiser Advertiser

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    in ct at whitey's place you'd be hangingout ... not moving around
    so i would imagine your familyjewels would be a snack for a squadron of noseeums
    unless of course you decided to wear a big mosquito net ..
     
  18. Mar 25, 2014 #17
    jovo

    jovo Membership Council Council

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    Damn, damn, damn!! I've wanted to attend one of these for years, but now I'm a thousand miles away. Otoh, I've been visiting the beach regularly all "winter" long... hehehe.... I'll be with you in spirit through the ether!!! Have a wonderful time, all y'all. (Yeah...I know, that's redundant visiting redundant. Yikes!....it's south ern or something!)
     
  19. Mar 26, 2014 #18
    Steve Smith

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    There are lots here too but they are meaningless as trespass is only a civil offence under English law. The signs usually say "Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted" - No they won't!!


    Steve.
     
  20. Mar 26, 2014 #19
    Drew B.

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    Anyone can come to my beaches...you just have to pay for parking.
     
  21. Mar 26, 2014 #20
    Steve Smith

    Steve Smith Member

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    Excellent. I will walk there (Americans might want to do a Google search for the concept of walking somewhere!!).


    Steve.
     
  22. Mar 26, 2014 #21
    Drew B.

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    Yes, a whole country destroyed by General Motors (and Ike) but you see that mostly in Los Angeles county...where two people sharing one vehicle is unheard of and un-welcome!
     
  23. Mar 26, 2014 #22
    StoneNYC

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    You'll be walking at least 10 miles before you can find a place to legally park near a beach for free...
     
  24. Mar 26, 2014 #23
    jnanian

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    there are plenty of places to park for free and walk
     
  25. Mar 26, 2014 #24
    StoneNYC

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    Not in Fairfield county... Probably in RI :wink:
     
  26. Mar 26, 2014 #25
    Steve Smith

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    The company I work for has a factory in Methuen. The staff there won't even walk to the restaurant on the opposite side of the road.

    One of my collegues from England walked across once and was told not to do it again by a police officer - despite there being a controlled pedestrian crossing across the road!!


    Steve.
     
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