Based upon the potential parking issues with the Farmers Market, and the easier access with Interstate 95, the meet up location has changed to the I-95 Service Area.
Will be heading north for the holidays and am organizing a mini road meet for Saturday December 16. The main focus of the day will be checking out the U.S. 301 toll road construction around Middletown and north to Biddles Corner. Am coordinating with Alex4897 about possible tour stops to check out the work.
I am also open to incorporating other projects or road points of interest.
With Steve requesting it, I tentatively plan on us getting together at the New Castle County Farmer's Market, located on the northeast corner of US 13/40 (Dupont Highway) and DE 273 at Hares Corner. My long time friend Donna has a booth there and usually has several boxes of road maps, license plates and other things of interest. If the weather is really bad (i.e. very windy or raining), another option is to meet up at the Newark Service Plaza on I-95. There's a lounge area on the north side of the building with several tables and chairs. Will consider food options as we get closer.
Since daylight will be at a minimum (sunset in northern Delaware will be around 4:45), will aim to get together at 11am. But can move that back to accommodate anyone that wants to come from out of state. I also will be bringing at least one bin of road maps (lots of regional maps from the 60s/70s), vintage travel brochures, etc. my old boss gave me to give away to anyone interested. May add to that if I get time to sort through the rest in the next two weeks.
I requested nothing! I only request input to meal location.
Quote from: Alps on November 27, 2017, 11:47:58 PM
I requested nothing! I only request input to meal location.
Heh.
Well certainly not opting for the Dog House on US 13/40 this year. Alex, Ian and I went there last year and there was no available seating. I went back again a few days later with Kelly and still no seating. When you, Rob and I went there in 2013, we were lucky to find three stools in a row.
Still would love to try a Roadgeek BBQ concept, but not during the winter months!
Interested, but not likely. I don't handle cold weather well.
As indicated privately, and hinted at in this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21611.0), I do plan to attend, barring bad weather or health problems. I have had to miss other meets this year either due to health issues or not having enough leave days to attend because of said health issues, so I figure I can make up for that since I have accrued enough leave time to make the drive.
As indicated in my Road Trips board post, I'm looking to get US 360 clinched. This will involve traveling north on the US 301 corridor. I'm trying to find lodging options for Friday and Saturday nights somewhere along 301 that will be a couple of hours out (maybe 90 minutes since the start time is 10 a.m. and I'm not a morning person). I'm also hoping to avoid I-95 so my preference is to use US 301 and cross the Bay Bridge and venture to Delaware via that route. The idea is to spend both nights at the same place, drive up to the meet Saturday morning and return to my lodging that evening.
Any suggestions on lodging? Most of the options in Annapolis are too pricey for my preferences. There's a Sleep Inn near the 50/301 split on the Eastern Shore that might work, but I'm open to recommendations. I had thought about Waldorf, but the drive might be a little far.
This one's close enough for me to do a day-trip. I'm interested in attending.
Very interested here as well. I'll be in Buffalo 2 days before, so I could just swing down on my way home (new mileage!) and I might finally be able to grab US 9 on the way home. Depends mainly on weather.
I may be able to head down for this one!
The only issue with the Farmers Market location will be Christmas shopping traffic (not that any other location will be much better). Otherwise, I'm fine with it...been by there a few gazillion times; never been in there.
A spot that I always found interesting to view, but no actual road work to look at or near as far as I know, is on DE 9 Augustine Beach Access Area...pretty much due east of the 301 construction. The view is of the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station across the river in NJ. Also in this area is a small bit of land on the NJ side of the river that's actually Delaware jurisdiction.
For those in the area Friday or Saturday night, and who enjoy looking at Christmas lights, there's a large display on Rt. 71 (Red Lion Rd) just south of the 1/13 interchange in Bear. Looking it up to make sure they still do the lights, I found out an older person walked out of their car to view the lights and directly into the path of a moving car, sadly killing him. There's a few other large displays in the area as well.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 28, 2017, 10:08:00 AM
As indicated privately, and hinted at in this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21611.0), I do plan to attend, barring bad weather or health problems. I have had to miss other meets this year either due to health issues or not having enough leave days to attend because of said health issues, so I figure I can make up for that since I have accrued enough leave time to make the drive.
As indicated in my Road Trips board post, I'm looking to get US 360 clinched. This will involve traveling north on the US 301 corridor. I'm trying to find lodging options for Friday and Saturday nights somewhere along 301 that will be a couple of hours out (maybe 90 minutes since the start time is 10 a.m. and I'm not a morning person). I'm also hoping to avoid I-95 so my preference is to use US 301 and cross the Bay Bridge and venture to Delaware via that route. The idea is to spend both nights at the same place, drive up to the meet Saturday morning and return to my lodging that evening.
Any suggestions on lodging? Most of the options in Annapolis are too pricey for my preferences. There's a Sleep Inn near the 50/301 split on the Eastern Shore that might work, but I'm open to recommendations. I had thought about Waldorf, but the drive might be a little far.
Ever looked into Airbnb? I have a friend who swears by them.
Try some of the coastal communities for cheap lodging, either on the bays or the ocean. December is the off season and rates are quite low. Don't know what the US 301 corridor is like, but the DE 1 corridor is ridiculously cheap that weekend.
Since it's basically local to me, I'm interested in attending. I'm not absolutely sure of my schedule that day (work projects, impending deadlines, etc.), but the probability of my attendance is greater than 50%.
Quote from: US71 on November 28, 2017, 12:22:19 PM
Ever looked into Airbnb? I have a friend who swears by them.
If we're talking about an alternative to a sub-$75 Super 8 or Days Inn, I don't think Airbnb is a particularly attractive option. It's a good way to rent a house, especially in vacation destinations, and it's also good for renting an urban apartment with a full kitchen at the same price (or less) than a hotel room in the same city. Though I prefer the hotel experience when traveling, I'll admit that I've had good experiences at Airbnb rentals–but in nearly all of those cases, the Airbnb rental was being operated as a business, completely separate from the owner's main residence.
But in rural areas with few attractions, Airbnb's stock gets thin and somewhat sketchy. And at that low of a price point, many listings are just on-site homeowners looking to make a few extra bucks by renting out their spare bedroom–which in some cases may share a bathroom with the homeowner. Some may be just as happy with that arrangement, but I would rather a hotel with greater privacy.
Re: lodging discussion
My plan is to clinch US 360 on this trip, as I would rather take a southern route and avoid the possibility of bad weather along I-68.
I'll be leaving my outpost in Kentucky on Thursday afternoon and driving to somewhere in southwestern Virginia, as every routing source I've looked at suggests US 58 east from Hillsville as the best route to get to Danville and start on 360.
Once I get to Richmond, I'll evaluate how much daylight I have left. If I have enough to continue on to Reedville, I will, then head back to the US 301 corridor to cross the Potomac. If daylight is starting to run low, I'll take I-95 or US 301 out of Richmond and then head north on 301 into Maryland, and come back to 360 on Sunday.
There's no way I could get to the coast before dark on Friday, and as stated elsewhere, I want to be somewhere between 90 and 120 minutes out from the meet site on Friday night, and return to that location on Saturday night.
A BNB of any description is not really what I'm looking for in terms of two nights' lodging. I'm surprised at how little there is around Bowie, and as I said, Annapolis is pricey.
Would someplace in Delaware work, say around Newark, Middletown or Dover? Or is that too far from where you'll want to be Friday afternoon?
With the meet beginning in northern DE, I think your best option would be to stay on I-95 and spend the night in Elkton, MD. At Exit 109, there's a Days Inn, Knights Inn, and Motel 6 with rates between $55 and $65 on those nights. That would put you within a 30-minute drive of the start of the meet–wherever that may be.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 28, 2017, 01:21:32 PM
Would someplace in Delaware work, say around Newark, Middletown or Dover? Or is that too far from where you'll want to be Friday afternoon?
If I can get there before dark, great. But realistically, I know that's not really an option.
Quote from: briantroutman on November 28, 2017, 01:31:07 PM
With the meet beginning in northern DE, I think your best option would be to stay on I-95 and spend the night in Elkton, MD. At Exit 109, there's a Days Inn, Knights Inn, and Motel 6 with rates between $55 and $65 on those nights. That would put you within a 30-minute drive of the start of the meet–wherever that may be.
I'd prefer to stay off I-95, which is why I plan to use US 301 and cross the Bay Bridge. Traffic won't be nearly as bad.
What about US 40? Cross at the Key Bridge or go around/through Baltimore, maybe stay in Havre De Grace (few hotels on US 40 in that area that are cheap). You can get US 301 heading back west. The Bay Bridge on a Friday afternoon will be quite congested if you were using that to avoid traffic.
What would the meet cover? I was down there back over Memorial Day weekend and clinched the current US 301. Trying to figure out whether or not there'd be anything.
Quote from: cl94 on November 28, 2017, 03:14:07 PM
What about US 40? Cross at the Key Bridge or go around/through Baltimore, maybe stay in Havre De Grace (few hotels on US 40 in that area that are cheap). You can get US 301 heading back west. The Bay Bridge on a Friday afternoon will be quite congested if you were using that to avoid traffic.
How is 40 northeast of I-695? Stop-and-go with lots of signals?
I probably wouldn't be crossing the Bay Bridge until early Saturday morning unless I opt for the Sleep Inn at Grasonville as my overnight stay. I'm not finding anything reasonably priced on Kent Island.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2017, 02:59:52 PM
How is 40 northeast of I-695? Stop-and-go with lots of signals?
[/quote]
Mostly expressway grade with interchanges for major crossroads. Generally has a 55 MPH limit. If current traffic is any guide, it's not much slower than taking I-95.
Quote from: cl94 on November 29, 2017, 03:12:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2017, 02:59:52 PM
How is 40 northeast of I-695? Stop-and-go with lots of signals?
Mostly expressway grade with interchanges for major crossroads. Generally has a 55 MPH limit. If current traffic is any guide, it's not much slower than taking I-95.
Eh, I think you're overselling it. The lights aren't timed in progression so while they're only one every mile or two, you'll tend to get stuck at a lot of them. It's definitely considerably slower than 95 where traffic moves at 70 mph consistently.
Quote from: Alps on November 29, 2017, 06:40:10 PMIt's definitely considerably slower than 95 where traffic moves at 70 mph consistently.
:-D
It does?
Every time I have been on 95 between Baltimore and the Delaware state line, there has been an incident where traffic was slowed considerably or stopped. I would expect Friday late afternoon traffic to be of a similar nature.
I'll definitely be coming up US 301 from Virginia, so the decision point would be the US 50 interchange. I fully expect it be at or near dark when I get there, which is why I'm seeking lodging somewhere in this general area.
Quote from: Alps on November 29, 2017, 06:40:10 PM
Eh, I think you're overselling it. The lights aren't timed in progression so while they're only one every mile or two, you'll tend to get stuck at a lot of them. It's definitely considerably slower than 95 where traffic moves at 70 mph consistently.
Concur with Steve - especially in Baltimore County and Harford County There are plenty of signals along U.S. 40 (Pulaski Highway) for which you will have to stop.
There are two fairly urban areas passing through the municipalities of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace too. And both have municipal police that I have seen doing speed limit enforcement on U.S. 40.
Only in Cecil County (beyond the Hatem (toll) Bridge) does the pace generally improve.
Regardless of how you go in MD, expect speed cameras on surface roads in cities. Waze is your friend there - saved my butt a few times in Maryland and DC.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on November 30, 2017, 01:18:54 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 29, 2017, 06:40:10 PM
Eh, I think you're overselling it. The lights aren't timed in progression so while they're only one every mile or two, you'll tend to get stuck at a lot of them. It's definitely considerably slower than 95 where traffic moves at 70 mph consistently.
Concur with Steve - especially in Baltimore County and Harford County There are plenty of signals along U.S. 40 (Pulaski Highway) for which you will have to stop.
There are two fairly urban areas passing through the municipalities of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace too. And both have municipal police that I have seen doing speed limit enforcement on U.S. 40.
Only in Cecil County (beyond the Hatem (toll) Bridge) does the pace generally improve.
Didn't realize US 40 was so bad. In that case, what's US 40 like on a Saturday? Asking because I was planning to use it to get down to TRB (new mileage and shunpike Delaware).
Quote from: hbelkins on November 30, 2017, 09:24:09 AM
Quote from: Alps on November 29, 2017, 06:40:10 PMIt's definitely considerably slower than 95 where traffic moves at 70 mph consistently.
:-D
It does?
Every time I have been on 95 between Baltimore and the Delaware state line, there has been an incident where traffic was slowed considerably or stopped. I would expect Friday late afternoon traffic to be of a similar nature.
I'll definitely be coming up US 301 from Virginia, so the decision point would be the US 50 interchange. I fully expect it be at or near dark when I get there, which is why I'm seeking lodging somewhere in this general area.
I missed the Friday afternoon bit. You'll probably want to steer clear of DC and Baltimore at that time.
Despite the fact that Steph and I will be in central PA (and a side trip to Niagara Falls) the week leading up to this mini meet, we probably won't make it since we will be driving back to TN that day, I have seen some of the construction this past February and I am sure at some point I will make a trip back to the area to see the progress.
Quote from: cl94 on November 30, 2017, 01:54:55 PM
Didn't realize US 40 was so bad. In that case, what's US 40 like on a Saturday? Asking because I was planning to use it to get down to TRB (new mileage and shunpike Delaware).
If you want to take U.S. 40 to get the miles, it will get you there - although if you take it into Baltimore City, the going often gets slow. There is a fair amount of retail along U.S. 40 in the suburban counties of Baltimore (Harford, Baltimore (County), through the city, then Baltimore (County) again and Howard County).
Also, regarding shunpiking, U.S. 40 is of course a good way to avoid the $4 Delaware Turnpike toll. But there is no toll for southbound traffic on I-95 in Maryland, except at the Fort McHenry Tunnel (of course, taking U.S. 40 across Baltimore City shunpikes the Fort McHenry Tunnel toll).
Here (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.3372918,-76.4817693/39.3027704,-76.9532807/@39.2874265,-76.8991645,10z/data=!4m29!4m28!1m25!3m4!1m2!1d-76.6007947!2d39.2950241!3s0x89c8048672e01ff1:0xbe67d66afd64c7e9!3m4!1m2!1d-76.676404!2d39.2940608!3s0x89c81c82b4cf487b:0x3886a22a74c0851c!3m4!1m2!1d-76.7813844!2d39.2964945!3s0x89c81f27f47dd049:0x59a0ac87829b6595!3m4!1m2!1d-76.854854!2d39.2791284!3s0x89c821b4092dc3ad:0xd796399e6a892d8e!3m4!1m2!1d-76.9067201!2d39.2990492!3s0x89c82139a4c9692f:0xcd8a45960c55c20!1m0!3e0) is the track across Baltimore City (including the former I-170 "freeway to nowhere") in case it interests you.
Quote from: cpzilliacus on December 01, 2017, 10:04:14 AM
Quote from: cl94 on November 30, 2017, 01:54:55 PM
Didn't realize US 40 was so bad. In that case, what's US 40 like on a Saturday? Asking because I was planning to use it to get down to TRB (new mileage and shunpike Delaware).
If you want to take U.S. 40 to get the miles, it will get you there - although if you take it into Baltimore City, the going often gets slow. There is a fair amount of retail along U.S. 40 in the suburban counties of Baltimore (Harford, Baltimore (County), through the city, then Baltimore (County) again and Howard County).
Also, regarding shunpiking, U.S. 40 is of course a good way to avoid the $4 Delaware Turnpike toll. But there is no toll for southbound traffic on I-95 in Maryland, except at the Fort McHenry Tunnel (of course, taking U.S. 40 across Baltimore City shunpikes the Fort McHenry Tunnel toll).
Here (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.3372918,-76.4817693/39.3027704,-76.9532807/@39.2874265,-76.8991645,10z/data=!4m29!4m28!1m25!3m4!1m2!1d-76.6007947!2d39.2950241!3s0x89c8048672e01ff1:0xbe67d66afd64c7e9!3m4!1m2!1d-76.676404!2d39.2940608!3s0x89c81c82b4cf487b:0x3886a22a74c0851c!3m4!1m2!1d-76.7813844!2d39.2964945!3s0x89c81f27f47dd049:0x59a0ac87829b6595!3m4!1m2!1d-76.854854!2d39.2791284!3s0x89c821b4092dc3ad:0xd796399e6a892d8e!3m4!1m2!1d-76.9067201!2d39.2990492!3s0x89c82139a4c9692f:0xcd8a45960c55c20!1m0!3e0) is the track across Baltimore City (including the former I-170 "freeway to nowhere") in case it interests you.
Sweet. Thanks. I was planning on doing a decent amount of Baltimore City roadgeeking on the way home, as I know there's quite a bit in the area (although not as much now that some of the I-170 stubs were removed for a park and ride).
I'm definitely interested in attending.
I'm thinking that I may take a rain check on this one. It's a busy time for me with my move coming up, and this is a long trip to do back and forth in one day, especially without a car.
anyone driving up to this from the BaltiWash area?
Good point about the parking situation at the Farmers Market. My friend Donna runs a store there, so I inquired with her about that. If it appears that parking will be a bear, we can shift to the Delaware Turnpike Service Plaza, which should have ample parking. Was thinking if we all meet there, the north side has a number of tables and chairs that we could use. Plus there's the old Turnpike toll booth out front.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 28, 2017, 12:13:10 PM
I may be able to head down for this one!
The only issue with the Farmers Market location will be Christmas shopping traffic (not that any other location will be much better). Otherwise, I'm fine with it...been by there a few gazillion times; never been in there.
A spot that I always found interesting to view, but no actual road work to look at or near as far as I know, is on DE 9 Augustine Beach Access Area...pretty much due east of the 301 construction. The view is of the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station across the river in NJ. Also in this area is a small bit of land on the NJ side of the river that's actually Delaware jurisdiction.
For those in the area Friday or Saturday night, and who enjoy looking at Christmas lights, there's a large display on Rt. 71 (Red Lion Rd) just south of the 1/13 interchange in Bear. Looking it up to make sure they still do the lights, I found out an older person walked out of their car to view the lights and directly into the path of a moving car, sadly killing him. There's a few other large displays in the area as well.
The riverside area long DE 9 at Augustine Beach was always a favorite spot of mine to watch thunderstorms when I lived in Newark. There was a boat ramp/parking area that we sometimes used. If there is interest, I am sure we could incorporate a stop that way in the afternoon, and a look at the Reedy Point Bridge from the canal access road below.
I have some video from the 1990s of that house near Red Lion. His driveway had a street blade naming it "Santa Claus Lane". When I last drove by it, DelDOT had set up construction barrels on the shoulders of DE 71 to help with the parking and help slow down traffic.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 29, 2017, 02:59:52 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 28, 2017, 03:14:07 PM
What about US 40? Cross at the Key Bridge or go around/through Baltimore, maybe stay in Havre De Grace (few hotels on US 40 in that area that are cheap). You can get US 301 heading back west. The Bay Bridge on a Friday afternoon will be quite congested if you were using that to avoid traffic.
How is 40 northeast of I-695? Stop-and-go with lots of signals?
I probably wouldn't be crossing the Bay Bridge until early Saturday morning unless I opt for the Sleep Inn at Grasonville as my overnight stay. I'm not finding anything reasonably priced on Kent Island.
I've driven US 40 east from Harford County into Cecil County, and can echo some of the other comments about Cecil being fairly decent (though development has slowed it through Elkton a lot more in the last two decades) and there being a fair number of signals and such through Harford. My usual way to DE from the Baltimore area is to take MD 155/161 north up to US 1 and cross the Conowingo Dam, shifting to MD 273 east into Newark. My most recent trip along US 40 through Harford was during heavy rain and a bit of a slugfest. Still found it better than I-95, which was completely clogged.
Quote from: dgolub on November 28, 2017, 10:43:12 PM
What would the meet cover? I was down there back over Memorial Day weekend and clinched the current US 301. Trying to figure out whether or not there'd be anything.
Alex and I have texted about other projects in the area, and two that came to mind but don't sound all thaty doable from a stop standpoint, are the reconstruction of I-295 at US 13/40, and the DE 141 interchange with I-95. There's an interchange project underway on DE 1 at Little Heaven where they are turning the southbound lanes into a c/d type roadway, but probably too far south given the limited daylight.
Found a reasonably-priced place on Riva Road in Annapolis, so that's where I'll be on Friday and Saturday nights. I still plan to take US 301 instead of I-95, though, because it will no doubt be less congested.
However, a new wrinkle has been thrown into my route planning. See the Road Trips (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21611.0) board for info and a query.
Marylander from Harford County here, I would like to go, but it depends on if I'm able to.
Sorry I'm late to the party, but totally interested in attending! (I haven't been active on here and hadn't seen a Facebook invite. Thankfully Steve mentioned it!!)
HB and everyone else: you are welcome to stay with me and husband at our house in Baltimore, MD!!!
Scott: we can give you a ride, too.
Epzik8: where in HarCo do you live? I grew up in Edgewood and Jarrettsville!!!!
I'm at work and will catch up on reading the whole thread later.
Quote from: Alex on December 04, 2017, 03:12:33 PM
Alex and I have texted about other projects in the area, and two that came to mind but don't sound all thaty doable from a stop standpoint, are the reconstruction of I-295 at US 13/40, and the DE 141 interchange with I-95. There's an interchange project underway on DE 1 at Little Heaven where they are turning the southbound lanes into a c/d type roadway, but probably too far south given the limited daylight.
Several of us can easily tie the first two into our drives down and neither is particularly far from the meet, so anyone who wants to see them could easily tack on a few miles of driving. I'll actually be passing DE 1 Little Heaven two times in the next 6 weeks, so no opposition here if that gets left out.
Quote from: Laura on December 05, 2017, 04:20:29 PM
Sorry I'm late to the party, but totally interested in attending! (I haven't been active on here and hadn't seen a Facebook invite. Thankfully Steve mentioned it!!)
HB and everyone else: you are welcome to stay with me and husband at our house in Baltimore, MD!!!
Scott: we can give you a ride, too.
Epzik8: where in HarCo do you live? I grew up in Edgewood and Jarrettsville!!!!
I'm at work and will catch up on reading the whole thread later.
Meant to share the FB event page here, thanks for mentioning it. :coffee:
https://www.facebook.com/events/149543379001771/?ti=cl
Can anyone suggest the best route from Annapolis to Haymarket early on a Sunday morning, say around 9 or 10 a.m.?
I drove that route in reverse on a September Sunday afternoon a couple of years ago, and the consensus was I should take the southern half of the beltway. Would that advice still hold true on a Sunday morning?
On a Sunday morning it doesn't really matter. I know you don't like cities and urban traffic, but if you need to clinch US 50 through DC and/or US 29 through Arlington it would be a good time to do so.
Quote from: froggie on December 07, 2017, 06:01:51 PM
On a Sunday morning it doesn't really matter. I know you don't like cities and urban traffic, but if you need to clinch US 50 through DC and/or US 29 through Arlington it would be a good time to do so.
I have 50 in DC, so that's not a factor. Just needing to get out to Winchester (most likely via I-66 and US 17) by the fastest and shortest route possible (if they are one and the same; if not, fastest vs. shortest is preferable).
I'm thinking I can get all of 360 on Friday, so that leaves Sunday to try to get that stretch of WV 29 that I suddenly realized I hadn't clinched if the weather is good in that section of West Virginia.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 08, 2017, 10:23:35 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 07, 2017, 06:01:51 PM
On a Sunday morning it doesn't really matter. I know you don't like cities and urban traffic, but if you need to clinch US 50 through DC and/or US 29 through Arlington it would be a good time to do so.
I have 50 in DC, so that's not a factor. Just needing to get out to Winchester (most likely via I-66 and US 17) by the fastest and shortest route possible (if they are one and the same; if not, fastest vs. shortest is preferable).
I'm thinking I can get all of 360 on Friday, so that leaves Sunday to try to get that stretch of WV 29 that I suddenly realized I hadn't clinched if the weather is good in that section of West Virginia.
don't use 17 from Marshall to Winchester unless you need to clinch it. Speed limit is 45 the entire way from 66 to 50 and enforced.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 07, 2017, 04:34:23 PM
Can anyone suggest the best route from Annapolis to Haymarket early on a Sunday morning, say around 9 or 10 a.m.?
I drove that route in reverse on a September Sunday afternoon a couple of years ago, and the consensus was I should take the southern half of the beltway. Would that advice still hold true on a Sunday morning?
I would say the southern half is better than the northern half in general.
Quote from: Alps on December 08, 2017, 08:58:29 PM
I would say the southern half is better than the northern half in general.
That's pretty much been my experience anytime I've been on it. I may just let Waze tell me the best way to get around that morning.
Quote from: Mapmikey on December 08, 2017, 11:10:20 AM
don't use 17 from Marshall to Winchester unless you need to clinch it. Speed limit is 45 the entire way from 66 to 50 and enforced.
That's exactly why. I've been from DC to Winchester via 267/7 and 50, so using 17 would get me new mileage on that route.
Is the plan to meet up at 10 or 11? The OP here and the FB event disagree on this.
Quote from: Duke87 on December 09, 2017, 01:30:21 AM
Is the plan to meet up at 10 or 11? The OP here and the FB event disagree on this.
11
Quote from: Duke87 on December 09, 2017, 01:30:21 AM
Is the plan to meet up at 10 or 11? The OP here and the FB event disagree on this.
Moved it to 11, will adjust the OP. If anyone cannot make it til noon, it's probably OK as I figured we'd all shoot the breeze for that first hour.
I also am bringing a small and medium bin of maps and brochures to give away to anyone interested.
Any decision on whether to do it at the Farmer's Market, or move it to the service plaza?
Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2017, 09:25:38 PM
Any decision on whether to do it at the Farmer's Market, or move it to the service plaza?
This, and what is the rough itinerary/time frame for the meet itself? That'll allow me to plan a route after the meet and it will determine if I hightail it to my hotel in Lewes or meander to clinch a few more things.
Quote from: cl94 on December 10, 2017, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2017, 09:25:38 PM
Any decision on whether to do it at the Farmer's Market, or move it to the service plaza?
This, and what is the rough itinerary/time frame for the meet itself? That'll allow me to plan a route after the meet and it will determine if I hightail it to my hotel in Lewes or meander to clinch a few more things.
I asked my Mom about the parking situation at the farmers market, and she said if the weather is good, it will be busy. The extended forecast shows 40 and sunny.
Asked my friend Donna (she runs a booth in the market) about the parking again to corroborate that it could be an issue. So I am leaning more toward shifting the event meet up to the I-95 Service Plaza. Will post again here to confirm that.
Also I will be in Delaware some time on Friday. If I can get there early enough and borrow a cooler from Mom, I will see about getting drinks lined up for everything that attends. Will have a better idea on my time frame on Wednesday, when I start heading north from Florida.
Quote from: Alex on December 11, 2017, 09:31:29 AMThe extended forecast shows 40 and sunny.
Asked my friend Donna (she runs a booth in the market) about the parking again to corroborate that it could be an issue. So I am leaning more toward shifting the event meet up to the I-95 Service Plaza. Will post again here to confirm that.
Also I will be in Delaware some time on Friday. If I can get there early enough and borrow a cooler from Mom, I will see about getting drinks lined up for everything that attends. Will have a better idea on my time frame on Wednesday, when I start heading north from Florida.
While the extended forecast for Saturday looks decent; you might have some weather issues on Friday if this extended forecast (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.678&lon=-75.7618#.Wi6j_2de6Uk) becomes reality. Nothing severe mind you; just something to be mindful of.
Quote from: cl94 on December 10, 2017, 02:05:39 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 09, 2017, 09:25:38 PM
Any decision on whether to do it at the Farmer's Market, or move it to the service plaza?
This, and what is the rough itinerary/time frame for the meet itself? That'll allow me to plan a route after the meet and it will determine if I hightail it to my hotel in Lewes or meander to clinch a few more things.
As far as the time frame goes, I am thinking wrapping things up by 4 should be reasonable.
Looking at the US 301 corridor and coordinating with Alex, looks like seeing the toll road at the new SR 299 overpass is one stop, perhaps also just north from there at the SR 15 overpass, which would provide a glimpse of the wye interchange where the two-lane spur will branch off. Further north, a stop at the Jamison Corner Road overpass and dumbbell interchange.
Other stops could be Dutch Neck Road along the south side of the C & D Canal for a view of the Reedy Point Bridge.
The Augustine Beach Access Area further south along SR 9 for a view of the Hope Creek Generation Center and the sliver or Delaware on the NJ side of the river.
Also the St. Georges Trailhead, located on the north side of the C & D Canal, could be a stop with views of the SR 1 and Georges Bridges (US 13).
Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Sweet. Looks like a nice mix of stuff. Might even save me a little bit of time when I get around to clinching Delaware in a year or two. :-D
Even if we're not meeting up at the Farmer's Market, maybe include that as a stop, after we've consolidated our group into a reasonable number of cars? Donna's booth at the market sounds interesting.
The weather forecast still looks good for Saturday: 38 and sunny. So I'm formally shifting the meet location to the I-95 Service Plaza. With so many attendees, this will offset the likely parking issues with the Farmers Market.
Quote from: oscar on December 11, 2017, 08:43:27 PM
Even if we're not meeting up at the Farmer's Market, maybe include that as a stop, after we've consolidated our group into a reasonable number of cars? Donna's booth at the market sounds interesting.
If the weather is not super windy, there will be some outside vendors set up at the flea market portion of the New Castle Farmers Market. It is best to hit those up in the morning, as most head home by early afternoon. The Farmers Market stays open through to the evening, and looking at Donna's "Treasure Hunt" (https://www.facebook.com/NCFM.TREASUREHUNT/) page, her hours are listed til 9 pm. The shop is along the southeast side of the market.
I'm gonna go ahead and say I'm going
So am i.
Me three.
I will be working NJDOT tonight. Along with my other planned activities throughout the weekend, I think I'm unfortunately going to have to miss this event after all. If I don't make it there, have a great time!
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 15, 2017, 11:17:06 PM
I will be working NJDOT tonight. Along with my other planned activities throughout the weekend, I think I'm unfortunately going to have to miss this event after all. If I don't make it there, have a great time!
If you do make it there, we'll be sure to be miserable. :)
Will be carpooling with Alex and heading to the I-95 Service Plaza around 10:30. See everyone there!
Quote from: Alps on December 16, 2017, 12:35:29 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 15, 2017, 11:17:06 PM
I will be working NJDOT tonight. Along with my other planned activities throughout the weekend, I think I'm unfortunately going to have to miss this event after all. If I don't make it there, have a great time!
If you do make it there, we'll be sure to be miserable. :)
LOL...I definitely thought about it this morning...even if it was for a drive-by visit at the rest stop...but just not going to make it down there!
Good meet, a lot of participants and some pretty good lunch. Thank you again to the person who provided it. I won't out you here but you know who you are.
We may have had a first today -- a snow angel on an under-construction freeway.
Here's my version of the group photo, taken at the DE 299/future toll US 301 interchange under construction.
As you can see, a pretty good turnout of at least a dozen and a half. Maybe less "mini" a meet than was originally expected.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaroads.com%2FDelaware-minimeet-group-photo-DSC_2323.jpg&hash=39fa5e29f9252ae1b49ff01bcdf3906b06a87445)
Agree completely with this being a good meet. Mix of old and new, visited or crossed most of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal bridges, and many of us got some neat maps. Who would have thought that a snow meet could get close to 20 people on relatively short notice?
I can believe it. It was within a half-day drive of several forum regulars.
The only thing that kept me from attending it was working all night due to the snow, and other activities I had to attend Saturday night. I needed sleep at some point. Although many years ago, I did fall asleep quite often in a NJ Toll Booth, so I could've done that at the Delaware rest stop! :-)
Quote from: cl94 on December 18, 2017, 12:48:18 PM
Agree completely with this being a good meet. Mix of old and new, visited or crossed most of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal bridges, and many of us got some neat maps. Who would have thought that a snow meet could get close to 20 people on relatively short notice?
I would consider the 2016 Central PA Meet more of a snow meet than this one. Unlike that meet, it did not snow on the day of the meet this time.
Quote from: oscar on December 17, 2017, 11:22:48 PM
Here's my version of the group photo, taken at the DE 299/future toll US 301 interchange under construction. No caption yet (I'm the old fart at the right end of the group), not awake enough right now.
As you can see, a pretty good turnout of at least a dozen and a half. Maybe less "mini" a meet than was originally expected.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaroads.com%2FDelaware-minimeet-group-photo-DSC_2323.jpg&hash=39fa5e29f9252ae1b49ff01bcdf3906b06a87445)
Sheesh. With the hoodie and the darkened glasses lenses, I look like the Unabomber.
Nice pic guys! Steph and I had just left Harrisburg that morning and was on the road to TN, if we had one more day off we would have joined you guys. I was able to see some more CSSV expressway construction last week and I am about to post 2 dates for said road meet :nod:
Quote from: oscar on December 17, 2017, 11:22:48 PM
Here's my version of the group photo, taken at the DE 299/future toll US 301 interchange under construction.
As you can see, a pretty good turnout of at least a dozen and a half. Maybe less "mini" a meet than was originally expected.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaroads.com%2FDelaware-minimeet-group-photo-DSC_2323.jpg&hash=39fa5e29f9252ae1b49ff01bcdf3906b06a87445)
From left to right: Meryl, AARoads Alex, Lou, Dan, Mike T., Laura, Steve, H.B. "the Unabomber", Patrick (CPZ), 74/171 (Mark), Scott D, Anthony, Doug, Chris C., "Little Alex", Josh, Brent, Brian, Oscar
Is Tantillo growing a beard...?
Quote from: froggie on December 19, 2017, 07:24:51 AM
Is Tantillo growing a beard...?
I was wondering the same thing too.
Quote from: froggie on December 19, 2017, 07:24:51 AMIs Tantillo growing a beard...?
More like
grown a beard. :sombrero:
Several of us, myself included, who hadn't seen Mike in a while; initially either did a double-take or didn't recognize him when he first arrived.
Quote from: PHLBOS on December 19, 2017, 08:46:28 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 19, 2017, 07:24:51 AMIs Tantillo growing a beard...?
More like grown a beard. :sombrero:
Several of us, myself included, who hadn't seen Mike in a while; initially either did a double-take or didn't recognize him when he first arrived.
He said that was six months' worth of growth but he plans to trim it. I couldn't get my beard that long in six years, much less six months.
And when I described what I looked like to my wife, she said, "you probably looked like the Unabomber." She didn't know how right she was. :bigass:
He should have dyed it white, dressed in a red suit, and shown up with lots of road maps.
Meet trip recap is here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=21801.0).
Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2017, 12:36:25 PM
He should have dyed it white, dressed in a red suit, and shown up with lots of road maps.
Oh you missed Steve sitting on his lap and asking for a pony.
Appreciated the large turn out, Steve bringing lunch for everyone, meeting several long time online friends for the first time, and for Alex and others who we carpooled with. Had a great time and would be up for setting up another meet in the future.
Quote from: Duke87 on December 19, 2017, 08:13:31 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2017, 12:36:25 PM
He should have dyed it white, dressed in a red suit, and shown up with lots of road maps.
Oh you missed Steve sitting on his lap and asking for a pony.
That was hilarious.
Quote from: Alex on December 20, 2017, 07:47:39 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on December 19, 2017, 08:13:31 PM
Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2017, 12:36:25 PM
He should have dyed it white, dressed in a red suit, and shown up with lots of road maps.
Oh you missed Steve sitting on his lap and asking for a pony.
That was hilarious.
Yes it was, and I wonder if anyone thought to grab a photo.