AARoads Forum

I was originally thinking of this being at least a year in the future, but discussions with others and a real lack of late-year meets got me to push this thing forward. I hereby announce the 2018 Kingston NY Roadmeet. This meet, while centered on historic Kingston, will venture into the eastern Catskill Mountains, an area filled with road-related treasures. The meet in New York's first capital will feature:

• A 1921 suspension bridge over Rondout Creek
• A covered bridge over the Wallkill River
• The infamous Interstate 587
• NY 32's "backwards" one-way pair in Kingston
• The Rosendale Trestle, soaring 150 feet above NY 214 and Rondout Creek
• Portions of New York's Catskill Aqueduct system
• Fall colors in the Catskill Mountains
• Tons of old bridges and signs

I'm also trying to figure out how to work drives on Ulster CR 47 (former NY 42 and the highest all-weather road in New York) and/or NY 214 (New York's last unpaved state route, paved in the 50s) into a tour route.

My current thought is to have this thing in September or early October (after peak tourist season, but before snow and while hotels are relatively cheap in the area). A poll for potential dates will be posted in a couple months.

I'm there. Hold it with foliage.

QuoteHold it with foliage.

...which might as well be a second "peak tourist season"...

If the Catskills are like the Adirondacks, they may actually be worse in the fall than "peak tourist season" because the kids are back in school, confining all travel to the weekends.

I expect I'll be there.  It's so close that the only way I wouldn't be is if I have a conflict.  I think there were plans of Memphis in the fall too, which I've been looking at, but I'll have to see how some things go before making a final call on that one.

It will be before peak leaf season. If it's anything like last year, the leaves will still be green in September and we'll have a ghost town.

Edit: I'm tentatively thinking September 8th. Weekend after Labor Day. 15th could also work. Both would be between the tourist seasons, but in a time of the year currently devoid of meets.

I'm giving serious thought to curtailing my participation in meets (explanation will probably be forthcoming on my personal Facebook page in a few days) but if that doesn't happen, Sept. 8 is definitely out because it would require travel on my wife's birthday.

At the moment, I don't have anything major planned in September and it's certainly close enough.  The only thing that I have penciled in is on the 15th (May try to see the Mets play at Fenway).

Forgot to mention: I like the idea of going on former NY 42.  I've been interested in "clinching the gap" in the route, though it's not otherwise in my immediate plans.

Quote from: vdeane on March 25, 2018, 05:26:10 PM
Forgot to mention: I like the idea of going on former NY 42.  I've been interested in "clinching the gap" in the route, though it's not otherwise in my immediate plans.

That's one of the more interesting road-related things in the state for a few reasons. Don't know if there's a good way to fit it in, though, as it would add 90 minutes minimum to the route, there's not a ton on the way to/from it other than aqueduct outlets, it's a relatively boring road from a scenery standpoint, and getting to/from it bypasses the bathroom stop (I was thinking the Catskill Interpretive Center on NY 28, as there very few public restrooms in the Catskills once you get away from the Thruway corridor). That may turn into a "get this on your way in/out if you have time before/after" attraction so we have time to visit old Exit 20 and see more old bridges.

For now I'll just express some interest and make sure I'm not missing any updates in the thread..

September 15 may be more doable for me since I plan to be in central PA the next weekend for the annual Hershey toy show, Sept. 8 is no good for me.

Quote from: jpi on March 26, 2018, 09:24:50 AM
September 15 may be more doable for me since I plan to be in central PA the next weekend for the annual Hershey toy show, Sept. 8 is no good for me.

I hope to get a date nailed down during the PA meet, as most of the potential attendees will be there. Quite a few of the northeast actives aren't on the forum, but they will likely be at your meet and we can all discuss particulars.

Quote from: cl94 on March 25, 2018, 07:45:54 PM
That's one of the more interesting road-related things in the state for a few reasons. Don't know if there's a good way to fit it in, though, as it would add 90 minutes minimum to the route, there's not a ton on the way to/from it other than aqueduct outlets, it's a relatively boring road from a scenery standpoint, and getting to/from it bypasses the bathroom stop (I was thinking the Catskill Interpretive Center on NY 28, as there very few public restrooms in the Catskills once you get away from the Thruway corridor). That may turn into a "get this on your way in/out if you have time before/after" attraction so we have time to visit old Exit 20 and see more old bridges.

Yeah, it's definitely out of the way (you'd probably want to cut NY 55A also if you cut it).  I may consider clinching it on the way, though I have concerns about whether traffic moves well enough on US 209 to not have such a clinch cause me to be late to the meet.

Quote from: vdeane on March 26, 2018, 05:09:25 PM

Quote from: cl94 on March 25, 2018, 07:45:54 PM
That's one of the more interesting road-related things in the state for a few reasons. Don't know if there's a good way to fit it in, though, as it would add 90 minutes minimum to the route, there's not a ton on the way to/from it other than aqueduct outlets, it's a relatively boring road from a scenery standpoint, and getting to/from it bypasses the bathroom stop (I was thinking the Catskill Interpretive Center on NY 28, as there very few public restrooms in the Catskills once you get away from the Thruway corridor). That may turn into a "get this on your way in/out if you have time before/after" attraction so we have time to visit old Exit 20 and see more old bridges.

Yeah, it's definitely out of the way (you'd probably want to cut NY 55A also if you cut it).  I may consider clinching it on the way, though I have concerns about whether traffic moves well enough on US 209 to not have such a clinch cause me to be late to the meet.

US 209 is easy to get around if needed. I often use Ulster CR 1 (Lucas Ave/Turnpike) through that area if traffic is slow. That's probably the way you'd want to go anyway if I end up choosing a place in Kingston. I need to ask family to re-learn which diners are the good ones, but one of the ones in Kingston is run by a CIA-trained chef, IINM.

Definitely interested.  Since we're talking September/October, let's just make sure that it doesn't get scheduled on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.

Quote from: dgolub on March 30, 2018, 09:09:22 AM
Since we're talking September/October, let's just make sure that it doesn't get scheduled on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.

Both fall during the week, so not an issue. Given the large Jewish population in some of the areas we will be visiting, I did consider the high holy days when looking at dates.

I added a poll on here so we could see what dates work for everyone. September is generally outside of the peak tourist season in the Catskills once we get past Labor Day, as it's generally before the leaves start changing. Saturday meets seem to work best for people, but I would definitely be open to adding Sunday options.

A couple of the stops would require a bit of walking, with one (the Rosendale Trestle) being roughly half a mile each way on level ground. That being said, this and the other long-ish walk stop (Kaaterskill Falls overlook) are two can't-miss items in the area.

My vote is the 15th and 29th, either one of those would work for me since I can tie it in with my central PA trip to do the Hershey toy show on 9/23

I voted for all weekends. With enough advance notice,  I don't envision any weekend being an issue for me.  Actually, I may have to house and dog sit the third week of September, but that's still up in the air. And if it ends up happening when I'm unavailable then so be it. I guess you decided not to postpone it until next year?  Last I knew, you were unsure.

Quote from: signalman on May 14, 2018, 05:42:47 PM
I guess you decided not to postpone it until next year?  Last I knew, you were unsure.

Nope. We need some late-year meets this year. The mountains I want to hike aren't going anywhere (and frankly, 2019 or later will probably be a better time to hike them because I'll have a more flexible schedule).

As of right now, I'm good for any of the weekends, though I prefer a gap from Labor Day.  I'll withhold voting from now in case anything changes (particularly if any other fall meets appear).

Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 14, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Oops...scratch that. Guess I will be having this in the spring after all...

Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2018, 11:50:05 PM

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 14, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Oops...scratch that. Guess I will be having this in the spring after all...

Poll removed.

Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2018, 11:50:05 PM

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 14, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Oops...scratch that. Guess I will be having this in the spring after all...

Is there some law that says that only one fall roadmeet is allowed?

Quote from: vdeane on May 15, 2018, 12:47:18 PM

Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2018, 11:50:05 PM

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 14, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Oops...scratch that. Guess I will be having this in the spring after all...

Is there some law that says that only one fall roadmeet is allowed?

No, but I was planning to attend Mentor and had completely forgotten about it. Are people up to a November meet? Might be cold-ish, but that would work for me, too. Early November would still be before the snow but after tourist season.

Quote from: cl94 on May 15, 2018, 01:01:32 PM

Quote from: vdeane on May 15, 2018, 12:47:18 PM

Quote from: cl94 on May 14, 2018, 11:50:05 PM

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 14, 2018, 11:11:20 PM
Um-hum  :poke:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=22188.0

Oops...scratch that. Guess I will be having this in the spring after all...

Is there some law that says that only one fall roadmeet is allowed?

No, but I was planning to attend Mentor and had completely forgotten about it. Are people up to a November meet? Might be cold-ish, but that would work for me, too. Early November would still be before the snow but after tourist season.

November meets have happened in places like Michigan, Vermont and Massachusetts before, with solid attendance.

I should be able to do November.  Though I'd note that September 15 would still not be consecutive with Mentor.

The biggest problem with a November meet, IMO, is daylight. This might be a "get lunch on your own beforehand, we're starting the tour at noon" thing with the meal post-meet. Might actually be easier to get a group onto a restaurant post-meet, too, as the places I was considering are busier at lunchtime. Including stops, I have the tour pegged at 4 hours, which eats up a lot of our daylight. We could also theoretically do a brunch meet (as in we meet at the place 9-10 AM).

Quote from: vdeane on May 15, 2018, 08:42:15 PM
I should be able to do November.  Though I'd note that September 15 would still not be consecutive with Mentor.

I'm really open to whatever. I just don't want people to end up having to choose between two closely-spaced meets. It would hurt attendance at both.

Those can work.  My St. Lawrence County meet was planned as a brunch meet, starting at 10, though we ended up just starting the tour instead of having brunch.  The Burlington and Long Island Day 2 meets were both "no lunch, dinner after" (as was St. Lawrence County as it actually happened).  If done that way, I would probably just eat breakfast like I normally do, being in daytrip range.

Also, keep in mind that any meet after the first Saturday in November is going to be after DST ends, meaning it will get dark an hour earlier. That, for me, was a negative issue when I attended the Springfield, Mass. meet several years ago.

An Ohio meet isn't set in stone, from what I gather. Set whatever date you want and let the chips fall where they may.

QuoteThis might be a "get lunch on your own beforehand, we're starting the tour at noon" thing with the meal post-meet.

I actually prefer this setup, even without factoring in Daylight Savings.  Gives more flexibility to the attendees.

For example, last summer's Twin Cities meet did not have an official lunch (in part because we were going to be running around for a solid 4 hours).  I find it easier to have a hard start time for the meet itself instead of the lunch, which can often run long (thinking specifically of a SE PA meet where it took 2 hours just to square the bill).  If attendees want to get together on their own for lunch ahead of time, that's fine (and a number of them did join me for lunch before the meet).  If they'd rather do lunch on their own and just gather for the tour, this gives them opportunity to do so.

That said, having an official lunch does help those who want to join the group for lunch, but are unable to do the tour (like what I did at Selinsgrove a few weeks ago or in Nashville 4 years ago).  But I still prefer a hard tour time and flexible lunch.

Quote from: froggie on May 17, 2018, 07:50:11 AM

QuoteThis might be a "get lunch on your own beforehand, we're starting the tour at noon" thing with the meal post-meet.

I actually prefer this setup, even without factoring in Daylight Savings.  Gives more flexibility to the attendees.

I don't.  It lacks the proper opportunity for everyone to just talk with each other.  I strongly felt the Twin Cities meet last year could have used one.

There was plenty of opportunity for such.  Just because I didn't have a formal lunch didn't mean attendees couldn't join me for an informal one beforehand...and several did.

Quote from: froggie on May 17, 2018, 07:55:53 AM
There was plenty of opportunity for such.  Just because I didn't have a formal lunch didn't mean attendees couldn't join me for an informal one beforehand...and several did.

However, the formal lunch strikes me as a much better idea.  We chose somewhere local that could've been a decent meet lunch location as well.

Agree to disagree?

Quote from: froggie on May 17, 2018, 07:59:42 AM
Agree to disagree?

Since the DST issue was touched along with food topic, let me bring a heavily discussed question from DST thread:
Is there a need to put a bowel motion part into the schedule?

Quote from: kalvado on May 17, 2018, 08:56:36 AM

Quote from: froggie on May 17, 2018, 07:59:42 AM
Agree to disagree?

Since the DST issue was touched along with food topic, let me bring a heavily discussed question from DST thread:
Is there a need to put a bowel motion part into the schedule?

Most meet tours these days have a scheduled bathroom stop or two.

Quote from: Brandon on May 17, 2018, 07:52:28 AM

Quote from: froggie on May 17, 2018, 07:50:11 AM

QuoteThis might be a "get lunch on your own beforehand, we're starting the tour at noon" thing with the meal post-meet.

I actually prefer this setup, even without factoring in Daylight Savings.  Gives more flexibility to the attendees.

I don't.  It lacks the proper opportunity for everyone to just talk with each other.  I strongly felt the Twin Cities meet last year could have used one.

Of course, I got sick last spring and had to miss my own meet, but my New River Gorge meet was supposed to be divided into two segments -- a self-guided trip down into the gorge on the old road, lunch on your own, then reassemble at a certain time for the second leg of the tour. I have no idea how things actually worked out in that regard.

I had intended to come to Noodles & Co. had I been able to make Twin Cities last year.

Perhaps a compromise should be to schedule brunch at a certain time for anyone who wants to come, then a hard start time for the meet. In addition to settling the checks, it takes time to organize the carpools as well.

I was thinking of an optional brunch with the main meal post meet. I want to have a firm start time because daylight (sunset that time of year is 5:45 while we still have DST and there won't be much twilight because mountains), but yes, I do think that there should be a big meal as part of it. Likely an early dinner at one of the local Italian restaurants, most of which are only open for dinner on weekends. Main local options in Kingston are diners and Italian.

My planned restroom stop is the new-ish Catskill Interpretive Center (http://catskillinterpretivecenter.org/) on NY 28 in Mt. Tremper. When I was there a couple weeks ago, they had many state maps (VERY hard to find). Also has some exhibits on the area. This is also a reason for a firm start time, because I want to be past this point well before they close (not an issue if we can start 11-12).

November might actually be better than September because we won't have leaves. That'll make it easier to get to/see some of the abandoned/old stuff and we won't have as many tourists clogging everything up.

Bathroom stops are not required as long as you have an itinerary and wait for people to catch up. A planned bathroom stop often stretches into 20+ wasted minutes.

Quote from: Alps on May 17, 2018, 06:22:17 PM
Bathroom stops are not required as long as you have an itinerary and wait for people to catch up. A planned bathroom stop often stretches into 20+ wasted minutes.

I generally tend to agree, but it has become an expectation nowadays and people will get upset if I don't include one. I was considering stopping there anyway because maps and exhibits about the area.

Unlike the young, spry thirtysomething Steve Alps, I find that scheduling a 10-15 minute "wayside" per 2 hours of tour is useful, especially for those with older bladders.  Scheduling tour stops that happen to have/include bathrooms (such as the Fort Snelling stop we made at the Twin Cities meet) also helps mitigate this.

Quote from: froggie on May 18, 2018, 02:41:15 PM
Scheduling tour stops that happen to have/include bathrooms (such as the Fort Snelling stop we made at the Twin Cities meet) also helps mitigate this.

Which is the precise reason I'm doing the welcome center as a tour stop. Let people look at the exhibits/get maps and use the (clean) restrooms while there. I thought Fort Snelling was a good stop for that reason.

Public restrooms in the Catskills are disturbingly hard to come by. I know where several are, but I don't expect people to try and find them on their own.

For what it's worth, we'll be passing a good half-dozen or more Stewart's and Quick Chek locations with clean restrooms if people require stops beyond what is scheduled. Basically one or more between every pair of stops.

Quote from: froggie on May 18, 2018, 02:41:15 PM
Unlike the young, spry thirtysomething Steve Alps, I find that scheduling a 10-15 minute "wayside" per 2 hours of tour is useful, especially for those with older bladders.  Scheduling tour stops that happen to have/include bathrooms (such as the Fort Snelling stop we made at the Twin Cities meet) also helps mitigate this.

The problem I have is time dilation. Make it a waypoint between stops and people are less likely to abuse it.

I'm reopening a poll for potential dates. Late October or early November is the time frame I was thinking.

As mentioned in previous replies, I was thinking of doing this with the main meal as a post-meet early dinner so we can have a fixed start time. There will likely be an optional pre-meet brunch at a local diner, but this would be informal. The reason for this is that a couple of the stops (including the planned restroom stop) are time-sensitive.

Any of those dates will work for me (I'm on vacation from work during that stretch of time, not that it will make a lot of difference).

Quote from: cl94 on June 27, 2018, 01:09:37 PM
I'm reopening a poll for potential dates. Late October or early November is the time frame I was thinking.

As mentioned in previous replies, I was thinking of doing this with the main meal as a post-meet early dinner so we can have a fixed start time. There will likely be an optional pre-meet brunch at a local diner, but this would be informal. The reason for this is that a couple of the stops (including the planned restroom stop) are time-sensitive.

Posting only to express interest and make sure I get notifications.

I'm ruling Sundays out at this point because my job (a) requires me to be in at 7:30am, (b) is a job that is a 2 1/2 hour drive away from home, so I stay in a hotel during the week, (c) Since I don't plan on checking into the hotel on Sunday since I'm only reimbursed for hotel stays during the work week, that means on Mondays I must leave my house by 4:30am to account for any travel hiccups, meaning (d) I have to wake up at 3:30am, and (e) I like to pack the night before and get a decent amount of sleep.

Therefore, Sunday's not a good day for a roadmeet for me because I'd need to be back home by early afternoon, I think.

Now... this job is just a "holding pattern" (maximum of 1 year) until I'm able to start a permanent position much closer to home, so by the time of this meet, I may be able to make it on a Sunday.  But to be safe, I'm going to say no Sundays.

Voting for the three DST options. Much of my availability depends on work schedules and a jury duty schedule.

The last Saturday of October was the winner and it happens to be my preferred date as well, so October 27 it is. More details forthcoming.

I have a general idea of the route, more info will follow later:

• After an early lunch, we'll drive through the historic Stockade district and see what may be the last remaining cutout NY route shield
• We'll drive over to and walk on the historic Kingston-Port Ewen Suspension Bridge
• NY 213 will be clinched, with a loop to see the odd NY 32 divided street and stops at Perrine's Covered Bridge and the Rosendale Trestle
• We'll visit at least one of the historic bridges at the Ashokan Reservoir
• We'll clinch NY 28A, which is almost entirely maintained by the New York City Department of Transportation
• Finally, we'll drive the infamous Interstate 587

Not too long and visits most of the interesting stuff in east-central Ulster County.

Put me down as a "maybe'.  I need to double-check some conference dates...I have at least 2 weekend conferences this fall.

Event is online (https://www.facebook.com/events/287030232076473/). Still plenty of time and, being as I wouldn't be making a meal reservation until the day of, walk-ins are welcome.

^ That's good, because I may well be a walk-in.  There's a meteorology conference that week in Stowe that I may be attending, and I don't remember if there were any related weekend events.

I plan to get an itinerary for this thing ready this weekend. Times will be finalized around Columbus Day weekend as I do a dry run of the meet. I know what'll be on the tour, but I need to confirm the parking situation at a couple stops.

This is going to be a pretty informal thing, but I plan to take full advantage of the software available to me and produce a set of ArcGIS maps to include in the handout. Mainly to identify parking locations and restrooms along the tour route.

I would highly recommend that anyone attending this get a free NYCDEP access permit online. Depending on parking and timing, we may stop at one of the Ashokan Reservoir bridges and they do ticket cars without access permits. Even if we don't, it'll allow you to check out the bridges on your own time.

Quote from: cl94 on September 21, 2018, 09:36:05 AM
This is going to be a pretty informal thing, but I plan to take full advantage of the software available to me and produce a set of ArcGIS maps to include in the handout. Mainly to identify parking locations and restrooms along the tour route.

I would highly recommend that anyone attending this get a free NYCDEP access permit online. Depending on parking and timing, we may stop at one of the Ashokan Reservoir bridges and they do ticket cars without access permits. Even if we don't, it'll allow you to check out the bridges on your own time.

Could you please post a hyperlink to the permit site please?

Oops, I meant to do that in the original post.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep//html/recreation/access.shtml

Looks like it would be possible to have a supply of guest permits on hand for people who aren't driving, if the stop ends up being included.

Quote from: vdeane on September 21, 2018, 08:50:13 PM
Looks like it would be possible to have a supply of guest permits on hand for people who aren't driving, if the stop ends up being included.

Yes, it would, as long as each driver has a full pass so they have a tag for their car.

Quote from: cl94 on September 21, 2018, 09:36:05 AM

I would highly recommend that anyone attending this get a free NYCDEP access permit online. Depending on parking and timing, we may stop at one of the Ashokan Reservoir bridges and they do ticket cars without access permits. Even if we don't, it'll allow you to check out the bridges on your own time.

One of? I only see one...

Quote from: Alps on September 22, 2018, 01:44:22 AM

Quote from: cl94 on September 21, 2018, 09:36:05 AM

I would highly recommend that anyone attending this get a free NYCDEP access permit online. Depending on parking and timing, we may stop at one of the Ashokan Reservoir bridges and they do ticket cars without access permits. Even if we don't, it'll allow you to check out the bridges on your own time.

One of? I only see one...

The 28A bridge near Boiceville is technically on reservoir property. That might be the one to stop at because it's coming down in a couple years, but I need to scout it out.

Draft itinerary is here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I5VuN_EB5IvUi0lGSwZ1k34ztkUReKNib-YRQHU6TTk/edit?usp=sharing). Subject to change, as I still need to do a final round of scouting.

I did some scouting yesterday and I have some updates on how this thing will proceed:

- As I mentioned earlier, I'm planning to do an optional pre-meet brunch with the main meal after the tour at 4-5 PM. I do NOT want to run out of daylight and the restaurants in Kingston that can handle a group are busiest at lunchtime on weekends.
- Brunch will be at Deising's Bakery (111 N. Front Street, Kingston, NY) at 9:30 AM. Again, this is fully optional. (Website: http://www.deisings.com/ ). If you don't want to get up that early, I'd suggest getting something to eat beforehand.
- I'm tentatively planning to have the main meal (post-tour) at the Olympic Diner just off of the circle, but being as I'm not going to make any calls before the meet (as most places in Kingston don't take reservations), we could theoretically decide what we're doing for dinner as we go. What we can do really depends on how many people end up showing up.
- We're adding a stop at the abandoned railroad tunnel under Delaware Avenue and abandoned railroad bridge over US 9W right next to the tunnel. We'd be driving through here anyway, so it's worth a stop.
- We may add a stop at the Rosendale Stewart's for snacks/restroom break. Depending on how people are feeling
- I'm taking off the stop at the reservoir bridges due to access issues. I'd rather not have NYPD crash my meet. This will be replaced with a stop at Olivebridge Dam to see the former road over the dam.
- This meet will involve a bit of walking. Likely 1.5 miles or so. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty, as both the tunnel and Rosendale Trestle have unpaved access (though the trestle and access are part of a signed rail trail). Flashlights would be good if you want a closer look at the tunnel or you want to see inside/explore the caves/mines/kilns along the rail trail approaching the trestle.

At this point, I don't see a ton of changes other than maybe a couple route changes at the end based on construction progress and road closure status. I'll be back in the area before the meet to check on the closures in/around Kingston.

Wonder if these signs can still be found? On a side road just north of the US 9W/US 209 interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumhwy.net%2F2009_Northeast_Day_4%2FImages%2F47.jpg&hash=80ef5d4cb3117b32c7c04232f1e44bcce33b79cf)

As for this meet, no chance of me making it for a number of reasons.

Quote from: hbelkins on October 07, 2018, 02:55:08 PM
Wonder if these signs can still be found? On a side road just north of the US 9W/US 209 interchange.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumhwy.net%2F2009_Northeast_Day_4%2FImages%2F47.jpg&hash=80ef5d4cb3117b32c7c04232f1e44bcce33b79cf)

As for this meet, no chance of me making it for a number of reasons.

That I haven't seen before. I'm more likely to stick around for the two added features.


EDIT: GSV confirms replacement, sadly.

One week out. Weather forecast is calling for around 50 and a small chance of showers in Kingston, but knowing how weather is in the Hudson Valley this time of year, nothing is certain. Expect 5-10 degrees colder in the later part of the tour when we're in Catskill Park. Three of the five planned stops are quite exposed and wind will be likely. and I'd recommend wearing clothes/shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Flashlights, etc. would be useful to see into the tunnel and caves.

The Hudson Valley SHOULD have peak foliage next weekend, which will be nice. Catskills peaked a while ago and, if it's clear enough, we'll likely see snow covering the high peaks. There's no real need to worry about hunters, as the rifle and shotgun seasons don't begin for another few weeks.

As I mentioned previously, the main meal will be AFTER the tour. The diner just off the circle is the tentative location, but we can change that based on what people want. It'll just flow. There are some great (but small) local places in Kingston that have more limited menus. I'm not making a reservation for any meals on meet day (mainly because few places in Kingston take them), so you could just show up to the meet without an RSVP.

I'd like a heads-up if you're planning on being in Kingston at 9:30 for the pre-meet brunch, but I don't need that until the day of. If you're not attending that, I'd suggest getting food beforehand at the QuickChek next to the park and ride or somewhere else (fast food row is on 9W south of 209). We'll likely stop at Stewart's around midway through the tour for snacks and a restroom break and, the last time it was there, it had some prepared food options.

I will not be able to attend, but I did do go through everything on Google Maps, and it looks really interesting, especially the trestle.

I did notice (I think) a few mistakes in the document, though, both in Leg 4, that I thought I'd point out.

For step 1, it says continue east on NY 213. I think you want to continue west.
For step 4, it says to turn right into the gravel parking lot. I think you want to turn left.

Steph and I will thinking of you all this Saturday while we are celebrating our 17 year anniversary in the Smokey Mountains of east TN and western NC :biggrin:

Quote from: jpi on October 21, 2018, 12:33:05 PM
Steph and I will thinking of you all this Saturday while we are celebrating our 17 year anniversary in the Smokey Mountains of east TN and western NC :biggrin:

Happy anniversary to you and Steph. While it's unfortunate that you can't make it, it's completely understandable. Hope you guys have a good time. Are you going to go to Lafayette?

As we already went to the Aurora-Naperville Road Meet this past May, we will not be flying north again for this road meet. We actually now have a multi-family get-together barbecue this weekend at a Jacksonville Beach city park and playground. Hope to see some of y'all at the mini meet in February.

Quote from: signalman on October 21, 2018, 03:50:54 PM

Quote from: jpi on October 21, 2018, 12:33:05 PM
Steph and I will thinking of you all this Saturday while we are celebrating our 17 year anniversary in the Smokey Mountains of east TN and western NC :biggrin:

Happy anniversary to you and Steph. While it's unfortunate that you can't make it, it's completely understandable. Hope you guys have a good time. Are you going to go to Lafayette?

Unfortunetly I will not be going to Lafayette, I have a 2 day model train and toy show in the Pittsburgh area that I have commited to that same weekend, at this point I am probably done with road meets for the year, will wait and see what next year holds.

Quote from: cl94 on October 20, 2018, 03:21:46 PM
I'd recommend wearing clothes/shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

Question: how dirty are we talking about here?  I'm planning on sneakers for this one rather than my usual boots or flats (not that it's warm enough for the latter any more), but I don't really have "mud shoes" (or pants, etc.).  Plus I don't want to track stuff into my car or apartment.

Unfortunately, it seems like the forecast has gotten worse with much more pervasive rain.  Why does it seem like Saturday is usually worse than Sunday around here?

Quote from: vdeane on October 22, 2018, 12:49:24 PM

Quote from: cl94 on October 20, 2018, 03:21:46 PM
I'd recommend wearing clothes/shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

Question: how dirty are we talking about here?  I'm planning on sneakers for this one rather than my usual boots or flats (not that it's warm enough for the latter any more), but I don't really have "mud shoes" (or pants, etc.).  Plus I don't want to track stuff into my car or apartment.

Unfortunately, it seems like the forecast has gotten worse with much more pervasive rain.  Why does it seem like Saturday is usually worse than Sunday around here?

As dirty as you're willing to make it. You can SEE everything without getting particularly dirty and I doubt there will be mud people will have to walk through. The trestle requires a 1/2 mile (round-trip) walk along a well-compacted gravel trail and the covered bridge may require walking on dirt if we can't get spots on the shoulder next to it (there's room for 3-4 cars if we park tightly). If you want to actually get in the tunnel, THAT may require walking through mud, but it is 100% optional. Heck, I'll likely skip that one if the mud is bad, as I'd prefer not to be covered in mud.

With the weather, I've learned to never count on anything this time of year. We could also have wildly different conditions in the part of the meet that's in the mountains. You never know. If temps get colder and ice becomes a concern, I WILL make some modifications to minimize travel on 28A, which NYCDOT does not salt. If there's heavy rain, we'll skip the tunnel and abandoned bridge over the 9W arterial (as the access to that, while not muddy in the showers I had when scouting, is dirt and could theoretically get muddy).

with nor'easter now being a possibility, things may become quite interesting...
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Is-a-nor-easter-next-up-in-Albany-13326585.php

That's probably what I saw when I happened to check the weather a little while ago.

Yeah... I mean, we've had snow meets in the past. Delaware 2017 was the most recent one and I got to experience PennDOT's miserable salting/plowing when driving down. Unsurprisingly, roads were clear as soon as I hit the DE line.

Unless there's a decent amount of accumulation forecast (unlikely given temps), it's still on. They're currently saying it'll change to rain mid-morning and stay rain through the evening. The most likely change is a reroute near the end to avoid the worst parts of 28A, but unless temps fall another 5-10 degrees, that won't be necessary.

Quote from: cl94 on October 22, 2018, 02:57:12 PM
Yeah... I mean, we've had snow meets in the past. Delaware 2017 was the most recent one and I got to experience PennDOT's miserable salting/plowing when driving down. Unsurprisingly, roads were clear as soon as I hit the DE line.

Unless there's a decent amount of accumulation forecast (unlikely given temps), it's still on. They're currently saying it'll change to rain mid-morning and stay rain through the evening. The most likely change is a reroute near the end to avoid the worst parts of 28A, but unless temps fall another 5-10 degrees, that won't be necessary.

Should we really call Delaware a snow meet because it was not actually snowing during the meet?

Anyway I may back out if it is going to be rainy all day, but I obviously won't decide on that until later in the week.

Same. The two parts that would be cut are the two I most want to see.

Quote from: Alps on October 22, 2018, 06:58:26 PM
Same. The two parts that would be cut are the two I most want to see.

Hey, if people don't mind getting a little dirty, I have no issue playing with mud. It's more of that there's always a contingent that will complain about mud. The dam stop will probably happen regardless, unless they're forecasting significant snowfall. That's not the part of 28A that has issues (mainly because 213-reservoir bridge is the one portion that isn't original).

If the current forecast (or something close to it) holds, I'm not cutting anything. "Occasional rain showers" won't make getting to the tunnel dangerous. Torrential rain or heavy snow might and, in the latter case, I only have one pair each of crampons and snowshoes (mine).

Given Nor'easter forecasting tendencies, you should wait until at least Thursday morning before you make a call about that...

I had to deal with driving through some decent snows and snow covered roads getting to the Scranton ('15) and York ('16) meets.  And the State College meet back in '05 was a bit of a soaker.

Like Froggie suggested, I wouldn't jump the gun on this one just yet.

Unfortunately, each time the forecast is revised, it manages to get worse.  Kingston is currently forecast for more than an inch of rain over the course of the day and it will be windy too.  High of 42.

Not sure if I want to stand out in windy rain where my umbrella probably won't be able to protect me, but on the other hand, the only way I'm realistically going to get laundry done while it's still dry here is to go to the meet and do it beforehand.

Why do weekend rain events always come on Saturday?

Quote from: baugh17 on October 24, 2018, 06:46:47 AM
I had to deal with driving through some decent snows and snow covered roads getting to the Scranton ('15) and York ('16) meets.  And the State College meet back in '05 was a bit of a soaker.

Like Froggie suggested, I wouldn't jump the gun on this one just yet.

This is one of those times that I am glad that I usually do not reserve hotels for these.  I really do not have to decide until overnight Friday.

Quote from: vdeane on October 24, 2018, 01:11:14 PM
Unfortunately, each time the forecast is revised, it manages to get worse.  Kingston is currently forecast for more than an inch of rain over the course of the day and it will be windy too.  High of 42.

Not sure if I want to stand out in windy rain where my umbrella probably won't be able to protect me, but on the other hand, the only way I'm realistically going to get laundry done while it's still dry here is to go to the meet and do it beforehand.

Why do weekend rain events always come on Saturday?

My laundry plans are already going to be abnormal due to having a church event Friday night.  If this was light rain or snow (see the York 2016 meet), I would be fine, but I do not feel like it is worth driving 8-10 hours to/from in heavy rain.  The drive to/from is just as important as the meet itself to me.

Right now we're looking at 1.04 inches in a 12-18 hour period, so the total comes more from duration than intensity.  The wind is more concerning... we're looking at 13-14 mph winds throughout the meet right now.  I don't think an umbrella is going to be very effective in that.

I don't mind driving in rain, it's getting out of/to/from the car in rain I don't like.  Now, I did spend a while walking around looking at the ducks when it rained throughout NYSDOT's summer picnic... but there wasn't much in the way of wind most of that day, so my umbrella was actually effective (my flats got pretty wet, but I'm not planning on wearing them to this meet regardless).

While I normally consider the drive to/from meets important, it isn't really for this meet for me by virtue of the fact that it's only an hour away and I've already clinched everything in the area.  Not to mention the return drive for daytrip meets is something I'm not likely to consider important in the future anyways... the risk of not having (much/any) daylight afterwards is just too great.  I ended up cutting most of my return clinches from Salamanca because the meet ran long, and I still have segments of road that I have only driven at night from prior meets before I started aiming to clinch everything during the day (I think the only roadmeet affiliated ones in the US are US 31 in Birmingham and US 2 west of Waterbury - MD 702 and I-20 east of Birmingham are gray areas that I'm trying to put out of my mind; still have a few large sections in Canada, though).

^ I think you're reading way too much into things.  If it's raining and you don't like getting wet, then just skip the meet itself and go down and enjoy the post-meet dinner.

I may end up going to Somerset County to see the new US 219 instead. 

https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-9/pages/details.aspx?newsid=614

Regardless, I am going to wait until tomorrow before making a final decision.

Quote from: 74/171FAN on October 25, 2018, 05:08:22 PM
I may end up going to Somerset County to see the new US 219 instead. 

https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-9/pages/details.aspx?newsid=614

Regardless, I am going to wait until tomorrow before making a final decision.

How dare they horn in on the meet.
That said, with the weather...

The forecast is certainly variable.  Wind speeds seem to have stabilized around 14-15 mph, however the total amount of rain and exact timeframes are a bit variable (the meet is consistently in the peak storm, though).  Probably going to have to make a final call after I see the weather on the local news tonight.

It's going to be a rain meet regardless. I'm NOT cutting any stops nor modifying the route, as it looks like it'll be above freezing all afternoon. One of the stops is (basically) covered and we'll have some shelter for two others. Two stops (as well as part of one) are fully exposed, but since there won't be lightning, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Dress accordingly. We'll have plenty of chances to stop at Stewart's and get warm drinks, plus there's warm food waiting for us at the diner/wherever we decide to eat.

Quote from: Alps on October 25, 2018, 11:57:51 PM

Quote from: 74/171FAN on October 25, 2018, 05:08:22 PM
I may end up going to Somerset County to see the new US 219 instead. 

https://www.penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/district-9/pages/details.aspx?newsid=614

Regardless, I am going to wait until tomorrow before making a final decision.

How dare they horn in on the meet.
That said, with the weather...

At this point, I don't see myself doing either. It is best to consider me as truly out for the meet at this point.

The weather looks a little wet for hiking tomorrow, but will be great on Sunday for chasing waterfalls and not following the directives given by the musical group TLC. Therefore, I will attend the meet donning a rain poncho.

Quote from: Dougtone on October 26, 2018, 03:21:09 PM
The weather looks a little wet for hiking tomorrow, but will be great for chasing waterfalls and not following the directives given by the musical group TLC. Therefore, I will attend the meet donning a rain poncho.

Funny you mention chasing waterfalls, because there are a few along the meet route. I'd be open to an unplanned stop at High Falls, too, if people are up to that.

With the weather, don't forget to do you Gene Kelly impersonations.  :sombrero:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ

Quote from: cl94 on October 26, 2018, 01:35:16 PM
It's going to be a rain meet regardless. I'm NOT cutting any stops nor modifying the route, as it looks like it'll be above freezing all afternoon. One of the stops is (basically) covered and we'll have some shelter for two others. Two stops (as well as part of one) are fully exposed, but since there won't be lightning, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Dress accordingly. We'll have plenty of chances to stop at Stewart's and get warm drinks, plus there's warm food waiting for us at the diner/wherever we decide to eat.

In that case, I shall attend. Let's see if I'm up for brekkie.

Quote from: cl94 on October 26, 2018, 01:35:16 PM
It's going to be a rain meet regardless. I'm NOT cutting any stops nor modifying the route, as it looks like it'll be above freezing all afternoon. One of the stops is (basically) covered and we'll have some shelter for two others. Two stops (as well as part of one) are fully exposed, but since there won't be lightning, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. Dress accordingly. We'll have plenty of chances to stop at Stewart's and get warm drinks, plus there's warm food waiting for us at the diner/wherever we decide to eat.

We could always spin the Wheel of Lunch.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the eastern Catskills for 2:00 am to 11:00 am tomorrow.

Quote from: 02 Park Ave on October 26, 2018, 05:26:39 PM
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the eastern Catskills for 2:00 am to 11:00 am tomorrow.

Western Ulster and mostly high elevation at that. This does make me happy that I decided to emphasize Kingston's bridges instead of scenic roads through the Catskills, though.

^ Not just the higher elevations.  As far east as the Thruway could see something frozen in the morning, especially north of Kingston.

And while Val seems fixated on particular times and wind speeds, that's not very realistic.  As a general rule, expect moderate winds, and higher at higher elevations...in fact, the Berkshires and Taconics have a wind advisory, but I don't recall seeing anything on the itinerary east of the TSP.  Winds will probably be enough to knock a lot of that fall foliage off the trees.

Well, timing and wind matter.  Does the worst hit at an exposed stop, during the drive, or at a sheltered stop?  And yeah, wind matters, beyond possibilities of leaves blowing off trees and such.  An umbrella that works great in heavy rain but no wind won't work at all in light rain but heavy wind.  As I mentioned on Facebook, I don't own a poncho.

Anyways, if it isn't too much worse than it is now in Albany, it should be fine.

I'm not saying that timing and wind don't matter.  But you're being way too fixated on it.  Nevermind that that type of forecasting at the level of detail you want is unreliable (especially from TV stations).

Might also be time to invest in something that works in the wind.

Thanks to everyone for coming out. It was a wet day and clouds blocked some of the views, but we were able to see just about everything. 8 people made it in total and, if I knew we'd be able to get through it so quickly, I would have added to the tour.