Y'all know how I've been teasing the Cumberland, MD meet for years now? I'm finally ready to host it, and at a time when everyone can see some peak fall colors in the area, too!
Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11 am
Crabby Pig Restaurant, 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0
Sites include:
- Cumberland - Site of Mile Marker Zero (National Road, Great Allegheny Passage) and George Washington's Headquarters
- LaVale Toll Gate House
- US 219 Bypass east of Grantsville
- Casselman River Bridge
- Oldtown Toll Bridge
I'm definitely in for this. I also plan on investing in a new video camera soon, as I'm looking to add the title of "amateur documentary filmmaker" to my already-congested resume. (I'm moving away from doing live streams for meets due to the hassle of internet reception and wanting to keep my phone in functioning order during the event.) I am aware of a documentary that was put together for the 2008 Atlanta meet and using that as a model, I'd like to do something similar for this meet. It'll be a dry run of sorts for something much larger I'd like to do for the New Orleans meet in February. So be prepared for the presence of a one-person film crew. :-|
Well I guess this means I am pushing Lancaster to November 11th or even December. I have not heard back on an official Goat Path Opening Date so you win, Laura.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 01, 2023, 04:10:19 PM
Well I guess this means I am pushing Lancaster to November 11th or even December. I have not heard back on an official Goat Path Opening Date so you win, Laura.
Didn't know that you were looking at hosting a meet in Lancaster. I lived in Landisville for about 10 months in 2000-01. Last time I was in the area was 2018 on my way home from the Shreveport meet. I'd be interested in getting back out that way.
As for the subject meet, I'm also interested in it :sombrero:
Quote from: signalman on September 01, 2023, 04:53:07 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 01, 2023, 04:10:19 PM
Well I guess this means I am pushing Lancaster to November 11th or even December. I have not heard back on an official Goat Path Opening Date so you win, Laura.
Didn't know that you were looking at hosting a meet in Lancaster. I lived in Landisville for about 10 months in 2000-01. Last time I was in the area was 2018 on my way home from the Shreveport meet. I'd be interested in getting back out that way.
I had started discussions on it within the last week. I am just waiting on a schedule update from East Lampeter Township before I am ready to announce it.
Well, well, well. It looks like my planned NH/VT vacation for this fall is getting replaced by a MD/WV vacation...
...while my trip to TX is committed to and not changing so I can't make it unfortunately.
But, I'm going to have a new nephew to meet, which is kinda more important.
Quote from: Duke87 on September 01, 2023, 05:06:56 PM
...while my trip to TX is committed to and not changing so I can't make it unfortunately.
But, I'm going to have a new nephew to meet, which is kinda more important.
Agreed. I really should get out to TX at some point for the family of my sister's husband.
By the way, I am unsurprisingly almost certain to attend this meet.
Maybe...Depends on how things play out over the next month (I only have 3½ days of PTO left on the table for this year).
Bummer... I had really been looking forward to the idea of attending this meet since the idea was first announced a long time ago. This is not enough notice for me, and I already have other plans for that weekend - so I'm out. I'll probably do a solo trip to Cumberland at some point over the next couple of years.
Enjoy!! :D
zero chance for me. I'm restricting myself to local surrounding areas and trips of lesser budgets due to priorities shifted elsewhere.
Can't happen for me.
I've already committed to attending the King Biscuit Blues Festival, in Helena, Arkansas, at the beginning of October, with several friends of mine from here in Columbus.
Quote from: baugh17 on September 01, 2023, 08:55:45 PM
Maybe...Depends on how things play out over the next month (I only have 3½ days of PTO left on the table for this year).
I have a parallel issue that keeps me from attending anything for a year. Got a promotion that put me back on "probation," which limits how much time I can take off (a little frustrating in the last half of my career since I also have time I need to use up to stay under total annual limits...I think I won't lose any, though). With other trips planned to family and whatnot and expected doctor's visits, I'm fully tapped out.
Well, that's the day of the Cincinatti Hot Wheels club diecast car show so I am out. Cumberland is a really cool city and surrounding area and I know Mrs MDRoads will put on a great meet. :bigass: I will be there in spirit :nod:
I love the mountains, so I might consider attending. A lot depends on accommodations, however. I would probably spend Friday and Saturday nights in Morgantown, so if there's a WVU football game to jack room rates up for the weekend, that would be a negative factor. I"ve looked into staying in Cumberland a few times on past trips, but always decided against it because of already-high room rates. If it wasn't on the opposite side of where I am, I'd consider staying in Hagerstown.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 02, 2023, 03:21:22 PM
I love the mountains, so I might consider attending. A lot depends on accommodations, however. I would probably spend Friday and Saturday nights in Morgantown, so if there's a WVU football game to jack room rates up for the weekend, that would be a negative factor. I"ve looked into staying in Cumberland a few times on past trips, but always decided against it because of already-high room rates. If it wasn't on the opposite side of where I am, I'd consider staying in Hagerstown.
Hotel rates have grown exponentially everywhere. That said, I don't see any outlandish aberration for hotels right around Cumberland for that weekend.
I've talked to my dad about this meet in October, and I guess that we are going now! :D
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 01, 2023, 04:10:19 PM
Well I guess this means I am pushing Lancaster to November 11th or even December. I have not heard back on an official Goat Path Opening Date so you win, Laura.
I plan to be in central PA around Saturday 11/25, hint, hint ;-)
Quote from: jpi on September 03, 2023, 08:16:19 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on September 01, 2023, 04:10:19 PM
Well I guess this means I am pushing Lancaster to November 11th or even December. I have not heard back on an official Goat Path Opening Date so you win, Laura.
I plan to be in central PA around Saturday 11/25, hint, hint ;-)
Yeah, I am always in VA for Thanksgiving so that is the issue there. Hopefully, you will be able to explore it yourself at that point.
Interested in Cumberland. Years ago, I worked at a Scout camp in Hancock, MD, where week-long canoe trips down the Potomac originated in the Cumberland area. I-68 was U.S. 48 then, and not freeway.
Also interested in a Lancaster meet. I was born and raised there, well, west of downtown, in Rohrerstown. Nice to get back when I can.
Quote from: Laura on September 01, 2023, 02:47:57 PM
Y'all know how I've been teasing the Cumberland, MD meet for years now? I'm finally ready to host it, and at a time when everyone can see some peak fall colors in the area, too!
Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11 am
Crabby Pig Restaurant, 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
Sites include:
- Cumberland - Site of Mile Marker Zero (National Road, Great Allegheny Passage) and George Washington's Headquarters
- LaVale Toll Gate House
- US 219 Bypass east of Grantsville
- Casselman River Bridge
- Oldtown Toll Bridge
I've visited Cumberland a few times; it's a pretty neat town. Just gonna throw out an idea for an optional activity ...
Since there is definitely some overlap in being a road fan and being a rail fan, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is a fun ride - it makes a round trip to Frostburg and back, over the span of a few hours. It's literally steps away from the Crabby Pig.
There's also a one-lane bridge near the north end of MD 638 (closer to Frostburg).
I've never been to a road meet, so maybe this could be the one? Although I can't do a lot of walking (arthritic knees) these days ...
Just confirmed with my boss that I can move my vacation to that weekend. I'm in.
I will be announcing Lancaster for December 9th in a separate thread later today. Please direct all future posts in regard to that meet there once I get to posting it.
Quote from: Rothman on September 02, 2023, 03:46:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 02, 2023, 03:21:22 PM
I love the mountains, so I might consider attending. A lot depends on accommodations, however. I would probably spend Friday and Saturday nights in Morgantown, so if there's a WVU football game to jack room rates up for the weekend, that would be a negative factor. I"ve looked into staying in Cumberland a few times on past trips, but always decided against it because of already-high room rates. If it wasn't on the opposite side of where I am, I'd consider staying in Hagerstown.
Hotel rates have grown exponentially everywhere. That said, I don't see any outlandish aberration for hotels right around Cumberland for that weekend.
There's definitely a football game in Morgantown that weekend. Prices (according to Trip Advisor) are running $200-$400 per night.
Cheapest price I see for Cumberland is $87 per night at the Super 8. I could probably get some knocked off that via my Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance discount, but that's still a bit too rich for my tastes.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 06, 2023, 03:01:57 PM
Quote from: Rothman on September 02, 2023, 03:46:47 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 02, 2023, 03:21:22 PM
I love the mountains, so I might consider attending. A lot depends on accommodations, however. I would probably spend Friday and Saturday nights in Morgantown, so if there's a WVU football game to jack room rates up for the weekend, that would be a negative factor. I"ve looked into staying in Cumberland a few times on past trips, but always decided against it because of already-high room rates. If it wasn't on the opposite side of where I am, I'd consider staying in Hagerstown.
Hotel rates have grown exponentially everywhere. That said, I don't see any outlandish aberration for hotels right around Cumberland for that weekend.
There's definitely a football game in Morgantown that weekend. Prices (according to Trip Advisor) are running $200-$400 per night.
Cheapest price I see for Cumberland is $87 per night at the Super 8. I could probably get some knocked off that via my Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance discount, but that's still a bit too rich for my tastes.
Yep, hotel prices have gone up everywhere. $87 is around the going rate anywhere...that's not having a college football game.
Very interested; as it covers some spots missed at the Corridor H meet.
I'm in. It's a bit last minute notice and I've done/am about to do a bunch of other travel, but I managed to squeeze this in. I even cannibalized the trip that was to be for this meet into my Pittsburgh trip since I didn't want to wait on that stuff, but it was easy enough to figure out new routes to/from.
Unfortunately, I have another commitment for that Saturday; so I will not be able to attend.
The LaVale Toll House is open for tours on October 21 from 12:00pm-4:00pm. I took a tour last year and it's at least worth budgeting 15 minutes to poke around.
Heh. I'm planning to be near Cumberland in October to visit family over Thanksgiving... but that's the week of October 9.
A Facebook event has been created for the Cumberland Meet and can be viewed at the link below:
https://fb.me/e/3TG8tOTJS (https://fb.me/e/3TG8tOTJS)
Just as a quick FYI moving forward, while this is still and will continue to be Laura's event first and foremost, any questions and concerns regarding this event can also be directed at me as well and I, as unofficial "co-host", will also do my best to help you folks out as we get closer to meet day. Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you all soon!
Quick Update:
Laura & I will be busy this week finalizing and writing up the itinerary for the driving tour. Expect to see it posted no later than the evening of 10/15.
In the meantime, if you're not familiar with western Maryland or would like a quick refresher of some of what the area has to offer, please feel free to check out the link below to the following "Virtual Tour" episode from the 'roadwaywiz' channel from 2021, which features a drive along the Interstate 68 corridor across the region. Looking forward to seeing everyone in about 10 days!
Thanks Dan!
I also wanted to take a moment to add some Fall Foliage report predictions:
https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map predicts that on Oct 19, Garrett County, MD will be at peak and Allegany County, MD at near peak
https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/ predicts that on Oct 23, Garrett County, MD will be past peak and the rest of MD will be at peak
So it looks like it will be the perfect weekend to see fall leaves on many Maryland roads, including I-68, US 40 Alt, US 219, and MD 51!
Having grown up in western MD, I know the roads more by their names than by their numbers. Had to think for a while to remember which road MD 51 is (it's Oldtown Road).
I had previously entertained the notion of attending, and had a generous offer of the use of a spare room at the home of a friend in Morgantown. But family issues and an unexpected financial crisis (the need to buy a new refrigerator) have nixed any possibility of my attendance.
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Is there anywhere in particular we should be looking to park? The best possibility I've found is here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6487004,-78.7616323,3a,75y,308.82h,77.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL325OHxxCvlV69JML34VhQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), but I don't know how fast that lot fills up.
I can't make this work between other commitments plus travel to New York next week, but for those going who will be driving the tour route, in case you are not aware, note that the Oldtown Toll Bridge does not accept E-ZPass.
So between two conflicting commitments this coming Saturday, I've chosen the road meet. Looks like I'll get two new counties in WV and finally clinch* PA I-76 for my travels.
I will be leaving Philly between 6:30 and 7am, it looks like, so I might be a little bit late to the lunch if the stars don't align for me. Based on previous road meets I have attended, I don't anticipate that being a problem, but I just wanted to put it out there.
* Is there a topic for travelmapping.net data issues? My forum login over there seems to be hosed, and I've discovered the short NJ NJ64 (which I clinched yesterday) is missing from their clinchable routes.
Quote from: vdeane on October 16, 2023, 12:36:03 PM
Is there anywhere in particular we should be looking to park? The best possibility I've found is here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6487004,-78.7616323,3a,75y,308.82h,77.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sL325OHxxCvlV69JML34VhQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), but I don't know how fast that lot fills up.
I'm glad you brought this up. I suspect it will be pretty full because the Western MD railroad fall excursion rides will also be happening on Saturday. Therefore, everyone keep in mind that you may have to park and walk a little bit. There are a lot of parking lots in close distance, and I'll investigate further the best parking options.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 16, 2023, 12:44:28 PM
I can't make this work between other commitments plus travel to New York next week, but for those going who will be driving the tour route, in case you are not aware, note that the Oldtown Toll Bridge does not accept E-ZPass.
Yes, thank you for that reminder. Everyone make sure you have a little bit of cash on you in case you end up driving and need to pay the toll.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 11, 2023, 11:32:14 AM
I had previously entertained the notion of attending, and had a generous offer of the use of a spare room at the home of a friend in Morgantown. But family issues and an unexpected financial crisis (the need to buy a new refrigerator) have nixed any possibility of my attendance.
Sorry to hear that. I too have missed meets in the past for family and/or financial reasons.
Quote from: tckma on October 16, 2023, 02:14:07 PM
So between two conflicting commitments this coming Saturday, I've chosen the road meet. Looks like I'll get two new counties in WV and finally clinch* PA I-76 for my travels.
I will be leaving Philly between 6:30 and 7am, it looks like, so I might be a little bit late to the lunch if the stars don't align for me. Based on previous road meets I have attended, I don't anticipate that being a problem, but I just wanted to put it out there.
* Is there a topic for travelmapping.net data issues? My forum login over there seems to be hosed, and I've discovered the short NJ NJ64 (which I clinched yesterday) is missing from their clinchable routes.
If you're running late, feel free to call or text me and we can let you know where we are. No idea about travelmapping.net issues.
Quote from: tckma on October 16, 2023, 02:14:07 PM
* Is there a topic for travelmapping.net data issues? My forum login over there seems to be hosed, and I've discovered the short NJ NJ64 (which I clinched yesterday) is missing from their clinchable routes.
You can PM it to me, and I will post it over there.
Quote from: tckma on October 16, 2023, 02:14:07 PM
* Is there a topic for travelmapping.net data issues? My forum login over there seems to be hosed, and I've discovered the short NJ NJ64 (which I clinched yesterday) is missing from their clinchable routes.
TM only includes signed routes, with the exception of interstates. Years ago, it was decided that a route that only ground-mounted shields and guide signs count as "signed" for New Jersey, not street blades (at the time, the enhanced mile markers were not around). Thus, NJ 64 counts as not signed, and is therefore not in TM.
Quote from: vdeane on October 16, 2023, 09:04:26 PM
Quote from: tckma on October 16, 2023, 02:14:07 PM
* Is there a topic for travelmapping.net data issues? My forum login over there seems to be hosed, and I've discovered the short NJ NJ64 (which I clinched yesterday) is missing from their clinchable routes.
TM only includes signed routes, with the exception of interstates. Years ago, it was decided that a route that only ground-mounted shields and guide signs count as "signed" for New Jersey, not street blades (at the time, the enhanced mile markers were not around). Thus, NJ 64 counts as "not signed", and is therefore not in TM.
TM really needs to get their shit straight.
While we are at a point in this thread when both Cumberland and Travel Mapping are being discussed ...
If anyone is planning to add MD 61 to their list, be forewarned that MD 61 is not in Travel Mapping (I don't think it is signed). Found that out the hard way, but since I had four other 61's, it wasn't a big deal. (I put a comment in my list file anyway, so if it ever gets added, I'm reminded to add it).
As for parking - when I took a weekend trip out there to ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, I "solved" the parking issue by staying at the nearby Fairfield Inn, parking my car there as a guest, and walking where I wanted.
(Edited to add:)
If you're also a rail fan (and I know there's some overlap with road fans) I highly recommend the WMSR.
By the way, we do have a thread on the Travel Mapping forum discussing the unsigned state routes topic (https://forum.travelmapping.net/index.php?topic=4114.0). Please post any further discussion on that over there and keep this thread focused on the meet.
Quote from: Laura on October 16, 2023, 02:30:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 16, 2023, 12:44:28 PM
I can't make this work between other commitments plus travel to New York next week, but for those going who will be driving the tour route, in case you are not aware, note that the Oldtown Toll Bridge does not accept E-ZPass.
Yes, thank you for that reminder. Everyone make sure you have a little bit of cash on you in case you end up driving and need to pay the toll.
I looked back at my pictures from my last trip through there and they reminded me that, at least as of a few years ago, they did accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (no American Express or Diner's Club), although I would still be inclined to pay cash. I had forgotten they took plastic.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 17, 2023, 08:01:37 AM
Quote from: Laura on October 16, 2023, 02:30:04 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 16, 2023, 12:44:28 PM
I can't make this work between other commitments plus travel to New York next week, but for those going who will be driving the tour route, in case you are not aware, note that the Oldtown Toll Bridge does not accept E-ZPass.
Yes, thank you for that reminder. Everyone make sure you have a little bit of cash on you in case you end up driving and need to pay the toll.
I looked back at my pictures from my last trip through there and they reminded me that, at least as of a few years ago, they did accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (no American Express or Diner's Club), although I would still be inclined to pay cash. I had forgotten they took plastic.
Yes, good to know that they do take cards!!!
As for the parking, the trains depart at 9:30, 11:30, and 12, so us having an 11 am start time might be the sweet spot for finding parking in the Howard St and Canal Place lots.
Quote from: 1995hoo on October 17, 2023, 08:01:37 AM
I looked back at my pictures from my last trip through there and they reminded me that, at least as of a few years ago, they did accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover (no American Express or Diner's Club), although I would still be inclined to pay cash. I had forgotten they took plastic.
I, too, would be inclined to pay cash. I'll have cash on me anyway to pay for lunch.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:21 PM
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Based on my past experience, might not hurt to ask the restaurant for a couple extra seats anyway just in case.
Quote from: froggie on October 17, 2023, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:21 PM
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Based on my past experience, might not hurt to ask the restaurant for a couple extra seats anyway just in case.
Based on my past experience, I think we've got this. Thanks.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 17, 2023, 07:58:38 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 17, 2023, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:21 PM
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Based on my past experience, might not hurt to ask the restaurant for a couple extra seats anyway just in case.
Based on my past experience, I think we've got this. Thanks.
Heh. Zing...
Quote from: froggie on October 17, 2023, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:21 PM
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Based on my past experience, might not hurt to ask the restaurant for a couple extra seats anyway just in case.
Froggie - Thank you for the kind suggestion, especially considering that way back in 2010, Mike and I were two of those people who spontaneously drove 4 hours to the Southwest PA meet in the snow!! :spin:
Quote from: Laura on October 18, 2023, 03:47:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on October 17, 2023, 07:54:46 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on October 15, 2023, 09:05:21 PM
Meet Itinerary and Driving Tour information is complete and can be viewed at the link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q0tyfqa5o23v6cv49tzad/Cumberland-Meet-Itinerary.docx?rlkey=qzzzq12qfnv3bty92trdyexx8&dl=0)
If you're planning to attend and have not already RSVPed, please let us know ASAP, either here on the forum or on the Facebook event page linked to above. That way we know how many to expect at the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Based on my past experience, might not hurt to ask the restaurant for a couple extra seats anyway just in case.
Froggie - Thank you for the kind suggestion, especially considering that way back in 2010, Mike and I were two of those people who spontaneously drove 4 hours to the Southwest PA meet in the snow!! :spin:
Let's take a poll on which was the better response... :D
(https://i.imgflip.com/830g3f.jpg)
Welp, my attendance at this is once again up in the air (*sigh*). I'll keep you all posted.
Sorry for the late response. I expressed interest earlier, but never confirmed attendance. I am now confirming attendance, especially since I got into town about an hour ago . . .
See you all tomorrow!
Makes me feel like I confirmed on time with the late stragglers coming in. :D
Has anyone else here read The Adventures of Dr. McNinja? This meet makes me think of it since it's set in Cumberland, and the comic is fairly accurate in its illustrations. The first few pages of the Doc Gets Rad story are road-accurate enough that it's even possible to track down the route of the chase (which starts here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.6489235,-78.7677548,3a,75y,26.99h,95.98t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sJlGI05kJ1tY5PX-dI_i6Mw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DJlGI05kJ1tY5PX-dI_i6Mw%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D170.77917%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu) and ends near our first tour stop). Even the road signs are accurate.
https://web.archive.org/web/20190516175945/http://drmcninja.com/archives/comic/15p1/
In any case, here's to a most rad roadmeet!
Arrived in Cumberland ~45 minutes ago at my hotel... Can't wait to see everyone tomorrow!
Valerie, that's so awesome!!!
Can't wait to see everyone! This will definitely be a rad roadmeet!!!
One last thing - Milestones!!! There are milestones on US 40 and I forgot to add them to the itinerary.
Here is an ArcGIS map of them with more information. https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=374856d5ea864183847d22b158af102a
In brief, we will see them at the following mileage distances from Cumberland: 5, 6*, 7, 10, 12, 13*, 14, 19, 25.
Leg 1 includes mile marker 5, and we will stop at 6, which also includes a *toll gate, at La Vale Toll House.
Leg 2 includes the others. 7 and 10 are before downtown Frostburg; 12 and 14 are after. There is an old *toll gate around where mile marker 13 would have been. Marker 19 is before we get to US 219.
Leg 3: Marker 25 is in Grantsville in front of the Casselman Inn.
I posted pictures on the Facebook event of the map points and examples of what the milestones and toll gate posts look like - not sure how to do that here.
Cumberland MD has a lot of stray cats right now and the shelter has waived adoption fees, so please bring some home with you!
Great meet...even though I and others had to bolt early...
Think it's safe to say I shocked a few people with my arrival...
Enjoyed the meet yesterday. Thanks to Laura and Dan for setting this all up.
I suspect we made our tour guide's day at the LaVale toll gate house.
Quote from: akotchi on October 22, 2023, 08:22:45 AM
Enjoyed the meet yesterday. Thanks to Laura and Dan for setting this all up.
I suspect we made our tour guide's day at the LaVale toll gate house.
Yes thank you. I am planning to take my parents to the toll gate house at some point.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on October 22, 2023, 09:08:42 AM
Quote from: akotchi on October 22, 2023, 08:22:45 AM
Enjoyed the meet yesterday. Thanks to Laura and Dan for setting this all up.
I suspect we made our tour guide's day at the LaVale toll gate house.
Yes thank you. I am planning to take my parents to the toll gate house at some point.
Just as a heads up for next year (since yesterday was the last day for the 2023 season), even in-season, there are a pretty limited number of days the toll house is open. Allegany County CVB generally posts about it on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MountainMaryland
Thank you all so much for coming on Saturday!! It was such a memorable meet - and I agree that we made our tour guide's day at the LaVale Toll House.
Thank you also for the wonderful surprise, Froggie!!
Quote from: froggie on October 22, 2023, 07:05:06 AM
Think it's safe to say I shocked a few people with my arrival...
Now we know why you were suggesting a few extra spots at the lunch table.
Quote from: hbelkins on October 23, 2023, 10:08:35 AM
Quote from: froggie on October 22, 2023, 07:05:06 AM
Think it's safe to say I shocked a few people with my arrival...
Now we know why you were suggesting a few extra spots at the lunch table.
That's a good idea in general anyway.
For those who were at the meet (and/or those who are railfans), check out this video (https://youtu.be/6YQ1w-oej8w?t=1044) starting around 17:24.