Ok I am not making any promises here, but I have been seriously thinking about coming over for that week. Depending on what the Massachusetts tourist info get back to me with, nearest international airports, connections from airports to stockbridge, BB's and so on I might just be able to swing it. I was wondering though, could any of you recomend a good centralized clean cheep BB or hotel, which Airport would you say was the best to travel too from England, what way would you say is the best way to go from the airport to stockbridge, Bus-Train? this is going to take some serious planning and I am going to need all the info I can get. If you can offer me some help I am very very greatful.
But I would also like to know, if I can get there for the 10th,11th,and 12th, just what am I letting myself in for, what does three days of Folk filled revelery entail? Do I need Tickets and if so how much and where form?
Like I said if I can pull this off, its going to take planning and I'm going to have to do it all now, so If you do have a sugestion, Let Me Know.
Heres Hoping <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/tiedye.gif" width=17 height=17>

Ask deb about the hotel. Seriously, she's on the member list and you can e-mail her from there. Ask Sherry about the airport. I'm not sure if either Hartford or Albany are truly international airports, but they're the closest ones. Sherry will know. Judy, also might know. The best way to get there from the airport is probably by rental car, but if you don't want to do the driving on the other side of the road thing...and I wouldn't...then probably bus, but it'll be a private line and will take a little looking into. We'll help if we can. Public transport in the Berks and much of the non-urban US might not be what you're used to and once in the area, it's kind of hard to get back and forth from the church or anywhere without a car. However, blunderites are friendly and if you're staying near other blunderites it's not hard to catch a ride from them. Not everyone does the whole three days, though.

You'll need tickets and they'll probably go on sale soon. The church is a lot smaller than the membership list so it's a bit of a rush to get them when they do go on sale, particularly for Saturday night.

Three days and nights of folk revelry are..fairly mild really. There's usually a tailgate party on the Sunday, outside the church. It varies. Sometimes they have something going on at the church itself during the day, and other times not. The tailgate party is an all blunderite production, started by Larry, years ago. The people who are staying multiple days usually do some sort of hanging out in various groups at other times and the Berkhires are beautiful and a fun place to explore.

I hope you make it. I certainly hope to be there this year, probably just for one show, but for some part of it anyway. Hope to get to meet you at the time.

<img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/cool.gif" width=15 height=15>, Beverley. If you can get to this side of the pond, I'm sure between us all we can get you from the airport to where you need to be. Probably there will be folks going from NYC and New Jersey, Albany, the Carolinas, Michigan, Texas,.... I just found flights from Manchester to Hartford/Springfield, Connecticut (each with one stopover), on United, American, U.S. Airways, and Continental, and I found one-stop flights on those same airlines from Manchester to Albany, NY. Those are the two closest airports. We'll take the cheapest flight we can find from Texas to either airport. For that matter, Boston wouldn't be that much further. If we can connect, you'd be welcome to ride with us. There are several motels that should do nicely; I haven't got that info. handy at the moment, tho. Tickets aren't on sale yet but should be before too long. That will be posted on arlo.net.

Thanks for the info Pat,Ceashel.
I've been looking closely at maps and what have you and Bradley in Connecticut does seem to be the nearest, I would be really greatful for the info about those flights Ceashel, and if you were serious about that lift, I don't drive and I was going to have to realy on Bus, Trains, and Taxis, so If you don't mind you would have no idea just how greatful I would be for you kindness.
The Massachusetts tourist info are sending me some leaflets and things as to BB's, so I could let you know about those, you know my Email so let me know, thanks again.

I'd be glad to help with transportation, too, Beverley! I live just outside of Albany, and from there it's just an hour to the Church! I'm looking forward to meeting you, and hope everything works out for you to come for the Fall shows!

We're definitely planning on coming up and we'd be glad to help out in any way. The On Sale date for tickets on the Schedule is September 1--is that for Members, or is that for everyone? I know members usually get advance sales.

Beverly, there are lots of little hotels/motels in the area, but when there is a big show at the Church sometimes they get booked up. Especially anything in Stockbridge. Maybe I should make my reservations now--we stayed in a little (not very fancy) place in Great Barrington last
year.
Hope to se lots of you there! <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/tiedye.gif" width=17 height=17>

I'm planning on coming, too. I'll be driving from Michigan (nice road trip for me--probably through Canada). Between all of us with cars, transportation should not be a problem.

Any tips on hotel/motels would be great for me too. It would be nice to stay at the same place as other blunderites.

I'm looking forward to meeting eveyone! I do hope you make it, Beverly.

Hey ... maybe you can kidnap Sparky on your way thru... put him in your Coleman Cooler on the way thru customs... HeeHee... Good to hear that you'll make it!

Yes, indeed. I'll bring the really big cooler so he doesn't have to scrunch too much!

I highly recommend the 'Super 8 Motel' in Lee. It's just a few miles from the church, and rates are reasonable....(providing you book a room in advance to avoid the seasonal rates). The continental breakfast so to speak isn't bad? BUT, plan on crossing the street to Dunkin Donuts if you want Caffinated Coffee....The Motel sticks you with Decaff. Not RB's idea of waking up! Want a great cup of coffee, grab one at the Chruch. They have 'the' best and all flavors to boot!....<img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/yum.gif" width=15 height=15>

Great Luck!

BTW: I was surprized to see that "Deisal Dans" was closed due to renovations. Loved that place!!!

Beverley, If you fly into any of the New York (JFK, LaGuardia or Newark/Liberty) airports we may be able to help depending on the timing. I think you'd get better fares flying into one of the New york metro area airports. Also from New York you can catch an Amtrak train to Albany, NY or Springfield, Mass. and possibly link up with another blunderite there.

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by JohnC on May 20, 2003 ---</FONT></center>

Wish I could go to the church this fall but it's too far off from here. & I have 4 gigs here in VA to go to. So have fun at the church kids! <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

It's looking likely I can come <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/bounce.gif" width=31 height=31> thanks to Wyldflower.

(Getting extreamly nervous and slightly excited now, I'm sure that as the time draws near thought Excitment will take over nerves.

Thanks for the tips about the Motel Rbrown,
but I don't like Coffee , I shall be very English and bring my own T Bags though <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

(((((A Big Hug And Thanks to Wyld)))))

Yippee!!!!