Sigh.....wish I could be stupid enough to get up there, dreams of my youth. Fortunately, I have an Airstream rally at that time and consequently have a prior commitment with my wife, dog, and Airstream.
Aside from the facts that it would take me two days to get up there, two days to get back home, and I do not recover from excessive alcohol very well anymore.
There are just no activities with any F-Type or Jaguar owners around here, although the dog does constraint my ability to just pack up and go.
Sounds like you will have a good time!
Larry

 

Here's as close to a final itinerary I can get without a solid commitment; and that will come this coming Monday, although it's looking good.

THURSDAY OCT 5:

4:00 PM - Meet here: https://www.mainemeadworks.com/

5:00-5:30 PM - Have pizza delivered to Maine Mead Works from here: Welcome to Otto Portland | Otto Portland (And not just any pizza. The owners are friends and conquering the world; and, no, I’m not kidding).

6:00 PM - Walk here (right next door to Maine Mead Works): https://www.hardshoredistilling.com (Keep in mind that both the Maine Mead Works & Hardshore Distilling Company are merely small tastings...as they should be. Also, per law, we are not permitted to “mix” drinks and walk mead over to gin or gin over to mead. In any event – this one – these places, and owners, are fabulous and with a great parking lot for F-Types to line up front and center).



FRIDAY OCT 6:

7:00/7:15 AM - Drive here: The Purple House (Owned by a dear friend, all I can say is she – and her husband – is a culinary genius). Breakfast at 8:00.

9:30/9:45 AM – Drive back to Portland for an "Introduction to Winslow Homer" here: Home | Portland Museum of Art (As fine as any museum as far as this jaded NYC-ardent-museum-going person is concerned).

12:00/12:30 PM Drive for lunch here: Black Point Inn | Black Point Inn | Portland Oceanfront Hotel (A splendid place in an magnificent setting. You will agree. You will also thank Scarborough Jaguar/Land Rover for paying for lunch, sans alcohol).

After lunch, a walk from the Black Point Inn and tour here: Winslow Homer Studio | Portland Museum of Art (while I am quite familiar with Winslow Homer the painter, I’ve never been to his studio...and, eagerly looking forward to it).

8:00 PM – Dinner here: Scales Restaurant Portland Maine (2016 Lobster Runners will attest, Scales rocks! Never mind beautiful).



SATURDAY OCT 7:

7:00 AM – Meet in the parking lot, with cars, here: Standard Baking Co. ? Breads and pastries handmade daily from scratch (THE standard by which all bakeries should be measured).

8:30 AM – Leave for: Owls Head Transportation Museum | Owls Head Transportation Museum (No visit to Maine – especially if you’re a gear head – is complete without a visit to this spectacular museum and its splendid collection of automobiles (and vintage airplanes).

10:30/11:00 AM – Tour OHTM.

1:00/1:30 PM – Leave OHTM and drive here for lunch: Reds Eats (Does Red’s Eats – the BEST and most famous lobster shack and roll in the State of Maine – cater weddings you might ask? Only one: mine. 14 years ago. Need I say more?).

8:00 PM – Dinner here: www.chavalmaine.com (their website is under construction, but if you read the following article – and scroll down to Chaval – you will see the lovely co-owners have a MOST impressive resume. Plus, I’ve been to their other place in town and it’s simply wonderful). Portland's robust restaurant scene about to get a lot more crowded - Portland Press Herald (my wife and I will be dining here very soon).



SUNDAY OCT 8:

Working on an early morning visit to Portland Head Light https://portlandheadlight.com/what-to-do/the-lighthouse followed by a drive here for a catered and sponsored breakfast, by them: Jaguar Scarborough | New & Used Jaguar Sales near Portland, ME (best Jaguar dealership I know).

Still working on getting a sponsor to pay for T-Shirts using my design from last year (just changing the colors around).

The rest, as they say, is up to you.

P.S. The Press Hotel got back to me and said that they would provide me with a group rate of $369 + tax.

 

91%

I just looked at last year's photos again. We definitely need those T-shirts. Logo is hilarious.

 

Not 91 1/2%?

The T-shirts were - and continue to be - a big hit (soft and they wash very well) and I was proud to put that design on the shirt (I have an art background and it didn't take me but a few minutes to "cook" up that lobster. Now all I need is for Continental Tire to get back to me! Problem is the guy who generously funded these last year is no longer there; and, no, the T-Shirts had nothing to do with that...at least I don't think so ). I have other ideas but, I agree, a T-Shirt is a nice touch (pun included and intended).

Do I hear 92 1/4%?

P.S. I cannot promise anything at this point but "your" Maine Lighthouse visit just got a little closer (after the phone call I just had). We'll see...

 

I was thinking about this and the level of arrangements and potential complexity that comes about from coordinating events such as this. One thing that we need to watch out for is a thumbs up on your agreeing to running the event, spinning up the venues, etc., based upon a number of folks/F-Types that commit (or meet minimum), followed by a material reduction in actual attendance which we call "Cancellations", especially last minute. I know things happen to us all, but a point to be made before you decide on a go/no go on the event.

My request of us all (and I am looking in the mirror writing this) is that if we say we are going to go, and our fearless leader RickyJay spins things up, we don't let him down with a significant fallout in attendance especially last minute. I even did this last year (with ample time due to surgery), and hated doing it, but it was a non-controllable. I was mortified letting RickyJay know, but had no choice. It was still yet another cancellation.

RickyJay.....how many F-Types would you say are minimal for the event, and do we have the real commitments to do this at that minimum,. If not, then I suggest not finalizing as a go, as I for one would be disappointed letting your local friends and merchants who graciously want to host things think we on the F-Type Forum did things half-hearted. Just saying and "once again talking to myself in the mirror as well".

Maybe a re-surveying is in order? After all a few days more prior to deciding won't kill us. Right?

 

This looks amazing, but wanted to confirm that we won't be able to attend so you can update the list.

 

WOW. All I can say is beautifully said. Thank you Joe! The fact is coming up with an itinerary and making the arrangements is second nature for me and easier than you think. Yes, it entails numerous phone calls and e-mails and this and that but that's never a concern or a bother for me. What is, or would be, is the "fluctuation" of cars and/or attendees.

And the last thing I ever want is to cajole or pressure anyone into coming. I believe in commitments but never obligations!

Of course I completely understand that "life" gets in the way - and while your canceling in 2016 meant 3 less F-Types and 6 less people, it - your situation - was 100% (not even 99) understandable. S&^t happens. I merely wish to avoid cancellations if I can. And, most importantly, I am thrilled that your surgery was so resoundingly successful!!!

I'm gonna reconvene with Will who is the Marketing Director of Scarborough Jaguar/Land Rover - and I also know the new GM Mike is 100% onboard and wants to offer their dealership to our attendees helping in any way possible to make your trip easier or more convenient - over the weekend and likely on Monday and we'll take a final count and see where we stand.

My guess is I'll move forward and answer [to the Forum] in the affirmative but, in the meantime, thank you Joe for your most thoughtful post.

Have a great weekend all!

Best regards,
RJ52

 

just a thought, but if there is no t-shirt sponsor in the hopper, one possible solution would be to make a signup page with customink.com and have people cover their own. The group owner does the design and individuals sign up and pay separately. Might help document the firm commitments and solve the shirt problem. Again, just an idea. Would be about $15 per person.

 

Problem? What problem?

I'm quite sure each of us can afford and would spring for the cost of a shirt. But that's not what I desire. Like last year, there was a myriad of trinkets bestowed upon Lobster Runners and, if possible, I would like to mirror that this time (assuming that there is a "this time"). I am still working on several potential sponsors...and I just need 3-4 weeks lead time for the manufacture of the shirt.

Also, putting $'s down on anything - shirt included - won't necessarily commit anyone beyond wanting to attend. Like I've said, I do NOT want anyone feeling pressured into accepting, committing, or coming if any part of this doesn't suit you. Why would I want that?

Look, I could always do an "event" even if it was just two F-Types - and have; take a bow MBourne - but having (I'd like) at least 10 F-Types takes this from a nice time in Maine, with Jay Levine as your guide to what I would actually deem an "event", if you get my gist.

Last but not least, I am NOT looking for ANY accolades, merely F-Types. LOTS of F-Types.

Let's hope this flies...I know I already have on the drive home from work (with a Tesla on my 6...and that's where he stayed).

 

Finished working on our schedule for October. I am IN.

 

I'm still in.

And I'll take a men's XL and a ladies XS please and thank you ��

 

It just dawned on me - as I've been driving around [my] town. I'm thinking of including a quick "run" through Brunswick and past Bowdoin College (considered one of the finest colleges in the country and quite lovely; my house is a stone's throw) and a back road drive to and through Freeport (a road I take all the time through some farmlands). Given the time - and do you really need down time? - we might even get in a visit to iconic L.L. Bean. It probably goes without saying but no trip - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - to Maine is complete without a trip there. Assuming it's all a "GO" and depending on interest, we might just be able to fit it in.

Just a thought.

Keep 'em coming guys...we're looking good. (And, in case you were wondering why we haven't heard a peep from DJS...the man is sans F-Type and with bicycle. In Europe. Lucky man).

 

Back road drive to LL Bean sounds great. As does the stop at the headlight. Honestly I'm down for whatever.

Question: what's the weather like in early October?

 

I like your positive attitude Nati. (I'm just a little surprised that there aren't that many here - besides those who've chimed in already - interested. And far be from me to rally the troops. Happy to lead the troops but I'm not gonna rally interested parties; beyond what I've spelled out).

My wife and I just returned from a long, but lovely and spirited, drive. And, as it is my birthday, she couldn't complain about my driving. I even met a few Sherriff's on the way down from Rockland, who might be "helpful" on our drive down to Red's Eats. Speaking of which, my wife and stopped by on the way down and the owner is super excited about our coming and providing you with the very best lobster roll you've ever had. Just wait...

Assuming this takes place. Monday we'll make that determination.

[re] October weather. Typically Fall temperatures - Fall clearly being my favorite time of the year. Of course weather being weather...one never knows does one? Regardless, weather ain't ever gonna stop me. Odds are the weather will be splendid!

Stay tuned.

P.S.:

If you like to sleep in, this event is probably not for you.
Conversely if you like a lot of sleep, this event is probably not for you.
If you're on a diet, this event is definitely not for you (although I suppose there are always dietary options).
If you like to drive the speed limit, this event is actually perfect for you as we will not be exceeding any speed limits at any time. If the sign says 65 MPH, that's what we'll do. Per person. And since it's a two-seater...(seriously reports of my exceeding the speed limit - to paraphrase Mark Twain - are greatly exaggerated). Like Allstate, you're in good hands.

 

I have to do what that weekend?
I'll be missing out on what?
What do I have to say to the folks that can go?

 

OMG! This is an amazing event shaping up. My wife and I have always wanted to visit Maine and were actually strongly considering going at the end of October as we had taken time off then. I take it there is no chance of scheduling it then??

 

Red's Eats - the MOST famous lobster roll in the State, if not the world - closes Columbus Day weekend [that Monday]. That's one of the reasons I picked the dates I did.

I'm just hoping we have enough F-Types to "light this candle" and I think that that decision should come tomorrow [Monday]. It looks like I'll have enough to initiate launch sequence but, then, you never know.

I will list those who have said they're in - and a few who have said they're "interested" - later today/tonight when I get the chance.

Hope you can make these dates.

Best regards,
RJ52

 

Lemme see if I have this - these people - straight:

Me - 99%
Mbourne - 99%
DJS - I believe he is 99% I also know he's away and why he hasn't chimed in of late.
Prophizee - 99%
Slojotaa - 99%? (Or is it 95%?)
Fjmviper - 99%
Nati - 99%
JimF - 75%
JFerraro819 - "Pretty sure I'd be up for it" is what I know.
Awd - +1 (from JFerraro's comment).
ShaunPA - Looking good Shaun? (Or you just won't know until closer to the date?).

 

I'll know better probably first week of September. That will be end of when my calendar would get booked for hose days. Right now still looking good

 

Actually to clarify.....I am 99.99999%, but not sure :-)! 99% you have it right.
Thanks,