Doing initial research into having a get together for the chapter. I can reserve Admiral Baker Field, which also has a campground. I'm thinking of trying for mid-September. I want to have a cook-out, any kids can play in the park, and I also want to hold a small swap meet. Nothing fancy, just FTE-ers getting together for a picnic. Swap meet will consist of loading up my spare stuff in my truck and bringing it along. Please let me know if you're interested or could help me plan if we get enough people. Admiral Baker Field is a military installation run by NAVSTA, San Diego, and as retired military I can book the park for our swap meet, but may need weeks of lead time. Just want to know if the idea appeals and if so how many folks may want to participate before I begin planning in earnest.
Thanks,
Joe

 

I might be interested in going? Camping you say? Maybe I can bring a trailer down.

 

Are you sure you can get all of us into the park?

Rules on website say:
Active, National Guard, Reservists, Retired, 100% DAV, DoD Civilians (under this Command only).

Might be interested, and would be bringing a trailer.

Pop

 

Interested, if we can get in a bring a trailer............

 

Thanks for the interest, all. ABF is a pretty good sized park. From what I've read, the only downside to the camping is that it doesn't have pull-throughs, but I know you can all drive trailers well enough to overcome that obstacle. In terms of access, Springer, the rules apply to individuals. If you aren't one of the statuses listed you can't reserve the park, or part of it, for an event or individual camping. I will have to remember to specifically ask about camping for non-DoD personnel. The DoD sometimes gets it right, reserving that precious outdoor space for DoD personnel. As retired Navy I can do so, and the event is open to anyone I invite. By pushing the meet-up past Memorial Day, the park should be relatively uncrowded, as our tourist season is pretty much over by Memorial Day. There's usually a nice window between September and October where the weather is nice, but you know that. I'm thinking I'll drive over there and take some pictures so people can see what's going on.

Like I said, just trying to get an idea for the interest level for now. I haven't called to make a reservation yet. So far I have three responses. When I get to ten I'll know we have enough to make it work. At that point I'll make inquiries about specifics. This is my first attempt at organizing an event so please be patient.

Just some ideas: package deals from DoD for Sea World, etc, if people want. Just up the road is the fuel depot at Murphy Canyon. It's open air, no base security, and we can take turns fueling up. DoD gas prices are sometimes less than what you pay in town. They don't have diesel, though. Closest place for diesel is MCRD or MCAS Miramar if you are military. I can check a vehicle onto a base, but you have to drive me there. There's a museum onboard MCRD if you are interested. Balboa Park has a number of museums and is a nice place to wander around. It's next door to the San Diego Zoo. Just had another thought: Silver Strand beach is in between Coronado (where SEAL training is conducted) and Imperial Beach, and I know they can take almost any kind of trailer AND you camp ON the beach, pretty much. I think it's a state park, and I have special access to our state park system by virtue of disability, so I maybe can work something out there if ABF doesn't work. I'll check with my wife tonight on areas of interest for the ladies. Only thing I want to plan besides the meet up is a convoy to Konos Surf Club Cafe in Pacific Beach. Awesome breakfasts, tons of food, and you dine wherever you like on the bluff overlooking the beach. I've been eating there for 20 years and they know me so I'm gonna check to see if they offer (or can offer) a package. On a good day you can see north to the point in La Jolla and south to Mexico. Lots of ideas. Giving us a couple of months to work it all out. I'm not a guy who has to be in charge, so if you have ideas and such, please let me. I just thought it'd be nice for the truly SoCal (by that I mean south of LA County) guys to set a spell, swap stories and trade old parts. Also be nice if the guys in San Diego who didn't want to camp came down for a day's activities.

Take care,
Joe

 

Joe, sounds great, count me in for an overnighter.

To help keep track of interest, lets start a list:

1. Joe +
2. Trey
3. Marv
4. Gary
5. Sean + Aidric
6.
7.
8.
9.

 

1. Joe +
2. Trey
3. Marv + Marge
4. Gary
5. Sean + Aidric
6.
7.
8.
9.

 

1. Joe +
2. Trey
3. Marv + Marge
4. Gary
5. Sean + Aidric
6. Jim
7.
8.
9.

Depending on when it is, I may have a small trailer to bring down too.

Jim

 

Overnight is hit or miss depending on specific date, but count me in for BBQ and BS session and the breakfast at Kona's sounds great.

Matt

 

Added Matt

1. Joe +
2. Trey
3. Marv + Marge
4. Gary
5. Sean + Aidric
6. Jim
7. Matt
8. David
9. 76Hauler
10.

 

Thanks all!
Looks like we're up to seven. My 'ol lady says she needs more information about the ladies that may attend the meet up before she can give any tourist info up. I mentioned that the ladies are prolly more like us, seeing as how they'll be camping and such. I said I thought maybe they wouldn't be interested in the mall because they're FTE women. I got a look like I was crazy. Also, she busted my chops about the fact that Memorial day is long past and I was talking about Labor Day in September.

So, to clarify, I am planning for a post LABOR DAY meet up in San Diego most likely the second or third weekend in September. As you've all called me out on it, looks like I have to get serious about it. I hope to post info on the field this week.

Take care,
Joe

 

I am down, I am up in Escondido-David

 

once a date is up, I will know if I have to work or not, but please put me in line!

 

I added 2 more to the list Joe. Let me know if you need some help organizing.