2008 Steam Town Meet and Greet for Forum Members

No problem J.C.

may be from the local brewery though..... Lionshead....

made from fresh susquhaaeee water......north branch of course.....

still I drink a lot of it.... locally 12.50 a case for bottles......

mwcougar wrote:No problem J.C.

may be from the local brewery though..... Lionshead....

made from fresh susquhaaeee water......north branch of course.....

still I drink a lot of it.... locally 12.50 a case for bottles......

Wow it went up in Price I was drinking that last Summer I was buying it for 9.99 a case down here I stopped
Because the inconsistent in taste One case would be good the next one not so good and sometimes the first
few where good but the rest was bad Kinda like Yuengling

I'm starting new thread here so I can get all the information in the first post, the original thread is here 2008 Steam Town Meet and Greet for Forum Members

I need a rough head count for who will be staying overnight in Meshoppen, and who will be going on the Lackawanna mine tour and doing Steamtown. I have lot of room but its not unlimited. If this is last minute decision there should be plenty of room but I can't guarantee that because I really have no idea how many people are coming. If you know you are staying overnight let me know.

Date
May Fri. 30, Sat. 31 and Sun. June 1 ...possibly June 2 if needed.
The main "party" will be during the late afternoon on Saturday after everyone returns from whatever they are doing. I will be there the entire time from late Friday morning until the last person leaves so feel free to stop in at any time.

Location and Directions
Myo Beach on the Susquehanna River, this is located about 1 mile west of Meshoppen, PA on Rt. 6. It may be spelled Mayo depending on who you are talking to and what map. The maps I'm looking at use Myo so I'll stick with that.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q= ... iwloc=addr

On the map linked to above find Fasset lane which follows the river, It's a short road. the location is approximately in the middle of the length of that road.

If you intend on getting coal see the bottom of this for directions from the breakers.

Note that all the miles that I'm giving below are very rough estimates from memory, they are not exact and could be off by miles.

• Getting to Myo Beach from Rt.6
  If you're heading west on Rt. 6 from Meshoppen you need to make a left onto Myobeach Road approximately 1 mile out of Meshoppen, if you're heading east on Rt. 6 you need to make a right a very short distance after the Wyoming County Fairgrounds entrance, about 1/8th of a mile. The Wyoming County Fair Grounds is located within walking distance of where we will be if you wish to use that as a major landmark
  
  I do not know if MyoBeach Rd. is marked on the highway but again its not very far from the fairgrounds entrance and is really hard to miss. Once On Myobeach rd. you'll go about a 1/8 of a mile. You'll go past a cemetery on the left. after the cemetery you can make a left here onto a dirt road going down a hill and go under the railroad trestle. As soon as you exit the trestle make a right at Y on other side. You'll go around a corner, along the left hand side is small cabin type homes which front the river. On the right you'll pass one house/trailer directly near the road and after that its a small open field on the right. As you're going down the road this open field on the right will end and turn to brush and woods again. Where this brush starts If you look to the right you'll see the pavilion in the back... About 200 feet after where the brush ends is the spot. The road splits the property, there will be a medium sized camper trailer on the left hand side and a very high shed approximately 8 feet off the ground with another shed behind it. Possibly a couple of pop-ups on the other side and the pavilion. I own a gold Buick regal sedan, I'll have it parked along the road. If you come to a road on the right hand side you went too far.
  
  If for any reason the road going under the trestle is closed or you can't fit under it you can instead keep going straight for about 1/2 a mile. You'll go down a little hill, over the railroad tracks and come to a stop sign a T intersection, the river will be directly in front of you at theis intersection. Make a left at the stop. It's about 1/8 a of mile down the road.

• How to get to Rt.6
  Rt. 6 runs East-West across the entire width of northern Pennsylvania, some of it in the western part of the state is designated a scenic by-way so if you want to go on nice long drive its the ticket for you. It's not an interstate but much of it is 55mph in the western part of the sate with an occasional town every 10 miles or so. Be sure to follow the posted speed limits when traveling through these smaller towns, the chances of getting a ticket are very good if you don't. In the West it meets up with I-90 just west of Erie. Much of it east of I-81 is quite congested and you would be better off using the Interstates entirely until you get to Scranton.
• From Upper New York State and close to Binghamton N.Y, I-81 and I-86(Rt.17)
  These are all going to be roughly the same amount of time, this first one will be slightly longer but will take you near the Nicholson Bridge which is the Worlds largest concrete bridge of this type which was completed in 1915. If you're on I-81 going south you can continue into Pennsylvania. Get off the New Milford exit. Head south on Rt. 11. When you get to Nicholson, PA you can stop to see the bridge. To the best of my knowledge there isn't anything you can actually go to for this except the bridge itself, there is place to pull off a short distance after the town of Nicholson before going up the hill. From Nicholson head South/West on Rt. 92. This meets up with Rt. 6 East of Tunkhannock. Head West on Rt. 6 out of Tunkhannock for about 10 miles which will bring you to Meshoppen.
  
  Alternate Route 1: Get off the New Milford Exit, Head south on Rt. 11 for a mile or so. Make the right onto Rt. 706 heading towards Montrose which is about 8 miles. Continuing on Rt. 706 after Montrose you need to go about another 10 miles to Lawton, in Lawton make a left onto Rt. 267. follow 267 south to Meshoppen and head west on Rt. 6.
  
  Alternate Route 2: From Endicott, New York and I-86/(Rt. 17) head South on Rt. 26 , this will turn into Rt. 267 once you cross the border. Contiune south on Rt. 267 to Meshoppen and Rt. 6. This is probably the most direct and fastest way but not by a whole lot, the upper part of it is very counrtry road and the speed limit is 45, the lower part below Lawton is 55mph.
• From western New York, Sayre and I-86(Rt.17)
  Once in Sayre, N.Y. head south on Rt. 220 , this will bring you to Rt.6 . Head east on Rt. 6. Once you go past the town of Laceyville look for the Wyoming county Fairgrounds on the right hand side about 5 miles past Laceyville.
• From New York City and eastern I-80, I-380 and I-84
  Follow I-380 to Scranton from either I-80 or I-84, get on I-81 North. Rt. 6 is on the outskirts of the northern Part of the Scranton area, it's only a short distance once you get on I-81. Exit onto Rt. 6 west, follow that for about 30 miles until you get to Meshoppen.
• From I-81 South of Wilkes Barre, I-476(NE Extension of the PA turnpike) and western I-80(see alternate route if you're on I-80)
  • For I-476(NE Extension of the PA turnpike)Get off the Wilkes Barre Interchange, it will also be marked for Rt. 115. Follow Rt. 115 to Wilkes Barre and Rt. 309. This basically turns into Rt. 309 once you get to the bottom of the mountain and get to where the exits are for I-81. Note that this is very long and steep road if you have any weight be careful. No vehicles over 21,000. Follow Rt. 309 North. Start below where the * is indicated for the directions from I-81.
  • If you're traveling from the west on I-80, head North on I-81 at the interchange.
  From I-81 north once you get to Wilkes Barre get off exit 170B , this will also be if you wanted get on 309 North (note that you may see signs for 309 north prior to this but you want exit 170B). (* start here if you're following the direction for I-476 above) Follow Rt.309 for about 12 miles, it will veer off to the right at this point. You'll go another 6 miles to the Rt. 29 junction. 309 terminates here and becomes Rt. 29, its the same road and if don't pay attention you'll miss it but it really doesn't matter. Continue on Rt. 29 north to Tunkhannock. You'll go over a bridge spanning the Susquehanna. After the bridge make a left onto Rt. 6 west. Follow that about 10 miles to Meshoppen.
• Alternate Route for western I-80 (faster than going to I-81) I'm not familair with this area there may be better way however....Heading east on I-80 get off exit 173 and head north on 64, then 220 East to Montoursville. In Montoursville get on Rt. 87 North. This is quite long drive through the country from this point but it will eventually intersect with Rt. 6 just east of Messhoppen. Rt. 87 termintes at the junction with Rt. 6, amke left onto Rt. 6. Go about 3 miles into Meshoppen.

Activities

• The Lackawanna Mine Tour & Anthracite Museum
  The Lackawanna mine tour is about 45 minute drive from Meshoppen. The Lackawanna mine tour is tentatively scheduled for late Saturday morning or early afternoon I haven't gotten schedule yet. This is guided mine tour that takes you into a mine, there is also a anthracite museum on the grounds. Its listed as $8 for an adult and $5.50 for children,
  **Broken Link(s) Removed**
  Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater even if it 90 degrees out you will need it in the mine.
• Steamtown
  Steamtown is a locomotive museum and also offers a half hour ride on a train http://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm. The rate is listed as $6 for Steamtown and an additional $3 if you want to go on the train ride. The following activities are listed for Steamtown on Saturday, May 31:
  • 10:15 AM, 1:45 & 3:30 PM: “Coal, Ash & Sand” Living History program
  • 10:30 AM, 12:30, 1:30 & 2:15 PM: “Scranton Limited” short train rides
  • 10:30 AM, 12:30, 1:30 & 2:15 PM: Locomotive Cab Rides
  • 10:45 AM, 12:45 & 2:45 PM: “Hobo” Living History program
  • 10:45 AM & 1:45 PM: Locomotive Shop Tour
  • 11 AM & 2 PM: Children’s Discovery Center (ages 5-10)
• The Ole Susquehanna
  There is a "boat launch" on the property and access to the river if you want to fish, be aware you will need a PA fishing license if you want to fish. It is occasionally patrolled by fish and game so if you don't have one the chances of getting fined are small but real. A license is required for 16 and up, a non-resident license is listed for 26.70 for 3 day license... YIKES There is a "Fish for Free" day listed for Sunday June 1st for either residents or non-residents. Bass season does not start until until mid June so it will be catch and release for them. Fishing license's are available at most sporting good stores and any Wal-Mart or most other box stores like K-Mart.
  
  If you like night fishing the catfish are usually biting at that time of the year. Preffered bait is clippers (helgremite sp?) or shiners.
  
  The river is deep enough there for practically any size boat, its not uncommon to see skiers in the summer time but they stick to the middle parts of the river. However getting it into the river is another story. Small or medium sized fishing boats are not that much of an issue. It really depends on the river level. If it's low it's very shallow near shore. If it's high its not much of probelm... You will need a 4 wheel drive under any circumstances to launch the boat from a vehicle.
  
  The beach itself if the river is low enough extends out from bottom of the bank about 50 feet. Its primarily small rocks. The river is very suitable for swimming however it may be a little chilly for that. Usually doesn't get warm enough until about Mid June but if you're game....
• Wyoming County Fairgrounds
  Additionally the Wyoming County Fairgrounds is just over the hill, they usually have something going on every week but I do not know if or what may be happening there at this time but I'll look into it.
• Motorcycle ride
  Flyer is putting together a motorcycle ride for those interested in that and if you want I can provide directions for a semi scenic ride to and from the Lackawanna mine tour.

What's available at the camping spot
I have room for just about as many tents as people want to come. I mentioned previously that I had room for pop-ups but I''ll have to say now that I don't. Flyer's parents have a place down the road and the other neighbors are quite accommodating for overflow so room should not be a problem. Parking will be on the site or directly next door. There is an open pavilion, you can set a cot up under their if you want. I can't guarantee when you'll get to sleep if you do that because its right next to the fire place and is the hub of activity including the tunes.

There are refrigerators with limited room, I cannot guarantee any room in them. There is also a stove and grill(s). The pavilion and bathrooms have electricity.

I will be buying a half of Yuengling beer however I have no idea how long that will last as it seems we have few beer drinkers here including myself. You may want to consider bringing a six-pack or whatever if your are a beer drinker.

There is water on the premises but it is sulfury, its perfectly drinkable but it does stink . There are two bathrooms, one has a shower. There is an outside sink for cleaning pots and pans. It's a very nice setup, there isn't any problems with anything along those lines.

Any glass bottles or plastic you bring must go home with you. Please no pets, I love dogs but if 10 people bring a dog its going to be a problem.

What's you should bring

• Drinking water
• Food, food will not be provided, you will need to bring your own food. There is a small market in Meshoppen where most Items can be purchased including meat.
• Extra Beer if you're a beer drinker in case the half runs out. There are two bars very close for six-pack purchases but you'll pay through the nose. The closest distributor is in Tunkhannock if you want to buy cases of beer.
• Tent and sleeping bag or other sleeping arrangements.
• I'm asking anyone that has access to wood to bring a few logs. It can be anything... Pine, live, dead, 8 enormous 300lb pine logs will work fantastic too ... makes no difference it all burns. There is wood there but any wood has to be brought in, if everyone brings a few pieces it just means we have a bigger fire and my Uncle doesn't cut my nut sack off for burning all his wood.
• The pavilion is quite large and can easily accomodate 30 however it will get a little crowded after that, if it rains it may be an issue if there is lot of people there. If you have small canopy you might want to bring it.

Other Accommodations for Overnight

• Camping
• Slumber Valley : This is the closest one and is about 5 minutes away. They have full and partial hook-ups.
  
  Hotel/Motel
• The Wyalusing Hotel This is the closest it's located in Wyalusing which is about a 30 minute drive west on Rt. 6 from Meshoppen. It's a historic hotel. They have limited rooms and I don't know what the rates are, I'll venture to guess its not cheap. If you stay here be sure to have the prime rib in the restaurant, its outstanding. I just checked the room availability on their site and they have rooms available. Get them quick if you want them.
• Other than the Wyalusing hotel you'll need to either get a room in Clark's Summit, Scranton or Wilkes-Barre. These are all about a 45 minute drive from Meshoppen. Clark's summit would be the closest and its on Rt. 6 . Any rooms in Scranton and Clark's summit will be a short distance from the mine tour and Steamtown, Scranton would be the closest. There will be numerous ones to choose from but I can't make any recommendations.

If you're getting coal
There is map here of the general paces where everything is located, Superior, Hudson Anthracite, The camping spot and the mine tour are all marked.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=l&hl=en&geocode= ... 02&t=h&z=8

There are other places if you want to try them, I'm not making any recommendations here just pointing out what's available.

This is where things are going to get tricky and you'll have to make decision based on whats best for you. There is no designated spot but since the reviews for superior coal here are very good that seems to be the place of choice. This presents a problem because it is not very close to Meshoppen. It's off of I-81 so it's not out of the way as far as the Interstate is concerned especially if you're traveling North on I-81 or west from I-80. Next year we'll do the "Meet and Greet" down that way.

The first issue is neither of these places are open on Saturday so you will have to pick your coal up Friday morning/afternoon. However if I can get a commitment of about 50 tons Hudson anthracite they will open Saturday morning the 31st, The bonus there is Hudson is only short drive from the Lackawanna mine tour, you can pick up your coal and then head to the tour. I will not make any guarantees on the quality of coal, I will only say that I've dealt with them for years and It's the only place I would purchase it in the Wyoming Valley. Do not direct you complaints to me if you have any problems, having said that you shouldn't. They have white ash coal that usually runs between 10 and 11% ash. If you get in there when they having a good run it will be the best damn coal you ever buy.

If you want to get it Monday morning I can accommodate that, you can stay over an additional night if that is what you want to do. If you're coming from the south or I-80 this will save you the extra miles hauling around coal especially if you are getting it from Superior and you can pick it up on your return trip.

If you are going to get your coal Friday morning at Superior PM coal berner, he's coordinating anyone getting coal there. You could possibly all meet up somewhere and get a train going to Meshoppen after you get your coal. Pm Coal Berner

Both Superior and Hudson anthracite are a short drive off interstate 81.

• Hudson Anthracite
• Phone: (570) 655-4151
• Open M-F 7AM to 4PM, get there before 3:00, generally #:45 but I don't know how many people will go there and they won't be happy if there is big line when they are about to close. They may even turn you away.
• Directions from I-81 The exit off of I-81 is located about midway between Wilkes-Scranton.
  
  If you're heading north on I-81 you want to get off the Pittston exit 175. At the end on the exit is stoplight where you merge onto Rt. 315. Immediately get into the farthest left lane after the stop light at the end of the exit because you need to make a left onto Oak St. at the next stop light which is just a short distance. After making the left you'll be onto Oak St.* see final directions
  
  If you're heading south on I-81 you need to get off exit 175A, the exit ramp merges onto 315. Go about 1/4 of mile and make right onto Oak St.
  
  *Stay on Oak street for about 1.5 miles, it ends and comes to intersection with a light. Make a left at the light. You're now on the Pittston Bypass which a 4 lane road. Go straight until the Pittston Bypass ends about 1/2 mile down the road, there is stop sign at the end but you can only go right. After making the right you'll go ver short distance to another stop sign. Make a left at the stop sign. Go about 1/8 of mile and on the right you'll see the building for the wholesale beer distributor. There is paved road next to the beer distributor, make right onto that road. The breaker should be visible slightly to your right. The paved road turns to dirt, follow it to breaker.
  
  To get to Meshoppen from Hudson is actually quite a nice drive along the river for most of it. When you come out of the breaker make a left. Go straight for about 1.5 miles to stop sign. This is Y intersection, continue straight or right however you want to look at it. You're now on Main street in Pittston. Go straight for about another .5 miles. You'll go through a bunch of lights and downtown Pittston, this road turns into a one way for both lanes. Get in the left hand lane. You 'll see a a giant piece of coal in the medium of the road on your left, you need to make a left onto a concrete bridge after the piece of coal to go over the river. At the end of the bridge bear right, there will be sign indicating its 92 North. Stay on 92 from here to Rt. 6 which is about 24 miles away. Theres only two stop signs, and you will go over another bridge about midway. Rt. 92 meets up with Rt 6 on the eastern side of Tunkhannock. Make left onto Rt. 6 going West. Meshoppen is about 10 miles away.
  
  Superior Coal
  If you want to get coal at superior, coal berner is coordinating it. You can PM him here: Pm Coal Berner

Fresh topic with all the information in first post: 2008 Steam Town Meet and Greet for Forum Members

Note PM me if you will be staying overnight or going on the Mine tour, don't post it here. The reason I need mine tour head count is one member Chris Murley is involved with tour so it may help to have head count.

If you're from the area pllllllllleeeas check my directions.

One thing I did just think of is if it rains. The pavilion is pretty big but its going to get a little crowded after about 30 people. You may want to bring a canopy/tent in you have one.

Hello everyone I did not see in Richards Post But there are two coal Breakers I can take Members to on early Friday Morning the 30th Breakers open at 7:00am until 3:00 pm One will be Superior coal & the second would be UAE Harmony mine Superior coal is 140.00 a ton all sizes Barley Rice Buck Nut Stove a ton UAE is 130.00 a ton Rice Buck Pea & Nut Superior coal is a wet breaker they load with a chute you also can get the coal dry UAE is a Dry Breaker no water They load with a bobcat frontend loader If There is enough people wanting to get coal we can Go to Superior on early Saturday morning They will open up for me if there are 4 to 5 people but I would need to know by Friday Morning on how many people would be going before they will open on Saturday morning for me Also it would have to be early we would have to be there by 7:00Am so we would have enough time To Make it to the mine Tour I would Rather Take everyone on Friday Morning But if some can't make it in on Friday Then I could take you on Early Saturday morning Now If you want to go to Superior coal you would meet me at the 107 Exit on I-81 Route 209 to Good spring would be at the top of the Ramp If you would like to go to UAE Harmony Mine then you would meet me at the 124 Exit on I-81 Frakville PA you would be on Route 61 When you come off of the Ramp Anyone that wants coal Just PM me I will set up a meeting Place off of I-81 Once I
know how many People will be getting coal and where you want to go I might have some Help on Friday Morning So I will take one group To One breaker and the other wil go with My Helper to the other Breaker If I do not have a helper well I will take one group at a time Take care all Talk to you soon Cell Numbers would be Nice if you PM me your's I will do the same for you

I was asked about non-members going to the mine tour and Steamtown. As of right now there isn't any special group reservations or anything like that. Both are open to the public and its certainly not my place to say who can or can't come, anyone is welcome. The reason I want a head count is just to get an idea, Chris Murley a forum member is involved with the Lackawanna mine tour and if I get a good idea how many are coming I can give him that info so he can make suggestions on whats best to do if there is lot of people. Once I have an idea I'll post time for everyone to meet, I also need to find out what time coal berner expects to be done and the group from Superior to get there that will be going on tour.

As far as non-members coming to the river that's fine too but again if you're staying overnight I wish to know about it. There is a lot room there but it's not unlimited and I don't want to end up having to turn people away in case too many show up, for all I know there is only a few planning on staying but I really have no idea and don't want any surprises. I can probably easily have 30+ that are staying in tents but 40 wouldn't be big problem either. Just be a little crowded.

Richard S. wrote:I was asked about non-members going to the mine tour and Steamtown. As of right now there isn't any special group reservations or anything like that. Both are open to the public and its certainly not place to say who can or can't come, anyone is welcome. The reason I want a head count is just to get an idea, Chris Murley a forum member is involved with the Lackawanna mine tour and if I get a good idea how many are coming I can give him that info so he can make suggestions on whats best to do if there is lot of people. Once I have an idea I'll post time for everyone to meet, I also need to find out what time coal berner expects to be done and the group from Superior to get there that will be going on tour.

As far as non-members coming to the river that's fine too but again if you're staying overnight I wish to know about it. There is a lot room there but it's not unlimited and I don't want to end up having to turn people away in case too many show up, for all I know there is only a few planning on staying but I really have no idea and don't want any surprises. I can probably easily have 30+ that are staying in tents but 40 wouldn't be big problem either. Just be a little crowded.

The Mine Tour is on Saturday Morning I will be taking members for coal on Friday Morning So I would think everone will be up there on Friday I only Suggested going Early Saturday morning for coal if there was enough People that wanted coal but could not make it in on Friday I would rather take everyone on Friday for coal and leave Saturday Open for the mine Tour and Steamtown do to Time frame I myself will not be coming up until early Saturday Morning What Time is the first mine tour And Where is Matthaus at in the Planning on this Tour I did the first two and I asked Matthaus if he would help take
over this one being it was closer to him so My under standing was Matthaus was going to Plan the Mine & Train tour I was doing the coal Thing And Richard was in charge of the Business meeting after The Mine and Train tour I have not seen anything from Matthaus I am Richard did Matt hand this off on you I am sure when Matt reads this I will be getting a Phone call

coal berner wrote: The Mine Tour is on Saturday Morning I will be taking members for coal on Friday Morning So I would think everone will be up there on Friday I only Suggested going Early Saturday morning for coal if there was enough People that wanted coal but could not make it in on Friday I would rather take everyone on Friday for coal and leave Saturday

LOL I got my days mixed up, oops.

Matthaus is busy with work and he said he'd do what he could. Has some big deal going on and said he was treating everyone to steak and lobster tails.



Once I get head count I'll get a hold of Chris and see what he suggests, Mathaaus said he'd take care of the details once he gets his stuff straightened out and buys them steaks and lobsters.

There's a discount for groups of 20 or more but I don't know if we qualify for that, tour opens at 10 AM. Last train leaves stematown at 2:30PM for the half hour ride so you'll probably want to get what ever you can in between those two times.

Richard S. wrote:

coal berner wrote: The Mine Tour is on Saturday Morning I will be taking members for coal on Friday Morning So I would think everone will be up there on Friday I only Suggested going Early Saturday morning for coal if there was enough People that wanted coal but could not make it in on Friday I would rather take everyone on Friday for coal and leave Saturday

LOL I got my days mixed up, oops.

Matthaus is busy with work and he said he'd do what he could. Has some big deal going on and said he was treating everyone to steak and lobster tails.

Yea He is A busy Guy I talk to him almost everyday On the Phone I was Just trying to get him going
However He did not tell me about the Steck & lobster deal Holding out on me are you Matt
As For the coal Richard I would like to stick with Friday There really is not that much time on Saturday morning But if I have to I will take members but there would have to be at least 5 or more for Superior to open for me we would have to be at the breaker at 7am so that would mean everyone would have to be ready at 6am to leave for the breaker Friday will be better all the way around more time to spare

So exactly when will the steak and lobster arrive? Just want to make sure I'm there.

Hey Matt I like my Steak cooked medium .Oh yea can you cut it up for me ? I may be tired after riding the bike all day . Also can I place a request for a whole lobster?Just the tail seems like such a waste .Will you be bringing the butter as well? Thanks Matt . Dave

Boy that 'll teach me to turn my back for a couple seconds!

I hope sand crab instead of lobster is OK, oh also the steak will have to be from the cow I killed with my truck this morning.

Matthaus wrote:Boy that 'll teach me to turn my back for a couple seconds!

Don't forget the A-1 sauce. I like medium as well, but only the lobster tail. Some shrimp in garlic would be nice too, or King crab legs.

Banks and I will be giving your tour, if you have been to the 190 slope before trust me, this time it will be different!