We're really excited about next weekend's New England get together!
The weather forecast is for more warm spring sun, and we're happy to
report that we've got green. The maple leaves came in first and we
drank them up like famine survivors after the gray icy winter. The
trails are in great shape after a very busy Trails Day maintenance
schedule statewide, and they're dry and ready for us. Just some notes:

We'll be camping at Rocky Neck State Park beginning Friday afternoon.
Directions: from I-95 in East Lyme CT, take exit 72 and follow the
longish connector to the end. Turn left on Rte. 156 and watch for the
park on your right. Check in at the gate and then drive down to the
campgrounds: we'll probably be at the farthest open area and
will "reserve" a bunch of sites close to the restrooms by putting
coolers and stuff on the picnic tables. Look for our unmistakably red
VW bus. We've visited the park several times in the last few weeks
and think it'll be a great place for the gathering. The rangers are
expecting us, and there haven't been too many campers this early in
the season. The campground has a Long Island Sound beach, incredible
wetlands, and some fun upland hiking. There is one known letterbox
there ("Resolution"), and we'll hide a special box just for the
weekend, a la Tom last year.

Since it's Mother's Day weekend, we've got some good recommendations
for Sunday brunch. I think we had said we'd just hang out Friday
night as people trickle in. There is a nice blues club close by for
Friday or Saturday if you'd like, and there's also a terrific
children's museum (as well as Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport, and 2
casinos if you're in the mood).

Please don't hesitate to write or call with any questions. Looking
forward to seeing you!

The Drew Family
(860)739-4089