Wow, for only our second year doing this, it sounds like it will be a great one. As last time, the final meeting place before we actually drive downtown shuld be an early meet time. It got very crowded down there very early and we will need to work out a place to park, that is if we even want to park this year. Scott...since you are in that city, it might be easier for you to look into reservations at a lot for our cars. Last time we got real lucky to be able to work out a deal and put the cars in a nearby lot.
I would stay away from the city as far as a place to stay is concerned. If you are going to come over the Tappan Zee Bridge, which way are we going? NY - NJ or NJ - NY ? If from NJ - NY, there are a load of places you can stay, the easiest would be the Marriott on route 119 in Elmsford. They would have the biggest lot for the cars. Even though I am well within driving distance, I might opt to stay there also just for the night before festivities. There is a good bar/lounge in the Marriott and being a Saturday night it should be fun. You will run right into it after you come over the bridge, just get off at 119 and follow that east. But then this would pose a probelm for the run through the Holland Tunnel.
Just for the sake of rough planning, I would say for those coming south from NY, we meet maybe just before the toll on the Henry Hudson Parkway at about 7:30. From there we shoot straight down to the WTC site. It should take about 30-40 minutes dependingh on traffic. That would mean if staying at the Marriott, you would have to leave there about 6:30-7. If this is all to early for everyone, we could just move the times up, but remember it will be that much more crowded once we get down there, especially since we will be traveling with 20-30 cars and making quite a scene.
If we ALL want to come by way of the Holland Tunnel, fine, then it makes most sence to stay in NJ. I'm not familiar with that, so I can't offer any suggestions.
All I know is no matter from where we go, I will have my Flag mount in place and the Flag will be flying proud !
By the way Jeff, thanks for the regards. 9/11 will be her 78th birthday if she lasts that long. I won't be able to join in for any lunch as I need to get up to her house for her birthday, but I am looking forward to the morning.
Andrew