First Landing State Park Information

Family Reunion planned for June 18-26, 2004

This is Virginia's most popular state park attracting more than a million visitors annually. This park used to be called Seashore State Park.

Dian wrote:

We have 4 cabins reserved (Cabins 1, 7, 8, and 10). They rent for the week from either Friday to Friday, or Saturday to Saturday. We have 1 starting Friday, June 18 and 3 starting June 19. They are all 2 BRs, 1 bath, and currently have bedding for 4 people. They are in the process of converting it so there is bedding for 6 people (sofa bed), and if that is not in place by the time we get there, they do have cots for rent for $3/night. Since this park location is at the beach (actually the shore is a mile away), it is more expensive. $675 each for the week.

For people who will be flying, Richmond is a closer option than Washington DC, and may be able to save you time by avoiding an overnight stay in northern Virginia.

More info is at http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/1stland.htm

Our group this year will consist of the immediate Lawrence family - Mom and Dad and the 7 kids, plus spouses. The only "grandchildren" will be Tommy and Emma plus Alan's Jennifer.

You are welcome to come earlier or stay later, and stay with Mom and Dad or me and Gary in northern Virginia. Also, remember that you can fly into any of the DC airports or the Richmond/Norfolk/Virginia Beach area. Anyone flying to the DC area on Friday can ride down with us and save a car rental.

This is to bring you all on common understanding of the plans for First Landing. As it stands, Rich doesn't plan to come (although I assured him we would all like to see him there). We decided that Caran won't need a rental car.

Dian has cancelled one of the cabin reservations. We now have one cabin on the hill running Friday to Friday, and three cabins on the level running from Saturday to Saturday. Alan will arrive in McLean earlier in the week, and in two cars (probably a convoy) Mom and I and Alan, Diana, and Jennifer will drive down on Friday and check into the cabin on the hill. We will bring extra sheets from home so that we can remake the bed(s) Mom and I use for Friday night. Alan will want to bring an air mattress or make other plans for Jennifer to sleep Friday night. Saturday, Mom and I will move to a cabin on the level (easier for Mom to walk). Dian will arrive before noon, and she can check out the three level cabins, although if Dian doesn't arrive in time Mom can check out the three cabins. Dian thinks Gary has a job for that weekend, so he probably won't join us until later in the week, in his SUV. Alan will leave for McLean on Friday afternoon, to allow for a more leisurely return to Appleton on Saturday and Sunday.

By the time Caran, Evan, and Fabian arrive at Norfolk on Saturday afternoon, we will have at least two cars (Bob and Alan), and probably three (Dian). Gordan's schedule is to arrive about 30 minutes after the others. If I come alone to the airport, I should be able to carry everybody in the VW. But, maybe we'll take two cars to the airport, and one car can bring some of the passengers back while one car waits for Gordan. If all else fails, anyone stranded at the airport can take a taxi to the park. Brian, as usual, has not told anyone his plans, but we believe he will want a rental car for shopping. Except for groceries, we don't think there will be much need for cars during the week. Perhaps Brian and Alan might want to take their kids to Bush Gardens in Williamsburg one day.

With four cabins, we can have each couple present have a cabin, and then the loose people can fill in the empty beds. Thus, 1) Alan, Diana, and Jennifer; 2) Mom and me; 3) Brian and Carol and twins; and 4) Dian and Gary. Total of 15 people in four cabins, four loose people (C, E, F, & G). We all assume that Brian will cook many group evening meals for all of us at his cabin, so his cabin should be the most centrally located. Dian: please double check with the park to confirm which cabins you have--we don't want surprises when we show up. Also, find out what size beds are in the cabins. If one of the rooms in each cabin is twin beds, then maybe Emma would want to live with Alan and Jennifer for several days, and perhaps E, F, and G would take turns using the spare bed with Tommy, to get to renew acquaintance with Brian and Carol better.

Bob & Marjorie "Mom and Dad"
Alan, Diana, Jennifer (Not Ruth).  Fri-Fri
Brian's family - Late Saturday night
Caran and Rich
Dian & Gary (Gary will be late)
Evan (only)
Fabian (only)
Gordan (only)
None of Don's clan.