Thorp Air Command - T18.net

OK guys it's time to start thinking about making reservations for the Spring Gathering in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

The Dates are June 6th - 8th although some of us will be arriving a day early to get an extra day of flying in.

Here are a few suggestions ...

Phoenix All Suites (condos on the beach)
http://www.phoenixallsuites.com/booking/index.php

Holiday Inn Express (hotel 1 mi from the airport and 1 mile from the beach ... both walkable).
http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/ho ... oteldetail

Days Inn (hotel 1 mi from the airport and 1 mile from the beach ... both walkable).
http://www.gulfshoreshotelal.com

Here's a Google Map of the Hotels in the area ...

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q= ... =0CKACEMgT

As you can see the place is not that big. Off the beach is cheaper than on the beach and the distance from the airport to the water is around 2.5 miles ... regardless of where we end up, we'll all be pretty close.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Lee
Jane and I will be there, probably a day early. Still looking at places to stay.

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N102RH
Ron Hayes
Blue Springs, Mo.

Linda and I will try to fly down on Friday. Won't be able to make the day early because of month end duties. But we may stay a few extra days.

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Matt Smith
Des Moines, IA
55RC

Ok everyone I've reserved a block of 15 rooms at the Staybridge Suites in Gulf Shores, AL at a discounted rate (not much but some). The block is reserved from June 5th - 8th (Thurs - Sun), if you would like to come in on Friday that's fine too, just let them know what day you plan to arrive.

http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us ... oteldetail

The phone number is 251-975-1030

The Group Name is "Thorp T-18 Group" and the Group Code is "EG1".

The block will be released after May 15th so please make your reservations before that.

This place is not on the beach and around 1 mile from the airport but is very nice. I'm assuming that some of us will be renting cars and or utilizing the FBO's shuttle to get around.

I will be contacting the FBO and notifying them of our plans as well as setting up a few group meals at the local restaurants.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Ron Hayse, I just sent you a PM.

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Matt Smith
Des Moines, IA
55RC

I was wondering what the airport designation or name is? I want o plug it into the GPS to see how far it is.

Thanks,

Jim

The Airport Ident is KJKA…Jack Edwards Airport. There are 2 FBO's on the field- I'm not sure which one Lee has in mind. I've only visited Gulf Air Center.
LuLu's Buffet is within walking distance from the airport. It's owned by Jimmy Buffets sister Lucy. Nice place to have lunch on the inter coastal waterway.

See you all in the Spring.

Terry

Sorry about that guys .. guess the Airport Ident. could come in handy!

Yes Terry, I was planning on Gulf Air Center ... for many reasons but mostly for the proximity to LuLu's and fine service.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

David and Karen made reservations today. See you all down there.

Susan and Bob Highley are in. Plan to arrive Thursday. Staying at Staybridge.

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Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Deb and Bill are in-- see you all in Gulf Shores. arrive Thursday at the Staybridge.

Looks like we're up to 8 reservations now.

The front desk (phone number I provided) is having issues pulling up the block of rooms. Best to make reservations online ...

http://www.ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us ... oteldetail

Enter "EG1" as the Group Code

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

An update on the Gulf Shores gathering.

There was some confusion with the Hotel and our block of rooms (basically those who were trying to make reservations on the phone were getting some confusion on the other end and to how many rooms were available), that's been taken care of we're all good. If you have not made you reservations yet don't forget the deadline is MAY 15TH!

I've talked with the folks Gulf Air Center. They've been very accommodating and helpful. Well have transportation and a place to hang out at on the airport. They have a detached pilot's lounge call "Jacks Aces" that I imagine will become our retreat from the heat. I'm thinking we may have a cookout there on Friday while we wait for folks to show up. Take a look here.

http://www.gulfaircenter.com/

http://www.jacksaces.com/

I'll be nailing down our evening plans in the next week. At this point the Saturday fly out will be to Pensacola to visit the Naval Air Museum

http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org

There are many many cool places to hang out eat/drink beer etc on or near the beach so we'll be sure to get some salt air and sand in as well.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Be sure to visit the Cubi Pt. O'Club bar display at the museum ! There are a few of my Squadron Plaques in there ! Spent a few hours in the real Cubi Pt. O'Club in the PI , including the Infamous Ready Room Bar ! It was an amazing place that is now just a memory for those of us that tipped a San Miguel and had a Cubi Dog ! The Lumpia wasn't bad either ! The ready room is where they had human catapult shots into the swimming pool ! BOOM !

RB

Margie and I plan to arrive early afternoon on Friday. Be good to see all those great Thorps there. Ain't never had a Thorp ride.

Les Conwell