*Memorial Day Weekend *BASH* @ Findlay, OHIO Bark Park ~ *SUNDAY* MAY 25, 2008 ~

[lbaker]

All systems go for me and Mapquest to the Motel seems purty straightforward. Your prior directions (thanks Phred) seem A-OK as well from Motel to Pav #7. I'll just "listen for the BARKS". Oh, and yuk on leftover Klams. What don't get ait on Sunday ain't gonna hang around for Monday WHOO HOO

[mruffruff]

The South Carolina "girls" are already gassed up and will be heading north at 6 AM on Friday. Got my GPS set for the Red Roof Inn.

Bella and Scruffy will occupy the back seats.

See you there

[Grace]

All systems go

Maps and directions printed out - thanks again, Phred; going out to wash the car soon; will fill up with (after taking out a loan!) on Saturday. Really looking forward to meeting all of you, and your critters.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Why, WHY, WHY can't MapQuest just leave things alone?

Every year they like to "adjust" things ... shift the number ranges on a street ...
change a routing ... or just change stuff for the heck of it! Grrrrr!

I'll reprint the previous How To - and change a few things to try to catch up
with MapQuest's 2008 changes. Believe it or not, the Dog Park hasn't moved -
but MapQuest would certainly make you think it moved!
--------------------------------------------------------

How to Get MapQuest Directions TO the Findlay Bark Park
OK - Here's how to get your MapQuest "Directions" with Turn-by-Turn Instructions ...

Use the Click-Link (below) to get to the From and To page for MapQuest.
**WAIT** till the page fully loads - or you'll goof up the pre-filled data!!

When the page finishes loading - you'll have TWO big data blocks -
the one on the LEFT asking for your STARTING Location;
the one on the RIGHT >> Already FILLED IN < with the Dog Park Address.

If you have it - do NOT use Microsoft's "AutoFill" - it will put your home address
in BOTH blocks - erasing the pre-filled Dog Park Address!

JUST fill in your Home or "Starting" address in the LEFT (STARTING Location) Blocks.

Here's the "Revised for 2008" *Link* to MapQuest >>>
(The MapQuest directions are "usable" just as they print out from MapQuest.
They MAY NOT "match" landmarks I've posted in the past.

MapQuest Directions To: Findlay, OH ~ DOG PARK

OLD (2007) MapQuest Directions To: Findlay, OH ~ DOG PARK
(This link stops a mile or so short of the Dog Park)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

IF you want to use a GPS or another Mapping Service - here's the Dog Park Address:

16500 Township Road 208
(note the number was previously "16000 Twp Road 208"
-OR-
Township Road 207 AND Township Road 208
Findlay, OH 45840

GPS Coordinates: (WGS 84)
N. 41* 01.941'
W 083* 33.691'
The Dog Park is INside the Hancock Park District's "Riverbend Recreation Area";
about a half mile south of Ohio Route 568;
and just north of the North-East Corner of the big Findlay Reservoir.
The Reservoir is on most maps - and stands out because it is drawn as a
Big SQUARE Blue Lake; south-east of downtown Findlay.
If ANYONE has trouble with the Route to the Dog Park - PM "Cinder & Smoke"
with your E-mail and Home/Starting Address.
-------------------------------------------------------

OK - so what changed?

* The street number changed from 16000 to 16500 - to make the
MapQuest "star" sit closer to the actual Dog Park on THIS year's map.

* The new MapQuest *LINK* uses the new 16500 street number.

* BE PREPARED: No matter where you're coming from, Map Quest will probably
show a different route for the last 10 - 15 miles - different from last year's route.
Use whatever you're comfortable with or remember ... there aren't ANY roads or bridges
that are closed ... and I've driven ALL the various routes that MapQuest can suggest.
NO route is really much better than another --- miles are about the same
and drive time isn't drastically altered.

GRACE:
If you reprint from this "New MapQuest link";
what they show should match what I told you.

If you think your mapping program or GPS is really sending you around Robinhood's Barn -
send me a copy of the route and I'll look it over.

As always, the PT Travel Bureau will be open all day on Sunday & Monday -
just a cell phone away! We WILL get you to the Park!

/s/ Phred

[Grace]

Phred - I brought up the new map in a new window, and compared it to the old one I had already printed out. They both get us to the end result, so we should be okay. And I have the directions that you gave me a few pages back. I also have cell phone numbers - yours and Staci's.

So we should be good to go.

[pitc9]

Phred...one thing I can't get over is the fact that Mapquest tells me to take 271 south to 71 south through Mansfield to get to the park!

Actually, it sends me through Upper Sandusky too!!
Hey Staci, want me to pick you up!
Silly Mapquest!

I'll just stick to the directions I've used the past few times.
Can you say TURNPIKE!!

[lizbud]

I really, really, hate to post my bad news. We won't be able to come
this time. I've figured & figured, but I just don't have the money for gas
this month. I feel awful, but hope you all have a wonderful time & then
share it all on PT. ( I'm still doing the sun & fun dance for you guys)

[Cinder & Smoke]

I can't get over the fact that Mapquest tells me to take 271 south to 71 south,
through Mansfield, to get to the park!

Actually, it sends me through Upper Sandusky too!!
Hey Staci, want me to pick you up?

Check your "Preferences" on MapQuest!
You can pick "shortest time" or "shortest distance". as well as "avoid toll roads".
The I-71 South to OH-30W then north on OH-23 & OH-15 is about 30 miles MORE in distance,
but SAVES almost 15 minutes in driving TIME. Then you need to figure in GAS mileage.

That northern / Turnpike route goes through a LOTTA lil hick towns with
much lower speed limits than the southern / all expressway route.

I'll just stick to the directions I've used the past few times.

Will that also include the "Senic double-loop through Norwalk" this year?