What: VP-1 POPs 13th Reunion, the Erie One
Where: Camp Perry Lodging & Conference Center on the shores of Lake Erie, https://cplcc.com 1000 Lawrence Road, Bldg. 600, Port Clinton, OH 43452-9578 between Cleveland and Toledo, in Ottawa County, near Port Clinton.
When: September 10-13, 2023—Sunday thru Wednesday
After three visits in the last several months Christine and I have found what we believe is our best venue. We have stayed in some really nice and wonderful resorts. Each has its positive and negative aspects. Without getting into specifics here, I can say that I believe we have located a unique spot that will likely make folks happy to return to Ohio for another POPs reunion in the Buckeye state. If you’ve never attended one of our reunions you won’t want to miss this one.
This is a military camp, not a base, meaning there are no military personnel based or stationed on the premises. The camp is administered by the State of Ohio and is available year round to civilians, veterans, retired and active military; first come, first served. Lodging pricing is three tiered, civilians and veterans are priced the same, while retired and active military get substantial discounts. Military is two-tiered with retired E-8 and below paying a slightly higher rate than E-9 and above. The online pricing will be up for revision by Ohio’s legislature in February. Traditionally, each year it has gone up $2-6 per day, but the rates went down a couple of dollars per day two years ago. I look for a slight increase in 2023 due to today’s economy, but these are really good rates and quite a variety of .
On the website you can get a really good look at the facilities including great photos of motel rooms, cottages, transient quarters, and RV/tent camping. All lodging is cloistered in close proximity to the rest. I have blocked all 23 motel rooms and all the cottages blocked for us, as well as some transient quarters including the 2 handicap rooms. Both types of cottages have three bedrooms and can sleep 8 or 9 folks; the family cottages are two stories and a bit roomier, but the stairs may be a bit steep. A great option is that families or friends can share a cottage. Wi-Fi, TV, and parking are free.
There is a facility map on the website, but it is outdated as the one story cottages are not shown; buildings are shown crowded together. Those have been demolished and new cottages erected. Google Earth’s satellite image shows the old buildings and street view isn’t available, but the website pics are great.
Get those emails and texts flowing! Get online and check out the many photos. We will be arriving on Sunday, September 10th and checking out on Wednesday 13th. I was told there are a very limited number of rooms/cottages on Saturday 9 so Christine and I have a cottage rented so we can get everything up and going for the general arrival on the 10th. If you think you may want to arrive early, please check with Camp Perry ASAP to find out if anything is available on Saturday, the 9th or even earlier if you wish.
Call (888) 889-7010 to make reservations. You will need to give your credit card info to the front desk, but you will not be charged until you check out. Some good news is that if you must cancel your reservation, your card will not be charged if you do so 24 hours out and if you must cancel within 24 hours of check-in only one day will be charged. Carefully check out the website and consider what you will need in the way of housing as there are many variables including beds and pricing.
Itinerary: There are several options for folks to see and do within a few miles/knots and much more for those who want to venture out further or stay a while longer in Buckeye Land.
What I see as the two biggest events are 1) a day (or better part of one) to South Bass Island and Put-in-Bay (located on the island) which entails a ferry ride and 2) a visit to Liberty Aviation Museum.
South Bass Island is Ohio’s Key West, but not so rowdy, however in the summertime very busy but should be slowed down a bit in September. There is much to see and do from restaurants to wineries. The biggest and tallest attraction by far is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie which took place near South Bass Island, where Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led a fleet to victory in one of the most decisive naval battles to occur in the War of 1812. On an isthmus, the memorial celebrates the peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States which followed the war. Edited From Wikipedia
Take your wheels, ride with friends, or rent a golf cart once on the island; we’ll want to go further and see more than any of our legs will want to carry us!
Liberty Aviation Museum is located at 3515 E State Road, Port Clinton, is much more than the name implies. Within its hangars are land vehicles, airplanes, and a WWll PT Boat under reconstruction. Maybe we will get lucky and be able to have lunch at the adjoining 50’s Tin Goose Diner, built in Elizabeth, New Jersey. libertyaviationmuseum.org
I know this article has been a long time coming, but Christine and I have been busy making sure to the best of our time and abilities of facilitating and procuring the best. Of all the venues we scrutinized, we feel this one can best serve POPs in 2023. It is quiet and laid back at night and other than being fairly close to some of the shooting ranges it is quiet during daylight hours. Yes, weapons are allowed on facility, but not where alcohol is or may be consumed including our duty facility and the check-in/conference center. If applicable to you, please check your state for reciprocity regulations with Ohio’s carry laws.
Christine and I look forward to seeing you at VP-1 POPs 13th Reunion, the Erie One. We will be working with POPs officers to bring you another great Reunion. There are yet many details to be worked out including our registration form and fees and yes there will be a banquet at the Conference Center. Our traditional cook-out will likely be on-site as well; outdoors and under roof with a nine foot grill.
Grace & Peace,
Carson J. Hunt, VP-1 POPs Chaplain & 2023 Reunion Planner