Boston Class In May

[Luke S]

For those attending the Boston class:
I am twenty and will be attending the class in May. I don't want to stay in the hotel that the class is held in because it is very expensive, and I can't rent a car because I am not old enough. Anyone want to volunteer to let me hitch a ride with them to the class in the mornings? Let me know where you are planning on staying if you would be willing.

Thanks!

Luke

[Captn]

We're going to the washington class so we won't be of much help, however, Boston has a great rapid transit system I hear .... could make getting around a lot easier for you.

[wenzel_777]

For those attending the Boston class:
I am twenty and will be attending the class in May. I don't want to stay in the hotel that the class is held in because it is very expensive, and I can't rent a car because I am not old enough. Anyone want to volunteer to let me hitch a ride with them to the class in the mornings? Let me know where you are planning on staying if you would be willing.
Thanks!
Luke

Hey Luke,
We also had to look around for a cheaper hotel. We're going to be in Boston for 5 days, so we had to look around. If you try to book a hotel downtown, all of the rates will likely be very comparable...and high. However, if you're downtown, you won't have to worry about a car & you can walk to the class. Here are a couple of websites to check out. We booked our room a month ago at the Beacon Street Guest House www.463beacon.com We booked an extremely small, modest room, but we'll be able to walk to class & we were able to secure it for $85/night. (I think we booked the cheapest room they had, but they may have some other rooms available.) Another option that we looked into was the Oasis Guest House www.oasisgh.com They also have reasonable rates, and you can walk to the class from there as well. You can also try priceline to get something cheaper. Been recommended the Howard Johnson by Fenway, but the distance seemed a bit too far from the class for us.
From what I've read, the cab fares are outrageous, but the public transportation is good. If you can't find anything downtown within your price range, you can most likely stay a bit away from the calss & not have to drive...and you'll save a lot by riding trains. Check out www.mbta.com for information about public transport.
Sorry we couldn't be more helpful, but we eliminated the need for a car when we booked a room close to class. Also, even if you were far from the class, you can probably eliminate the need for car transport & rely on the train in/out of the city. Hope some of this helps. We'll see you in Boston in May!
-Brett H.
"Got the job, want the land, signed up for 5/29-5/30 Boston Class"

[Steve]

Hi Luke (and everyone heading to Boston),
Boston does in fact have one of the easiest train systems in the world. The class hotel is very near Hynes station on the green line. So if you stay at any hotel on any color line it should be a piece of cake to get to class each day.... but it would be easiest if you were staying on the green B, C, or D lines. Those (IIRC) will give you a direct line to Hynes station, without having to switch trains at all. But even if you have to switch trains, it's super easy. Just take your color line "Inbound" to the center of town, then switch to an "Outbound" green line train that stops at Hynes station.
All that fancy Boston college education, and all I remember is how to work the MBTA.... go figure.... ;)
For reference, check out this cool Google mashup map showing the train lines, with all the hotels in Boston.... the pink dots represent just about every hotel in the entire city, so you can surf around and find one that you like:
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;hl=en&amp;q=hotels&amp;sll=42.344335,-71.049957&amp;sspn=0.114696,0.269165&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;split=1&amp;r q=1&amp;ev=zi&amp;radius=6.88&amp;hq=hotels&amp;hnear=&amp;ll=42.34255 9,-71.125832&amp;spn=0.1147,0.269165&amp;z=12&amp;lci=transit_com p">Google MBTA and Hotel mashup map</a>
And for a more detailed reference on the subway stops you can use this <a href="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/">handy MBTA map</a>.
See you at the class!
-Steve

[loghousenut]

I'm 56 and I'd be lost in Boston so I'm no help at all. Please accept my admiration for what you are doing. You can't possibly realize how very young you are, and you have my utmost admiration for your insight and forsight in taking this class at this age. Make the most of it. I wish I'da been wise enough to have taken the class at your age. DON'T WASTE IT!
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t55/loghousenut/Wow/monkeythumb.gif

[Art]

Bear with me i'am not that good at typing
i am going to the class in boston will get all my ? anwered. have a dream, have 30 acres just spent the weekend there ( spring gobbler ) know when i look at a tree instead of seeing a deer stand i imagen my livingroom wall iam turing in to a tree nut oh well Mays comeing
As per Master Luke i have a room in the hotel if i upgrade to a extra bed can you make the differance? You will have to put up with an old man snoring

[Luke S]

I'm interested. I take it you mean the hotel that is hosting the class? How much would it cost to upgrade?

Thanks so much for the help!

[ccosborne3]

Let me know where you need a ride from. I may stay the Saturday night in Boston but no matter what I'll be driving in Saturday morning and driving out Sunday night. If Art can put you up in his room I can certainly swing you a lift.

[panderson03]

you guys are great and certainly will fit in well in LHBA where we all share knowledge and support and help whenever we can.
WELCOME to all of you:)

[Art]

LUKE: It's taken me a while to find this spot, just e-mailed orbiz to see what the additional bed will cost they should let me know something in 4 hours or so. I my self will fly in on the 28th check in im guesin around 9:00 pm CLASS sat-sun check out monday morning about 10:am Proud LHBA card holders I 'll let you know as soon as i find out ART

[Art]

Luke S
The force, is with you! Sorry i've always wanted to say that (stressman) I have checked with the Boston Hilton i can arrang to have a rollway cot anded to my room but i have to resevr
it they will need to know your full name the price $75. If thats in your price range let me know. Only I (obe one) will have the key to the beer cabinet.
ART

[Luke S]

Art,
That sounds perfect! You are a life saver. My full name is Luke M. Stedman. My phone is 651-353-8193. I will be checking in around 10:30pm on Fri, and I will be leaving early monday so things should work out well. WHy don't you give me your name so I know what room to ask for at the front desk and a cell number if you've got one.

I am indebted to you!
If you ever need help on your house I'm your guy. I've got quite a few friends who live in the Williamsburg area.

Thanks,
Luke

[Art]

Luck
I'll make arrangments with the hilton for your cot. It should be easy leave one room grab cup of joe then go to class. Personaly iam over this big city jumbo mumbo
I live next to a fighter jet base. the sound of Freedom is very costly. I'll call you tomorrow with the details.
ART

[wenzel_777]

Glad y'all could work everything out. Only a month away!
Sidenote: Art- You get a bird on those 30 acres?

[rckclmbr428]

hope you guys enjoy the class, look forward to seeing you on the members side

[Art]

Get this the hotels going to put Luke up on a cot for free. Maybe i'll get some work out of him. I need to clean out some of the peretitor between the bears,coyotes,bob cat &amp; the niebor
swares she seen a mountain lion, the alusive thunder chickens kind of scarecs. The last thing i've got to grill was the buck i got xmas eve. Hay i skined a 5' log 16" across it was eazy
the hard parts getten it from here to there. I cut some saplings and stared a model. See you in Boston. Rock 428 I beleve your only an hour from Buckingham? Art
booked class: got room: have land: its all, allready paid for, waiten on 5/29 &amp; LHBA

[Lana]

Hi everybody! My name is Lana, I'm 55 year young lady LOL and I'm a newbie! This is the coolest thing I've come across in a long time! I want to go to the Boston class SO BAD, I just was wondering if anyone wanted to share hotel expense, I'm on a real tight budget, I may not be able to attend if I can't find a room mate. I'm driving from Northern Michigan so if somebody has transportation issue I could help give someone a ride? I need to find someone to share hotel expenses fast before the class fills up! Hey Luke, I'm glad Art helped you out! I'm hoping to meet everyone in Boston! I'm not used to big cities, at ALL! Am I the only one freaking out about subways, trains and traffic? LOL

[Art]

I think these log homes are cool as well. Did you see the pictures of Pams cabin and her pink stil chainsaw I would't mind having one my self at least no one would steal it or even. barrow it. My self i would never had done this if it hadnt ben for a" Boston class". As for the big city of Boston my last time there was 65 or ther abouts, thats why I'am not driven. $ 39. a night just to park. I'am sure the cow paths have changed a bit since then. Lana you keep worken on that room mate but if it falls trough don't let it burst your dream. You come on down from Mi. with a king size and a cot we'll think of something, we can take turns standen watch over the beer cabinet. Now as for Luke and myself, and from what i've read over the last few months the entire LOBA You will be in the presants of gentilmen. Art

[Captn]

We're not attending the Boston class, and it's been a long time since I visited Boston, however, I grew up 40 miles outside of Chicago and I've spent a lot of time knocking around some of the larger cities.
Here's a few things that may save you some headaches and some cash ...

Don't try to park in the city if possible. Instead, try to park at a free "park and ride" train station in one of the surrounding suburbs. It's not as secure, and I wouldn't want to leave any valuables in the car, however, smaller towns especially are usually pretty well patrolled and you've got a train fair into and out of the city to pay for, not parking every day. This also puts you on the rapid transit right off the bat, so you go from car, to train, to hotel. http://www.statemaster.com/encyclopedia/Park-and-ride ... you'd have to check out the maps of the area and call to see if you can stay parked for the weekend, although most park and rides let you so you could go shopping in the city. (I'd call and make sure). Here's the Boston's "T" metro link ... http://www.mbta.com/.

Lets say, for example, you drove in from Michigan on I90, you could park in Grafton and catch the train into town .. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=WORCSTER.

Using the MBTA's trip planner on their web page:
<img class="transit_icon" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 0.2em; border: initial none initial;" src="http://www.mbta.com/images/icons/plantrip_comm.gif" alt="Commuter Rail Service" />Take Framingham/worcester Line To Back Bay Station <a href="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/stations/?pt=1&amp;route=WORCSTER" class="noprint" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #c80000;">view route</a>5:48 PM Depart from <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="plantripStopInfo(0);return false;" style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #c80000;">Grafton Station</a> 7:03 PM Arrive at <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="plantripStopInfo(1);return false;" style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #c80000;">Back Bay Station</a><img class="transit_icon" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 0.2em; border: initial none initial;" src="http://www.mbta.com/images/icons/plantrip_bus.gif" alt="Bus Service" />55 Queensberry St Via Ipswich St <a href="http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?pt=1&amp;mode=bus&amp;direction=O&amp;route=55&amp;timing=W&amp;stime =4:50:00%20PM&amp;sdate=5/28/2010" class="noprint" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #c80000;">view route</a>7:18 PM Depart from <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="plantripStopInfo(2);return false;" style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #c80000;">Saint James Ave &amp; Dartmouth St</a> 7:22 PM Arrive at <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="plantripStopInfo(3);return false;" style="text-decoration: underline !important; color: #c80000;">Dalton St &amp; Boylston St</a><a href="javascript:void(0);" class="routeSign" onclick="showLegDetailsTripPlanner('legDetails1F');return false;" style="text-decoration: none; color: #333333; font-size: 1.1em; display: block;"><img class="transit_icon" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 0.2em; border: initial none initial;" src="http://www.mbta.com/images/icons/plantrip_walk.gif" alt="Walking" />Walk For 4 Mins. To 40 Dalton St, Boston, Ma 02115</a>
Cost:Regular fareSenior/Disabled fare$9.25$4.25I've not done this, however, this is similar to what I would be looking to do if I were going to the Boston class .... $20 is a heck of a lot better than $120 in my opinion, not to mention tolls and headaches of getting around a new downtown area by car. I'd call first, however, and try to find a bored Transit person that wouldn't mind chatting for 10 minutes about the best place to park.Your mileage may vary .... but I just thought I would toss out another concept for ya ...

Mark and Pam

[Lana]

I think these log homes are cool as well. Did you see the pictures of Pams cabin and her pink stil chainsaw I would't mind having one my self at least no one would steal it or even. barrow it. My self i would never had done this if it hadnt ben for a" Boston class". As for the big city of Boston my last time there was 65 or ther abouts, thats why I'am not driven. $ 39. a night just to park. I'am sure the cow paths have changed a bit since then. Lana you keep worken on that room mate but if it falls trough don't let it burst your dream. You come on down from Mi. with a king size and a cot we'll think of something, we can take turns standen watch over the beer cabinet. Now as for Luke and myself, and from what i've read over the last few months the entire LOBA You will be in the presants of gentilmen. Art

I really appreciate the encouraging words. I've dreamed of living a log cabin since I was a little girl. Life has a way of bringing you back to the basics, eh? I don't want any debt, I don't want a junky kit, I want the real deal. Over the years I have acquired a Stihl chainsaw, tools, maybe I have more brains than brawn but I'll figure out a way to build it! (I have a Cherry picker too!) I think I found my piece of property yesterday! The Boston class is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I am really taking a giant leap of faith to go there, I am breaking the piggy bank and counting pennies. By the way, I do have a camping cot and sleeping bag! LOL Yes, I can guard the beer fridge! LOL Everyone seems to be so nice, genuine good folks and want to get back to their woodsy roots! I can't wait to meet everyone, make friends, share knowledge and dreams and learn everything I can. It's a 1,000 miles for me, I was gonna drive straight through in the middle of the night to avoid traffic and be in class by 8am. Hope there is Coffee, lots of coffee! If anyone has room mate ideas, please call me 231-871-1414, I'm not looking for a freebie, I can pay my way. I just can't afford to pay full price. Thanks!! Lana

[Lana]

Hey everybody! I have found a classmate to share expenses! A BIG Thank you to Ken French for calling me and offering to help out! I am truly grateful! I am so excited to meet everyone going to the Boston class! This is going to be awesome! See you there!
Lana


I think these log homes are cool as well. Did you see the pictures of Pams cabin and her pink stil chainsaw I would't mind having one my self at least no one would steal it or even. barrow it. My self i would never had done this if it hadnt ben for a" Boston class". As for the big city of Boston my last time there was 65 or ther abouts, thats why I'am not driven. $ 39. a night just to park. I'am sure the cow paths have changed a bit since then. Lana you keep worken on that room mate but if it falls trough don't let it burst your dream. You come on down from Mi. with a king size and a cot we'll think of something, we can take turns standen watch over the beer cabinet. Now as for Luke and myself, and from what i've read over the last few months the entire LOBA You will be in the presants of gentilmen. Art

I really appreciate the encouraging words. I've dreamed of living a log cabin since I was a little girl. Life has a way of bringing you back to the basics, eh? I don't want any debt, I don't want a junky kit, I want the real deal. Over the years I have acquired a Stihl chainsaw, tools, maybe I have more brains than brawn but I'll figure out a way to build it! (I have a Cherry picker too!) I think I found my piece of property yesterday! The Boston class is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I am really taking a giant leap of faith to go there, I am breaking the piggy bank and counting pennies. By the way, I do have a camping cot and sleeping bag! LOL Yes, I can guard the beer fridge! LOL Everyone seems to be so nice, genuine good folks and want to get back to their woodsy roots! I can't wait to meet everyone, make friends, share knowledge and dreams and learn everything I can. It's a 1,000 miles for me, I was gonna drive straight through in the middle of the night to avoid traffic and be in class by 8am. Hope there is Coffee, lots of coffee! If anyone has room mate ideas, please call me 231-871-1414, I'm not looking for a freebie, I can pay my way. I just can't afford to pay full price. Thanks!! Lana

[Art]

See you in Boston.
Art

[Cbear429]

HI All,
My wife and I will be at the Boston class. We never considered the parking. We will be driving from Maryland and staying about 20 minitues from the class. Anyone have info on "accessible" handicapped parking next to the Bay Back? Looking foward to seeing all of you.
Thanks,
Cecil

[silver0306]

So whats everybody wearing. since i assume we will not be going outside for any part of the class like in wash. are you still wearing jeans and tshirt or buisness casual? Also does anybody know if there is parking aval. near the hotel. i am staying north west of the city .
Thanks
Bert

[StressMan79]

if you read it wrong, you might think you are a stalker!!!
haha
-Peter

[silver0306]

lol, wow your right, great first post?! so what are you wearing Peter??? HAHA j/k..................Anyways i cant wait till sat.!!!
"To get something you never had you must do something youve never done"
Bert

[ChainsawGrandpa]

Jeans? I'll bet they're tight! -Madeline Kahn, High Anxiety
Sorry, it just came to mind....

[Cbear429]

We will be going casual. As for parking:
Hi Boston Classmates,
I found parking next to the Hilton Bay Back Hotel. By the way parking here is $39.00 per day.
The 1st is at the Prudential Center, four (4) minute walk. This looks like $38.00 per day.
<a href="http://www.prudentialcenter.com/parking/rates.php">http://www.prudentialcenter.com/parking/rates.php</a>
The second is at the Bay Back Garage, about fourteen minute walk, enter 7 Am exit at 9 PM, $20.00 Saturday and Sunday. Spoke with them over the phone.
<a href="http://boston.centralparking.com/Boston-500-Boylston-Street.html">http://boston.centralparking.com/Boston-500-Boylston-Street.html</a>
Here is an interactive map of the area parking. Street parking seems to be limited, but still checking.
<a href="http://www.prudentialcenter.com/parking/parking_map.php#">http://www.prudentialcenter.com/parking/parking_map.php#</a>
Hope this helps and See You There.

Cecil

[rreidnauer]

LOL! You do know you'll be hanging out with a bunch of potential log home builders, right? We don't do business casual!!! :-)

[ragdump]

Ragdump
I think that just means no holes in your Levi's

[wenzel_777]

We're heading to Boston early. We will be arriving at 10AM tomorrow, so we can enjoy a long weekend in the city. Ready to meet some people &amp; enjoy the class. See y'all there!
And we're dressing very casual. Jeans &amp; T's and Shorts &amp; T's. Maybe something long-sleeved in case it's cold in the room.
-Brett H.

[panderson03]

HAVE FUN! see you on the members side.
safe travels:)

[hemlock77]

LOL! You do know you'll be hanging out with a bunch of potential log home builders, right? We don't do business casual!!! :-)
This time of year that would be work boots, Denim shorts and a beater with no tears or sap stains:) In cooler weather that would include rip free jeans and your best flannel shirt.
Stu
<a href="http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/?start=0">http://s165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/hemlock77/?start=0</a>

[ChrisAndWendy]

Photos added to from time to time http://s280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/ChrisAndWendy/
Hello, I'm finally getting to take the class!... thanks for coming over to the East Coast! I'm staying at the Park Plaza and if I'm reading the MTBA directions correctly, I can walk to the Hilton in 7 minutes? I'm fine with walking in the AM, but having never been to Boston, I'm wondering about safety walking back if it's already dark when we are done. Anyone else staying at the same hotel? Steve, do you remember? I'll also ask at the hotel about the best way to get to the class.
Thanks....
Wendy

[Steve]

Hi Wendy,
Welcome to the club! ;) I can't wait to meet you this weekend.
I walked from Hynes station to the Hilton today and 7 minutes seems a lot longer than it took in real life. I think it was about 4 blocks. You come out from the station and turn south on Massachusetts Avenue. About 2-3 blocks and turn left at McDonalds onto Belvidere street. The Hilton is ahead on the left. Here's a map with walking directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&amp;source=s_d&amp;saddr=40+Dalton+Street,+Boston &amp;daddr=42.346429,-71.087208+to:360+Newbury+Street,+Boston&amp;hl=en&amp;geoc ode=FaknhgIdIFTD-ymXXjoKEHrjiTFmASN40opG6A%3B%3BFa0uhgId90nD-ynxn4hHBXrjiTGPxA0a--5ciw&amp;mra=dpe&amp;mrcr=0&amp;mrsp=1&amp;sz=17&amp;via=1&amp;dirflg=w&amp;sl l=42.347364,-71.08547&amp;sspn=0.003774,0.00913&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=42.34704 7,-71.085277&amp;spn=0.003774,0.00913&amp;t=h&amp;z=17
This area is very central Boston, well lit, major roads, etc., and seems exceptionally safe. There are a lot of wacky college kids wandering around, but they seem harmless.
We don't know what hotels people are staying in, so I don't know the answer to that one. But feel free to ask around at the class of course.
See you in a couple of days :)

[ChrisAndWendy]

Photos added to from time to time http://s280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/ChrisAndWendy/
Thanks Steve-I'm really looking forward to this class. Chris attended 5 years ago and now that we are getting closer to building (dream coming true!!), it's my turn.
I was actually talking about walking from Park Plaza to the class. I'll check the MTBA site again. I'm sure that the hotel people can advise me the best way, too.
Thanks,
Wendy

[ChainsawGrandpa]

Of course you'll want to stop at the asterisks and read my (pithy) footnotes!

Lest you think I'm a total Neanderathal....
I have some custom tailored clothes, a couple of tuxes, and suits that are as fine as anything found on Savil Row, but when left to myself, and out in the woods I can come off as a genuine low-brow mouth breather.
I blend right in.
I've been busy insulating, and the fiberglass is flying. When I'm getting down to business (building my place) and shoving batts of insulation into the ceiling, my "getting down to business casual" consists of a set of coveralls. I couldn't find one of those white painter's hoods, but I did manage to locate a black Spandex balaclava. Top that off with a cartridge mask and goggles. All of a sudden I needed to head to the local store* I didn't have time to get undressed so I just decided to make a quick trip in my "business casual". Before getting in the truck I took a quick analysis of what I looked like, and decided to down-play my Taliban appearance. I probably wouldn't have gotten two feet inside the door before the lady behind the counter would have had me backed-up against the wall with a 12 gauge shoved up my nose.** I decided on a hooded sweat shirt. Since I was in a hurry I didn?t take the time to pull off the hooded part of the sweatshirt, and happened to catch a quick glimpse as I rushed past the mirror. For all the world I looked like Marty Feldman (Igor) in Young Frankenstein.***
Maybe I should have worn the tux....

A quote from a friend of mine best sums up the attitude of the locals;
"You're going to let a LAWYER handle the escrow money???" "You don't understand, around here, people have guns!"

*It's not all that local, and it's not really a store...more of a trading post. They do take U.S. dollars, but I'm sure they have an exchange rate established for gold, silver, and beaver hides.
**Hah! Just kidding. She would have first pulled out enough hardware to make Dirty Harry jealous, drilled me full of holes, then is a sweet voice ask; "Will that be regular, ethyl, or diesel?"
***"That's Fronkenschteen!"

[rreidnauer]

I got to remember that one. Very funny!