NWSA Reunion #38, 16 -- 20 May 2012
NWSA selected Colorado Springs as the site for Reunion 38. This city located a 1 hour drive South of Denver and is situated at the base of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains. It is noted for the many attractions which include the Air Force Academy, Olympic training Center, Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain complex, Old Colorado City, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and of course a ride up to Pikes Peak. There are at least twenty-one "recommended" restaurants and a large number of the chain restaurants are located around the city.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel with 500 rooms has offered us an inclusive contract, which will provide us with an excellent program for our events and accommodations. The price of the regular rooms is $109 plus 9.4% tax and has each Wireless High Speed Internet. Each room is configured with the wash basin and living area separated from the bathroom. There are a number of rooms, which either face, or open on to the Atrium and Pool for $119 plus tax. One hotel reservation will be selected for a suite upgrade by some random selection process prior to checking into the hotel. The hotel is part of the Crowne Plaza chain and gives points for the "Sleep Advantage Program". The hotel is located on the South side of the city and is an easy walk to many of the city's shopping and dining establishments. There is a complementary airport shuttle and, when available, shuttle service within the city. The hotel will provide a full breakfast buffet for our members who register with the hotel prior to the cut off date of April 30th 2012. A quite large Hospitality room (with free coffee) is included in our package deal.
The weather in the Springs in May is generally mild. The average overall temperature is 55.4 degrees with an average low of 42.1 and an average high of 68.7. Rain showers occur on average of 10 days in May and, while unlikely in mid-May, there have been a few May snow showers. However, the average mid-May day is filled with sunshine with light breezes moving either up or down the mountain range.
Getting to Colorado Springs is quite easy. The region is served by two airports, Denver and the near by COS. COS is served by all the major US carriers which include American Airlines, Continental, Delta and United. Those considering driving can use Interstate 25, which runs from El Paso in the South and Billings Montana to the North, runs right through the city. Travelers moving East or West may use Interstate 70.
There are too many great side trips from the Springs to arrange for all of them for a NWSA reunion. We will be meeting at Reunion #37 to go over the best-fit selection. However in doing so there will be plenty of time for individual or small groups to take their own "Get Away". Folks are reminded that obtaining a rental car at the airport is nearly always more expensive than renting a car for a day or so from Hertz at the hotel. The hotel car rental option is particularly advantageous at the Crowne Plaza given their most useful airport and local area shuttle.
We look forward to having COS events, shopping places, eating places and general visitor information in the Virginia Beach hospitality room. Have your question ready.
Earl Kerr, reunion chairman
