I'm not so sure I'm up for the 2.5 hour roundabout route to Essex. 2.5 hours is quite a long scenic drive.
I do like the idea of meeting at your place first.
I like the idea of doing one of the earlier time slots in Essex, just in case. I'd hate to get there at 2:00 and find out they're all booked up or something.
Then a cruise after that along the shore to a restaurant would be pretty cool.
I'm not trying to be Mrs. bossypants and shoot down your ideas, so hopefully I'm not coming off that way.
I'm just tossing around my thoughts.
