Airstreams in The Wilds

[airedale]

Sept is good for me!

[atobols]

Man, this sounds great. We live in Ohio and even frequent the Columbus area and had no idea this existed. Our kids aren't in school yet so we're voting for late Sept, even Oct. Not sure how long we can boondock if the furnace has to run, though! We're new to this RVing thing. We're used to a tent where A/C, heat, and electricity aren't a thought.

We really like the idea of trading some service / work for the privilege of camping. No issue with shelling out some bucks for a meal or two from the on-site restaurant.

[66Overlander]

I mentioned this idea to Lorrie and we're going to think about it, but we can't commit yet. Definitely keep us informed as details are firmed up. Thanks.

[nvestysly]

Are there any updates for The Wilds? Have the dates been confirmed?

My employer recently notified us that we are required to take 6 days off sometime between late July and late October. I'm double-checking dates to ensure I will have sufficient time off for various long weekends we have planned.

Thanks, Lucius

[Sugarfoot]

Yes, any updates? I still haven't gotten time off for this and would hate to then find the dates have changed.

[DanB]

I'm hoping to have the "final" agreement in pace very soon. But, I really see no reason that the dates will change.

- I'm free that weekend!
- The Wilds are agreeable!
- No conflicts exist on the Rally Calendar.

So, unless something really drastic happens, we should be very safe with the dates.

The "activities" are another story! Although our major ones / important ones are OK. A couple of minor ones have glitches that probably will not work out.

We will not be permitted to caravan directly through the Wilds. This is non-negotiable. It is an animal saftey issue. The rhino might damage his horn removing it from a bellypan......

The other appears to be staffing issues that are hard to resolve while maintaining a budget.

But don't fear! The spirit of the rally is still in full force! The location is truly as close to Africa as you are going to get in North America. Our guest presenter for the rally will be very appropriate, and the enivronment will be one of a kind.

I'm really looking forward to this, and I hope many will join me.

[nvestysly]

Thanks for the update DanB. I'll put down the September 18 - 20 dates and plan to work vacation dates around that.

I checked sunrise/sunset times for Cumberland, OH and it looks like there will be just over 12 hours of daylight (7:10AM - 7:30PM) and it will be a new moon so it will be dark at night. If the weather is clear it will be great for star gazing.

Lucius

[PeeWee]

Let's do it. Lets go to the "Wilds" and celebrate the 1959 Wally Byam African Caravan.

[nvestysly]

It has been suggested that it would be very fun to participate in two back-to-back weekend forum rallies that would in some ways beckon back to 1959.

The first rally/caravan is the Cape(town) to Cairo event found here
50th Anniversary Cape (Town)To Cairo Caravan and Rally

Then join in The Wilds rally. It's not Africa but it's as close as you'll get without leaving the North America.

We're checking potential vacation dates. I hope we can make it work out.

Lucius

[bike 2 eat]

If the timing works out for us we would attend the September dates. This sounds like a great place to hold a rally. We volunteer as wildlife guides at Merritt Island NWR each winter and would lead a birding tour at the rally if anyone is interested. You should some of the fall migrations on the Sept dates.
p[lease keep me informed
Dave

[DanB]

The time has come!

Today I received word that we are clear to start the reservation process!

YEA!!!!!!

The Dates are Set: September 18-20

Location: the Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

Fees:

Weekend Trailer Parking Fee - $15

Rally Fee (per Adult, Mandatory) - $10

Sunset Safari and Dinner Buffet (Saturday Night, Optional) (reservations and Cancellations must be done by August 18th) - $65

Rally Reservation Deadline - August 31st.

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

I very much encourage you to visit www.thewilds.org to learn more about the facility.

And for those who didn't know: Pee Wee will be our special guest! He will be presenting a special program about the Capetown to Cairo caravan. Please take advantage of this opportunity to hear Pee Wee's great stories!

Thanks to all who have waited patiently for this information. More information will be released soon.

Specific questions can either be posted to share or emailed privately to dbihary@hotmail.com

[atobols]

Originally Posted by DanB

Fees:

Weekend Trailer Parking Fee - $15

Rally Fee (per Adult, Mandatory) - $10

Sunset Safari and Dinner Buffet (Saturday Night, Optional) (reservations and Cancellations must be done by August 18th) - $65

Is the cost of the Sunset Safari and the Dinner Buffet $65 for kids as well as adults?

[DanB]

Unfortunatley, yes. Per their website, here is a full description:

Sunset Safari Tour

Twilight is a magical time of day to experience the Wilds.

Your Sunset Safari tour begins with a buffet dinner, prepared by the Wilds' professional chef, on the deck of the Overlook Café. Enjoy sweeping views of the Wilds’ beautiful landscape bathed in the late evening sun.

Then, board an Open-Air Safari transport for a guided tour through the Wilds’ open-range animal areas when the animals are most active at feeding time. View rhinos, giraffes, antelope and other rare and endangered animals roaming in large, natural habitats as you enjoy the evening sunset.

This tour includes a stop at the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center and other destinations for up-close learning experiences of the important conservation work taking place at the Wilds. Be sure to bring your camera for incredible photographic opportunities. Please see ADA information below.

Available every Friday and Saturday June through September.

• Non Member: $65.00 per person (all ages)
• Wilds Members: $60.00 per person (all ages)

As one with a growing child, I understand that this gets expensive very fast. I'm sorry, but not my call.

As an alternative, participants may choose one of these:

Safari Transport Pass



Board a Safari Transport for the Wilds' signature experience. Knowledgeable guides will take you through the Wilds' open-range animal areas, where you'll see rhinos, giraffes and many other rare and endangered animals roaming in large, natural settings. Several destination stops along the way - including the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center - offer opportunities to explore, learn, and relax while you observe the wildlife around you. With transports running on a shuttle system, you choose how long to enjoy each destination before continuing the tour. Please see ADA information below.

• Adults: $20.00
• Seniors: $19.00
• Children age 4-12: $15.00
• Children age 3 and under: Free
• Wilds Member: Free

Safari Transports depart regularly from the Visitor Center approximately every 10 to 20 minutes on open days beginning at 10 a.m. The last Safari Transport departs at 4 p.m. Safari Transport vehicles feature large windows and are air conditioned. Reservations Not Required

Open-Air Safari


Board an Open-Air Safari vehicle for a premium day-tour experience, providing outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. A knowledgeable guide will take you through the Wilds' open-range animal areas, where you'll see rhinos, giraffes and many other rare and endangered animals roaming in large, natural settings. This tour includes stops at selected destinations, including the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center. Please see ADA information below.

• Non Members: $27.00 per person (all ages)
• Wilds Members: $22.00 per person (all ages)

Open-Air Safari vehicles depart the Visitor Center hourly on the half-hour between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the spring and fall; and every half hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer season.
Reservations Not Required

[airedale]

Well, it doesnt look like ill be able to make it, the Tin Can Tourists rally is the same weekend. If for some reason I cant get into their rally, ill be there.