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DanB · 03-11-2009, 10:57 AM

Those that know me, know that I tend to come up with some unusual ideas! Sometimes I have good ideas, sometimes really bad ones! Occasionally, I hit a really good one.

Last year, I organized the Cedar Point Rally. Although we had fun, it wasn’t very well attended. I’ll probably try to put something together again this year. I’m wondering if we should try later in the year during Halloweekends?

I enjoy adventurous things and activities. I read articles and blogs about Airstreamers visiting Alaska, out west, and overseas. I can only imagine what an African caravan might have been like. Last year I was about 20 years away from being able to do those things. Today I’m probably 30 years away.

So in the mean time, I can only pursue these activities in miniature. So how do I go to camping in Africa for the weekend? I guess by driving a couple of hours east to Cumberland, Ohio!

OK, so let me get to the point.

Would anybody be interested in a rally to The Wilds in Ohio? www.thewilds.org

Per thier website:

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world. Located on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, it is home to rare and endangered species from around the world living in natural, open-range habitat, as well as home to hundreds of indigenous species. In addition to innovative, in-depth science and education programs, the Wilds offers guided experiences to the public on selected days May through October

To stay in the spirit of an African caravan, I think it would be wonderful to boondock directly in the preserve. Obviously, this would be in an unoccupied area! In exchange for the camping privilege, we could volunteer for a service project during our stay. We could have a great time camping, and do some good at the same time.

If the boondocking doesn’t work out, Salt Fork State Park is just down the road.

Please feel free to throw out your thought!

Boondocker · 03-11-2009, 11:15 AM

what a neat idea!

willyd · 03-11-2009, 05:14 PM

Sounds like a great adventure - please keep us informed.

mouth012006 · 03-11-2009, 08:11 PM

Sounds like a really cool time.....keep me posted!!!

Minnie's Mate · 03-12-2009, 07:18 AM

Way cool idea. Too bad you are talking during the school year. We have kids that would love it, plus we already have the vacation planned for this year.

DanB · 03-12-2009, 07:36 AM

Maybe I wasn't real clear, For Cedar Point, I was suggesting later. But I'm open to other ideas!

For The Wilds, I made no suggestion on date.

Again, please either post or PM me if you have any interest. No sense in me pursuing the idea if nobody likes it!

stonymo · 03-12-2009, 09:18 AM

We would consider your idea, sounds like a enjoyable time. Post a date if you find enough interest, and we will check our schedule.

Minnie's Mate · 03-12-2009, 10:06 AM

How long would the rally be. We are in Atlanta and Ohio is a good 10 or more hours away, depending on what part of state you're talking about. That's a little far for a weekend, but at the same time, we have the summer vacation planned this year so much more than a three or four day weekend would be out of the question this year, but, next year might be in the cards for us.

DanB · 03-16-2009, 08:27 AM

Just to keep everyone in the loop......

Last week I contacted The Wilds concerning a proposed rally. In short, they are excited about the idea and think it would be great to have us there and to also have the public see us there!

There reservation specialist called me today and we discussed how rallies work, and what we would want.

Of course some concerns exist. The Wilds does not have a "campground". They have a couple of large yurts and a dining hall. Some grassy areas are available for use. These have to be sized up to determine capacity.

I will be making a trip to go meet her and scope out the facility in a couple of weeks.

Until then, a couple of things need to happen. A general census on date needs to take place and a comfort limit on costs. Obviously, we like free and cheap things! But, we need to realize that this is a non-profit we are dealing with. They need to follow up on any chance of income possible. This ranges from their restaurant providing us meals, to us paying for their tours. Part of The Wilds mission is awareness and education. This is why they want us there.

I'll try to pin down a budget. Until then, what’s your thought on dates?

I'm thinking mid-August. I do realize that many already have summer plans. Maybe this should wait till next year?

Your comments please.....

rollingbubel · 03-16-2009, 08:43 AM

Great idea!!! I went to the Wilds years back on a little safari trip. I was blown away at how cool the place was. I feel that it would make an excellent rally spot. I'm in if it is on!!!

loudruff · 03-16-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanB

I'll try to pin down a budget. Until then, what’s your thought on dates?

I'm thinking mid-August. I do realize that many already have summer plans. Maybe this should wait till next year?

Your comments please.....

If this is a boondocking kind of camping experience you may NOT want to go in August. That is a pretty hot month to be out in the open..maybe??

LI Pets · 03-16-2009, 07:06 PM

I'm interested, keep us posted

mouth012006 · 03-16-2009, 07:32 PM

what about an early fall trip?

DanB · 03-24-2009, 02:58 PM

To get the ball rolling, here are a couple of dates to consider:

August 7-9

Sept.18-20

The August date will be warmer. It is probably the weekend after the metro Detroit rally, and the weekend prior to the Vintage trailer jam. School probably hasn't started yet.

The Sept. will be cooler. The animals will be more active. I don't believe any rallies are scheduled near. School is in.

Please let me know your thoughts.

drag'nwagon · 03-24-2009, 05:28 PM

Hey Dan,

Keep us posted, I think the kids would love this one. Maybe by the time we get to KY you have more info for us all.

DanB · 03-25-2009, 02:04 PM

A quick update.....

I'm meeting with The Wilds staff on April 11. I should have a very good feeling about the event after that.

After giving it some thought, unless someone can give me a compelling reason, I'm going to shoot for Sept. 18-20 as the date.

Notification has been made on the Rally Calendar. Although preliminary, please sign up if you are considering attending. This will help me sell it to the staff.

Thanks!

memgrove2000 · 04-01-2009, 11:16 AM

This is a great idea. I hope you can pull it off! The September dates look the best for us. Good luck with the plans. Mike

nvestysly · 04-05-2009, 07:52 AM

September would work for us. This sounds very interesting - we'll definitely keep an eye on this tread.

Lucius

DanB · 04-09-2009, 07:57 AM

This weekend I'm making the three hour trek down to the rally site to coordinate with their staff.

It would be great if I could go into the room telling them I have a handfull of participants that have expressed interest. In order for me to truthfully do that, I'd like to ask that if you have any interest in this rally, please either PM me, post here, or go to the Rally sign-up post located here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/cale...=2009-9-18&c=1

Doing so in no way commits you to going! It only provides me with a gauge of interest.

Thanks in advance,
DanB