Fall Rally In Northern Illinois

[till]

Delay in getting out. Lift out now scheduled for Friday 11 AM.....

[Airtandem]

Another rally has come and gone. I hope all had a good time. Was good to see old and new friends. This has become more of continuous eating than a rally. When one meal is finished, someone is asking ; What's next to eat.
This was a fun rally in that last spring we had 7 AS and this time there were 12. We would of had 14, but there were 2 no shows???
The spring rally is already being planned for the second week end in May. I hope it will be warmer than. It got to below freezing and we went through a face cord of wood.
Enjoyed seeing everyone, and until spring; mike

[till]

Great time with ever one! Can not believe that we had so many people. Have a safe winter and see you all in the spring.

[robert claus]

Great time, great people, great food! But chilllllly! Nice collection of Airstreams - new, old, big & small

[knunut]

Our First, and Hope to Attend Many More.
Had a Great Time and lots of Food !
Want to thank the entire Rally & Food team ,it was Great!!!
Thank's to All !!!

[Tom Nugler]

We started out on Thursday morning with mild weather. On-route we got a call from Mike wanting to know if we brought a generator.
Power was out at the park. By the time we arrived the situation was under control.
We started setting up and decorating the sites for the Gathering.
On Friday the weather started to turn colder and we set up the canopies and a windbreak.
Sue and Dana decided to roast the 32 pounds of Turkey ahead of time so we could slice and reheat it on Saturday.

[Tom Nugler]

Friday afternoon some of us took to the hiking trails and walked over the River Overlook and Stone Barn. The trees were starting to turn colors and the cool air made for a comfortable walk in the woods.

[Tom Nugler]

This was by far the coldest Rally we’ve ever had. We’ve had light snow in the past but never a whole weekend of sustained highs in the low 50’s and lows in the 20’s and 30’s.
We had the campfire going from 7 in the morning until 10 to 11 at night.
With the ADULT-erated hot chocolate and cider to keep us warm there were no complaints.

[luview]

Lots of people at the rally asked for this recipe. We left the rally to continue camping across Iowa and back and don't yet have mobile wifi so this is why it has taken me so long to post this.

This recipe has been passed around a lot. The name changes depending on who gives it to you. So, for you, it will be:

Carolyn's Sweet Potato Souflee
Serves about 12

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Mix together:
3 cups cooked, peeled & mashed sweet potatoes ( about 2.5 lbs raw)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 stick butter melted
Spread evenly in 9" X 13" lightly greased casserole. (Should be about 1.5" thick.)

Topping:
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1.5 tsp vanilla
1/3 stick butter melted
Mix dry ingredients together. Add liquids & mix. Spread evenly over sweet potato mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes.

It was fun to see you all even though we couldn't stay long. Hope to see you next year!

[Tom Nugler]

On Saturday the Big Event unfolded.
As usual there was food a plenty.
There was, literally, everything from soup to nuts. Appetizer trays, vegetables of every variety. Potatoes sweet and mashed. The sweet potatoes were fantastic. The turkeys with the smoky overtones, and let’s not forget the pies, cakes and brownies.
I think some day we should have a Dessert Rally. But that’s another tropic.
Rodger and Dee are retiring their position as Campground Hosts this year. No. Really. This time for sure.
Dana presented them with small gifts and tokens of our appreciation for all they’ve done for us over the years. This after Rodger wrapped a hardhat with aluminum foil, wrote Chief Airhead on it and gave it to Mike.

[Tom Nugler]

Well, another season is winding down. I went in the trailer today to get some stuff and the smell of Turkey and Wood Smoke still lingered inside.
Despite the weather this was another great time with new friends and old. We hope to see everyone again next year.

Sue and I want to thank everyone who attended for making this such a memorable event.
For those of you who are traveling this winter we wish you safe and happy travels. And to those we won’t see again until the next Spring Rally we wish you Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year.

Tom, Sue and Sammi.