Nor Cal Forum Rally, Laguna Seca, October 29-31

[Coastalview]

I want to thank Big Dee, for getting this rally organized. What a great experience to meet such a wonderful diverse group, with a common love of Airstreams.I strongly believe that this rally could take place anywhere, with equal enthusiasm and sucess.Also to everyone that made the journey, thank-you for the oppurtunity to meet each of you and your contributions to make this first rally sucessful. Lets get planning for the nexted one !
Jeff, kathy, Collin, and little Ted

[Tinsel Loaf]

We had FUN!...........Thank's Big DEE !!!!!

[Condoluminum]

Let me add our thanks to Big Dee for putting this together, and to all those who showed up and made this a terrific weekend in Monterey!!! Great location, great logistics, the dinner and cocktail hour and home-tours were fun, and both of us had a great weekend, even missing Friday evening.. It was such a fun weekend, I even enjoyed lunch in Moss Landing and antiquing, which would never happen on a normal weekend in Monterey...

My favorite moment of the entire outing was a conversation with our visitors from Bakersfield who asked politely how long we've been meeting as a group.. When I explained we'd all just met for the first time that day, he was stunned, as he assumed we were long term friends.. Through this Forum, that's true in a way, but it was still a special weekend.

I say we plan some more, and do it again (though a slightly warmer dinner ambience sounds good..), and the idea of getting together for weekend plus in an area with lots of local options seems to work really well.

To start pictures rolling in, here is a shot of Condoluminum with Mrs. JBMcG at Laguna Seca and race track behind and below, as Saturday evening fog rolled in..

This was so much fun I'm considering contacting WBCCI to see if we can form a NorCal Unit of web-enabled Airstreamers who enjoy weekend outings to interesting places between Santa Barbara and Mendocino coast and Lake Tahoe.. Two week trips to "International Rally" in Midwest or week-long regional rallies strictly optional...

John McG

[Big Dee]

First thing: WHOA, did anybody else feel their hair rise on that 16% grade. Man O man, that was hairy. Never been down such a hill with 8,000 lbs behind me. The brakes got a work out!

As to the rally, well, it was simply... AWESOME! Fun, fun, and more fun. It was great to arrive at the campground on Friday to see four Airstreams lined up already. How exciting! To see groups of Airstreamers talking all around me is so cool. Excitement everywhere you look.

The campground was too cool. To watch those races right from "our" spot was perfect enertainment. I now have a feel for what race fans get so excited about. It is cool to see those cars rip around the corners and floor it on the straight away. And thanks to our resident race expert, Jeff, for explaining everything to us race newbies. Also loved the hill sites and what a view in every direction. The rangers were very cool. Just a superb campground, all the way around.

The dinner on Saturday was FANTASTIC and was my favorite part of the rally (go figure)! Thank you to everyone for making it what it was. Everyone either brought food or helped set-up. Couldn't believe all the delicious food dishes. So many that I couldn't try everything although I certainly tried . Having three tables of diners felt really special. It was great to break bread with such a group. Just loved it!

A big thank you to Troy and Marcella for coming all the way from Bakersfield just to join us and get a feel for this "Airstream thing". JBMcG was right, they were absolutely incredulous to hear that none of us has ever met face to face. It is my favorite story to tell from the rally. I think we convinced them to make the plunge and join the Airstream community. We all hope they will join us again, this time with a trailer!

Also thanks to Cam (Hit'the'road) for making a day trip all the way from Napa to join us on Saturday. I totally enjoyed talking with him and giving my two cents about his questions and worries. I guess we all did a good job of convincing him because I see he put down a deposit for the 25' CCD. Congrats!!! Good choice, Cam. Can't wait to see some pics. Post them when you get your new baby. And it will be nice to have a CCD at our rallies for now on.

I also want to thank Jeff (my rally neighbor) for helping with the rally planning and being the "local on call". Also cutting up firewood for us all. It was great to have an endless supply. Kathy was fun to talk to and Collin was the happiest kid I have seen in a long time. Beautiful family, Jeff. I am real thankful to have had the chance to get to know you three (and little Ted, too).

I felt like I made life-long friends in one weekend: Jeff and Kathy (coastalview), Mike and Debbie (Mike B), Paul and Dee (warbler5), Ingrid and Jeff (pinkflamingoes), John and Dianne (JBMcG), Mr. and Mrs. Doghouse, Eric and Lindarae, Tinsel (and his awesome rig), Troy and Marcella, Cam (Hit'the'road), all the well-behaved kids and whoever I forgot to mention (sorry ). Awesome people who are now my good friends.

I've got pics to share but haven't downloaded them so stay tuned.

Again, THANK YOU to all. It was an event I shall long remember. And many to come! Now where next?

[Big Dee]

Wow! Tinsel, just awesome pics. You have talent, much more than I. Love the one of everyone eating with that view.

Also isn't that Collin a sweety! You will have to send a hard copy to Jeff because that's a keeper!

Also wish I had time to tour your rig. So much I wanted to see. My only complaint from the rally was - not enough time. Just too darn quick. Next time for sure.

[Tinsel Loaf]

There were race cars there, indeed. Jeff is explaning to me that they go real fast and in one direction and don't tow Airstreams that fast. There were 10 pictures in my other post hope ya got them all and the one with with our Fearless Leader, Big Dee. And what a view. The valley views, not Big Dee.

[pinkflamingoes]

Where to next? Pinkflamingoes' driveway to fix up her trailer. Come on down the beer's on me...

...please?

[robandzoe]

I was stationed there at the Naval Postgraduate school in 1996 - 1998. I wish I knew of the Airstreamers there. I bought my 85 34' Limited there in Salinas. I used to mountain bike the old Fort Ord, right up to the back side of the track. And then there is the Sea Otter Classic. Your photos bring back alot of memories. I lived about 1/2 way between Carmel and Big Sur, up on top of the mountain above the Rocky Point Restaurant. What a time it was. I had the AS there at the Navy Camp Ground ($12 a night full hookups) behind the Monterey Fair grounds...for any of you retired types or Active Duty types...just watch out for golf balls..trailer never got hit, but there were always balls around the trailer at night.....I've been following this thread and loving the pictures...keep them coming.

Rob

[Big Dee]

Tinsel,

I LOL when I read your post. You're killing me. Yes, Jeff was very patient with our questions.

BTW, what's wrong with the view of me? Aren't I as pretty as that scenery? All right, don't answer that.

Again, nice pics. Anymore?

[Big Dee]

Ingrid,

I feel for you! How hard it must be to see everybody's AS and not to have yours to play in. But I am sure you guys will make good progress now that you are doublely motivated. Maybe bring it as a "work in progress" and we will all pitch in next time. Like an old fashoned barn raising! Loved talking with you around the campfire. Can't wait to do it again!

[Big Dee]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

I lived about 1/2 way between Carmel and Big Sur, up on top of the mountain above the Rocky Point Restaurant. What a time it was.

Rob,

Lived above Rocky Point? Very jealous! You were a lucky dog. How did you ever leave one of the most beautiful areas on Earth (Monterey/Big Sur)?

[warbler5]

Big Dee (aka, Dan)......Thanks soooooooooooo much for your organization and constant encouragement to all of us to attend the FIRST ANNUAL Laguna Seca Airstream Forums Rally!!!!!! We met so many new friends and learned so many helpful things about Airstream trailering. And, Jeff.....having you there to advise us and answer questions about the area was like having our own personal rep from the Monterey chamber of commerce!!! And, did I mention....the weather was PERFECT!

It was so cool to see the folks who showed up just to check out Airstreams and all the help that was provided. They instantly were embraced by the group and took Dan up on the invitation for dinner on Saturday. We must have worked our magic on Hit'the'road, since he has his new Airstream on order!

Anyone who thought about coming and didn't really missed out....I can hardly wait for our next Airstream Forums rally! We made many new friends...the down side was that it was very lonely to come back on Sunday and find you all gone.

Mike B. and Debbie....we didn't see your trailer sitting at Toscano's, so you must have resisted temptation, since there was a pretty fair selection of both used and new trailers!

Big Dee.....after driving out twice without the trailer behind me, I was prepared to take that 16% downhill reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaal slow, and shifted into the lowest gear I could find! I also throw in the comment, "Whoa, big fella!" when I encounter those types of road conditions.....it always helps to converse with your Airstream!!!!

Cheers, Dee & Paul