midwest rally

maznblu · 10-30-2002, 11:49 AM

Following up on Shari's excellent suggestion, I'm posting an invitation to respond about having a Forum rally somewhere near Jackson Center, OH. If there is enough interest, I will try to set up a tour of the A/S factory as part of the rally. There are a couple of state parks in the area. One, Indian Lake, has over 400 sites. I'd guess it's pretty popular on summer weekends, but maybe Spring, Fall or Winter would be more open. Campsites cost $17-27/night (2002 fees). Below is a clip about the area from the Ohio DNR page on this campground (http://www.ohiodnr.com/parks/parks/indianlk.htm). What they don't mention is that Bellefontaine is the site of the first concrete roadway in the U.S., something we A/Srs have benefitted by!

Let us know whether you are interested in this rally and suggest a season or month that would be good for you. Also whether you are confined to a weekend rally.

Eugenie

Area Attractions
Located six miles east of Bellefontaine on S.R. 540, Zane Caverns feature illuminated two-level caves. The caves are known for the formation of "cave pearls." Ohio Caverns, three miles east of West Liberty on S.R. 245, is the largest of all Ohio caves. Exquisite crystal-white stalactite/stalagmite formations are found in great profusion and artistic settings. Both Zane Caverns and Ohio Caverns charge a small admission.

Mad River Mountain ski area is located five miles east of Bellefontaine on U.S. 33. Horse rentals are available at Marmon Valley Farms on U.S. 33.

The Piatt Castles, Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee, are located near West Liberty on S.R. 245. Built by the Piatt family after the Civil War, the houses are noted for their architecture, furnishings and collection of Indian relics.

West of Indian Lake are Lake Loramie and Grand Lake St. Marys state parks. Both feature camping and water related recreation. Northeast of the park are Killdeer Plains and Big Island wildlife areas operated by the Division of Wildlife. Both areas offer hunting and bird watching opportunities. Gross Woods, a state nature preserve operated by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, is one of the least disturbed woods in west-central Ohio.

Jabba · 10-30-2002, 11:54 AM

Hi Eugenie, we'd be interested in a rally and tour. Weekend would be better. I know the factory site says they do tours on weekdays, so maybe shoot for that on a Friday? Keep us posted!

Thanks,
Jason

overlander64 · 10-30-2002, 12:30 PM

Greetings Eugenie!

If the Rally fell on a date outside of the school year where I teach, I would definitely be interested. My open dates would be basically from the first weekend in June through the second or third week in August. I missed the tour of the Airstream plant when I attended the WBCCI International Rally in Dayton (1999), and I would really like to take the plant tour. Jackson Center is a bit more than 500 miles from me so it wouldn't be practical to travel that distance with the Airstream during the school year.

One suggestion might be to try for the weekend before or after the Region 4 WBCCI Rally.

Kevin

**Pick** · 10-30-2002, 04:37 PM

If it after April 1, it would be better for me and my wife. End of week/weekend or weekend/beginning of week would be great. I am about 3.5-4.0 hours from Jackson Center.

**jcanavera** · 10-30-2002, 09:13 PM

Quite honestly I would be hesitant to come if we were using an unreserved public facility. Its too many miles to drive only find the campground either full, or sites that are not together with the group. We have some nice state parks in Missouri but I wouldn't select one for a rally due to the uncertainty of available sites.

I would pay the $$ to use a private campground knowing that a spot was waiting for me.

Weekends would not be good if you are planning a plant tour. I wonder what A/S would think of using their facility? I think they have at least 4 wagon wheel full hookup areas at the Service Center.

Regards,

Jack

Jabba · 10-31-2002, 04:20 AM

Good catch Jack. My wife caught that last night too, Ohio doesn't have reserved State Park camping that we know of. I know there are some nice county parks not to far to the north/nortwest, I think, have to find out from my parents(they've been there) as to the reservation thing. Any ideas Eugenie?

Jason

maznblu · 10-31-2002, 04:58 AM

Here is what the Ohio DNR page on Indian Lake says about camping:

There are 443 family campsites suitable for tents or trailers on the northwest section of the lakeshore. The scenic campground offers electric hookups for most sites, heated shower houses, flush toilets, laundry facility and camp commissary. A beach, boat ramp and boat docks are provided for exclusive camper use. A limited number of pet camping sites are available. The park's group camp area may be reserved by advanced registration. Twenty boat camping spaces are also available.

Two camper cabin units are available to rent. One unit sleeps six, and one sleeps four. Equipment provided includes a microwave oven, gas grill with propane tank, refrigerator, window air conditioner, ceiling fan with light, table and two chairs, and two futons. The units can be reserved by calling the park office at (937) 843-2717. A non-refundable deposit equaling the first night's fee is required at the time of reservation.

I could reserve the group camp area. Also, if there are folks who are still looking for an A/S, but haven't yet found one by the time we rally, they would have the possibility of renting a camper cabin unit.

Please understand that I'm not opposed to a private campground, but personally prefer the ambiance of state campgrounds. I'll follow whatever the majority wants. Also, it doesn't look like we would have a huge number of attendees, but maybe we're too early in the game to tell.

Kevin, you suggested a weekend before or after the Region 4 rally. I'm not a member of WBCCC. Could you please tell me/us when that is so that we can all consider whether that would fit into our respective schedules? Thanks.

Eugenie

overlander64 · 10-31-2002, 07:17 AM

Greetings Eugenie!

I don't believe that the final date has been set, at least not according to what is currently listed on the WBCCI homepage. The 2002 Region 4 Rally was May 29 through June 2 and was held in Van Wert, OH.

Based on what was mentioned at last year's rally, I would suspect that it will probably take place either May 21 through 26 or May 28 through June 1. I am not located in Region 4, but do enjoy attending their rally as it is usually on my first weekend following the end of the school year.

Kevin

Jabba · 01-08-2003, 07:02 AM

Haven't heard anything about this one lately, anybody still interested? My wife has been asking me about it, so I thought I'd bring it back up.

dienst1 · 01-08-2003, 12:43 PM

We are planning to spend some time at the family farm near Ridgeway, 18 miles from Jackson Center, in July and August. We were there in late October and early November last year. We stayed October 31st (Halloween) at a KOA in Wapakoneta (on Cemetery Road). They welcome groups, seem to have quite a few spaces and are about 12 miles from Jackson Center. The park owners own an Airstream which was for sale when we were there.

e-mail is WapakonetaOH@mykoa.com and they re-open February 24th.

rdm · 01-09-2003, 01:03 PM

We would be interested in attending your rally.
July or August would work best for us or late June.
The KOA mentioned is excellent we stay there when travelling south on I - 75.
Thanks
Ray And Evelyn

rdm · 01-09-2003, 01:05 PM

Sorry about the sad face some how my Bifocals must need adjustment.
Ray

maznblu · 01-10-2003, 02:44 AM

Hi.
I'm the person who proposed this gathering. I was waiting until a couple of people worked out their schedules. My own is pretty complicated until late June, then I'll be more or less free until mid-August. If I can get some other statements about available dates, I can start some planning.

The main event I had proposed was a tour of the Jackson Center plant. That has to take place on a weekday. Are there other events in the area people might be interested in and have info on?

Eugenie

dienst1 · 01-10-2003, 11:03 AM

When we were there in November we were told that, even though there is a tour every weekday, Friday is not good. The tour starts at 2:00 PM but on Friday the manufacturing personnel go home at 3:00 PM.