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maccamper · 04-19-2009, 02:31 PM

Here are some more pics: one of a typical site, one of the power posts that provide electricity to 3 or 4 sites, and one of an atypical site with a mature tree on each side. The picnic tables and fire rings had temporarily been moved onto the fresh gravel so they could better sow the grass seed.

The entire campground has large mature trees. They had not leafed out when we were there, but by the first of May will hopefully be starting to provide a wonderful canopy.

soldiermedic · 04-19-2009, 04:05 PM

The campground looks very nice and should provide us everything we need for a perfect rally other than nice weather>

Amy and I spoke with several rally attendees at the Kentucky rally this past weekend who have interest in attending> I am hopeful that they make reservations before the full hook up spots are filled>

For food we will bring an entertaining table side bowl smoked shrimp for Friday night and Armadillo eggs with something else tbd for Saturday>

Steve

maccamper · 04-20-2009, 12:39 PM

We're working on clip-on, laminated name badges for the Rend Lake Rally and think we have the hang of it now.

If you want a badge, please "private message" us with the number of badges you need and the name for each badge. Attached is an example. We are limited to the amount of space for names on the badge.

Thanks!
maccamper

And, thanks to moderator, Janet, for sending the pic file of the logo.

soldiermedic · 04-20-2009, 12:46 PM

I think they look fantastic.

You know the Medic family will want three for us, and I think you pretty much have our names committed to memory

Let me know if we can help in any way.

Steve

maccamper · 04-21-2009, 02:28 PM

Steve,

Here's an update on The Atomic Home that I mentioned in an earlier post about things to do in Benton, IL.

The good news is that they are still in business. The not so good news is that they are relocating to Murphysboro, IL and won't be open for business till the middle or end of May. That will be after the Rend Lake Rally.

We were in Benton a couple of weeks ago and learned that The Atomic Home had moved. This afternoon I had a call from one of the owners with an update on their new location. Murphysboro is about an hour's drive from Whittington Woods.

The new store address is 1424 Walnut St, Murphysboro, IL. They'll be just a couple of blocks from the original 17th Street Bar and Grill -- home of Mike Mills' award winning BBQ.

Nancy Mac

The Atomic Home | The Atomic Home
17th Street Bar & Grill - World Champion Barbecue

soldiermedic · 04-21-2009, 02:35 PM

UGH!!!!!

One of the things I wanted to do the most was pay a visit to that shop to get trinkets for my Flying Cloud!

On a side note, I use a promotional company for my Leak testing business, and I am having some momento magnets made for everyone who attends. I am using the same graphic that you are using for the name tags.

Steve

soldiermedic · 04-24-2009, 09:49 AM

I just got a call from the Benton Evening News about the rally. They are going to do an article on the rally, and want tocome out Saturday during trailer tours. I am glad to see that there is this much interest about our quaint midwest rally.

Just got the trophy for the armadillo egg cook off, and some small momentos for everyone.

Only a week away!

Steve

maccamper · 04-24-2009, 10:08 AM

Cool, very cool !

soldiermedic · 04-26-2009, 09:06 AM

With everyone posting so much (Sarcasm

), I forgot to see what people would like to bring for pot luck items.

We're bringing Bowl Smoked shrimp on Friday night, but for Saturday we are bringing Armadillo Eggs and a specialty item never made by us before.....the BACON EXPLOSION.

maccamper · 04-26-2009, 09:49 AM

Oh my heavens! Bacon Bacon Bacon Pork Pork Pork ... it will be fun watching that all come together!

Friday night:
We'll bring Italian Roast Beef, rolls, toppings (horseradish, mustard, peppers, onions, cheeses) for a roast beef sub bar.

Saturday night:
We'll bring baked beans (based on Mike Mills' 17th Street Bar & Grill Baked Beans) and armadillo eggs.

Here's a sneak preview of maccamper's armadillo eggs. He did a practice batch a couple of days ago. The lizards are keeping an eye on the armadillo eggs

Nancy Mac

overlander64 · 04-26-2009, 02:07 PM

Decisions --- Decisions -- Decisions -- I have so many potluck dishes that I have wanted to try making this season so both of mine will be new to my repetiore.

Friday Night:

Steamburgers -- a variation of the Maid Rite or the Loose Meat sandwiches that were served at Roseanne and Tom's Cafe in Iowa. I am working from a recipe developed by a very close friend in the Quad Cities.

Saturday Night:

Sweet and Sour Meatballs -- a variation of Sweet and Sour Pork only with beef and pork meatballs. Served over rice for a taste tempting treat. I will be making these from a recipe that was developed by a friend from my hometown.

I will be carrying my new automatic doughnut maker so we will see how this thing works. The literature claims that it makes up to six dozen mini doughnuts per hour -- I haven't tested it yet so I am not promising anything from this machine -- but I do want to give it a trial.

Kevin

P.S.: Hopefull, I won't have what has become my usual first camp-out of the season trials -- it is looking like a rushed week but barring anything unforeseen, I should be on schedule or a little ahead. My towcar has to go in for an oil change and speedometer repair, and I am hoping that my new tires arrive for the Overlander before my scheduled departure (its current Marthons are five years old). Both the towcar and trailer need a thorough cleaning -- almost insures that we will have the predicted rain Monday through Thursday!.

soldiermedic · 04-26-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander64

I will be carrying my new automatic doughnut maker so we will see how this thing works. The literature claims that it makes up to six dozen mini doughnuts per hour -- I haven't tested it yet so I am not promising anything from this machine -- but I do want to give it a trial.

Kevin

Holy Cow!!!!!

With the free doughnuts from the campground every morning we'll be loaded to the gills. I know we are arriving on Thursday evening. Anyone else?

Steve

maccamper · 04-27-2009, 05:19 PM

Kevin -- wow, we're anxious to help you try out that new doughnut machine and sample your new potluck additions. We'll bring a bottle of Canyon Gold.

Steve, we'll be driving down on Thursday, too. Don't know what time we'll hit the road. We'll take US 51 south and just south of Centralia we'll pick up Interstate 64 and then take Interstate 57 on down to Benton. That's our usual route when we head to Southern Illinois.

A Travel Center of America is at Mt. Vernon off Interstate 57 & 64 milemarker 95. It's an easy in and out for filling the gas tank and has clean restrooms.

See y'all soon! Travel safely everyone.

Nancy Mac

soldiermedic · 04-27-2009, 09:07 PM

The newspaper is planning on an article this week, and then wants to meet early on Friday morning to get info for Saturday's activities. While I told her that this rally is not drawing a ton of participants like many others, people interested in airstreams would be welcome to stop by for any info.

7AM is when they want to meet on Friday...anyone going to have coffee ready?

Steve

CrzyCorpsman · 04-28-2009, 09:32 AM

There is a chance, very small, that I'll be able to stop by on my way through back to Mississippi. If I do, it'll likely be late Friday afternoon. I was planning on stopping be and doing the Airstream factory tour, but there won't be any production going on on Friday so maybe on my trip back here later on this summer I'll do the tour.

Steve, do you think that the campground will give me any grief for stopping by for the afternoon?

soldiermedic · 04-28-2009, 09:46 AM

Brian,

Are you just planning on stopping by for a hello, or are you planning to stay overnight? Either way it won't be an issue since the park is bending over backwards to make us happy, especially after this news article was brought up.

Just let me know your plans, and we'll take care of it all.

Steve

maccamper · 04-28-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

The newspaper is planning on an article this week, and then wants to meet early on Friday morning to get info for Saturday's activities. While I told her that this rally is not drawing a ton of participants like many others, people interested in airstreams would be welcome to stop by for any info.

7AM is when they want to meet on Friday...anyone going to have coffee ready?

Steve

Steve, we're usually up and about early. Laird will brew extra coffee on Friday morning. I'll have a pot of hot tea in case anyone is a tea drinker like I am.

On another note, we bought our jalapenos while ago for the armadillo eggs. Meijer grocery had a sign in the produce section saying that the jalapenos were grown in the US.

Nancy mac

soldiermedic · 04-29-2009, 02:21 PM

MMMMMmmmmmm.....Smell that smoke.

First batch just went into the smoker.

Steve

soldiermedic · 04-29-2009, 03:34 PM

The trophy for best armadillo eggs, and a nice custom coffee mug as a door prize.

Isn't that armadillo awesome!

Steve

maccamper · 04-29-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

The trophy for best armadillo eggs, and a nice custom coffee mug as a door prize.

Isn't that armadillo awesome!

Steve

Awesome, indeed! Most impressive, Steve.

maccamper likes the trophy a lot --- says he'll try his best to win it!

The coffee/tea mugs are neat, too.

nancy mac