June 2015 marks the 13th anniversary of the Forums Moraine View rally. Far enough away from the big metropolitan cities to assure us ample sites, but close enough that most would not have to drive more than a day to get to.
This year's date begins Friday June 12th with departure set for Sunday June 14th.
A big thanks to all of you who carried the rally forward last year in my absence during Patty's hospitalization and illness. She has recovered although now has to deal with dialysis on a daily basis. We proved with a late season camping trip that we can accommodate her needs, so we are planning to be back this year.
Moraine View is electric hookup only campground, but for a weekend, most of us can comfortably use our holding tanks for water and waste. Water and dump stations are in the campground along with a nearby bath house and playground area for kids. We have good site space that accommodates a large gathering of people, and best of all participation from lots of you out there who come to the rally, try out your recipes at our pot luck, and sit out in the dark watching movies projected on the side of a vintage Airstream.
We've gone through good weather and bad, but in our 13 previous years so far, we've never had the Saturday night pot luck and movies rained out. Not that it hasn't been close, but in the end if the Saturday rain came, it always ended prior to dinner and the movies. Pretty phenomenal considering we have had this rally on the second weekend of June in 10 of its 13 years.
This year we will again be camped in the area down by the lake. All reservable sites must be procured through the ReserveAmerica.com reservation system. There is a $5 processing fee that is not refundable but if you cancel you can get a refund. I know it may be early for you to make commitments but we need to get our reservations is ASAP to assure we will fill the loop up with forum attendees.
Lots of friends have been made, some have passed on. Kids have grown up, unions have been made, and some unions have parted. Our canine buddies have also changed over time and many have passed over the rainbow bridge only to be replaced by new companions displaying their own endearing traits.
A few of us have been there every year, and some almost every year. Its been a fun event and something that has been a given here at AirForums. After looking at some of the archives, I believe it's the oldest same site Forums rally that is in existence.
So what's the plans for 2015? Well it starts out on Friday evening June 12th at 5 with a hot dog fest at my trailer. I'll supply the hot dogs buns and some toppings. If you want to bring anything else to share, you are more than welcome. Saturday is the traditional optional trailer open house beginning at noon till 4pm. A pot luck dinner at 6pm will be held in the central area of our camping loop. Please bring a side item or desert to share. You will be responsible for your own main course which you do not have to share. At dusk we pull out the movies and be assured there will be an Airstream related video first and then a full feature movie that follows.
Sunday will be the winding down time with us getting ready to depart. Note that there is a late checkout time so you don't have to feel rushed to depart. Check in is at 3PM.
Note that many of us arrive on Thursday even though we have no specific events scheduled. Note that the available water at the park carries some sediment so be sure to bring a water filter if you plan to use the spigots that are scattered around the loops.
Those who can't make reservations, be aware that there are unreserved sites very close to our loop. Those sites are usually filled by Friday evening, so if you are planning to arrive without reservations, Thursday or Friday morning will give you best access to those sites.
Moraine View State park is located near Bloomington Illinois. It is associated with LeRoy Illinois where you will find gas, fast food, supermarkets and other supplies.
Here is the link to the campground information.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt...ne.htm#Camping
Here is a link to the campground map.
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt...mrvcampmap.pdf
The preferred sites are P13-P23, F1-F9. All sites are back in. F1-F9 form a spoke. This is the area where we will eat and have the movies. Some of the P sites back to the lake, some back to the woods. Even if these sites fill, know that there are many reservable sites next to the sites that I listed. We've had as many as 43 units in past years, so there is always room.
In the meantime start thinking about this and get your reservations in. If this is your first rally or you are an Airstream wannabe, please come. While many of us have been coming to this rally for years, we always have many first time attendees. If you reserve a site, please let me know. I'll keep a list posted so you know who is coming and where they will be.
Jack