2009 Texas State Vintage Rally

[Emmett&Roxie]

Unfortunately, Brazos Bend State park is still closed for camping following Hurricane Ike last September as is Galveston Island State park. I haven't checked but strongly believe that Quintana Beach county park is probably not open either. South of Houston and along the Gulf coast west of Palacious to the Lousiana border suffered heavily during Ike and many people are still displaced. Most of the commercial campgrounds in the coastal areas are full due to the number of people still living their RV's while their houses are repaired. Stephen F. Austin State Park, Palmetto State Park, Huntsville State Park are open, but heavily used and it is very hard to get in at the last minute. Use the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page and their on-line service to check availability. One park that seems to always have space is Double Lake just north of Houston on US 59. That would be about 5 hours to San Antonio skirting around the north side of Houston and then to I-10. Maybe better to try some of the commercial campgrounds in New Braunfels or Austin.

[Shacksman]

Thanks for all the advice on and off the forums. I think we have a plan now. We'll wander along and see you all at the rally. I've got the 67 Safari with us this time . It's very close to original, even has the original upolstry in great condition.

[Happycampers]

Doug... Safe travels and the weather here is looking up.. overcast right now but it will clear out... Annie

[utee94]

The weather here in Austin is beautiful right now, and we're very close to San Antone (90 miles or so). It's in the 40s right now, but it'll be sunny and 60s by the afternoon.

[Happycampers]

We are now in Bastrop State Park near Austin.. was 59 F today and going down to 27 tonight... here until Sun than into Braunig... ... this state park is beautiful.. a little too much road noise for me ..

[GStephens]

Everyone should remember to bring anything they’d like to sell for the Shop and Swap to be held on Saturday morning from 9-11AM. Table setup for individuals and vendors begins at 8 AM. There is no charge for entering the grounds or for setting up a table to sell your Airstream parts, craft items or whatever you have on Saturday. Stick around and tour the Vintage Airstreams Open House in the afternoon and vote on the trailer you liked best.
GStephens

[Bambi_Bandit]

Work is gonna show it's ugly head and I'm going to have to cancel... I shouldn't complain about work as my company just cut 7% of it's workforce in the US today... I still have my job. Do more with less, everyone pulls up the slack and continues on....

I've sent a note to Elaine this afternoon... I think there is a waiting list to get in at the park. Hope somone can make good use of the spot we will give up...

Maybe next year...

[GStephens]

I'd received an email from Elaine advising that she'd received a cancellation this afternoon, but I didn't know who it was. I am so sorry it is you two. We were so looking forward to visiting with you two again.

With your cancellation we're now at 103 units. Elaine thinks she has a replacement for you, but isn't certain. We've pretty much been able to get everyone a site who was on the waiting list (we had six units on the waiting list) once the park relented and gave us an additional four sites. If anyone wants in now is the time to contact Elaine via email at elaine@gaj.com and let her know.

GStephens

[nohillgrish]

We still have snow and ice on the ground, but roads are beginning to clear. We are hoping for some serious melt this weekend. Assuming no setbacks, we plan to start for Texas early next week. Still debating the route we will take. Any suggestions, or road reports, that give preference to going through Oklahoma or Arkansas would be appreciated. I was told that dropping down to I-40 from Joplin, Mo.(I-44) on Hwy 71 was very scenic but understand they had the same storm (only worse) that went through southwest Missouri. The other option being considered was going through Oklahoma City and dropping down through Dallas. This is really how I like to plan my trips--don't get too definite until you pull out of the driveway, and then be flexible.

[whitsend]

Stray -
I just checked the weather forecast for our area during the period of the rally ~

Daytime - Sunny to mostly sunny with temps expected to be from 67 to 72
(us Texans will be shivering in light coats!)

Overnight - Temps are guesstimated to be from 40 to 47

No rain expected. No snow is a guarantee! So OK, if it snows, I owe you a beer!

Looks like the weather is going to be absolutely perfect, as ordered by GStephens. So -Ya'll Come On Down and enjoy all the fun!!

[GStephens]

nohillgrish, though I’ve traveled through NW Arkansas and SE Oklahoma extensively in some breathtaking country, I don’t remember that much about the road numbers to be able to help you; however, once you get to Texas I do have a suggested route. US Hwy 281 offers a much, much more scenic North/South route into San Antonio than IH-35. IH-35 mainly follows the prairie down to San Antonio whereas US 281 goes through many scenic hills. Many, many travelers are currently trying to avoid IH-35 also because of the heavy traffic and construction slowdowns you would experience going that way. US 281 takes you down through a number of small Texas Hill Country towns. Much of it is two lane with broad shoulders. Other sections are four lane undivided highway and then once you near San Antonio, it becomes divided four lane. It is a good highway the whole route. US 281 becomes or transitions into IH 37 on the South Side of San Antonio and after this transition occurs, you are at the exit off IH 37 into the Braunig Lake RV park. Feel free to phone me should you wish to discuss this further or if I may help in any other way. You have my phone number.

GStephens

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by whitsend

Stray -
I just checked the weather forecast for our area during the period of the rally ~

Daytime - Sunny to mostly sunny with temps expected to be from 67 to 72
(us Texans will be shivering in light coats!)

Overnight - Temps are guesstimated to be from 40 to 47

No rain expected. No snow is a guarantee! So OK, if it snows, I owe you a beer!

Looks like the weather is going to be absolutely perfect, as ordered by GStephens. So -Ya'll Come On Down and enjoy all the fun!!

Great it's shorts and T-shirt weather for us Canadians.

[CJ of Okla]

Stray,
By this weekend, Oklahoma City, OK will clear if ya want to come this way. We are leaving Monday before noon. Got to drop off a couple of MANX kittens at the vets, then we will be on our way. It would be cool if we could caravan.

[extiger]

George and the other event organizers are even working on the weather for us. What a great forecast!!!!!!
Wednesday, Feb 4

High: 69 °F RealFeel®: 70 °F
Sunshine and patchy clouds



Wednesday Night, Feb 4

Low: 45 °F RealFeel®: 37 °F
Clear




Forecast Details | Hourly Forecast Available on Premium | AccuPOP® Precipitation Forecast
Thursday, Feb 5

High: 68 °F RealFeel®: 67 °F
A full day of sunshine



Thursday Night, Feb 5

Low: 47 °F RealFeel®: 40 °F
Clear




Forecast Details | Hourly Forecast Available on Premium | AccuPOP® Precipitation Forecast

Friday, Feb 6

High: 67 °F RealFeel®: 66 °F
Sunshine and patchy clouds



Friday Night, Feb 6

Low: 52 °F RealFeel®: 47 °F
Patchy clouds




Forecast Details | Hourly Forecast Available on Premium | AccuPOP® Precipitation Forecast

Saturday, Feb 7

High: 70 °F RealFeel®: 66 °F
A blend of sun and clouds with a passing shower



Saturday Night, Feb 7

Low: 53 °F RealFeel®: 47 °F
Mostly cloudy with a passing shower

[GStephens]

The RV Park has just given us four more sites for the rally. As of tonight, we have three of those four sites open if anyone is interested in attending. I know this is last minute, but we have been turning folks away now for close to three weeks and have this last minute opportunity thanks to the Park finding us these four sites for which they apparently had cancellations from other RVers. If anyone is interested, contact Elaine Jackson via email elaine@gaj.com as soon as possible. Since it is so late in the game, I’m relatively sure she’ll agree to take your rally fees at the rally.

GStephens

[soldiermedic]

A balmy 70 Degrees????

That's Speedo weather. I'll bring my aluminum colored one

Why do you all look like this...?

Steve

[nohillgrish]

Steve, Doug & Extiger,
You guys are my new favorite weather folks. Whatever it takes, I'm going to get my trailer dug out of the ice this weekend and get it ready for the trip to "the promised land" of great weather, great people and warm hearts.
Gayland,
I'm taking a serious look at the Hwy 281 alternative you suggest. At first glance, it looks like that route will add 80 miles or so to the trip. However, the drive you describe is my kind of country and sounds like it may well be worth the extra miles.
CJ,
Will PM you about more specifics on our travel plans.
Thanks to all.

[Happycampers]

Hello everyone ... Well we are here and it is sunny and the sky is blue... VERY WINDY... all awnings up... cool today compared to yesterday when we arrived.. was 79 F... beautiful... the winds are to die down later tonight.. park is nice but sites are close. Nice facilities.. yes and dog owners will love it... small fenced in area to let dogs off lead... yes..makes for happier dogs to be able to run a bit.. Water pressure here is 70 PSI if anyone is interested.. see everyone here.. we are the only vintage here .. 3 other newer ones...

[utee94]

Originally Posted by nohillgrish

Steve, Doug & Extiger,
You guys are my new favorite weather folks. Whatever it takes, I'm going to get my trailer dug out of the ice this weekend and get it ready for the trip to "the promised land" of great weather, great people and warm hearts.
Gayland,
I'm taking a serious look at the Hwy 281 alternative you suggest. At first glance, it looks like that route will add 80 miles or so to the trip. However, the drive you describe is my kind of country and sounds like it may well be worth the extra miles.
CJ,
Will PM you about more specifics on our travel plans.
Thanks to all.

Definitely take the 281 route if at all possible. Coming so far, what's another 80 miles?

It'll be worth it, I promise. I live in Austin and I love Austin, but the hassles of taking I35 through downtown Austin just aren't worth it, unless you plan to stop off and hang out for a couple of days.

But, if you DO decide to take I35 through Austin, stay on the upper deck (far right lanes) of I35 though downtown Austin and you'll be able to see the State Capitol building as well as the campus for The University of Texas as you drive through the city.

Safe travels, and I'll be looking for you all on Saturday when I come down.

-Marcus

[PetervB]

forget it