Big Bend Florida

This picture was on the front page of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Good publicity for us!

We have put together the schedule for the “How to Boondock in your Airstream” Rally. If you have interest in attending, please let us know so we can buy the food supplies. Presently there are about 24 rigs signed up to attend.

Boondocking Rally Feb. 9-12, 2010

Schedule

Tuesday, Feb. 9

Arrive anytime during the day

4:30 P.M. Welcome Meeting and social time
6:00 P.M. Dinner: Chili, Salad, Bread (bring your drink, place setting, & chair for all meals)
7:30 P.M. Campfire, indoor games, and social time

Wednesday, Feb. 10

8:30 A.M. Breakfast (if weather permits i.e. temperature or rain)
9:30 A.M. Introduction to Boondocking- Conservation of power, Use of Batteries & Generators
11:30 A.M. Lunch on your own
1:30 P.M. Introduction to Solar Power
4:30 P.M. Social time
6:00 P.M. Dinner: Pork Chops, Green Beans, Salad, Bread
&:30 P.M. Campfire, indoor games, and social time

Thursday, Feb. 11

8:30 A.M. Breakfast (if weather permits i.e. temperature or rain)
9:30 A.M. Conservation of fresh water and waste water
How to stay warm or cool
Safety
11:30 A.M. Lunch on your own
Afternoon Free Time
4:30 P.M. Social Time
6:00 P.M. Dinner: Steak, Baked Potato, Salad, Bread
7:30 P.M. Campfire and closing critique/discussions

Click on anyone of these pictures to read the captions and to progress through the pictures.

Here are some pictures from Charlie Hurst taken at the October Rally


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The Montagues and Thompsons are having a three-night rally, Feb. 9, 10, & 11 just before the Big Bend rally in Suwanee to help folks learn how to effectively use our Airstreams to “dry camp” or “BoonDock”. The caravan that we lead, the SW Adventure Caravan is scheduled to have 14-16 nights of camping in locations without electricity or water, i.e. national park and national forest campgrounds. We will have it at a facility near Lake City, FL which is operated by John Palmer. The facility is set up for dry camping and is a nice place for a rally. John Palmer sells and installs solar systems and has offered this spot for the rally. He will not be trying to sell his solar systems unless someone wants one. The cost will be $5 per night plus whatever we put together for food. We plan to cook for everyone, at least the evening meals. The camping will be dry camping as there is no power or water on the site.

John will give a seminar(s) on how to utilize solar and the small Honda type generators. Also what to expect from your batteries and how to maximize their life. We also will have information about alternative methods of keeping warm without using your furnace. Last but not least ,how to optimize use of the fresh water.

We plan to put together a schedule for the rally. and get it out to everyone. Everyone is invited

Our President, John Duncan presenting our Unit flag at the International Rally. He was loudly cheered by those of us in attendance. Attending were members Ken and Nancy Davis, Mac and Mary Palmer with granddaughter Caroline, Joan Downie, Joan Augustine, Judy and John White, Jack White, John Thompson, Carol and Winston Montague, Allison and Wes Hurner and Elna and Jay Thompson. Also attending were affiliate members Judy and Dick Martiny, Peggy and Charlie Matthews, Bonnie and Bob Herman, Sheena and Drew Calderwood, Julia and Frank Wagner, and Judy and John Hice.

Here is another picture of John and Region 3 First V-P, Rick Bell as they wait to present the Region 3 flag and our Unit flag.

Another important happening at the International Rally was the presentation to our Unit of the Superior Merit Award for 2009. Region 3 President, Julian Clemons presented it to John Duncan at the Region 3 luncheon. Thanks to the many folks who helped our club last year to achieve this award. Special thanks to Julian for helping us!

Jim Weilhammer has written a “Rally Information Form” which may be used by those acting as hosts for a rally or for developing a caravan. This provides a check list of things to look for at a campground as well as activities to do at the rally.

These are some pictures taken by Bill Worthington from the rally held at Seminole State Park. Click on the first picture and then on the upper right side to progress through the series. Did anyone get a picture of Amy and Lamar’s new trailer? It needs to be on th ewebsite. Also Jack and Sherry White’s

Here are some pictures taken by Larry Strong at the April Rally.

Here are three more pictures taken at the Unit Cook-out at the Florida State Rally
The Low Country Boil time
Peter and Fumiyo Smith
Jim and Bonnie Lewis