My camping experience started out in Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts many many years ago.
I pretty much stopped after I got into college, and didn't start again until
my son was old enough to be a cub scout and we went camping with the Pack.
I don't get out camping much anymore. My wife and I are members of the Society
for Creative Anachronism, a medieval recreation group that's been around since
1966. We often go to events several times a month, or did until Covid hit. There are 2 big events that we would camp at - War of the Wings, held every October in North Carolina, where there's usually 1000-1200 people at it, and Pennsic War, held in Butler, PA every July/August. That has 10,000+ people.
We started out with a nylon 8 person tent, but about 5 years ago, bit the bullet and bought a medieval style canvas tent. It's 14x14 with 7 foot walls.
It's a bit of a chore to put up and take down, but man is it nice inside. Perfect if you're camping for a week.
As we've gotten older, we've opted for a few luxuries. Ground pads and air mattresses won't do it anymore, we use cots and mattresses. We both have sleep
apnea, so bringing a CPAP machine and deep cycl marine battery is a must, if we
want to sleep, and if we want to let people in our camp sleep.
There's just nothing like waking up in a tent early in the morning and watching
the world come alive.
Mike Dippel wrote to All <=-
My wife and I have been into camping since we were married (47 years
now).
But, it was a low cost way to vacation (cheaper than hotels, that's for sure).
And it allowed our family to see many of the sights of the U.S. without breaking the bank.
Hiya Mike,
Thanks for the trip report. I always enjoy them! It sounds like they're a lot
of fun. I often dream of what it would be like to have some time to really pursue hobbies and interests in more than short bursts.
When is the next trip?
April 3 - 6 @ Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, FL
We belong to a Winnebago group and try to do 3-4 days a month. Fun activities, great
comradery and great food as well. We do side excursions that keep everyone happy and
wanting to come back for more. RV'ers don't have to own a Winnebago to join, so it
does increase the amount of campers a bit.
We will be going to Michigan in late April, like we do every year, and maybe do the
eastern coast of the U.S., but not really sure right now.
On 18 Mar 2023, Mike Dippel said the following...
April 3 - 6 @ Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, FL
We belong to a Winnebago group and try to do 3-4 days a month. Fun activities, great
comradery and great food as well. We do side excursions that keep everyone happy and
wanting to come back for more. RV'ers don't have to own a Winnebago to join, so it
does increase the amount of campers a bit.
We will be going to Michigan in late April, like we do every year, and maybe do the
eastern coast of the U.S., but not really sure right now.
Do most of the others in group go on all of the trips or only some of them? How did the group originally get formed? How did you hear about it? How many
group members are there?
Check out the website I did for them at: http://caloosawinnies.org
Now there are about 60 families that make up membership, but we only get around 12
or so coaches at the rallies. Some coaches may need some sort of repair or whatever
might keep them from joining us. It's just as well. It would be hard to reserve 60
coaches at the same time.
Check out the website I did for them at: http://caloosawinnies.org
Now there are about 60 families that make up membership, but we only get
around 12
or so coaches at the rallies. Some coaches may need some sort of repair
or whatever
might keep them from joining us. It's just as well. It would be hard to
reserve 60
coaches at the same time.
I will check out the website. Do you take trips outside of the rallies as well?
60 coaches would be on heck of a turnout, but I agree, getting that much space
at the same campground could be a real challenge, not to mention getting the same time that works for everyones schedule would be pretty much impossible.
... Multitasking: Reading in the bathroom
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Bringing the coach home tomorrow to get it ready for the rally. I plug amp outlet to get the fridge cooled down. We load it up and go. My
wife will drive the
car behind me; just a one-hour trip there. But in the future, we have a mobile repair
guy coming to the storage lot to rewire the car so the lights will work
in conjunction with
the coach. This will prepare us for our May trip up the east coast.
We may also do Forest City, Iowa for what they call the GNR (Grand National Rally)
where Winnebago coaches can stay for free on their rally grounds to meet other Winnebago owners. Been there several times and it's always great to see the entertainment they provide and to attend some of the
seminars.
On 01 Apr 2023, Mike Dippel said the following...
Bringing the coach home tomorrow to get it ready for the rally. I plug amp outlet to get the fridge cooled down. We load it up and go. My wife will drive the
car behind me; just a one-hour trip there. But in the future, we have a
mobile repair
guy coming to the storage lot to rewire the car so the lights will work in conjunction with
the coach. This will prepare us for our May trip up the east coast.
That's a really nice setup, being able to take your time and gradually pack stuff up before a trip and get ready at your own pace. Car trips always tend
to be a bit of last minute having to throw everything in the car unless you want to drive your luggage around in the car a few days early.
Are you able to do most of the routine repairs yourself? Are most repairs fairly minor?
We may also do Forest City, Iowa for what they call the GNR (Grand National Rally)
where Winnebago coaches can stay for free on their rally grounds to meet
other Winnebago owners. Been there several times and it's always great
to see the entertainment they provide and to attend some of the seminars.
How many campers show up for something like that? Is it anywhere near Fort Madison, Iowa by any chance?
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