Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
For some of us summer has been all about adventure, travel, new places and new friends. Some of our members were at the International in Bozeman and then on to other places. Some of us joined one of the great caravans that take us to places others dream about. Some of us traveled on our own.
Our summer travels were the latter. We had talked about Alaska for several summers and this year we headed north to this amazing place. Careful planning, good travel aids and reference material and a willingness for adventure makes this trip well worth making.
A few hiccups along the way like blowouts in Kentucky and Illinois and loosing a wheel in Minnesota had us questioning our judgement to make this trip. It wasn’t like the tires were old or badly worn. They were almost new. Losing a wheel was the real shocker. Someplace in north central Minnesota along I-90 lies an aluminum rim with a very new tire.. The lug bolts were all broken off. Oh well!!
Driving the Alaska Highway is a new experience..frost heave, construction, rain and mud. A never ending cycle.
We met a fellow Airstreamer with a 25′ Argosy in Dawson Creek. Traveled with them for a couple of days. We ran across them several more times during our time in Alaska. 
As luck would have it this was one of the coldest and wettest years on record. Needed the furnace to take the edge off in the morning. We did put in a good word with Santa and Mrs. Claus at North Pole. You can expect goodies in your stocking this year. 
The day we visited Denali National Park the visibility was the worse they had experienced in 2 years. It didn’t stop our enthusiasm to experience this magnificent national treasure. Our shuttle driver told us he was glad when we started back from the new Eilson Visitor Center. The ride was made exciting when the bus blew a tire and we waited to get transferred to a different shuttle. The brown bear that wandered across the road at the turn around was a real highlight. Oh ya…..did someone say moose. We caught 2 bull moose munching on the willows as they stopped to enjoy this treat. 
The boat tour at Seward was amazing. Although a bit overcast, the many sea creatures and birds were a memorable view. We got a real show as we watched the calving glacier creak and groan before crashing into the water. It is hard to believe that 1200 year old ice flows from the ice fields to finally break off and fall into the water.
At Homer we watched fishing trawlers filled with Halibut being off loaded for the markets in the lower 48. Halibut is great and we didn’t miss several opportunities to eat our fill.
Then there is Stewart BC and Hyder Alaska off the Cassier Highway. A place where Highway 37A ends in Stewart BC. It is like stepping back in time and across the border, Hyder is 100 residents and one old F___. There is no US customs station at the border crossing between Stewart and Hyder, but you must clear Canadian customs each time you travel from Hyder to Stewart.
A trip to Hyder would not be complete with out a stop at the "Bus" 
seafood eatery, an old blue school that serves as a kitchen and 3 outside tables and a small inside building for seating. Diane serves the freshest Halibut you can sink your teeth into. Her husband catches all the seafood she serves.
We were told that the only bank for Stewart and Hyder closed a year ago. Now business people travel 140 miles to do their banking. Now that’s living in the sticks!!
One of the great wilderness areas just outside of Hyder is Fish Creek in the US National Forest, a place where salmon come to spawn. The bears love it and the US Forest Service has a platform to view the excitement. The day we visited we 
were entertained for almost an hour as a brown bear demonstrated his speed 
and hunger for fresh salmon. They are amazing fisherman and can consume a 4 pound salmon with little effort.
As we write this blog enroute home, we are enjoying some great wine from our stop in Olive BC in the Okanagan Valley. We hope this snapshot of our Alaska trip will wet your pallet to consider this memorable adventure.
August 31 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
What a great time everyone had. Some folks are already on the road so we only had 10 rigs, You would never know it with all the activity that was going on. The Shays and Foremans were out standing hosts. If you went hungary it was your own problem.
To see more pictures from the rally check them out at this link : May 2008 Rally
With the Grand Lakes Golf course nearby some of us tried to improve our game. Everyone managed a "hole in one"….a sink hole that is!!
It was a lively business meeting as we worked out the cinks to decide who to support for the various International Officer positions. Frank had his hands full keeping everyone on the straight and narrow.
We welcomed new Affiliate Members Don and Ginny Sacchetta from Leesburg. They are regular Members with the Central Florida Unit. Don is busy restoring their vintage Bambi.
As we packed out on Sunday morning we all said our "goodbyes" and wished everyone safe travels as we follow our plans over the summer. Some will be in Bozeman for the International Rally while others will be off discovering other new places. In any event stay safe and we look forward to seeing you down the road.
May 11 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Frank and Sonja proudly display the gift they received at the Region 3 Rally. To Frank’s left is the the Superior Unit Award 
certificate and ribbon he accepted for Lois Taylor’s hard work during her tenure as President. THANKS Lois for a great job!!
A total of 106 rigs were at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Everyone soon discovered that Raleigh is a great place to visit. Between the Rally activities, a huge Flea Market at the Fairgrounds and places to discover throughout the area, there was never a dull moment. Of course the afternoon social hour was a time to catch up on all of our daily adventures.
There was entertainment each night and ice cream to finish off the evening. Saturday night was a BBQ banquet with big band music for all to enjoy.
At the Region III Board of Directors meeting, a majority of the Directors voted against sending the “Motor Home” proposal forward. At this point the issue is in limbo.
Our unit was scheduled to provide the outdoor games, however, they were cancelled because only two people signed up to participate….. Just too much going on.
Next year the Region III Rally will be held in Perry, GA.
Check out more Region III Rally pictures at this link!!! Region III Rally Pic’s
April 28 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
A BIG THANKS to Larry and Rosalie Stone for their great hospitality for our March Rally. We always enjoy the Stone’s Ranch!!
It all started out with dinner at the Backyard BBQ where the pork chops melt in your mouth.
A much needed rain prevented us from enjoying the Butterfly Rainforest but the staff took care of that. We got a behind the scenes look at how they make this venue a must see when you visit Gainesville. Mike was an outstanding source of information. Not only did he delight us with his knowledge but we discovered he is a Vintage Airstream fanatic. Sounds like a new member.
Saturday morning started out with our famous pancake breakfast. With a big smile Fran was ready for the hungry crew. It was all you can eat so everyone had their fill
Later we took time out to bone up on the games we will provide at the Region 3 Rally in Raleigh, NC. Be sure to stay tuned for the results.
A big Thank You goes out to Bob and Betty Campbell who hosted our rally as well as Larry and Rosalie Stone who jumped in at the last minute.
Next month we will be gathering at the Rainbow RV Park in Cedar Key. The dates are April 17 - 20. If you have not signed up yet, give Frank and Sonja Meistrell a call so they can add you to the list.
Until later…safe travels
March 09 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
There were 4 rigs at the Mid Winter IBT in Gonzales, LA….. Frank and Sonja Meistrell, Ed and Dorothy Schuman, Carl and Lois Taylor and John and Barbara Miller.
The drive along I-10 through New Orleans reminded us of the devastation that still exists in the city. Many places are vacant and others still have the FEMA trailers parked in the front yard and I-10 will shake you to the bone.
The Expo Center in Gonzales was a good venue for the rally….. plenty of meeting space, 3 point hook ups and wireless internet connection throughout the facilites. The southern hospitaliy was great.
Our group enjoyed the many “Southern” experiences, taking in plantations, the State Capitol in Baton Rouge and the National Hansen’s Disease Museum at Caraville.
The IBT business meeting did not result in any “earth shaking” proposals and as Frank mentioned in the February Manatee, he will have more on the meeting decisions at our March business meeting.
Until later, see you down the road
January 26 2008 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Our summer travels were the latter. We had talked about Alaska for several summers and this year we headed north to this amazing place. Careful planning, good travel aids and reference material and a willingness for adventure makes this trip well worth making. 
Then there is Stewart BC and Hyder Alaska off the Cassier Highway. A place where Highway 37A ends in Stewart BC. It is like stepping back in time and across the border, Hyder is 100 residents and one old F___. There is no US customs station at the border crossing between Stewart and Hyder, but you must clear Canadian customs each time you travel from Hyder to Stewart. 
seafood eatery, an old blue school that serves as a kitchen and 3 outside tables and a small inside building for seating. Diane serves the freshest Halibut you can sink your teeth into. Her husband catches all the seafood she serves. 
were entertained for almost an hour as a brown bear demonstrated his speed 
and hunger for fresh salmon. They are amazing fisherman and can consume a 4 pound salmon with little effort. 
