Just wondering if any RV Dreamers are going to the Escapade this year?? It's in Goshen Indiana Sept 12-17th. We will be attending and arriving on 9/11. Just wondering.....
jimdee said
12:13 PM Jun 19, 2010
We are. I think there's several RV-Dreams people going. See you there!!!!! Dee & Jim
Darrell and Judy said
12:29 PM Jun 19, 2010
We'll be there as well as several others - Hope to see y'all there.
Happytrails said
04:17 PM Jun 19, 2010
We will be attending the Escapade also!! See you there!!!
macattack said
08:43 PM Jun 19, 2010
We will be ariving there on the 10th. Hope to see you there!!!!
-- Edited by macattack on Saturday 19th of June 2010 08:52:25 PM
RangerPaul said
09:30 AM Jun 20, 2010
Penny and I are going.
janieD said
09:35 AM Jun 20, 2010
We also are going and arriving on the 10th. Hope to meet a few of you.
Postalpair said
12:12 PM Jun 20, 2010
Once Escapee's posts their schedule, we should all plan on getting together for maybe a potluck?? Or at least, coffee ....just an idea
RangerPaul said
07:57 PM Jun 20, 2010
Postalpair wrote:
Once Escapee's posts their schedule, we should all plan on getting together for maybe a potluck?? Or at least, coffee ....just an idea
And a pretty good idea at that!
netters said
11:22 PM Jun 20, 2010
Great Idea!! There are several RV-Dreamers going in on the 10th caravaning with us. Post something on here and we can make a plan!!
leno said
06:15 PM Jun 21, 2010
We will be there, arriving on the 10th. Look forward to meeting up with some of you.
janieD said
06:02 AM Jun 22, 2010
I think a get together sounds great.
-- Edited by janieD on Tuesday 22nd of June 2010 06:02:46 AM
susie/jack said
12:14 PM Jun 22, 2010
Planning to spend my honeymoon there!! Hope to see all my RV Dreamer friends there.
Jenny J (Now Mrs. Don Manuel)
Postalpair said
03:49 PM Jun 22, 2010
We won't be there until the 11th....but it will be early in the day on the 11th. Do we want to meet on that day?? Or will everyone be there?? So far this is the list I have those attending:
Postalpair Arriving 9/11 Susie/Jack JanieD Arriving 9/10 Leno Arriving 9/10 Netters Arriving 9/10 RangerPaul Macattack Arriving 9/10 Happytrails Arriving 9/10 Darrell/Judy Jimdee Arriving 9/10 Ken/Cindy Arriving 9/10 Happykamper Arriving 9/12 Jbbar Arriving 9/10 I will keep this list updated as time goes along. Let me know when you will be arriving and I will update the list also.
-- Edited by Postalpair on Tuesday 22nd of June 2010 08:07:06 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 05:42:27 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 05:43:39 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Thursday 24th of June 2010 02:55:13 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Friday 25th of June 2010 06:56:14 PM
Ken Cindy Ditka and Sox said
07:31 PM Jun 22, 2010
We are hoping to caravan in on the 10th as well!
susie/jack said
07:59 PM Jun 22, 2010
Oh wow!!! Cindy I will FINALLY get to meet you guys--can't wait!! and what fun to see Leno and Dee and all those people I met at first RV Dreams Rally!!
Terri and John said
06:52 AM Jun 23, 2010
We also are planning on attending and plan on arriving on 9/11. It would be really nice to be able to meet up with everyone.
HapyKamper said
10:32 AM Jun 23, 2010
We are coming too and will arrive on Sunday, the 12th. We'd love to get together.
Carol & John
Happytrails said
11:48 AM Jun 23, 2010
Our arrival date is the 10th (Friday). We are meeting up with a Rainbow Plantation group for a potluck on Friday. We really would love to meet up with the RV Dreams group too. Please let us know when and where.
janieD said
05:55 PM Jun 23, 2010
I messed up I think our arrival date is the 11th. Sorry.
jimdee said
08:34 AM Jun 24, 2010
We have reservations in Elkhart campground 9/7-9/10. Will be going to the Goshen location on 9/10.
It will be so fun meeting up with everyone!! Some of you we met at the first RV-Dreams rally in Branson.
Jbbar said
09:53 AM Jun 25, 2010
Brenda and I are hoping to follow everyone in on the 10th, God willing and the creeks don't rise.
Postalpair said
06:57 PM Jun 25, 2010
WOW!!!! The response is Awesome!!! I still need to know when Susie/Jack, RangerPaul, and DarrellJudy will be arriving. Just trying to keep on top of this ever growing list...... Can't wait to meet everyone!!!
susie/jack said
03:49 PM Jun 26, 2010
On the 10th with my husband Don ---- most of the RV Dreamers know me as Jenny J and now I will be forever Jenny J Manuel
HapyKamper said
07:59 AM Jun 28, 2010
We decided to change our arrival date to the 10th so we can join in the fun a little earlier!
BTW-John and I are workamping at the KOA-Indianapolis campground (check out our blog for pictures and description or the KOA website @ http://www.koa.com/where/in/14149/).
It is a lovely campground within close proximity of some great attractions such as: Indy 500 racetrack, Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), a wonderful zoo, and much more So, why not stop by before or after the rally.
Happy Trails,
John & Carol
-- Edited by HapyKamper on Monday 28th of June 2010 11:11:25 AM
jimdee said
12:11 PM Aug 3, 2010
I thought I'd revive this posting. I received the e-tickets for the escapade but can't print them. Did anyone else have trouble getting them open?
There's several of the RV-Dreams members going. It's going to be very informational. The dates are September 12-17, but sounds like they're full and putting people on waiting lists.
I hope we get the e-tickets soon, but wondered if there was anyone else having trouble opening the email. Thanks in advance. (I did request new ones).
HapyKamper said
12:34 PM Aug 3, 2010
The e-ticket is in the body of the actual email. It is not an attachment. Just print your email and your attached parking ticket and you'll be all set.
I had to read it several times to figure it out I kept looking for an attachment.
See you soon!
Carol
-- Edited by HapyKamper on Tuesday 3rd of August 2010 06:53:08 PM
BobJacki2010 said
07:43 AM Aug 10, 2010
We are coming to the rally and will be arriving on 9-11 but staying in Elkhart Campground until the 12th. Would love to get together. We attended RV-Dreams rally in South Carolina this spring. Keep us informed.
Darrell and Judy said
05:56 AM Aug 19, 2010
We will be arriving on Friday, September 10th.
janieD said
07:17 AM Aug 19, 2010
Any thoughts on when we should all try to get together? We are coming in on Saturday the 11th. Would love to meet everyone. This will be the beginning of our travels. John retires next week on the 27th and the trip to Goshen is our first specific destination, will make 1 stop before we get there. :)
Postalpair said
07:46 AM Aug 19, 2010
JanieD.....I was just going to come and revisit this posting that I started back in June. Hubby and I will be parked in H2....if that means anything to anybody. Guess we need to do a survey as to what everyone wants to do. We could do a potluck, coffee and cake only or just sit around and get together. Also.....do we want to meet at our trailer or somewhere more centralized?? Write in, and we will all make a decision...... Can't wait to meet everyone!!!
jimdee said
07:56 AM Aug 19, 2010
We're going to be in Goshen (Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds) on Monday Aug 23 then to Elkhart Fairgrounds Sept 7-10th then back to Goshen. We want to meet everyone too. There's nice areas to meet up in both places, just have to find each other. We have A1. We can't wait to meet up with everyone.
Ken Cindy Ditka and Sox said
01:27 PM Aug 20, 2010
We have parking indicator 'A2' (and yes, Dee, I had to have them resend in .jpg form as parking .pdf would not print).
I'm wondering if this idea of caravaning in to stay together is blown apart since these parking tickets seem to point to specific areas.
In Sedalia, we were parked based on when we arrived and did not have any kinds of numbers or sections assigned.
Anybody have thought/info on this?
And, yes, we would love to get together for potluck. I'm thinking the earlier the better so folks get to meet!
Jenny -- wow!! after all this time...FINALLY we'll get to meet.
I am getting really excited!!!!
Hugs, C
janieD said
09:24 PM Aug 20, 2010
you know I haven't been able to print my parking form either. I am on a MAC and thought that might be the problem. Haven't tried our PC yet but if that doesn't work I may have to do as you did and have them resend it.
jimdee said
09:33 PM Aug 20, 2010
The way I understand it is we need to come in together. I think we'll have something on our window and caravan in from Elkhart campground.
We have a few days to find everyone. Maybe post the site number in this forum? I'm ready for potlucks. lol
RangerPaul said
11:38 AM Aug 23, 2010
Penny and I will be arriving on the 11th.
Our sticker says A2, but since there's no site map, I have no idea what that means. We're bringin' our bicycles instead of a toad so we should be able to get around pretty easily.
We'll try to have our RV-Dreams sticker in the front passenger side window.
-- Edited by RangerPaul on Tuesday 24th of August 2010 10:45:15 AM
TheBobGuy said
08:42 PM Aug 23, 2010
Hi guys! Bob and I are in Goshen now, getting ready for Escapade...can't wait to see all of you! Well, most of you we've already seen a bunch!!! It was great to see Jim and Dee today as they arrived!! And our buddies Keith and Donna, Dortha and Mark and Jim and Ellie are here in Elkhart, so we've had some fun with them already too!!! They've got a non-stop party going on!!
Now, to help with the parking questions...if your ticket says A-2 you have Water and Electric hookups.. I think the Pattersons, Greens, Meachams, Martins, Manuel (JJ),Frericks, and Sweichs have A-2. If you all come in together, then you will be parked together in the water and electric area.
If your ticket says A-1 then you have Water, Electric and Sewer hookups. I think the McHenrys, Walters, Sullivans, Halls and Deans have A-1. Again, if you arrive at the FG together, you will be parked together. If Postal Pair is in H-2, that is Handicap Parking, which is closer to the activity buildings.
A couple of other reminders: For the MH drivers, it really speeds things up if you will arrive at the FG with your Toad unhooked; otherwise you must be sidelined to unhook the toad. You will be entering thru gate 5 which is the up at the top of the hill. The Awesome Parking Team starts parking at 8 AM each morning and stops at 2 PM...you cannot be parked if you arrive after 2 PM! Please have your E ticket printed and ready for the Parking Team!!
There is an abandoned K-Mart on Route 33 just before the town of Goshen; it's on the right side if you are going South towards Goshen from Elkhart. It makes a good rendezvous point for rigs to meet up and caravan into the FG, in order to be parked together. Otherwise there is a Wal-mart on Route 33 North of Goshen and another one on Route 33 South of Goshen.
You'll be parked in typical rally style...close together and you'll most likely not be able to put your main awning out....just so you know what to expect! If you snore very loudly, you'll want to close your windows! :) For those with Water and Electric only, there will be a honey wagon service available on Tuesday or Wednesday; you'll need to sign up for this on Monday, so be sure to watch for the instructions about this service.
There is, of course, the requisite train track near the FG...it adds to the character and after 2 or 3 days you won't even hear it! :) This is a nice FG and the sites are fairly close to all the activities; there will be trams running regularly, but bikes make it nice, if you have them. For those who do not have a tow car...there is SO MUCH to see and do in this lovely Amish country area, you might want to make arrangements for transportation!!! There are many good diners and restaurants serving great food for very small prices, so you will enjoy going out to eat on the cheap while you are here. But you will need an auto for the restaurants, sights and shopping.
There are several local caterers serving hot lunches and breakfasts each day on site at the FG...also very reasonable!! And there will be fresh baked Amish style breads, pies, muffins, etc for sale each day in the square around noon time. They do run out of goods quickly, so get your calorie stock as soon as they openup! :)
Gosh...I guess that's a lot of info...just come and have fun!!! If you have not been to Boot Camp, don't miss the Boot Camp seminars (unless you are a truly seasoned RVer!)...there is so much good info presented in a fun way by Mark Nemeth. If you are a new Full Timer, you can learn lots of tips and tricks to make your RV life even better! Besides, you'll get to see his video demo of how to take a "Navy shower" that no one wants to miss! :) Boot Camp is normally a 'tuition/fee' program, but it is included in this 50th Escapade at no additional charge, so don't miss this chance to sit in on those seminars!
Last but not least...come prepared for rain (gasp!). While we sure don't want it, and the weather has been truly gorgeous here, rain just always seems to like rallies, so if you have a rain coat and galoshes, just throw them on and act like a duck!!! Fortunately this FG has nice paved and concrete sidewalks throughout the buildings!! It's just nice to come prepared!!
Can't wait to see all of you and share some food and hugs!! Travel safely!! Molly & Bob
-- Edited by TheBobGuy on Monday 23rd of August 2010 08:44:01 PM
HapyKamper said
05:56 AM Aug 24, 2010
Bob and Molly, Thanks so much for all the good information and tips. We will also be arriving on the 10th and have a A2 parking pass. We'd love to get together and meet everyone.
Thanks,
John and Carol Herr
Froggi said
07:47 AM Aug 24, 2010
Wish we could make it but have to be back in MD for doctor appts, etc. Sigh...at least we are making the Gypsy Journal rally!
RangerPaul said
10:38 AM Aug 24, 2010
TheBobGuy wrote:
... There is an abandoned K-Mart on Route 33 just before the town of Goshen; it's on the right side if you are going South towards Goshen from Elkhart. It makes a good rendezvous point for rigs to meet up and caravan into the FG, in order to be parked together .... Molly & Bob
-- Edited by TheBobGuy on Monday 23rd of August 2010 08:44:01 PM
Thanks for the info. Penny and I are in Boot Camp.
I found what looks to be the K Mart at 41° 38.752'N, 85° 56.073'W on Google Earth/ Maps.We'd love to meetup there with any Dreamers who are arriving on Saturday. Anyone else?
Does anyone know what the designators ECCC, HFA, COMM etc are?
BTW, we're at the Elkhart Campground Friday Night.
-- Edited by RangerPaul on Tuesday 24th of August 2010 10:57:42 AM
Ken Cindy Ditka and Sox said
11:54 AM Aug 24, 2010
NOTE: THIS POST IS NOW BEING USED TO GATHER NAMES/LOGISTICS FOR RV-DREAMERS CARAVANING IN TOGETHER FRIDAY MORNING
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE DETAILED INFO, MOLLY AND BOB!!
I'll 'volunteer' to continue some caravan logistics communications here on this forum for dreamers in A1/A2 parking that want to go in Friday morning.
I know at least some of the RV-dreamers will be in the Elkhart Campground on Thursday and so can start the caravan from there Friday morning.
It would then make sense that we pull off at the abandoned Kmart lot (thanks Paul for the GPS coordinates -- 41 38.752'N 85 56.073'W) which appears to be enroute. We can latch on to the other RV-Dreamers there and split between A1 and A2.
I'd also think that at least before leaving the Kmart lot we'd want to take Bob and Molly's suggestion and disconnect all toads. For Ken and I we figure it will be easiest just not to hook up at all and I'll drive the jeep in behind the MH.
There are a couple of things we should try to communicate now with this forum. If you are going to join the caravan on Friday morning with us, please reply back by the end of Labor Day, Sept 5th, with answers below
1. Is your parking indicator A1 or A2
2. Will you be joining the caravan at Elkhart Campground or at the abandoned Kmart lot?
3. Based on current input I'm thinking A1's may want to leave Elkhart Campground at 8:30, pickup at abandoned KMart lot at 9:00 then complete trip to fairgound. The A2's would leave Elkhart campground at 10:30, pickup at abandonced Kmart at 11:00 arriving fairground about 11:15. If this timing does't work let us know what you need different and we'll see if can be accomodated. We'll just have to go with what works best for most.
4. If you want to be sure you have a way to contact the group besides this forum, send me your cell phone number at clfrericks@gmail.com. I will not post or share any cell phone numbers but will use the number if there are any last minute changes or we can't find you!!
5. Type of rig? (So we know who we are looking for!!)
6. Also if you have a blog, make sure we know about it --- we love to know what the folks we are meeting have been up to before we meet them!!
List of RV-Dreams Caravaners for Friday, Sept 10th
A2s: Ken/Cindy Frericks; Sportcoach MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG Blog: www.frerxadventures.com Jim/Ellie Meacham; Phaeton MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG Blog: www.justtravelin.blogspot.com Don/Jenny Manuel: ??; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart Blog: www.elevenfootrv.blogspot.com Darrell/Judy Patterson; Cedar Creek 5er; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG Blog: www.wanderingamericawithdandj.blogspot.com John/Carol Herr; Dutch Star MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart Blog: www.travelwiththeherrs.blogspot.com Carol Miller; Monaco Dynasty MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart Keith/Donna Green; Foretravel MH; Park Ind A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG Don/Karen Martin; ??; Park Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG Penny and Paul Swiech; Pace Arrow MH; Park Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG (getting in late Thursday)
Based on these responses I'll keep a list here in this topic of those we have scheduled to join us and where.
I'm getting excited!!!! Can't wait to meet my old and new RV-Dream's family/friends!!
Hugs, C
-- Edited by Ken Cindy Ditka and Sox on Thursday 2nd of September 2010 10:52:07 AM
janieD said
07:16 AM Aug 25, 2010
We are in a little bit of a quandry on what to do. We won't be leaving Iowa until after Labor day. So far I think we are staying in Eastern Illinois for a couple nights and then on into Indiana. I know many of you are going into the Elkhart Campground but I'm sure it is full. This is are first real trip and I don't feel very organized. John retires Friday and all that entails has taken all our focus. I did find a state park south of Goshen (Chain o Lakes) that I think we could stay at. Looks like it is about 90 miles south. Any suggestions, we'd love to caravan in but not sure if we can make it work. We are in a 5th Wheel. We are excited for this and plan on attending as many of the full timers bootcamp seminars as we can - need all the help we can get. Excited to meet you all.
RangerPaul said
08:59 AM Aug 25, 2010
janieD wrote:
... I know many of you are going into the Elkhart Campground but I'm sure it is full. ...
Janie, If it's any help, I just called yesterday afternoon and reserved a spot at Elkhart Campground. Water and 30 Amp electric, pull-through was 30 bucks.
HapyKamper said
09:14 AM Aug 25, 2010
Are there any RV-Dreamers traveling to the rally from the Indianapolis area? We'd love to meet up and travel to the Escapade on the 10th.
thanks so much,
John & Carol
janieD said
04:15 PM Aug 25, 2010
I reread the by cindy and I realized we are not due in to the fairgrounds until Saturday so we won't be able to caravan in with you on Friday. :( I'm still working on a plan for us RangerPaul for the heads up on the Elkhart campground, may do that.
Penny and Paul said
08:17 PM Aug 25, 2010
janieD wrote:
I reread the by cindy and I realized we are not due in to the fairgrounds until Saturday so we won't be able to caravan in with you on Friday. :( I'm still working on a plan for us RangerPaul for the heads up on the Elkhart campground, may do that.
Let me know when you find out and we can firm up a plan.
RangerPaul
janieD said
07:53 AM Aug 26, 2010
After looking at the map and campgrounds. I think we will go and stay at Chain O' lakes state park on Thursday-Friday and then into Goshen on Saturday. It is about an hour drive to Goshen so if anyone is going in on Saturday would be willing to meet at that K-Mart parking lot and go in together. Otherwise, we'll just try to meet up when we get there.
Penny and Paul said
08:22 AM Aug 26, 2010
We're going in on Saturday and can meet up at Kmart. Anybody else?
netters said
06:58 PM Aug 26, 2010
Cindy, I thought Bob & Molly wanted us at Gate 5 at 8:00am at the Fairgrounds. I will see them again maybe tomorrow and will double check on the time since we are going to be such a large group. Jenny(SusieJack) said that they were going to try to spend part of the night at the KMart parking lot since it would be really late, last that I heard.
TheBobGuy said
08:40 PM Aug 26, 2010
Hey Nette...you don't have to be there at 8:00...that's just when they begin parking (8am til 2 PM) so you can arrive anytime between those hours. Sometime folks are lined up by 7 am....just depends on how early they want to get up. :) See you when you get here! HUGS!
Just wondering.....
Dee & Jim
-- Edited by macattack on Saturday 19th of June 2010 08:52:25 PM
-- Edited by janieD on Tuesday 22nd of June 2010 06:02:46 AM
Postalpair Arriving 9/11
Susie/Jack
JanieD Arriving 9/10
Leno Arriving 9/10
Netters Arriving 9/10
RangerPaul
Macattack Arriving 9/10
Happytrails Arriving 9/10
Darrell/Judy
Jimdee Arriving 9/10
Ken/Cindy Arriving 9/10
Happykamper Arriving 9/12
Jbbar Arriving 9/10
I will keep this list updated as time goes along. Let me know when you will be arriving and I will update the list also.
-- Edited by Postalpair on Tuesday 22nd of June 2010 08:07:06 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 05:42:27 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Wednesday 23rd of June 2010 05:43:39 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Thursday 24th of June 2010 02:55:13 PM
-- Edited by Postalpair on Friday 25th of June 2010 06:56:14 PM
Carol & John
It will be so fun meeting up with everyone!! Some of you we met at the first RV-Dreams rally in Branson.
WOW!!!! The response is Awesome!!! I still need to know when Susie/Jack, RangerPaul, and DarrellJudy will be arriving. Just trying to keep on top of this ever growing list......
Can't wait to meet everyone!!!
We decided to change our arrival date to the 10th so we can join in the fun a little earlier!
BTW-John and I are workamping at the KOA-Indianapolis campground (check out our blog for pictures and description or the KOA website @ http://www.koa.com/where/in/14149/).
It is a lovely campground within close proximity of some great attractions such as: Indy 500 racetrack, Lucas Oil Stadium (Colts), a wonderful zoo, and much more So, why not stop by before or after the rally.
Happy Trails,
John & Carol
-- Edited by HapyKamper on Monday 28th of June 2010 11:11:25 AM
There's several of the RV-Dreams members going. It's going to be very informational. The dates are September 12-17, but sounds like they're full and putting people on waiting lists.
I hope we get the e-tickets soon, but wondered if there was anyone else having trouble opening the email.
Thanks in advance. (I did request new ones).
I had to read it several times to figure it out I kept looking for an attachment.
See you soon!
Carol
-- Edited by HapyKamper on Tuesday 3rd of August 2010 06:53:08 PM
Guess we need to do a survey as to what everyone wants to do. We could do a potluck, coffee and cake only or just sit around and get together. Also.....do we want to meet at our trailer or somewhere more centralized??
Write in, and we will all make a decision......
Can't wait to meet everyone!!!
We have a few days to find everyone. Maybe post the site number in this forum? I'm ready for potlucks. lol
Our sticker says A2, but since there's no site map, I have no idea what that means. We're bringin' our bicycles instead of a toad so we should be able to get around pretty easily.
We'll try to have our RV-Dreams sticker in the front passenger side window.
-- Edited by RangerPaul on Tuesday 24th of August 2010 10:45:15 AM
Bob and I are in Goshen now, getting ready for Escapade...can't wait to see all of you! Well, most of you we've already seen a bunch!!!
It was great to see Jim and Dee today as they arrived!!
And our buddies Keith and Donna, Dortha and Mark and Jim and Ellie are here in Elkhart, so we've had some fun with them already too!!! They've got a non-stop party going on!!
Now, to help with the parking questions...if your ticket says A-2 you have Water and Electric hookups.. I think the Pattersons, Greens, Meachams, Martins, Manuel (JJ),Frericks, and Sweichs have A-2. If you all come in together, then you will be parked together in the water and electric area.
If your ticket says A-1 then you have Water, Electric and Sewer hookups. I think the McHenrys, Walters, Sullivans, Halls and Deans have A-1. Again, if you arrive at the FG together, you will be parked together. If Postal Pair is in H-2, that is Handicap Parking, which is closer to the activity buildings.
A couple of other reminders: For the MH drivers, it really speeds things up if you will arrive at the FG with your Toad unhooked; otherwise you must be sidelined to unhook the toad. You will be entering thru gate 5 which is the up at the top of the hill. The Awesome Parking Team starts parking at 8 AM each morning and stops at 2 PM...you cannot be parked if you arrive after 2 PM! Please have your E ticket printed and ready for the Parking Team!!
There is an abandoned K-Mart on Route 33 just before the town of Goshen; it's on the right side if you are going South towards Goshen from Elkhart. It makes a good rendezvous point for rigs to meet up and caravan into the FG, in order to be parked together. Otherwise there is a Wal-mart on Route 33 North of Goshen and another one on Route 33 South of Goshen.
You'll be parked in typical rally style...close together and you'll most likely not be able to put your main awning out....just so you know what to expect! If you snore very loudly, you'll want to close your windows! :)
For those with Water and Electric only, there will be a honey wagon service available on Tuesday or Wednesday; you'll need to sign up for this on Monday, so be sure to watch for the instructions about this service.
There is, of course, the requisite train track near the FG...it adds to the character and after 2 or 3 days you won't even hear it! :) This is a nice FG and the sites are fairly close to all the activities; there will be trams running regularly, but bikes make it nice, if you have them.
For those who do not have a tow car...there is SO MUCH to see and do in this lovely Amish country area, you might want to make arrangements for transportation!!! There are many good diners and restaurants serving great food for very small prices, so you will enjoy going out to eat on the cheap while you are here. But you will need an auto for the restaurants, sights and shopping.
There are several local caterers serving hot lunches and breakfasts each day on site at the FG...also very reasonable!! And there will be fresh baked Amish style breads, pies, muffins, etc for sale each day in the square around noon time. They do run out of goods quickly, so get your calorie stock as soon as they openup! :)
Gosh...I guess that's a lot of info...just come and have fun!!! If you have not been to Boot Camp, don't miss the Boot Camp seminars (unless you are a truly seasoned RVer!)...there is so much good info presented in a fun way by Mark Nemeth. If you are a new Full Timer, you can learn lots of tips and tricks to make your RV life even better! Besides, you'll get to see his video demo of how to take a "Navy shower" that no one wants to miss! :) Boot Camp is normally a 'tuition/fee' program, but it is included in this 50th Escapade at no additional charge, so don't miss this chance to sit in on those seminars!
Last but not least...come prepared for rain (gasp!). While we sure don't want it, and the weather has been truly gorgeous here, rain just always seems to like rallies, so if you have a rain coat and galoshes, just throw them on and act like a duck!!! Fortunately this FG has nice paved and concrete sidewalks throughout the buildings!! It's just nice to come prepared!!
Can't wait to see all of you and share some food and hugs!! Travel safely!!
Molly & Bob
-- Edited by TheBobGuy on Monday 23rd of August 2010 08:44:01 PM
Thanks,
John and Carol Herr
-- Edited by RangerPaul on Tuesday 24th of August 2010 10:57:42 AM
NOTE: THIS POST IS NOW BEING USED TO GATHER NAMES/LOGISTICS FOR RV-DREAMERS CARAVANING IN TOGETHER FRIDAY MORNING
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE DETAILED INFO, MOLLY AND BOB!!
I'll 'volunteer' to continue some caravan logistics communications here on this forum for dreamers in A1/A2 parking that want to go in Friday morning.
I know at least some of the RV-dreamers will be in the Elkhart Campground on Thursday and so can start the caravan from there Friday morning.
It would then make sense that we pull off at the abandoned Kmart lot (thanks Paul for the GPS coordinates -- 41 38.752'N 85 56.073'W) which appears to be enroute. We can latch on to the other RV-Dreamers there and split between A1 and A2.
I'd also think that at least before leaving the Kmart lot we'd want to take Bob and Molly's suggestion and disconnect all toads. For Ken and I we figure it will be easiest just not to hook up at all and I'll drive the jeep in behind the MH.
There are a couple of things we should try to communicate now with this forum. If you are going to join the caravan on Friday morning with us, please reply back by the end of Labor Day, Sept 5th, with answers below
1. Is your parking indicator A1 or A2
2. Will you be joining the caravan at Elkhart Campground or at the abandoned Kmart lot?
3. Based on current input I'm thinking A1's may want to leave Elkhart Campground at 8:30, pickup at abandoned KMart lot at 9:00 then complete trip to fairgound. The A2's would leave Elkhart campground at 10:30, pickup at abandonced Kmart at 11:00 arriving fairground about 11:15. If this timing does't work let us know what you need different and we'll see if can be accomodated. We'll just have to go with what works best for most.
4. If you want to be sure you have a way to contact the group besides this forum, send me your cell phone number at clfrericks@gmail.com. I will not post or share any cell phone numbers but will use the number if there are any last minute changes or we can't find you!!
5. Type of rig? (So we know who we are looking for!!)
6. Also if you have a blog, make sure we know about it --- we love to know what the folks we are meeting have been up to before we meet them!!
List of RV-Dreams Caravaners for Friday, Sept 10th
A1s:
Jim/Dee Walters; Carriage Cameo 5er; Parking Ind: A1; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.tumbleweed-jimdee.blogspot.com
Mac/Lynette McHenry; Landmark 5er; Parking Ind: A1; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.macandnette.blogspot.com
Kevin/Arlene Sullivan; Bighorn 5er Parking Ind: A1; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.roamingwhenwecan.blogspot.com
Mark/Dortha Hall: Phaeton MH; Parking Ind: A1; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.rvingwithpoppa.blogspot.com
Deans; ??; Parking Ind: A1; Meeting at ??
A2s:
Ken/Cindy Frericks; Sportcoach MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.frerxadventures.com
Jim/Ellie Meacham; Phaeton MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.justtravelin.blogspot.com
Don/Jenny Manuel: ??; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart
Blog: www.elevenfootrv.blogspot.com
Darrell/Judy Patterson; Cedar Creek 5er; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Blog: www.wanderingamericawithdandj.blogspot.com
John/Carol Herr; Dutch Star MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart
Blog: www.travelwiththeherrs.blogspot.com
Carol Miller; Monaco Dynasty MH; Parking Ind: A2; Meeting at Kmart
Keith/Donna Green; Foretravel MH; Park Ind A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Don/Karen Martin; ??; Park Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG
Penny and Paul Swiech; Pace Arrow MH; Park Ind: A2; Meeting at Elkhart CG (getting in late Thursday)
Based on these responses I'll keep a list here in this topic of those we have scheduled to join us and where.
I'm getting excited!!!! Can't wait to meet my old and new RV-Dream's family/friends!!
Hugs, C
-- Edited by Ken Cindy Ditka and Sox on Thursday 2nd of September 2010 10:52:07 AM
Janie, If it's any help, I just called yesterday afternoon and reserved a spot at Elkhart Campground. Water and 30 Amp electric, pull-through was 30 bucks.
thanks so much,
John & Carol
Let me know when you find out and we can firm up a plan.
RangerPaul
See you when you get here! HUGS!