2015 Mississippi River Fiberglass River Escape Rally

[spellingcounts]

Just wanted to say thanks to all the folks who opened up their trailers and were so patient with our questions. We had such a great time seeing all these variations in real life. I think it might have been us causing the traffic jam at Eric and Mary's trailer-- when Escape opens up ordering again, I'm pretty sure we'll be reserving a 17b.

And next year's rally at Thompson is only about 10 minutes from our house...but we'll still be waiting for our trailer...

[emers382]

We are at our daughter's in KS after a nice day's drive from the rally. Unfortunately Jim the two others who were at Niagara could not stay at Fisherman's corner due to family issues. So we were the only ones who did both.

If I get the pic right you can see us right by the water. For two nights we had three tents on our site, occupied by three canoeists.kayakers who were paddling from the headwaters to the gulf, looking at suitable landing/camping spots for disabled vets.

We had representatives of 17-21 and 5.0 classic but unfortunately no 5.0 TA as they cancelled. A good time had by all I believe, we certainly enjoyed the weekend, weather was great.

Adrian and Beth

[emers382]

Well that was two of the three river voyageurs I shall try again for our trailer right on the river...

oh well now the manage attachment window won't open

[emers382]

One more try...

[emers382]

And if this works one more of the paddlers leaving yesterday morning...

[fudge_brownie]

Thanks to all who participated, we had seventeen units at the rally and nearly a dozen visitors for the Saturday tour. There were many things I brought back from the rally. First and foremost were the new friends I made of all the attendees.. What a great group of owners, and to my surprise we talked a lot about things other than Escape.

My second observation was, that in real life, just as on this forum, fiberglass owners are members of a cult, we love our fiberglass homes and are fanatics in real life just as here on the forum.

Third, even though we love fiberglass, we all use it differently. It was very apparent to me that it is easy to think all owners or prospective owners will use their fiberglass trailer just like me. The rally, rather the individuals at the rally, made me realize how diverse we are. Beware, that among us, one size does not fit all.

Finally, I was surprised at the visitors. They made a good showing and demonstrated to me how important these rallies are to Escape Industries. These visitors came from significant distances, armed with tape measurers and pages of questions, they were hungry for information. I helped as best I could, as I am sure every owner did. There were a lot of demands put on everyone to show, enlighten and answer questions. It was great to be a part of it.

[Iowa Dave]

Paul, it was great to meet you and several other fiberglass owners even though we couldn't stay and camp. You are certainly right about the diverse backgrounds, varied interests, and uses for their trailers. I am continually amazed when people start talking fiberglass trailer history and when I offer up the few facts I know to be true about something that happened 40 years ago, these history buffs are so eager to learn and share. Fisherman's Corner was no exception. Hope to make the rally next year and as I promised, I'll step up for some kind of duty.
Iowa Dave

[Iowa Dave]

Had to do some research on next year's location. It's just down the road a piece from a regional icon biker establishment the famous Poopys, at Savannah, Illinois. And although not the actual Carroll Country Porter Waggoner was singing about, a good reason to sing a great country song, The Carroll County Accident. Pretty nice little casino on the other side of the river in Clinton Iowa too, they tell me.
Dave

[thoer]

Since Paul mentioned "American Pickers" I thought it was only fair to post a few pictures.

[Iowa Dave]

What, no tats? Where's the chicks and the oil cans?
Dave

[Lorry & Rich]

Thanks to everyone who shared great info on their trailers! We had a wonderful time and appreciated your hospitality! We are looking forward to picking up ours in June!

[Artlady]

Wow! Great reading about everyone's experiences. Sounds like a good time! I really enjoyed the photos, thank you all for posting! I am still biting at the bit. ...

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

What, no tats? Where's the chicks and the oil cans?
Dave

Dave, unfortunately Mike, Dani nor The Bearded Charmer showed up while we were there - or I certainly would have gotten Dani's signed autograph for you. The funniest part for me was that the new building had more space given over the American Pickers T-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs than to actual antiques. My favorite was seeing the Indian motorcycle that they literally dug out of a backyard.

[Iowa Dave]

We were there one day last summer. You are right, the T shirt sales no doubt exceed anything else sold there. I watch the show from time to time, it's interesting to me that at times I've seen stuff hanging in barns on the show that have "hot" market value that I am aware of that the puckers do not show any interest in(during the show). As we all know, reality shows are largely scripted so for me, they are entertainment but only about 5% believable at best. Reality for me is what I make of my life and the interaction I have with people and nature around me. Thanks
Dave

[tash]

We, too, were in attendance for the rally and had a really great time meeting everyone and seeing so many Escapes gathered in one place! I think we may have some more pics to share but here is one for now. This is a view from our campsite to the river.

And--you all didn't eat enough cookies--we had too many leftovers!

[LeonW]

I ate my share of the Cookies. It was a pleasure meeting you both, and the cookies set a new standard for trailer visitation.

[Iowa Dave]

At Niagara Falls I thought my daughter had set the standard with her home made Ohio state peanut butter Buckeyes but the Wisconsin and Michigan folks kept choking on them. Must have had an allergy.
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

I think we will have to serve some meat cookies, what do you think Dave? I'm going to try to make this rally next year, looks nice.

[Iowa Dave]

Meat cookies are good with me, if there are any other exotic beef or pork products you'd like, let me know. Was up to the locker at Protovin last month. Got some cinnamon bacon but passed on the jaternice. You can get Rocky Mountain Oysters in 10 lb boxes. Who said testicle festival?
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

Whats that work out to be, maybe 4 to a box?