2022 Mississippi River Rendezvous September 23-25

[Chuck B.]

Thanks Perry, just what I couldn’t find!

[GregWCIL]

If those are the same gnats we have here in central Illinois, the best repellant is vanilla extract. Plus you get to smell like a cookie. :-)

[Chasing Trials]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I’m sure a couple rookie campers with 50 or so years experience will give you some assistance in your setup if you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for tools or other camping needs if you need to borrow something. Last week, the folks next to us needed a drop cord and I had one. They plugged into our 20 amp outlet and showed a movie two nights in a row. Lucille Ball in “The Long Trailer” and the second night Robin Williams “RV”. Two classics in the “on the road “ camping genre’ with popcorn.
Iowa Dave

I heard about Lucy's Long Trailer, would loved to have seen it. I'm bring a lot of bug spray. I'm a magnet for them too. I figure if they are small enough to go through screening, in the past, I've sprayed the screening. Seems to help, keeps them off to even look for the holes. Like, I hate spraying myself. So I put on old clothes & spray the clothes. Mine is just a small screen room tent, hoping it fits under awning. As former owner never gave me the screen room that was it to with the trailer. Just have half a zipper on the awning.

[GregWCIL]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

What can we expect the weather to be like that weekend, there? What’s the historical average?

Are we talking shorts, or a down comforter (or both). We are trying to figure out what to pack to go cross country in September and back in October.

We will be cheering during the parade also.

Forecasting a big cool down mid to late week. Highs 60 to 70, lows 40 to 50. Great early fall camping weather. Better than the 94 we had today.

[splitting_lanes]

Are there BBQ grills in the camp sites on PMAN loop?

I’m trying to figure out the grocery list and pick it all up before we arrive. Don’t see the details on the website reservations. Thanks!

[HABBERDABBER]

No barbies at individual sites. Fire pits with grates only. There may be some in a picnic area. I'm not sure.

[splitting_lanes]

Thanks Habberdabber! We’ll be cooking in the trailer.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

Thanks Habberdabber! We’ll be cooking in the trailer.

Three things we used in Scouts all the time were a tripod frame with hanging grate ( round), a wire basket with a clasp and a long handle and pie irons. Three pretty versatile implements for a wood or charcoal fire. The 12 inch Dutch oven was also used every campout.
Iowa Dave

[fudge_brownie]

There is a barbie at Stone Shelter, which we have rented for Friday and Saturday. It is large, can probably cook 60 burgers at once.

[Tony N]

The tour will be Saturday at 1 o'clock. The address is 440 5th Avenue S in Clinton.
There are several restaurants in the area if you care to have lunch before the tour. Anyone who wants to attend just needs to show up at the appointed time.
Anticipate about an hour duration.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

Three things we used in Scouts all the time were a tripod frame with hanging grate ( round), a wire basket with a clasp and a long handle and pie irons. Three pretty versatile implements for a wood or charcoal fire. The 12 inch Dutch oven was also used every campout.
Iowa Dave

Thanks Dave. We haven’t figured out what we want to haul along on our trips to cook outdoors yet. At home, I’m a charcoal grill guy. Not a big fan of gas grills, but what do I know I’ve been using charcoal all my life.

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

There is a barbie at Stone Shelter, which we have rented for Friday and Saturday. It is large, can probably cook 60 burgers at once.

Can I bring burgers to cook on it? Should I bring charcoal?

Will others be cooking on it, or will I just have a group of people cheering me on at each burger flip attempt? Lol

[HABBERDABBER]

I'd buy some cheapo or disposable type charcoal grill for your use. The grill at the shelter is a very large pedestal type and would take a bag of charcoal to get going. Whatever, do bring all your own supplies as the C.O.E. doesn't provide for cooking.

I don't believe others are planning to use that grill.

I won't be cheering you along, but hovering like a vulture. ready to catch any errant mis-flips.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

I'd buy some cheapo or disposable type charcoal grill for your use. The grill at the shelter is a very large pedestal type and would take a bag of charcoal to get going. Whatever, do bring all your own supplies as the C.O.E. doesn't provide for cooking.

I don't believe others are planning to use that grill.

Thanks Habberdabber. Wifey says we’ll cook burgers on the stove in the trailer.

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

Thanks Dave. We haven’t figured out what we want to haul along on our trips to cook outdoors yet. At home, I’m a charcoal grill guy. Not a big fan of gas grills, but what do I know I’ve been using charcoal all my life.

You might want to stop at site 118 to look at our BioLite Firepit. It’s going on four years old, has easily had 200 fires, is very rusty, but we cook with charcoal and then lower the grate for a wonderful wood fire.

The perforated walls let you have heat on your feet. Your firepit can be located anywhere on your site you wish and can be easily moved while burning . It saves at least a bundle of wood in an evening vs the standard camping ring. Plus, 200 fires at $6 a bundle is a savings of $1,200 over the past four years. The price is now $100 higher than for years ago, but at $300 it’s still a steal. It also fits perfectly in the storage compartment above the LP tanks.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Tony N]

The manager suggests I call her Saturday morning with a firmer number in that she may ask for another docent to split up the group. So let us know by Saturday morning if you plan to attend, if you haven’t already. Site #49
Tony

[TahoeJoe]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

You might want to stop at site 118 to look at our BioLite Firepit. It’s going on four years old, has easily had 200 fires, is very rusty, but we cook with charcoal and then lower the grate for a wonderful wood fire.

The perforated walls let you have heat on your feet. Your firepit can be located anywhere on your site you wish and can be easily moved while burning . It saves at least a bundle of wood in an evening vs the standard camping ring. Plus, 200 fires at $6 a bundle is a savings of $1,200 over the past four years. The price is now $100 higher than for years ago, but at $300 it’s still a steal. It also fits perfectly in the storage compartment above the LP tanks.

Enjoy,

Perry

Ditto on the BioLite fire pit, that's what I carry with me and love it!

[LarryB.]

Originally Posted by Tony N

With Darrell and Laura there is enough interest in the house tour, so I'll contact them and plan on Saturday. The address is 440 5th Avenue S., Clinton IA. Will update if there is a change. No need to make any reservation, only need to show up at the appointed time.

I'm interested also.

And, presuming that the rally is still on their list, I believe that Dave & Barb (from Cincinnati) might be interested also.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by Perry Butler

You might want to stop at site 118 to look at our BioLite Firepit. It’s going on four years old, has easily had 200 fires, is very rusty, but we cook with charcoal and then lower the grate for a wonderful wood fire.

The perforated walls let you have heat on your feet. Your firepit can be located anywhere on your site you wish and can be easily moved while burning . It saves at least a bundle of wood in an evening vs the standard camping ring. Plus, 200 fires at $6 a bundle is a savings of $1,200 over the past four years. The price is now $100 higher than for years ago, but at $300 it’s still a steal. It also fits perfectly in the storage compartment above the LP tanks.

Enjoy,

Perry

Sounds good. Looking forward to seeing it.

My storage above the LP tanks is still fairly available.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

• Self-serve registration at site 51, starting Thursday 4:00pm
• Self-serve name tags
• Check the Bulletin Board
• 7:30 to 9:00 on Friday. Morning coffee and a treat at Site 56. Bring your own mug. Hosted by Dan and Martha.
• Friday night Meet and Greet – Stone Shelter* 4:00-7:00
  • BYOB
  • Optional snacks
  • No glasses/cups, plates or napkins provided
  • Fire in shelter
• Evening campfire at the tent site area. Firewood is provided. Someone needs to select the site and start the fire. Typically, at Site 127
• 7:30 to 9:00 on Saturday. Morning coffee and a treat at Site 56. Bring you own mug. Hosted by Dan and Martha.
• Dog parade. Saturday at 10:00 am. The parade begins in the parking lot on the waterfront next to Site 65 and ends in the parking lot adjacent to Site 52.
• Trailer tours are not organized, you may choose to show your trailer at your discretion
• There will be a free swap meet on the tarp.
• There has been an interest in arranging group tours at the George Curtis Mansion in Clinton IA. It is only open to groups. Someone would need to step forward and make the arrangements.
• There will be an orientation meeting at 11:00 am Saturday for prospective Escape buyers and for first time rally visitors. At site 51 or Stone Shelter if inclement weather.
• The Stone Shelter has been booked on Friday and Saturday for individuals or sub groups of rally attendees. There will be a Meet and Greet at Stone Shelter*, Friday 4:00 pm. The shelter is open for use during the day and evening on Saturday

* Stone Shelter has numerous regular and several handicapped parking spots. It is not permissible to park on the turn around circle next to the shelter.
 

Because there’s so much good stuff here.

[mcdonner]

Hey Dave, hope you have a great rally this weekend. Hopefully we can make it next year. We would love to see some pics from the weekend(hint hint) blue tarp. Go Bucs.