2023 Mississippi River Rendezvous September 22-24

[fudge_brownie]

Nine years in the running, we will again be hosting a Midwest rally on the Mississippi River. We have gathered for many years on the Mississippi River, famous explorers may have camped on the same location. Names like Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet are common to the area and for a reason.

Thomson Causeway in Thomson, Illinois will be the location. For those who have not attended, the campground is an Army Corp of Engineers facility located on the main channel of the Mississippi River. To get a flavor you could search for Mississippi River Rendezvous on this forum, and you will find stories and photos of previous events.

Most attendees stay for the weekend, but you are welcome to arrive early and stay late. You will have to book through www.recreation.gov for a two-day minimum and the booking window opens six months prior to your arrival date. For those unable to camp, there are motels in the area.

Here are the loops in order of preference and their abbreviation. Three of the loops are within walking distance of each other.

Site Numbers--- Loop Abbreviation
29-78--- PMAN
1-28--- PMAS
99-126— HPOI

River Birch campground loop is not on the island and would require a short drive.

The rally is open to all. It is promoted here on the Escape Forum, as a result most of those attending are Escape owners or parties looking to view a lot of models with one visit and/or converse with owners. There are always a variety of other fiberglass trailers present as well as traditional stick-built models.

If you have questions this is the location to ask them. Many of those who have attended in the past are regular visitors on this forum.

[emers382]

Paul we would love to be there again however due to a recent health issue (all fine now) Beth no longer has insurance to cover her in the US so we shall be just purchasing a policy for a few days to visit our family in KS. Hope you have a successful rally. See you in 2024.

[fudge_brownie]

Sorry to hear of Beth's health issues but happy to hear things are better. You will be missed.

[WillyB]

Being new Escapee’s and just down the road a piece we are looking at coming.

Hopefully work does not get in our way.

[cpaharley2008]

I have put these dates on my calendar, hoping to make it this year! Other than Osoyoos, this is a nice meet up with some nice people, thank you Paul for hosting.....

[brroberts]

We are thinking about it too. We’ll be on the road at reservation time, but I’ll find wifi somewhere.

[HABBERDABBER]

This seems like an early announcement. Paul, are you headed off to the Sunshine State soon to flee the Wisconsin Winter frozen tundra wasteland and bask in the sun? I'm a bit bitter. Enjoy.

You have our standing offer by us for assistance to tend to the trailer folk recycling trash if there is a soiree or potluck at the Shelter. Or any other assistance you may need. You only have to ask.

September 2023? How far away is that in "dog years"?

[Shearwater]

Thanks for the early reminder. We've booked the last two years and we've had to cancel both. Hopefully the third time is the charm!

[Iowa Dave]

The old man from eastern Iowa and his child bride avoided being blown off the map by a January tornado yesterday. Only the second one ever recorded in January crossed lnterstate 80, 15 miles south of the Ponderosa. “Clean living” as my dad used to say, when rare good fortune found us.

That said, the vegetable seeds from Johnny’s in Maine are in the mail and the apple trees are ready to prune. Now if we can get some timely rains and warm sunny days during bloom peak for maximum pollination, I’ll be able to overload the mall crawlin’ Highlander and head for Thompson with Escape 21 #6 ever built in tow again this fall.

Looking forward to seeing old friends and making new, giving away vegetables and apples, tipping a few cold ones and regaling attendees with fantastic tales of my wasted youth. Rita is planning on the second year of the dog parade, I’ll be playing the you tube theme song, Who let the dawgs out, and most of all, having some fun.
Here’s a summary rhyme:
If your trailer’s plastic
I’m sure it’s fantastic
No matter where you’re from
You’re welcome.
Longest Burma Shave ever.
Iowa Dave

[Perry Butler]

Looks like a couple of months before we can make a reservation. We had a great time last year!

Enjoy,

Perry

[oldwave]

I’m going to try to make this one

[KevinA]

Thanks for the reminder! Hopefully we can avoid the hordes of gnats this year…we were drowning them by the dozens in cups of vinegar and Dawn. We may try to get a windy spot out on the point this time to blow the little buggers away.

[Iowa Dave]

I just slather myself in Vanilla and Skin So Soft. Saves on deodorant, can’t smell myself just the vanilla. And a couple shots late in the afternoon and I’m good for happy hour.

On edit, my really considerate wife, Rita, informs me that she uses a product called Bug Soother. It’s a pump spray,
here’s a picture with their catchy motto, Repels bugs, gnat-urally.

Iowa Dave

[brroberts]

Tentative 16 day plan:
Jamesport, MO
Pella, IA
Thomson Causway
Pikes Peak
Amana Colonies
Hamilton, MO

[HABBERDABBER]

If you're fixin' on visiting Pikes Peak S.P., just down the road, heading North, is YRSF. A sweet, special place. It's my recommendation, with many other spots nearby from either camp to visit in that area.

bon voyage,

[brroberts]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

If you're fixin' on visiting Pikes Peak S.P., just down the road, heading North, is YRSF. A sweet, special place. It's my recommendation, with many other spots nearby from either camp to visit in that area.

bon voyage,

Thanks. When I get some time, I’ll look at some of the old threads on things to do while at the rally.

[TimBeight]

Thanks for the information! I didn't know of this gathering. It's on my calendar and I will try to make it if conflicts don't arise :-)

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by TimBeight

Thanks for the information! I didn't know of this gathering. It's on my calendar and I will try to make it if conflicts don't arise :-)

Bring your dog for the parade and bring your buckeye flag if you have one. Go Bucks
The Hawkeye Buckeye
Iowa Dave

[Gregw]

Thanks for the update, its on our calendar!

[Paul L]

Thanks for the info! We are new 5.0 owners, have not attended a rally before. In addition to registering for the campsite, do we need to register or enroll for the rally itself? Really looking forward to seeing other Escapees!