The "Next" mini-rally

[chockwald]

OK, I know, it's been less than a month since we all bid farwell to each other in Creede, but, depending on where we decide to meet, and the time of year, we should start discussing now so we can be sure we can all get reservations.

I really like David's idea of meeting in Breckinridge at Tiger Run, because, after all, who doesn't like Colorado? That being said I am wide open to anywhere that has cool temperatures, and dry air. If we are going to meet in the summer time then some mountainous area is preferable....Sierras, Rockies, Tetons, Cascades. If we decide to meet in the off season (Fall, Winter, Spring) then there are more options.

Personally, one of my favorite places west of the Mississippi River is Lake Tahoe. There are many, many great destination places to go, so let's hear something about your favorite destinations!

[prairieschooner]

how about east of the mississippi? or maybe Oregon and check out the Oregon Trails? or the Black Hills?

[chockwald]

I love Oregon....there are some great parks along the coast....the Charleston-Coos Bay area is a great place to stay.

[chockwald]

We've had a number of new owners join our forum in the past few months, and many of them are expressing an interest in attending one of our mini-rally's. I have a lot of ideas of places to meet, but they are all in my "neck of the woods", which is west of the Mississippi. I've often thought that Elaine and I could spend 5 years just touring all the amazing places in the Western U.S. that we haven't yet seen, and we plan to do that in just 2 short years. But, the one place we always seem to gravitate back toward is Lake Tahoe. The elevations at Lake Tahoe vary from 6,250 up to almost 7,000 feet. There is a plethora (I haven't used that word since college...LOL!) of activities from snorkling, sailing, boating, water skiing (snow skiing in the winter, of course!), Jeep trails, bicycling, hiking, rafting, gambling (Stateline), great dining, site seeing (many, many historical sites), etc.

My favorite time of year to be there is either just before Memorial Day, or just after Labor Day, for obvious reasons.....fewer people. Although, typcially, we have been there between those dates, because we were raising 5 kids for years who had to be in school, or with relatives who had children in school, or when I was in school as a child. I've been going to Lake Tahoe since 1954.

Here are a few pictures....anyway, that's my big idea.

[chockwald]

A few more pictures...

[encantotom]

as we think of the next place to get together, lets try to do somewhere central to the folks that might come. i for one still have to work for a living and a 2 day drive each way is about as much as i can do and still have enough time to stay.

so as much as i would like to go to oregon or florida or ohio, it is too far for us.

i know i am in the minority since alot of you have alot more flexibility on time so that is just my own restriction. or just do a bunch of them and we will try to do one that is within range.

there are a ton of cool places to go, thats for sure. just stay away from the heat, humidity, and bugs....

tom

[chockwald]

Well, Tom, Lake Tahoe could work for you then...it's about 870 miles from Mesa, AZ! Looks like a 2 day drive to me. No heat, humidity, or bugs (maybe the odd misquito). It would work great for those new owners up in Washington, Oregon, Utah, etc.

[encantotom]

too many people at lake tahoe. i would prefer a more private remote country feel kinda place.

tom

[chockwald]

Meeks Bay, which is on the west side of the lake near Emerald Bay is actually quite rural, and reminds me of what Lake Tahoe was like back in the 50's. If we go before Memorial Day, or after Labor Day it is actually very uncrowded....after Labor Day is my favorite time....in fact if we got into early October we would be able to see the leaves changing along HWY 395. October is right in between the seasons, and is the least crowded time there. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Checked the mileage for you taking I-10 to I-15 to HWY 395 and it is 100 miles shorter than going up I-5....high 700's.

Here's the webiste for Meeks Bay Resort:

http://www.meeksbayresort.com/

[folivier]

I just checked the mileage to Lake Tahoe from Thibodaux 2200 miles. That's a little far for me. Creede was about 1250 but still do able for a week. Of course I'll be retired in March so it may be irrelevant. There is always the Ozarks. Or cajun country if you don't mind heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and fish heads! (sorry Tom, couldn't resist)

[urfreeman07@gmail.com]

We can do something a little closer also. We both work fulltime. Arkansas, Cajan country or Texas somewhere? We would love to meet everyone for a few days.

[zcasa]

We would love to do a mini-rally in Louisiana around late March or so. I know that we have around 4 Newell Coaches close to New Orleans and many more within striking distance. Richard could probably just ride his bike there. lol. Anyways, maybe Forest, Tuga, Matt could chime in and see if there is a park around that would be a nice one for a rally and someone take the lead to figure out some dates and let's gitter done. Or we could consider Padre Island in Texas. We have Pete down there with many good locations, I'm sure.

Gumbo, Delta Blues and some good friendship sounds like a great combination.

David

[chockwald]

OK....this what I was hoping for......we're talking now. I wouldn't mind being in Louisiana in March....we can also visit Elaine's siblings in East Texas coming, or going. I've driven through Louisiana many times, but never stopped to "smell the roses". I'm always up for a new experience, and new territory. For me the location is not as important as the fellowship!!!

[urfreeman07@gmail.com]

Sounds great to us. Hey there is a great place up by Jefferson Texas. It is about 15 miles off I-20 on Hwy 59 north. Very nice spring weather in March. Also, not far from Shreveport.

[encantotom]

that is on the edge of being too far for us. but dont let us be the ones who spoil the party.

for those in california or oregon, unless they are retired it will be way too far away.

tom

[express1]

Where is Louisiana?

[tuga]

I can suggest a couple of RV resorts in the Louisiana/Texas area.

Buckhorn Lake Resort is one of America's premier RV parks.
http://www.buckhornlake.com/

I have attended several rallies there and the management knows what RVers like and need. The park is well layed out with wide paved roads & sites, and has great meeting areas, a 35 seat theater, swimming pools, tennis courts, putting green, and a beautiful lake setting. It is located 1 hour west of San Antonio, TX. Kerrville has many good restaurants and shopping.

Cajun Palms in Henderson, LA is a new RV park. I stayed there when it was new; it appears to be more of a family oriented park than an adult park. The swimming pool is geared to children with slides and cartoon characters. Also, I found that the sites were narrow. They were also too close together. I like about 35' between sites (I'm particular!).
http://www.cajunpalms.com/index.html

If I were to choose between the two parks; Buckhorn would be my choice. However, Karen and I would like to attend the next rally where ever it is held. I know that it would be kind of far for us, but I would love Lake Tahoe!

Just wanted to throw out some choices!

[tuga]

Where is Louisiana?

Hey Russo,

Send me a picture of you and Connie. I forgot what you look like!

[ccopel]

Debbie and I live on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. There are two new RV parks on the Island, right on the beach. I have not tried any of them. Too close to home. The best time for this area is late September or October. Spring time the weather can be great but it can turn and be very windy and everything gets sanblasted. Another factor is Spring Break. For three weeks all College and University students from Chicago down, invade this area and take over. Many RV parks are filled to capacity far in advance. We also have "Winter Texans" in RVs of any size and shape stay here during the winter months from Canada as well as most states north of here. It's a great place for anything to do with the beach, one of the few places where you can even dry camp on the beach and sit around a big open fire and talk about Newells. We had two RVs that rusted away over time for that reason.
Scheduling and early action is the key here. I will find some links and post them for more information.
By the way, we have 50amp service and a concrete pad next to the house if any one needs a place to hang out if your travels make it this far south.

Pete and Debbie
96 Newell #419

[chockwald]

I've been giving this some thought. If we get together in the Spring 2010 we're obviousy talking about somewhere in the South/Southwest. In March, or April much of the Colorado Plateau would be under snow, or too cold. Many, if not most of those interested in these mini-rallys seem to live west of the Mississippi. One of the reasons we bought our Newell was to explore places we haven't been before (the one exception will always be Lake Tahoe for us...we never get tired of going there). One place I have wanted to visit for at least 20 years is Santa Fe, NM. April average temps range from lows of 40 to highs of 64. March highs are in mid 50's. Elevation is 7,000'. Anyone been to Santa Fe in the last 10 years? I hear there is a lot to do, see, and great restaurants......art galleries, indian ruins, museums, hiking, ghost towns, Los Alamos Laboraties, etc.

For many here this would be a one to two day drive (a couple of 500 mile days in some cases)......it's about 800+ for us. Anyone interested in Santa Fe?

[folivier]

Santa Fe, about 18 hours for us. I've wanted to visit there also, plus want to see Palo Dura & Big Bend in Texas. Might be able to see all 3 on one trip.
The weather sounds right in my "comfort zone". Any nice campgrounds around there?
One thing we need is a nearby airport since Cindy will probably fly out to meet me.

[chockwald]

Forest, there are a number of parks, but this one seems to be the nicest with easy access to downtown:

http://www.trailerranch.com/

Here are some reviews of the park from www.rvparkreviews.com (you'll have to scroll down to the bottom of the page...it's the last one reviewed):

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/New_Mexico/Santa_Fe.html

[zcasa]

Hey Forest:

We have traveled down to Santa Fe twice with the Coach and have stayed in the Santa Fe Skies RV Park. Family owned, impeccable club house and facilities and about 15 minutes into old town. It is easy to get to right off the interstate. I would request the Z row. There are only two spots with nice concrete patios, the Coach will sit on gravel. You will have unobstructed views of the mountains surrounding Santa Fe. We traveled by toad to Los Animos(sp) and it is fascinating history up there. Atom Bomb. Second biggest caldron in the world is just 6 miles from Los Animos. Also, Santa Fe has a world class opera. We are not big fans, but those who are, it is a must. Anyways, the other couple of parks that we found were insufficient for us with the Newell. We do wish it was a little closer to town, but we enjoyed anyway.

Best regards,

David

[zcasa]

BTW, just read the other posts on this thread. Clarke seems to have found a nice park much closer to town. We would have to see if our larger coaches can get into it. Santa Fe is marvelous. It is the highest elevation State Capitol in the USA. The airport may need a connection through a major gateway like Albuquerque, which is about an hour away drive away to the south. But, the old city and the history around it, like Clarke mentioned are well worth exploring. It will be iffy on the weather, because Denver is 5,250' and we don't plant flowers or turn on the sprinkler systems until after Mother's Day. We will party whenever and wherever it works for the mostest. Pete is spot on that Padre Island won't work in the Spring. Great input and we will avoid a bad time.

[Ron Skeen]

We have been stopping at Santa Fe for the last 7 years and alway stay at Santa Fe Skies. This accomadate big rigs and the family that run the park are first class. This is convenently located to all the surrounding points of interest. You can even ride your wild hogs to Madrid. This is my wife favorite place and any time we go west we have to go by Santa Fe.

[chockwald]

I've never been to any of the parks in Santa Fe, obviously, so I can only go by the reviews. The Trailer Ranch Rv Park has nothing but 4 and 5 star reviews. It is a 55+ adults only park right in town with free bus service to downtown and old town. Has anyone on the forum been to, or seen this park? I know Ron and Dave have good taste, so I'll have to go with their strong recommendation for Santa Fe Skies. Has anyone been through Santa Fe in April? The 7,000' feet does concern me, but I was hoping it would be better weather since it's much further south than Denver. At any rate, good to see some interest in a location.

***On second thought, a 55 and over park would not work for all of us....some of us are still "young", meaning under 55....LOL. I read a lot of reviews of the Santa Fe Skies Rv Park, and they are just as glowing as Ron and David were, so that's cool for me.

[Wally Arntzen]

If your thinking New Mexico, Ruidoso is another special place with facilities available. It's a great little town with a lot of Native American sites in the area, a horse race track, lots of art stuff, casino, ski hill, close to Sky Croft, etc.
Im not sure we can make it but will try. My first choce would be Tiger Run in Colorado.

[chockwald]

Hey, Wally....I think we're still going to Tiger Run, but not until the Fall of 2010 (September). This would be in addition to Tiger Run.

[tuga]

Tiger Run would be one of my top choices also. I have been to a couple of rallies at Santa Fe Skies and it was nice but I have been there twice!

Ruidoso would also be a good spot; we have never been there!

Jackson Hole, WY would be beautiful, but the only RV park in town is the Virginian and it isn't very nice. Just gravel roads and sites and no community center. We stayed at Coultier Bay RV park but it is too far from Jackson (about 50 miles).

Lake Toxaway, NC is really nice on the east side of the Mississippi. There is an ORA Blue Ridge Mountains; but that may be a little far for the California group.

Traverse Bay RV Resort is really nice. It is on the Michigan pennisula in Traverse City, MI. This would also be a little far from the West coast. Newell Coach has had a rally here and as I understand it folks raved about the climate and the scenery.

Whatever you guys decide; we will try our best to be there!

[chockwald]

Based on the time of year we are trying to set this up for (Spring, 2010) we will need go somewhere in the south/southwestern part of the U.S. Distance for some is also an issue. I think New Mexico fits well for most as far as spreading the driving distance pain around. Whether it is Santa Fe, or Ruidoso (both look and sound wonderful) is fine with me as I've been to neither place before.

For a number of us unretired folks here distance and time frames still dominate our vacation decisions. In a couple of years it won't matter anymore for us. I would love to visit some the places Tuga talked about, but for now the distances are too great. I think it's the same for Tom and Darlene, Richard and Rhonda, and others that don't come to mind right now.

I'm down for Santa Fe, or Ruidoso in the Spring....do I hear any "dittos" out there? If we're going to set this up we'll need to start finalizing the RV Park arrangements....it's still far enough off that we shouldn't have a problem, but we'll be inside that 6 month window soon.

[ccopel]

Ruidoso is one of our favorite places for skiing right before Christmas. Two years ago I stayed there for a few days during the summer on the way back from Tiger Run. We did not find a great RV Park but did not look too hard either. The RV we had was only 28ft. Now I would be concerned taking our Newell 45ft in the park we were in. I don't remeber the name but it was close to Ruidoso Downs. Does anyone have any knowledge of any other RV parks?

Pete and Debbie
Newell #419

[zcasa]

Good information. I've been to Ruidoso Downs a few years back w/o the Coach. Nice area, isolated and pretty. I would vote for Tuga's west of San Antonio place or Santa Fe for the spring. I'll phone Santa Fe next week, when we get out of Canada, and ask them about the weather. Tiger Run in September will be off the charts for all of us. We are now in MI. As Tuga said, the Traverse City, Bay Harbor, Macinawc Island are awesome. The Island is 8 miles around and has the only state highway in the nation that does not allow cars. NO cars on the island at all. So cool. We rode our bikes around the island and had a great lunch. Everyone should see that area once for sure. Glad we stopped by. Now on our way to the NE and hopefully some cool leaves.

[encantotom]

i will not go to ruidoso. a year ago we spent two weeks in new mexico and after going to roswell to see the UFO stuff we headed to ruidoso all excited. it is a crowded, hilly place where we stayed one nite and promptly left. from there we went to Cloudcroft and it was the coolest place we have stayed at in the coach. we stayed at a park that was out in the mountains away from the small town and we have acres of green lush grass outside our front door to watch the deer in every morning. we were going to stay a day and ended up staying a full week.

however, in april, there could still be snow at 9000 feet, which is what cloudcroft is.

to be honest i have not had the time to look for places. lets not rush into it as we have some time yet.

tom

[Wally Arntzen]

Tuga, I agree with you, places other than the southwest should be considered. There are a lot of Newell owners that are being left out who live up north, on the east coast or southeast that may be very interested in a ralley.
Another place that is fantastic is the Black Hills, but anyplace that is slected is to far for somebody.
Ruidoso was a sugestion and there are some good rv parks in the area, its a shame that some went to less that comfortable parks and feel bad about the entire area. I,ve been there four times and found it to be very interesting, with unlimited options of what to do with your time.
Some of our group like to tour, hike or bike and others just like to sit around and chat about Newell stuff. I think there is to much chat about who can make it and who can't. Pick a place and whoever can get there will, and the others will have to wait for another ralley that works.

Thats the fat guys two cents worth and I'm sticking with it.

It looks like no hurricanes this year so I will be leaving Minnesota in three weeks heading for Tuscon, Arizona for the winter.

[HoosierDaddy]

Someday I'd like to meet east of the Mississississippi! but I've got a lot of work to do (and tires to replace) on the Newell before I trust it to go more than 100 miles from home.

[prairieschooner]

sounds like more than one rally should be considered. Do you guys really need to go back to Colorado so soon after Creede? I vote for the Black Hills! and we will be coming from the southwest.
have coach and willing to travel.

[encantotom]

so, since i have been a naysayer on most things for this one.....

we just did colorado.....

before that we did texas....

we are trying to be central to as many people as possible.

even though black hills SD is a little farther than i would like, it is about the same distance for AZ, OR, TX, IN, LA (state), and a hundred miles farther for Los Angeles.

about 1250 miles for most of us except for anyone more east than Indiana or east of LA (state).

it is 2.5 good days of driving for me, but it is something to conisder.

lets keep coming up with ideas....

tom

[chockwald]

Hey Tom.....would that be for the early Fall, or Spring? Might be a little cold in March/April in the Black Hills, but I am definitely down to do that instead of Colorado again. Temp averages in Black hills in April are from low 50's to high 50's (much lower in March), and in September high 60's, low 70's. I would definitely be for Black Hills in September....another place I have not been, and would love to see.

[tuga]

I will just throw this out there: we are planning an Alaska trip June 2010 - August 2010. If anyone would like to join us we are meeting a few other coaches in Dawson Creek on June 15th @ Mile 0. Let me know if you would like to join us.

With regard to the rally, we will try to work around whatever you guys decide. We are open to almost anything you come up with for another rally.

[folivier]

I kinda like Tom's suggestion: no heat, humidity, mosquitoes
After that I'll go anywhere. I'm up for any location (Cindy will fly in for a week or so). As with any group, some people just won't be able to make it, that's why we need 2 rallies. But is April the best month? It might limit us with snow.

[folivier]

Hey Tuga,
I want a detailed trip report, we'll probably go to Alaska in 2012 or 13.

[chockwald]

My preference, now that I no have children of the "minor" variety, is to go to cool(as in neat) places out of season when there are no crowds, which is why I suggest April, or even May, or after Labor Day. What are the Black Hills like in May...anyone know? I know the temps are already getting down into the "30's" at night there, and it's just the end of Sept. Would they be better in late summer? Someone once said there are 2 seasons in the Dakotas...Winter and July.

[Wally Arntzen]

May is much safer in the black hills than September. I was at a GMC ralley there once and they got 36" of snow that started the day everybody was leaving and some of the people that stayed back were stuck for a few days. May is pretty safe and generally nice weather.
This country has so many national parks that are fantastic and I have not been to a lot of them. I had the good fortune to go the black hills on five different occaisions and I still have not seen the entire place. It is very large with so many things to do and it very easy to get around. I'm not endorsing the black hills for myself because I don't even know if I can make it, but I can guarntee anyone that they will not be disapointed if that is the choice you make.
They have Mount Rushmore, a head of 1500 buffallo that you can get right into the herd, fantastic off roading, biking trails, great RV parks,etc, etc..
These same kind of remarks can be made of many other places in this great country and hopefully at some point someone can just say here's where were gonna have a ralley and get er done.

[chockwald]

Wally, thank you for the first hand information. One concern for May is it appears from some of the "average temperature" graph below that May is a high rainfall month in the Badlands. Only June seems to have higher average rainfall than May.

Monthly average temperatures and precipitation for Badlands National Park are shown below. Is this accurate based on your experience?

Additionally, I am attaching average temperatures and precipitation for Santa Fe. April appears to be one of the lower precipitation months of the year.

I haven't been to either place before, so I have no firsthand knowledge. Don't want to go somewhere and sit in the rain (Badlands), or snow (Santa Fe) for 4 days. My concern is that wherever we go we maximize our opportunities for good weather.

[Wally Arntzen]

Clarke, check the weather information for the Mount Rushmore in the black hills. The weather between the badlands and the black hills is very different because the mountains begin in the black hills. The badlands are very different than the black hills but they are very beautiful and definnetaly something to see.
On the five times I have been there I have not had any rain, but that does not mean anything. I does rain but It will be interesting to see the differenct between the two areas.

[chockwald]

Wally, you are right...I typed in badlands, not Black Hills. Here is the info on May in Black Hills, specifically Mount Rushmore:

"May precipitation mostly comes in the form of showers and late spring accounts for over a third of the Black Hills annual moisture. Daytime highs now reach the 50’s, with 60 degree temperatures not uncommon, however overnight temperatures are still chilly, with morning frosts not uncommon." Here is the link:

http://www.mountrushmoreinfo.com/weather.htm

[folivier]

So if we do the Badlands any ideas on where? Anybody have any favorite campgrounds? We certainly would have to narrow the area down somewhat.
If so I'll probably end up spending a few weeks in the area, anybody else interested?

[zcasa]

Good question, Forest. Newell Coach is having the Company sponsored rally in Spearfish, SD next summer. It is at Elkhorn RidgeRv Resort in Spearfish, SD. Looks like a nice place. I have been to one Newell Coach rally and several parks where they have held rallies and all were very nice. Might be a good idea to hold one of our classic rallies there as well. Check it out.

David

[tuga]

Hey Tuga,
I want a detailed trip report, we'll probably go to Alaska in 2012 or 13.

Forest,

I'll keep you informed. We are going with a friend from POG; Ken Zittrer and his wife Janet. They have been twice so they will be our tour guides.

From what everyone has told me; it is the trip of a lifetime. We figure it will take 2 months + so I am going to hire someone to do my business daily paperwork.

If anyone else would like to join us call me at 985 381 6613 or email tugagaidry@bellsouth.net

[folivier]

Tuga, got your aluminum foil?

[prairieschooner]

I just looked the weather link that Clarke posted, looks like August or September is a much better month to visit that area. There are two other advantages with September 1st... the changing of the seasons and 2nd.... the Sturgis Motorcycle Ralley.
May could be a bit early for that area, we don't put away the snow chains until after Father's Day up here...I say that we follow the geese South for Winter and North for Summer.
just a simple man's thoughts

[tuga]

No Forest, these guys are great, they only tease a little. I do have a picture of my Newell at a POG (Prevost Owners Group) rally and during the night some of the guys wrapped aluminum foil around the entire coach and painted XLII on it. We all had a good laugh! They are really great guys & gals.

[chockwald]

Tuga....look forward to updates on your Alaska adventure! Too soon for us, but maybe in a couple of years.

Steve...exactly my thought....let's go south in the Spring and north in the early Fall. I think we're going to head for Santa Fe in April after TAX day...we'll see who decides to join us.

By the way, Steve, Elaine and I are thinking about heading up to Ventura the weekend of October 10th. Thought of heading up as early as Wednesday, or Thursday of that week. Are you and Tricia interested???

Forest.....same for Elaine and I....we were thinking of going to Alaska in 2012, or 2013.

[folivier]

Hey Clarke, mini-rally in Alaska in 2012 or 2013?
Maybe Tuga can scout out some campgrounds for us!
Seriously we would love to have yall, and others join us for an Alaska adventure. (I better start cooking gumbo)

[chockwald]

Forest....2013 sounds good to me....let's start planning! It's great that we have an "advance man" to scout out the prime locations for us!

[prairieschooner]

I would love to go to Alaska although 2013 may be too soon because I am self employed and not retarded (retired) just yet. Trying to get enough time to see Alaska properly may be a challenge.
I hear that the Roads are tough! They may wreak havoc on some of the newer Coaches. I was actually considering shipping our ’82 there but I will await Tuga’s Report.
Having said this there are some things that I need to accomplish while I am there
Sleep in an Igloo-just to say I did.
Catch and eat a Salmon.
Watch the Aurora Borealis.
Drink a Martini with Glacier Ice.
another that shouldn't be written here at the Forum.

[Wally Arntzen]

Steve, I think the motorcycle ralley in Sturgis is in August. Check it out.

[prairieschooner]

Yep you're right Wally, I stand corrected. Since I don't ride I ask those who do to overlook this error.
I propose that we consider early or late August if considering South Dakota (just not Aug 9-15---thanks again Wally)

[tuga]

Get a copy of Alaskan Camping by Mike & Terri Church. I just received my copy in the mail yesterday. I have read the first four chapters, it is great. Very informative and is packed with good information to save you time, money, and hassles.

The Milepost is also a good publication to read about Alaska.

[ttikalsky]

Very nice resort we have stayed at during our last week long trip in 2008. Will stay there again.

http://www.elkhornridgervpark.com/


Something to consider, the fireworks over Mount Rushmore are said to be spectacular on July 4, includes some air force jets fly by, but parking is full by 10:00 AM.


Troy Tikalsky
Waconia MN
1986 Newell

[chockwald]

OK.....time to revive this thread. What are the collective thoughts on our next mini-rally? Is there any interest in a Spring rally, or just in a late Summer/early Fall rally? We will only be able to make one this year due to a change in Elaine's job requiring her to be in the "field" more this year making it difficult to tele-commute as she did last year when we were blessed to be able to spend almost 8 weeks on the road. The most we will be able squeeze out this year is 10-14 days at one time making a trip to the Badlands logistically difficult.

At any rate let's hear your input.......

[folivier]

I'm up for it anytime! Last Friday was my last day working, Cindy still plans to work for another year so we'll have to plan around her time off. Wherever we go I'll probably drive the coach up then pick her up at the airport so she'll have more time to spend with the gang.
We're planning a trip in May when Cindy's godchild has her baby. She lives in Florence, AL near Muscle Shoals. I'm thinking of dropping her off at the airport and maybe drive into Arkansas if the weather warms up by then. Anybody for Alaska in 2011 or 12?

[tuga]

Forest,

I am planning to go to Alaska this summer; leaving June 6th and returning Aug 15th.

We would love to have you and Cindy join us. So far we have 2 coaches maybe 3!

If anyone else is interested please let me know.

[folivier]

I'd love to go this year but won't be ready until next year.
You gotta promise to keep us informed of your trip whenever you can. Also keep lotsa notes for when I go.
Good luck with your trip.

[jmacstack]

Maren and I are driving to NH near the end of July and back to Montana or perhaps to somewhere our hearts desire in August, but we're in! We will be on tour with her, just about released,( 3/13) 3rd CD, so we'll be all over the country. After hearing all the fun you had in Creede, and meeting Clarke and Elaine this fall, we don't want to miss out again!

[chockwald]

Got an e-mail from Matt and Connie and they are interested, too.

[Richard and Rhonda]

Hey Jen,

How about turning us on to Maren's full ID so we can give her stuff a listen?

[jmacstack]

Maren's full ID is Maren Christensen:
Her Website is: www.marenchristensen.com (you can listen to her music here)
She also has a facebook fan page that we just started.

[chockwald]

Thanks, Jennifer......visited the website, joined the e-mail list, and left a comment. Enjoyed the music!

[Wally Arntzen]

I probably would be able to make a ralley in the Black Hills but further West or South West would be out of the question for me.
Someone has make a decision and whoever can make it will and the others can do one later.