|
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2009 11:47:32 GMT -6
^^Why so secretive? Who is the accompanying partner? And there's nothing wrong with camping. I have extra sleeping mats too, you won't have to be on the ground. I camped out once a month for 7 years during Boy Scouts and I survived all the way to Eagle... you can handle one/two nights in a tent haha I'm not sure yet...who the partner will be. I dont want to bring some of my "normal" friends, they would be a drag and wouldnt care all that much about our cars. I've got a few friends in mind that would probably be semi-interested. IDD maybe I will make them draw straws. I have no problem sleeping in a tent, I was in boyscouts also ( I made it to a weblo!) but the only thing I remember really is how to make a fire, put up a tent, fish, and carve a fish out of a soap bar.
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 22, 2009 13:39:01 GMT -6
lol Weblo is cub scouts dude, but no matter!
Who says you have to bring a friend? If I go up with Randy then We'll be driving straight through Springfield on our way to Aurora. You can just caravan up with us. I might be going up to Des Moines and meeting up with Tyler instead tho, it all depends on who is going and who isn't.
|
|
scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
|
Post by scottydl on Apr 22, 2009 16:54:59 GMT -6
Finding a good camping spot has been a problem. Unfortunately there don't seem to be many quality campgrounds in the area. We will likely be staying at Sycamore RV Resort, a nice-looking place but about a 40 minute drive. Change of plans here for me... we will be staying at Shabbona Lake State Park, which is about the same distance as Sycamore but more "on the way" for us traveling north in Illinois. $25/night, and they allow up to 2 tents on a single site. Also I HAVE AN EXTRA TENT that anyone can use if needed. This weekend I might try to set it up and make sure I have all the parts. We could probably put it up on our site with our RV and split that rate too.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2009 17:14:10 GMT -6
lol Weblo is cub scouts dude, but no matter! Who says you have to bring a friend? If I go up with Randy then We'll be driving straight through Springfield on our way to Aurora. You can just caravan up with us. I might be going up to Des Moines and meeting up with Tyler instead tho, it all depends on who is going and who isn't. oooh...maybe that explains why I can only turn a bar of soap into a triangular fish. And scotty, I would be more than willing to split the cost of a site. And XJ once you find out if you are going and which route you will take let me know! I probably wont bring a friend if I can follow. How cool would that be, 3 auroras on the interstate together. Destination AURORA!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 7:31:18 GMT -6
HEY SCOTTY!!!
you know you want a new puppy to welcome the new addition to your family. I'd be glad to bring you one for the midwest meet....you know ya want one!
|
|
scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
|
Post by scottydl on Apr 23, 2009 8:07:49 GMT -6
Uh... no. The dog we have (not to mention 2 kids + another on the way) is quite enough for our household. But thanks for the offer. We've decided to make it a long weekend, and will be bringing the RV (and probably Aurora in tow, as it's looking like we will still have it) up to Shabbona Lake on Thurs. 6/25 to set up camp. We have friends & family in the area to visit, so it'll be nice long weekend for us. I was going to reserve lakeside site #117 ( photo here) and called the campground folks a few minutes ago, only to learn that the site is already reserved every single weekend for the entire summer! But the lady said since we are arriving on a Thursday there would likely be a lot of open sites available. Hopefully something by the lake. Here's a map of the campground for anyone else interested - many of the sites you can click on and see a photo of it.
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 23, 2009 8:32:23 GMT -6
Not too bad, you could go with any of those sites along that circle and have a good view. I wouldn't mind splitting the site with you but again, I'm unsure whether or not I'll be able to come.
|
|
|
Post by tpunk on Apr 23, 2009 12:10:42 GMT -6
Uh... no. The dog we have (not to mention 2 kids + another on the way) is quite enough for our household. But thanks for the offer. We've decided to make it a long weekend, and will be bringing the RV (and probably Aurora in tow, as it's looking like we will still have it) up to Shabbona Lake on Thurs. 6/25 to set up camp. We have friends & family in the area to visit, so it'll be nice long weekend for us. I was going to reserve lakeside site #117 ( photo here) and called the campground folks a few minutes ago, only to learn that the site is already reserved every single weekend for the entire summer! But the lady said since we are arriving on a Thursday there would likely be a lot of open sites available. Hopefully something by the lake. Here's a map of the campground for anyone else interested - many of the sites you can click on and see a photo of it. Scotty, is that site for your RV PLUS 2 additional tents? If so, assuming that aura1, Collins, and myself all come up if we share tents we should all be able to split the site. Is that right? (I'm guessing you guys are sleeping in the RV?) I want to make sure I have sleeping arrangements down pat well in advance so I don't end up on some park bench
|
|
scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
|
Post by scottydl on Apr 23, 2009 12:48:10 GMT -6
Being familiar with IL state parks, I don't think there would really be room for our rig + 2 tents in the grass. The regulations state "1 family or 4 unrelated adults" with "up to 2 tents" on each site. I was thinking more of us having 2 sites total to hold everyone, rather than trying to shoehorn everybody into 1. If you guys end up sharing a site (2 tents) and splitting that cost, I don't mind paying full price on mine. Whatever works out best.
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 23, 2009 13:10:05 GMT -6
Cool, sounds like a plan. My tent fits 5 people comfortably so we should be fine on space, but I doubt that the three of us could pass as your family members and share your site ;D
|
|
|
Post by tpunk on Apr 23, 2009 13:54:02 GMT -6
Being familiar with IL state parks, I don't think there would really be room for our rig + 2 tents in the grass. The regulations state "1 family or 4 unrelated adults" with "up to 2 tents" on each site. I was thinking more of us having 2 sites total to hold everyone, rather than trying to shoehorn everybody into 1. If you guys end up sharing a site (2 tents) and splitting that cost, I don't mind paying full price on mine. Whatever works out best. Oh that's no problem. I wasn't trying to intrude by any means. Just wanted to clarify the situation. So, are you making a reservation or just planning on showing up that Thursday and trying to stake a claim? If we need to make a reservation we better get on it for us tent-dwellers. ;D Collins, if you come, how much beer you bringing?! I'm thinking a couple cases for the weekend at least!
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 23, 2009 14:11:29 GMT -6
Oh that's no problem. I wasn't trying to intrude by any means. Just wanted to clarify the situation. So, are you making a reservation or just planning on showing up that Thursday and trying to stake a claim? If we need to make a reservation we better get on it for us tent-dwellers. ;D Collins, if you come, how much beer you bringing?! I'm thinking a couple cases for the weekend at least! Until I know for sure I think I'm going to stick with the whole "stake a claim" thing. If you want to reserve a site and I can go in on the price later if I come then we can do that. And I'm not sure if I'll bring any. I'll only have 6 over the whole weekend at the very most, I doubt even that much. I only started a few months ago and it doesn't happen often... I'm definitely a lightweight. I doubt they would let it in the park anyway, right?
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 14:33:10 GMT -6
Oh that's no problem. I wasn't trying to intrude by any means. Just wanted to clarify the situation. So, are you making a reservation or just planning on showing up that Thursday and trying to stake a claim? If we need to make a reservation we better get on it for us tent-dwellers. ;D Collins, if you come, how much beer you bringing?! I'm thinking a couple cases for the weekend at least! Until I know for sure I think I'm going to stick with the whole "stake a claim" thing. If you want to reserve a site and I can go in on the price later if I come then we can do that. And I'm not sure if I'll bring any. I'll only have 6 over the whole weekend at the very most, I doubt even that much. I only started a few months ago and it doesn't happen often... I'm definitely a lightweight. I doubt they would let it in the park anyway, right? they would probably let it in the park, if not thats why we have huge trunks hmmmm once I find out for sure if I will be tenting I will let you know tpunk. I need to purchase a good size tent anyways!
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 23, 2009 14:52:26 GMT -6
^^That's nice, but if I come we're using mine ;D ;D ;D
It's already been to a meet, I don't want to break the streak!
If needed, I have another tent that I can bring... It's an older Coleman Weathermaster that my Dad got when I first entered scouts. The older ones were bigger than the ones they sell now... mine is 3 rooms, fits 12 people. We could probably fit the entire forum in that baby. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 15:54:55 GMT -6
LOL fine but appaerently I snore loud. Fair warning.
|
|
|
Post by tpunk on Apr 23, 2009 16:16:01 GMT -6
Now now ladies, don't fight over me. I'll sleep with my legs in Aura's tent and my head in Collin's tent. That way everyone is happy and I don't have to hear Aura snore. :-D
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 16:49:17 GMT -6
Maria doesnt share! haha J/K
IDC where I sleep! I might even camp in the aurora, I've done it before!
|
|
scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
|
Post by scottydl on Apr 23, 2009 16:54:18 GMT -6
So, are you making a reservation or just planning on showing up that Thursday and trying to stake a claim? If we need to make a reservation we better get on it for us tent-dwellers. We are NOT making a reservation, but we are arriving on Thursday which is certainly a non-peak day. Whether or not you guys make a reservation ($5 extra FWIW) would depend on the earliest person's expected arrival time for Friday. Those places really start to pack in around 5-6pm on Fridays, when people are getting off work and headed for the weekend. I doubt they would let beer in the park anyway, right? Not sure about Shabbona Lake, but most of the IL state parks are no alcohol. The only exceptions that I know of are the parks that have large boating lakes with marinas. Really my opinion is that teh alcohol rule is to prevent rowdy, late-night noise. You could probably sneak a few in for around the campfire, as long as you don't make a scene or leave the cans behind. The conservation officers almost never patrol the actual campgrounds unless they are called to a disturbance of some kind. But if you do get caught they are generally not lenient. Just fair warning!
|
|
|
Post by Oldsnut on Apr 23, 2009 19:16:24 GMT -6
Alcohol is not allowed at the meet site. If someone were to bring a cooler filled in their trunk and I were to take an occasional sip of liquid I would not complain. It cannot be out in the wide open though. We enjoyed last year without any alcohol but a few is fine to me.
When I get time, I will take pictures of the site.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 19:31:49 GMT -6
Alcohol is not allowed at the meet site. If someone were to bring a cooler filled in their trunk and I were to take an occasional sip of liquid I would not complain. It cannot be out in the wide open though. We enjoyed last year without any alcohol but a few is fine to me. When I get time, I will take pictures of the site. I'm all for people having a few drinks, Ijust dont want to see anybody get obscenely intoxicated and driving to a camp site, where they wrap their aurora around a telephone poll. Juyst remember drunks that drive usually end up slamming into the rear end of a 1989 ford mustang.
|
|
|
Post by Oldsnut on Apr 23, 2009 19:48:11 GMT -6
Alcohol is not allowed at the meet site. If someone were to bring a cooler filled in their trunk and I were to take an occasional sip of liquid I would not complain. It cannot be out in the wide open though. We enjoyed last year without any alcohol but a few is fine to me. When I get time, I will take pictures of the site. I'm all for people having a few drinks, Ijust dont want to see anybody get obscenely intoxicated and driving to a camp site, where they wrap their aurora around a telephone poll. Juyst remember drunks that drive usually end up slamming into the rear end of a 1989 ford mustang. I am in the alcohol/beverage industry, the last thing I need is a DUI or to be remotely involved with a DUI. My job is worth more than that. I personally will police this myself., for me it's personal.
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2009 20:00:14 GMT -6
Me too! I lost a bumper because of said beverage!
|
|
|
Post by tpunk on Apr 23, 2009 22:06:13 GMT -6
Oh I wasn't planning on getting hammered and driving or anything I was just thinking about having a couple brews around the fire in the evening. I'll probably just bring a small cooler in the trunk, if it gets searched so be it.
Scotty, did they say which sites don't have reservations for that weekend yet?
|
|
|
Post by aurora4 on Apr 23, 2009 23:13:01 GMT -6
if i can make it id love to see all your cars but im stuck down here in texas with very few badly neglected auroras in sight
|
|
XJSman89
Administrator
Posts: 6,309
Staff Member
|
Post by XJSman89 on Apr 24, 2009 0:32:15 GMT -6
If you can find some way to make it up we'd be glad to have you, man. It'll definitely be fun.
As long as Scotty doesn't care then I may bring a couple... I'm pretty picky so I'll just bring my own. I don't drink often and I only drink Corona. A couple around the fire doesn't sound too bad tho. And of course we won't have any at the actual meet, I came to meet you guys not to make an idiot out of myself in front of you! ;D
|
|
|
Post by oldwino on Apr 24, 2009 1:53:31 GMT -6
What time Saturday is the get together suppose to start? IDK if I can make the trip yet. Depends on work and cash flow. Work 2nd shift til 2am Sat. Might be able to alter my shift to get out earlier. It's a 7 hour drive for me. Won't know for sure til probably a couple weeks before the event. The wife's extent of roughing it is my cousin's 26' camper complete with head and shower. Tent is out of the question. Wouldn't bother me, I've spent nights in a shelter half tent with a rain poncho for a pillow, long time ago. Couple of quick questions for the locals. How much would the toll be coming from I65 across I80/294/88 to Aurora? Or is there a better route to there from I65? What hotel/motel/B&B in the area are decent? Would want someplace that's clean but not too pricey. Any info is appreciated. Jack
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2009 5:48:20 GMT -6
You can avoid toll roads and I highly suggest that you do. Especially in Illinois, thnx governor for the high tolls! I imagine I will plan my route around the tolls! As for Hotels just do an Internet search for the town you plan on crashing in!
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2009 5:50:24 GMT -6
Oh and I believe that everyone was wanting to meet up by 12.
|
|
|
Post by Oldsnut on Apr 24, 2009 7:20:35 GMT -6
What time Saturday is the get together suppose to start? IDK if I can make the trip yet. Depends on work and cash flow. Work 2nd shift til 2am Sat. Might be able to alter my shift to get out earlier. It's a 7 hour drive for me. Won't know for sure til probably a couple weeks before the event. The wife's extent of roughing it is my cousin's 26' camper complete with head and shower. Tent is out of the question. Wouldn't bother me, I've spent nights in a shelter half tent with a rain poncho for a pillow, long time ago. Couple of quick questions for the locals. How much would the toll be coming from I65 across I80/294/88 to Aurora? Or is there a better route to there from I65? What hotel/motel/B&B in the area are decent? Would want someplace that's clean but not too pricey. Any info is appreciated. Jack From the IL/IN border to the exit for the meet you will have $3.20 in tolls. That is twice what IL residence pay because we get a break if we use I-Pass. There is a Hampton Inn at the Rt31 exit which would be a few miles from the meet. I would say 11/12 am would be a good time to start.
|
|
|
Post by oldwino on Apr 24, 2009 13:39:19 GMT -6
Thanks for the info.
|
|