Community Forums

03HRVacationer · 06-09-2009, 08:22 AM

We talked and yelled about how the rallies really need to be planned a year in advance, so I'm raising my hand to be Wagon Master for the spring rally in 2010.

We will not let or cause this groups demise, the response for the fall rally is poor at best. I hope Boog gets some support from the people in that area.

So as a group please reply regarding the spring rally, we have found many cg that are rally friendly and in a neutrul area to all of us. I want to put on a rally that people can attend so it won't be in Maine......

We have met many nice ppl from here that we will camp with whether planned thru here or not. If things were like the last rally all the time I'd be gone for sure, we like to camp and have a good time doing it and have met plenty of people from here that feel the same way..

If you concider yourself a member of the Noreasters please speak your piece regarding 2K10 Spring Rally. And the thoughts on planning a year ahead.

Thanks,

Al

Doris · 06-09-2009, 10:37 AM

I didn't want to be the first to respond, but here I am anyway. This is just my opinion. Your mileage may vary and that is fine.

I agree that we should be discussing and booking our rally's a year out. I've mentioned that before, as we've grown. It gets hard to find a site that fits as many units as we need, a few months out, especially in the Northeast, when time is short.

I disagree that if you are the wagon master, you should always try to get a central site. While I may not travel to Maine, I think whoever is the wagon master should get to pick the site. Otherwise, we'll always go to the same area. Most of you know we don't travel past 3 hours or so, but that doesn't mean I think all rally's should be within 3 hours of our central location, or even that we should be taken into consideration of where the next rally is. I can't see any reason why, if a rally is too far for me and other's in my area, we can't have a smaller, closer rally/gathering at the same time. It shouldn't take away from the 'official' rally, but add to it. We did that once when the national was too far away, and had fun emailing each other pictures.

I also think that everyone that offers to do a rally should post their places and thoughts, so all get a chance on offering to do a rally, even those not attending a rally. If more than one person offers, then a vote should be taken for the 'official' rally (and again, if it's too far for some, then a smaller rally could be held. It wouldn't affect the 'official' rally, since some of us would not be going in any case, but get a chance to gather with those where distance might be a factor).

While I'm putting out thoughts, just like Al did, I also don't think deciding where a rally should be, should have anything to do with how many rallies a person has already done, if they are new people, if they are old people, whatever. If they are willing to do another one, good for them. If more than one person wants to do one, again, we go back to the vote, once places are picked, by those willing to put themselves out there to be wagon master.

I think it's difficult to come up with a rally plan when at a rally, since we would have no idea if the place in mind is available, and those who aren't at the rally are closed out from offering to be a WM and offering their campground choice.

Again, these are just my thoughts and opinions, and yours may differ. No reason we can't have varying opinions, as we all should want for the good of our group. I've just complete my ninth year with the group, I'd hate to see us break up. You guys are my extended family. We've been there for the weddings, the births, the deaths and many other occasions. Lets get past this, and move onto what we all love. Camping together.

NYMoose "Lenny" · 06-09-2009, 12:01 PM

After running two rallies one for here, and another for the other group, I do agree we should plan a little more ahead. I also agree that it is up to the individula wagonmaster to chose his location, if it is to far for some, they may just have a smaller turnout.

We have lost many good people over some of this nonsense, and I agree we should start talking about the spring Rally now, and if Al has volunteered this could be his rally. If others want to hold additional ones, there could be smaller ones like they are doing in NH for those who want to attend.

As far as I am concerned, we are in a different situation, because my wife and I both work, and my kids are still in school, so it make it difficult and hard to justify a long distance trip for two nights, and ONLY I can make the decision what is long distance for me. Those who are retired could take a leisure ride and get to where they want to me with no schedule.

We might want to consider looking into how other areas do it, even though the Northeast is unique because we have a short camping season from April thru October.

I think it is great that Boog stepped up (or was pushed) god only knows thats how I did my first one, and if you need help, as I said in my PM we are here for you.

Al, If you feel like hosting a rally, as far as I am concerned I think you could start looking into it.

TTT1953 · 06-09-2009, 12:26 PM

Al,
Thanks for starting this much needed discussion and for stepping up and offering to do the spring rally. I think that the fact that you have offered, should give you the rally. We've tried to have votes in the past and it's never really worked out. You have my support to find a campground and post a date so that people can start thinking about it. By the time of the fall rally this year, someone should be thinking about hosting the fall rally next year. And if someone can't make the official IRV2 rally, there is nothing wrong with a group getting together on the same week end, somewhere else.

You Go Al.

Doris · 06-09-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTT1953

Al,
We've tried to have votes in the past and it's never really worked out.

The only reason I mentioned a vote, was because it was mentioned that someone else was interested in dong the Fall rally besides Boog (I think it was AL

), and they were still discussing it around their table at the Spring rally, and wham, it was done and agreed on, which caused a lot of hard feelings..and if two people offer, how else to decide who and where other than a vote? Voting did work the last time, after we got through trying to figure out if people wanted to vote on a spot or a WM. There should be some fairness IMO for all that might want to offer to be WM. Sometimes it takes time to check on a campground and sites, and someone can't just say OK, I'll do it. And just as I can't speak for everyone and tell Al to go ahead, with a group our size, votes are sometimes the only way to give quieter people (obviously, not me) a say. Ten people may post, OK, let's let the first one to speak up have it..but what about the 20 people who don't feel that way? I wouldn't want someone with a stronger personality (and I'm speaking generally, not anyone in particular) always making the decisions, since we are a group.
So, while I agree if just one person steps up, (I think we should give it a few days for everyone to even realize the process has started in case they want to throw their hats in), I'd like it to be a go and they pick a spot, if more do, I think it should be a vote with the place posted.

On the other hand, (playing Devil's Advocate here against myself I guess) first person out the gate on the board was how we used to do it and it really did always work out OK. We had many different people doing them, some repeat, and it always worked out ok. Sometimes it was a hike for us, other times it was in our backyard, and still other times it wasn't feasible for us to go.

Lynnvt · 06-09-2009, 01:03 PM

Al, you could set up a poll if you wanted input from others. Maybe pick some states that would work for you and post them in a poll. Then you will have sense of how many people are interested in going where.
After saying we would go to the fall rally in western NY, we have to think about it a bit more. I mapped it and it's a 5 1/2 hour drive for us. So our decision will be how many extra days we can or are willing to take off. Also I think we will be going to Toronto sometime at the end of Sept. or beginning of Oct. to see our daughter give her oral defense. So many things will depend on that date.

03HRVacationer · 06-09-2009, 02:22 PM

All,

I'm volenteering to do the spring rally, if others want to do it then we could start polling. My goal would be to get as many NE'ers to attend. That being said for a date it would be late enough for the snow birds to be back home. As for a location I would post a number of centerly located CG's that could work for many. There is plenty of time for all that, I think we should try to get on the year ahead schedule, it gives us a much better selection of CG's and a better chance to get the number of spots we would need. Lets give it some time and see what other input comes in.

tps0424 · 06-09-2009, 03:15 PM

Since everything I wanted to say has already been said, I won't harp on it. I will say that this is the third consecutive time I have heard Al step up to be wagonmaster. Let me be first to vote for Al.

Doris · 06-09-2009, 03:48 PM

Sounds good (although again Al..I think you should have it where it works best for you, but I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of considering a central area). How about if we suggest a date, and if no one else comes forward to want to suggest a rally, consider it a done deal and the wagon master picks the spot or runs a poll..whatever he or she wants to do? I suggest Sunday, June 14th. That way even those who only get on on weekends would have had an opportunity to throw their hat in the ring if they want to. Anyone want to second, third, forth that date? If no one comes forward by then, then it's Al and he can work out the when and wherefores or have polls, or whatever? What do the rest of you think?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03HRVacationer

All,

I'm volenteering to do the spring rally, if others want to do it then we could start polling. My goal would be to get as many NE'ers to attend. That being said for a date it would be late enough for the snow birds to be back home. As for a location I would post a number of centerly located CG's that could work for many. There is plenty of time for all that, I think we should try to get on the year ahead schedule, it gives us a much better selection of CG's and a better chance to get the number of spots we would need. Lets give it some time and see what other input comes in.

gMw · 06-09-2009, 05:44 PM

Al,

Thanks for starting this discussion!! And volunteering..

With the potential number of attendees, we’re very much in favor of planning a rally a year in advance, so everyone can schedule accordingly.

We also like the idea of selecting a location that favors a good turn out, in an area with a number of interesting things to do.

I see you’ve already gotten some good comments. Hopefully more will respond as well...

Nutmeg · 06-09-2009, 06:27 PM

Al thanks for stepping up on this.

Lone Star · 06-10-2009, 04:20 AM

Thanks Al good topic, good discussion lets keep it going and hear from a majority of the members.

I think a central location is a good start to any get together and work out from there. In these times. with everything so expensive, every family has to look very carfully at how and when to spend their money.

Doris · 06-10-2009, 01:35 PM

Just to clear up something I posted..I wasn't suggesting we have the rally on June 14th, (that's up to the rally master), but was suggesting we give until then for others that might want to offer to be the wagon master..as in this Sunday. If no one else says they want to do one, I then suggested we go ahead and count on Al to get the next Spring Rally going.