July5, Sunday, Do you know what it is like to have the electric turned off at 6am?? Well I do , as you see I wear a C-Pap machine for sleeping, it covers my nose and forces air into my nose. So when the electric went off...umph...umph...the mask was pulled off, so I could breathe!!!! Now thats an Alarm clock I hate! Before long the water and electric committee men were dismantling the whole support structure for the rally...cut all the water lines...roll up all electric cords, pickup all junction boxes & wires, then a U-Haul came around and picked up all the water PVC pipes.

I started to repack the van in an orderly fashion, look like a hurricane hit it the last 3 weeks. Rolled up all hoses and electric cord, crank up the feet,put away the porch carpet, load the bike...then Carol made me breakfast of ham bits/cheese and eggs...break is over shortly and back to clean up and load everything. Today we leave at noon for Baraboo to the Circus Museum.

We head for Devils Lake State Park. After 45-50 miles we arrive...ut-o?? The traffic into the park is long, I hope we get a spot? There are alot of camp spots open, the traffic was backed up because of day picnic families...The beach/lake front is full. We are assigned spot #49 with electric and nearby water. Only $22.00 a nite we are staying till thursday.Note: Our Acess Golden Pass for National Parks is good here for free admission, otherwise it could have been $35.00(year pass) extra charge. We find our nice sunny spot..plenty of room. WOW!! What a difference from the past 3 weeks. Airstreamers are Quiet but we park in the middle of tents..tent campers and numerous families sharing campsites. Kids everywhere, I remember those days...screamin'kids, playing kids, bikes,games,campfires,eating outside the camper,everyone chatting...I hear English and French around us. Everyone is having a Grand Time!!! Me Too!!

We have time to go into Baraboo to see the Circus Museum, I find it with ease. We check out the hours and rates. We decide since it is 4pm and they close at 6pm that we will come back tomorrow for a full day. We see many sights from the fence and check out the gift shop...I am in HEAVEN!!! Clowns everywhere in pictures and posters. This is going to be a great week ...Museum and Big Circus Wagon Parade next Sunday. I can hardly wait. We then drive downtown to see this cute little town,the town square is gorgess(?), I stop to take pictures of this small town,even a Ringling Theatre is remodeled to the old days...Beautiful! I find a key on the roadway and find the Police Dept to return it. I hope it finds it's owner ,it was marked "do not remake" and I found it in front of the bank...maybe a safe deposit box key? Well thats my Good Deed of the Day!! Back to camp for supper and relax....
God Bless AirstreamHobo & Carol

July 4th Flea Market

July 3, friday, today I had more classes on being Unit President, Some were enlightening others were boring. I did learn alot !!! At 1pm I got a hair cut right under the awning by Joanne...Now I feel better... cool hair do!!! Then off to a fulltimers seminar. They had a panel discussion of 6 people who are fulltimers to answer questions. Interesting for all, More people are doing fulltime in their airstreams today. It is cheaper than living in a real house/apt. but.. you have to learn to discard all yor Stuff!!!

Time to do that laundry bit again..ugh! Then supper on the grill. Tonight the new officers took their oath of office. They take office on July 5, day after the closing of the rally. It was nice to see them parade in and then have a recieving line after wards.

July 4, saturday, Happy 4th to all... This am at 8 am the doors opened to the flea market for all airstreamers...lots of bargains and (junk) but I did see lots of things leave the place.
I did find a slinky holder for my sewer hose when hooked-up at a campground. It holds the hose up and slope down to the fill hole. Also 2 shirts were my purchase today. Then back to the airstream for a noon picnic, Joanne O. got all the food and prepared it for our unit...Meatballs, potato salad, etc. .....top off with a Klondike Bar, what a treat!!! Thanks Joanne!!

At 4pm the rally had a July 4th parade in the coliseum. Alot of units participated with the Bee look....See the pictures....

Tonight was the closing with a Jazz Music Show..Awesome music...Then the offical closing of the Rally!! Tomorrow this place will be a ghost town. We will be hanging around this week to see the Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee on sunday, over 75 circus wagons will be on parade, I can't Wait!!!

This Rally has been a Blast, Our Unit had a good time VOLUNTEERING the past 3 weeks, we sure fun in between our work..tours..picnics..farmers'market, and of course eating out!! See you Down the Road!!! Comments Please obclown@ptd.net
God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Carol

Joanne Olshefski knitted 50 hats for the "Warm Hats" for the needy. You can see there were 2191 hats and 236 blankets made and donated to the needy...Thanks to all Members that made this possible!!!


July 2,Thursday, I went to 2 classes today on Membership and Unit Presidents forum. It was an interesting class given by good instructors with ideas and question period, I learned alot. Then back to the rig for lunch and a short break.

At 1pm the hobby show was on display, there were lots of hobbys on show. Blankets,carvings,model airstream maker,knitting,painting, models, quilts etc. Audrey Landvater of our unit won 2nd place for her Doilies that she made. Now thats' nerve wrecking to sew(?)crochet(?) them...Congratulations Audrey!!!

At 2pm I attended a Full Timers Seminar given by Jim & Debbie Cooke. They have been on the road 3 years so far and gave all some insight as what they have learned. People wanted to know how to handle, bills,mail,insurance, taxes, license for rigs and themselves, and just other thing that come up. These people do not have a home and live strickly in their Airstreams full-time. Some do mission work, church camps, live in the warm all year...north and south. You can also be a host in a national/state park to save up expenses while living on the road. It was an informative 2 hour lecture. Many questions were fielded by numerous airstreamers. The biggest fault most people make is thinking they are on vacation and rush all over the USA to see everything. One lady "Hunter" said she travels less than 100 miles a day limit when going somewhere, once she moved 7 miles.

At 5pm we needed to make a Wal-Mart run for goodies..then off to a Chinese Buffet...then back to the Coliseum for "Talent on Parade" Members of WBCCI put on their stuff...lots of great talent, musical players,singers,dancers,storytellers, just a fun night of Talent...Thank-You contestants!!! You were GREAT!!!

Just a Personal Note: Each year the kids of members collect "cents for the needy" This year a young man from the Madison Area had luekemia and was in remission, but his dental needs were damaged by the treatments. The family didn't have the money for repairs $6,000.00. The kids raised closed to $9,000.00 for the family....Ain't that GREAT??? Thank you kids for doing your community service this year!!! A Standing Ovation was Made and the Family was well shaken by the generosity of this years' Rally' People...GooseBumps from all... There are over 900 rigs now!!! Look at fun pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/RallyFun#

God Bless AirstreamHobo & Carol

It is reported that we now have 898 Rigs here, the sign needs to be changed....


July1,Wednesday, Today is the Photo Contest, I sign up at 8 am with my 15 pictures to show. There are 113 photographers and almost 600 entries. Tough job for Judges, there are so many great pictures entered. I am glad I didn't have to judge them. At 1pm they open the hall for viewing and the winners are posted with Ribbons. Sorry to say none of mine had a ribbon, but thats OK!!! I saw alot of great shots from all the photographers, well maybe next time.

I also went to a Membership training seminar, here we shared Ideas on how to keep members and get new ones. I heard a lot of good ideas that I will try to get new members. Those of you out there that don't have an Airstream yet....What are YOU waiting for?? Look at the FUN I am having the past 3 weeks .... These people sure have a heart to Travel.....Join Us Today!!!

While I was viewing the pictures, Carol stopped in to donate Blood to the Red Cross here in the Hall. That took about an hour, she said it took longer to fill out paperwork/questionare than to give blood. At 3pm I could retrieve my pictures, so I went and took them down.

At 4:30 "Hunter" of the Famous Yahoo Airstream List (internet airstream forum) had a happy hour. About 25-30 people showed up with snacks and a good gift of Gab!! We talked for over an hour then Hunter brought out supper of Pasta,Sausage and Bake Beans...Great supper. Then she brought out a box of Cupcakes with little plastic rings on them, the women all love the little rings and modeled them for us....Beats Diamonds any day!! (wait till you see these pictures!!!)

At 7 pm I went to the Colleseum for the evening show put on by Canada Day , their group from Canada sang folk songs and told jokes..Hee Hee... After the show some headed over to the Hall for a Disc-Jockey of Music. Lots of Dancing going on now!!!

Oh, By the way..The temperature has dropped 30* here ...It is cold, I had to put blue jeans on & wear a jacket shirt. Last night it was 50* We sure slept good. During the day it is around 65-70* Really it feels good not to have a heat wave. But it is a windy day, the flags look great blowing in the wind.
ZZZZZZZZZZ... Time for Bed!!!
God Bless......AirstreamHobo & Carol

Rob Baker goes to the Capitol in Madison,WI.

June 30, Tuesday, Carol worked in the message center today, I went to a computer class on making different photo albums. I did get a few new ideas. But today at 3 pm I went to the Capitol to watch Rob Baker pull his Airstream around the Capitol building. I was there waiting for him to arrive. He pulled up in front of a Cheese Store for the owner to get pictures of the Airstream. Then he drove around the Capitol, I got some awesome pictures ...so see the album... http://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/RobBakerAtTheCapitol#

God Bless...... AirstreamHobo & Carol

Just a look at all the Airstreams!!! Here at Madison,WI.

June 28,Sunday, It's sunday morning and we have church service in the hall. Over 750 attended, I helped with ushers, handing out programs, help with seating and collecting the offering. The service was titled "To "Bee" or not to "Bee" , The theme this Rally week is Bee the Best you can Bee, so the sermon had a great message to be the Best you can Bee!!

After service Carol and I went to Culvers ice cream place for lunch. They have the Best "Butter Burgers" this was sort of a classer McDonalds'. The difference is you order , pay, get your cup, head for the drink dispenser, sit down, then they bring your order....it seems quicker because there is no line waiting for the guy in front of you waiting for his order. The food was great, then we went back for the ice cream, so many flavors of custard ice cream...yum..yum..

The afternoon was relaxing, I walked around the Vintage Trailer Open House. All the vintage people were very gracious tour guides thru their trailers, so many stories are behind these vintage rigs. You can get so many Ideas in decorating also. click..click...many pictures today. http://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/FlagDayVintageOpenHouse#

Then tonight was the Parade of Flags from each unit. It is awesome to hear all places of states that are resent. It is nice to see all in White Shirts/Red Ties.....BUT..... My suggestion is and has been ...All Unit Presidents carrying the flags should dress in their native state culture dress...example....Texas Wash DC <>... Florida <> Ohio you get the idea....I think this would bring our club more up to date as a FUN CLUB and still have a native state uniform instead of all dress up, I don't think Wally Byam would object to the Happy Atmosphere of his Rally Attendees. When I walk around the trailers I do see a difference in all rigs decorated, That is the Joy I see !!!

June 29, Monday, Our 41st Anniversary, Today Carol works at the message center , I head to a lecture to hear Pee Wee Schwamborn talk about Wally Byam and the early Caravans. The room is full of history buffs who want to know of the early days and how they boondocked in the Africa Caravan. We sure have it easy & comfortable today!! That was a fast 2 hours of history lesson, thanks..Pee Wee. Then off to hear Larry Huttle from Airstream Inc. to speak of new products and how they are handling the slowdown in the recession in the RV industry as well as the rest of the country. The room was filled(about 1,000) attended, he then had a drawing for those here of several $100. & $250.00 gift certificates to Airstream Products. Lots of happy winners, but not me?

This afternoon I went to a computer class on making better picture collections of our ditigal shots...the main teacher fell ill, so we had a substitute which did a good job answering questions and had the demonstrations of the computer.

Our unit had a get together at one of the buildings for a Subway dinner , we had subs , we just filled them with the fixings of our choice and had side dishes of celery,carrots, cookies, nut clusters, cheese, & Hershey Candy..I am full Again!!

Tonights entertainment was "Yahara River Chorus" part of the Sweet Adelines Int'l. an hour of singing...no instruments...just voices...they were good and enjoyed by all.

As you can see , the Rally has many things going on and you have many choices to do and see. Vendors, classes, lectures on RV'ing, Seminars on maintence of RV's, Tours of the area, New Airstream Sales(I heard they sold 4 so far) even Happy Hour is everywhere at around 4-6 pm. You see groups gathered everywhere around the Rigs ....

****** Personal Note***** Happy 41st Anniversary Honey (I forgot her name?) !!!!!!
God Bless...AirstreamHobo & Carol

Vintage Parade into the grounds today!!!

Sunset on Lake Mendota

Boats on the Lake Mendota

June 26,Friday, Today was my day on Parking duty, Carol worked this afternoon in the Message Center. It was hot, so our gang waited under a shade tree for the golf carts to bring us airstreams to park. They kept us busy for the day, I took off for an hour to the camera shop, I had noticed a speck of dirt on some of my pictures. I purchased a blower bulb which when squeezed gives a puff of air to the glass/lense to remove dirt...it worked. After 4pm we got together with our unit and headed for the Elks Club for Fish Fry, again we had a water front table. Carol and I got a Baked Cod dinner, it was very filling. We were just glad for Air Conditioning!!!

Then we (Carl,Jackie,Carol & I) went down town to the waterfront on Lake Mendota to watch the sunset. The docks were full with college kids ..Refreshments were plentiful for them... The view is great. Jackie and I spent our time trying different settings on our camera for the best shots. I took a few(grin). The sunset was wonderful...see my shots.

June 27,Saturday, Time for the Vintage Parade!!! 10 am and they arrived...then put their flags on their rigs in the bull pen. When all were ready, they paraded around the grounds passing lots of airstreamers sitting in chairs to watch. Lots of pictures were take , me too!!
It took about 2 hours to get everyone into their spaces. I believe someone said there were 68 rigs present. Some were awesome looking...the owners even sported their Blue Berets in the parade. Pictures in Album http://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/VintageParadeInternationalInMadison#

After all were settled , Carol and I went to Exhibition Hall to see the vendor booths. There weren't many set up, but I guess thats all that signed up to come. We saw the unit boards on display,also Caravan sign up tables. Camping World also had their goods and services available in an area. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and chatting with fellow airstreamers. There is a storm warning for tonight again, I hope it does Rain!! so it changes the humidity!!! Please!! Till next time ...God Bless AirstreamHobo & Carol