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Friday August 13 - Cooperstown Campout - Hosts Arrive

John H — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:52:00 GMT

The Dendys and DeMers (co-hosts) arrived in Cooperstown on Thursday at
the exact same time (3:00 PM) in Cooperstown with the Dendys arriving from
the west and the DeMers arriving from the east! The men proceeded to
map out plans for parking the rigs and the women started cleaning the tables
and chairs in the big meeting area. We were pretty muggy and sweaty so
gave up and went to supper in Cooperstown at The Coachman Restaurant.
When we arrived back at the fairgrounds we worked in the kitchen a
little and then sat to relax.

Duane and Sherry Mann came around 9:00 PM and after getting their rig
setup we all had a good chat and many laughs. Around 9:30 PM a truck
drove up and the front door opened. A man from Cooperstown looked at
us and we looked at him. He had pies to deliver for a Farmer's Market the next
morning. Of course, as he brought the pies in, all six of us swooped
down on the pies and started staking out our choices. We assured the man the pies
would beintact the next morning. The people of Cooperstown were so warm,
welcoming, and helpful. It was an amazing weekend and I think it will
remain as very special campout for the club.

Karen

Sunday July 18 Morning - Getting Set Up For GNR

John H — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:51:00 GMT

9 rigs are here. Every one except bob and Delores. Jane and Juan got here from Sparks, NV, they are our western most members. Adam and Judy, Duane and Phyllis and Marjorie have been here since Wednesday. The weather is very hot and muggy with rain each evening. Puckerbrush days is on in Forest City so there has been a place to eat most nights. Pork feed Friday night by the Lions Club and sloppy joes and pie at the Catholic church put on by the youth group. There is a fly in breakfast at the air port this morning. There was fireworks Saturday night at 10:00 PM. Members are busy setting up the row end for the theme, "Hollywood Legends, Past and Present." Opening ceremonies are this evening. There were over 1,000 of the registered rigs here as of Saturday. official opening is today, Sunday. Internet connections are poor at best

Medora North Dakota - South Dakota Joint Campout

John H — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:26:00 GMT

NODAK FLICKERTAIL RV CLUB

JUNE 10-13, 2010

MEDORA, ND

North Dakota State Club

By Helen Evans

About one year ago at GNR, our president Adam Leier invited the South Dakota RV clubs to come and visit us in Medora, North Dakota in 2010. His discussion started with Larry & Audrey Dumke, the South Dakota past state president. So, it was from their conversations that brought all of us together for a fun weekend. Medora is nestled in the scenic ND Badlands. We welcomed the two clubs, the Ringneck Winnies and the Rushmore Winnies. Seven rigs from the Ringneck Winnies club and five rigs from the Rushmore Winnies club came to visit. Glenn and Ardie Koppelman are now the new SD state president. Nodak Flickertails had fifteen rigs attending the weekend of June 10-13.

Thursday evening supper was sponsored by the Nodak Flickertails Club with enough food for the 50+ attendees. Friday and Saturday morning breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs to order and all the condiments, rolls, coffee and lots more were served by the Nodak Flickertails Club. After breakfast it was your free time to explore Medora on your bicycle to challenge your riding skills on the Maah Daah Hey Trail, to sightsee the beautiful areas that some of the South Dakota RVers had never seen before. In the afternoon, members were encouraged to drive the 35-mile scenic drive around the Theodore Roosevelt National Park named after our 26^th President of the United States, shop til you drop in the downtown stores, go golfing, horseback riding, look for wild horses and other wild animals, eat lunch, attend a couple of plays, visit the newly built Cowboy Museum or just hang out and relax until happy hour. Happy hour was everyday at 4 p.m. If you made it back at four, then we were assured that everyone would be available for supper on time. Root beer floats in the afternoon were sponsored by the Rushmore Winnies with Lee and Carol Boyles spearheaded the making of the floats for club members and other guests in the campground.

Saturday evening some of us made our way to the scenic Tjaden Terrace area to experience The Pitchfork Fondue supper where the steaks are actually cooked on pitchforks. While dining you are overlooking the breathtaking scenery of the badlands and you are also near the staging area for the Medora Musical. The musical is performed by the Burning Hills Singers with the Coal Diggers band and other variety acts. President Leier purchased all the tickets so the three clubs could sit in the same area. Souvenir shops are also available in the musical area.

The Ringneck Winnies served breakfast Sunday morning with biscuits and gravy, juice, coffee, special homemade honey and other breakfast items.

An array of activities and games were planned but it rained most of the time. Because we are hearty RVers, we did not let the rain spoil all of our fun. The three clubs blended so well with such ease, familiarity and sociability as if we had known each other for years. After breakfast the ND club had its meeting and shortly afterwards it was time to say so long to out guest clubs, some we will see at GNR and others hopefully we will meet again Rving.

Thanks to the four host couples, for organizing the weekend. Judy and Adam Leier, Pat and Harlan Rustad, Donna and Ed Grunett and Betty and Jerry Nelson took the challenge, made it successful and fun. It was an opportunity for the three clubs to get together, to make new friends that we hopefully will see again, and again. It was a great weekend in spite of the rain. Thanks to all who participated in making the weekend successful.

Adam Leier

President WIT-Nodak-Flickertails

701-226-8490

Medora Campout Business Meeting Minutes

John H — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:33:00 GMT

NODAK FLICKERTAILS

MINUTES OF MEETING

RED TRAIL CAMPGROUND, MEDORA, ND

JUNE 13, 2010

President Adam Leier called the meeting to order. Adam thanked all 29 members in attendance for coming. Adam thanked the hosts who served with him and Judy: the Rustads, the Nelsons and the Grunetts. We hosted two WIT groups from South Dakota, and had a total of 28 RV campers at this outing. A welcome supper was held on Thursday evening and breakfast was held on Friday and Saturday mornings consisting of sausage, eggs, pancakes and fruit.

Adam said he had an e-mail from the Belyeas–their grandson is home and his cancer is in remission. They want to thank everyone for their prayers.

Chris Hesse’s mother passed away this past week -- our sympathy to the family, we are sorry for your loss.

Minutes of the previous meetings were handed out, Jerry moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Harlan, motion carried.

Treasurer reported the May 16^th balance was $2,028.13. $130.00 was received from dues, $288.34 in expenses, with ending balance of $1,869.79. Adam mentioned the cost of this camp-out was $180.20. $80.20 above the $100 Camp Host Fund received from the treasury. Margie made a motion to pay the remaining balance. Adam explained that the hosts do pay out-of-pocket expenses, so that $80 is divided among the 4 host couples equaling $20.00 per couple -- so Margie’s motion was dropped. Thank you anyway Margie! Eleven couples have not paid their dues. There were no outstanding bills. Myron moved to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Judy, motion carried. Margie explained that all memberships have to be paid to get the WIT club excellence award.

GNR

Cathy handed out a two page summary of our “ND Row Party for 2010--Hollywood Legends,” and discussed plans for the competition. Funding up to $200 is available. Margie moved to spend up to $200, seconded by Betty LeBrun, motion carried. Our row party competition will highlight celebrities from ND. Cathy has named the celebrities and our members offering to portray them, they are:

· Lawrence Welk - (he will welcome the visitors to our row) Adam or Ed

· Lynn Anderson - Betty Lebrun

· Angie Dickinson - Anne Collins

· Peggy Lee - Colleen Belyea

· Bobby Vee - Mark Collins

Handouts - Krause sausage cooked and served on a toothpick (by popular opinion, changed from brats); Dakota Growers - Mac and Cheese boxes; Giant – Sunseeds; Sun Gold Butter; Sugar packets; Cutters Insect repellent.

We will also be handing out tourism pamphlets of places and things to see in ND, plastic tourism bags, and a nice cold glass of lemonade. John H has procured a Pride of Dakota basket of products, and will take care of raffling this off. Thank you John H! Willy has offered banners of different sizes for our use. They are pre printed on one side with his Chevy Dealership vehicles but the other side is white and can be put to good use. Thank you Willy!

Discussed having the bulletin board available for scheduling.

OLD BUSINESS:

ND TOUR UPDATE - Ed and Myron have no updates.

BY-LAW CHANGES - John H said he has not talked to Tony.

SHIRTS AND LOGO - John H has brought samples pictures of shirts and logo and suggested we bulk order in white as it shows up better in pictures. He has brought ordering information so we can have them for GNR. It was decided the treasurer will pay for the initial bulk order and we will individually pay the treasurer for our shirts.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cathy has sent out information to potential WIT members and we now have new members: Bob and Gloria Danielson! We welcome these new members.

CAMPOUTS:

Myron talked of the August camp-out in Cooperstown where we’ll be touring the Oscar Zero Missile Site. Myron also talked of the enthusiasm of the local people and what restaurants they have available. There is no RV campground available, but the town will make available the Fairgrounds which has about 4 - 20 amp hookups available. This is cause for concern as August can get pretty hot – so would we still want to go there? John made a motion we go there, seconded by Ed, unanimous decision was to keep the camping date.

Betty L talked briefly about the September camp-out in Rugby. Co-hosts Belyeas may not be able to attend.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE CLUB:

Myron wanted the names of the SD groups to let them know how much fun it was to have them as guests.

OTHER:

Adam said we want to thank Chris for all the sewing he does on the flag and for making our sign bags, etc. His work is really appreciated – Thank you, Chris!

Having no further business, meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by Donna Grunett

Firestone Legendary Drives

John H — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:58:00 GMT

Here is an interesting travel guide WEB site from Firestone

Firestone Legendary Drives

Interesting North Dakota Geological Survey WEB Site

John H — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:42:00 GMT

Here is a very interesting collection of notes put together by the ND Geological Survey

North Dakota Geological Survey Notes

Winnebago Man the Movie

John H — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 01:48:00 GMT

Winnebago Man the Movie will be showing in theaters starting in July

It will open August 20 in Minneapolis at the Landmark Lagoon Theater

Theater Schedule

From: Gr8LakesCamper: Q&A with “Winnebago Man” Director

"Is there anyone in the RV circles who hasn’t heard of Jack Rebney?

Rebney is an RV salesman whose hilarious, foul-mouthed outbursts circulated underground on VHS tapes in the 90s before turning into a full-blown Internet phenomenon in 2005.

Today, “Winnebago Man” has been seen by more than 20 million people worldwide, and is regarded as one of the first and funniest viral videos.

Filmmaker Ben Steinbauer goes in search of Rebney — and finds him living alone on a mountain top, unaware of his fame. Steinbauer’s documentary movie, also titled “Winnebago Man,” is said to be a “laugh-out-loud look at viral culture and an unexpectedly poignant tale of one man’s response to unintended celebrity.”

Gr8Lakes Camper BLOG

RV TV Returns to Air

John H — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:19:00 GMT

From RV Business June 28, 2010

A popular TV show about the RV lifestyle will return July 3 to the R&R Channel. RVTV aired on The Outdoor Channel for five seasons from 2003-2008 where it won multiple Telly awards and garnered a loyal viewership, according to a posting by the RV News Service.

The R&R Channel is available on DirecTV Channel 354, as well as select cable operators. RVTV will also be simulcast on the web at www.rrtv.com.

Host Rob Engman and his wife, Karla, travel North America in their custom-built 52-foot motorhome producing the program. Each episode features a RV destination/resort and an in-depth tour of new RVs from top manufacturers. Mark Polk presents tech-tips for experienced and novice RVers.

Beginning Saturday (July 3) RVTV will be available to more than 48 million households throughout the United States. New episodes will air three times each week: Saturdays and Sundays at at 2:30 p.m. EST and Mondays at 9 p.m. EST.

Arizona Opens Five More Rest Area

John H — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:02:00 GMT

From RV News Service Saturday June 26, 2010

Arizona says it will reopen some rest areas

By Russ & Tiña De Maris | June 23, 2010 - 9:51 am - Posted in Arizona, Rest Areas,government

PHEONIX, Arizona — If “Johnny B. Goode,” is the tune you find humming while motoring down the Grand Canyon State’s highways, a little relief is in sight. State officials say they’ll be reopening five of the 13 rest areas closed earlier due to budget cuts. Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) representatives say the crisis caused by a decline in tax revenues have “stabilized” somewhat, and the closures of rest areas that are in relatively good working order can be lifted.

In practice, this means rest areas near Ehrenberg, Sacaton, and San Simeon, all on Interstate 10, will join other rest area reopenings at Meteor Crater (Interstate 40), and Camoa Ranch (on Interstate 19). ADOT says the other eight rest areas closed because of budget constraints are problematic, due to repair issues. The state thinks it can half of them reopened this fall, but the remaining four may not come back on line in the foreseeable future.

Governor Jan Brewer thinks the answer to keeping any of the state’s rest areas open is to commercialize their operation–either by allowing private companies to vend at rest areas, or to turn their entire operation over to the private sector. Since the rest areas were built with federal highway funds, the US government would need to allow it to happen. Brewer has formally requested permission for that to happen.

While the state feels that privatization would be the best route to handle the public privies, the matter isn’t without controversy. A trade group called NATSO, which says its members include travel plazas and truck stops, firmly opposes the suggested “solution.” NATSO officials have openly expressed concerns that turning rest areas into commercial enterprises could jeopardize the livelihoods of commercial businesses located close to the freeways who depend on vehicle drivers for business. NATSO sent a letter expressing these concerns to Brewer, and it was consigned by other business owners, including those running fast food restaurants.

sources: www.ttnews, natso.com, azstarnet.com. photo: adot

King Controls Sure Lock Digital TV Signal Finder

John H — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:10:00 GMT

From RV Business June 25, 2010

King Controls has introduced another industry first with the SureLock digital TV signal finder. The SureLock simplifies over-the-air antenna pointing and takes the guesswork out of finding the local broadcast channels, especially in rural areas where the TV signals are not as strong. The built-in signal meter detects digital TV signals as the antenna is rotated to indicate the best antenna position for maximum TV reception. The switch last summer to broadcasting over-the-air TV signals in the new digital format versus analog has provided both benefits and challenges for today’s RV owners. While the new digital signals provide greatly improved picture clarity, channel guide information and more channels than ever before, finding the digital signals is much more difficult. The old process of selecting a channel and rotating the antenna until you had the best picture no longer works with the new digital technology. Today, the antenna must be pointed correctly for adequate signal reception before scanning for channels in order to properly load the program guide. Without knowing where to point the antenna, the set-up process may require multiple scans in several directions, and each channel scan can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The SureLock digital TV signal meter connects to an existing TV antenna output or may be installed in-line between the antenna output and the TV or converter box. Simply rotate the antenna until the maximum number of LED lights are illuminated on the SureLock to get the strongest TV signal. A built-in signal attenuator lets you adjust the sensitivity when in very strong or weak signal areas for reliable antenna pointing anywhere. With the SureLock you can pinpoint the broadcast towers in just seconds to save time and eliminate frustration. King Controls’ SureLock model SL1000 Digital TV Signal Finder has a suggested retail price of $39.95 and will be available in the U.S. and Canada through King Controls’ distributor partners and extensive dealer network starting July 22. For more information on the SureLock, the location of authorized King Controls dealers or to learn more about its entire product line, call (800) 982-9920 or visit www.kingcontrols.com.

GNR News

John H — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:29:00 GMT

From RV Business June 24, 2010

Winnebago Industries Inc. will be “going Hollywood” during the 41st annual Winnebago-Itasca Travelers (WIT) Club Grand National Rally (GNR) scheduled July 18 – 23 in Forest City, Iowa.

“We are excited to bring a little ‘tinsel town’ fanfare to Forest City for our week long Grand National Rally,” said WIT General Manager Doug Formanek in a news release. “With over 1,300 Winnebago Industries motorhomes expected, — up nearly 10% from last year — we are looking forward to a fun-filled week of celebrity look-alikes and red carpet activities as we celebrate our Hollywood Legends theme!”

Held at the rally grounds across from Winnebago Industries’ headquarters in Forest City, the 41st annual Grand National Rally promises to be an active week, filled with informative seminars, great entertainment and most importantly, fun. Many attendees will be dressed as their favorite actor or actress, and will participate in such events as the Happy Camper Cookoff, Motor Home Rodeo and the first ever “WIT Movie” where attendees will star in a movie filmed entirely during the rally. Best performance awards will even be given out for event winners throughout the week.

“With over 3,000 people expected to attend, this week will mark movie history in Forest City,” Formanek said. “I’m sure Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and even Roy Rogers will make an appearance. But the real star of the week is the RV lifestyle that WIT members enjoy in their Winnebago Industries motor homes – is the perfect mix of fun, friendship and camaraderie — and the real reason our members return home every year. We look forward to celebrating Hollywood Legends this July.”

Although the rally officially doesn’t begin until July 18, WIT members typically start arriving as early as two to three weeks early for pre-rally events and to participate in Forest City’s Puckerbrush Days activities.

“It’s not too late to register,” Formanek added. “WIT members that are interested can call (800) 643-4892, ext. 1, or visit www.witclub.com and click on the “Special GNR Edition” tab for details about the event and registration information.”

Membership in WIT is open to anyone who owns a Winnebago Industries motor home and there are currently more than 14,000 Club members. WIT members are eligible for special member benefits and can also participate in local, state, regional and special interest clubs, and travel on a variety of WIT Club managed special events called caravans and rallies.

Winnebago Industries Revenue Up 165% Over 3rd Quarter 2009

John H — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:20:00 GMT

In a report disclosed June 17, 2010, Winnebago Industries reported revenues up 165% over 3rd quarter 2009 and an operating profit of $3.4 million versus a loss of $14.8 million in 3rd quarter of 2009.

Winnebago Industries 3rd Quarter 2010 Financial Report

WIT Nodak Flickertail Clothing

John H — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:01:00 GMT

Qeensboro is the source of our logoed clothing, T shirts, sweat shirts and accessories with printed logo and polo shirts, dress shirts and hats with embroidered logo. here is a link to Queensboro

Queensboro Logo Printed and Embroidered Clothing

Here is a picture of Cathy modeling the T Shirt

Here is a picture of Cathy modeling the Sweat Shirt

To order clothing go to the Queensboro WEB site and pick what you want. We need to have a minimum of 4 pieces per order. If you have 4 pieces you can order yourself, if less than 4 John H can coordinate an order with others. To combine orders, send you request by Style #, size and color to

info@wit-nodak-flickertails.org

Cell Phone Restrictions While Driving

John H — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:57:00 GMT

Many states have enacted restrictions on cell phone use while driving that will go into effect in 2010. Here is a link to a map showing the restrictions

Cell Phone Restrictions while Driving

Sunday at the Medora Campout

John H — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:48:00 GMT

Sunday started with the South Dakota Winnie Ringnecks serving breakfast

North Dakota Nodak Flickertails, South Dakota Rushmore Winnies and Winnie Ringnecks eating breakfast

After breakfast we posed for group pictures

South Dakota Winnie Ringnecks and Rushmore Winni

Link to picture

North Dakota Nodak Flickertails

Link to picture

After taking the group pictures the Nodak Flickertails had a business meeting.

WIT Nodak Flickertails - SD Ringnecks - Rushmore Winnies Medora Campout - Saturday

John H — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 05:12:00 GMT

The day started with breakfast provided by the Noak Flickertails

During the day members toured the Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Shopped in Medora

Went to the museums in Medora

Ate in Medora

Went to the Musical in the evening

Rootbeer Floats at Medora

Denis — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 23:29:31 GMT

Does anyone know who this Guy is ???

Denis & Bettys New Puppy

Denis — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:45:00 GMT

Here is our new dog Ginger

Before haircut

After haircut

WIT North Dakota and South Dakota Clubs Joint Campout in Medora, ND

John H — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:24:00 GMT

The South Dakota Winnie Ringnecks and Rushmore Winnies are joining the North Dakota Nodak Flickertails for a 3 night 4 day campout in Medora, ND.

Members from the three clubs gathered at the North Dakota Club's President's site at 4:00 PM for Happy Hour with lots of snacks

At 6:00 PM the three clubs gathered for a Sloppy Joe dinner with three kinds of Sloppy Joes, beans, potato salads and lots of deserts.

Some club members finished the day over at the campground office listening to Vern and Rita Davis

WIT Club Members from South Dakota and North Dakota Overnight at Walmart in Bismarck

John H — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 04:16:00 GMT

Several members from the South Dakota Winnie Ringnecks and Nodak Flickertails overnighted at the Walmart in Bismarck on Skyline Drive Wednesday June 9, 2010

They are on the way to a joint campout at Red Trails campground in Medora.