Linden's 5th Report (from Corpus Christie)

November 24, 2012  -  One of the campers landed a 40 inch shark while surf fishing here in the park along with several other kinds of fish.  Fishing has been very good here in at the park.

November 25  -  A 48 inch red drum was taken today.  I fished for about an hour and a half and caught the smallest whiting that I ever caught.  After catching 2 more I quit.  The three fish I caught in total wouldn’t have made a decent fish sandwich. A camper came in with a helicopter in his trailer.  He expected to fly it right out of our parking lot.  Of cause that isn’t going to happen.

We have 3 more couples from New York in the park.  One from Baldwinsville, one from Rochester and one from Lakeville.  Tom Roule and I met the one from Lakeville when we held the first rally at the Lakeville Firemens field.  He is the electrician who helped us get electric working. 

December 10^th  -  A couple from Montana arrived in a 42 foot long 5^th wheel.  They also had a van that they use for sightseeing.   Nine kids are traveling with them. Three more stayed home in Montana.  All the kids are very well behaved.

December 16^th  -  Two German girls came into the park today with a “made in Germany”  motor home.  (Picture attached)  They landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, traveled across Canada to Vancouver and then south on US 1 through California and then to Corpus Christi and Padre Island National Seashore.  They are on their way to Key West.  They’re on a one year vacation.

Had two big doings today.  A big grass fire in the park during the day.  In the evening a

drunk ran into the barrier around the Homeland security cameras at the entrance to the park.  He took out three 12x12 posts that hold up the 4x12 planks that are backed by ½ inch thick steel that is 12 inches wide.  Held together with inch thick bolts.  He smashed the planks, bent the steel plate and bent all the bolts.  Being drunk he didn’t get hurt too bad although he put his head through the windshield and ended up in the hospital.

December 20^th  -  We are experiencing very high winds.  Gale force winds woke us up during the night and we pulled in the slides.  We rocked and rolled for around 7 hours.  Temperature dropped from 80* in the day time to 60* at night.  Wind gusts were as much as 45 MPH.

There are two pictures shown.  Both motorhomes were made in Germany and shipped to North America.

Walt and Beryl Linden

wlinden@juno.com

Christmas wishes from the Fadales

As you know, Tom and Joanne's house burned while they were in Arizona last winter. They send their best wishes. TR

Merry Christmas to All of Our Motorhome Friends,

This year we find ourselves in our hometown for the holidays.  We cannot thank everyone enough  for all their thoughts, prayers, cards, calls and emails.  They have surely kept us focused on the task of the house build as well as realize that we really miss being on the road with anyone of you.  We want to wish you and your families the most blessed of Christmas wishes and hopes for the New Year. 

Attached are pictures of the house at this point, they even gift wrapped it for the holidays.  Not really! but they had to cover everything yesterday so the inside isn't filled with snow until the windows are installed.  Things moved slowly up to the point of the house demolition but have really moved now. Everyday we are somewhere picking out something. We will keep you updated. 

Please take care, travel safely and keep in touch.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Thomas and Joanne

 

We're Dreamin' of a white Christmas

Tonight, we barbeque, like real
 campers

To folks who head south, it's ok to be jealous. 
You with green grass, synthesized holiday ornaments wishing for the real thing - well, we have it.

  

Wishing everyone a 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Tom & Sharon

Southeast Area FMCA Rally Info

The Southeast Area Rally is from February 6th to February 10th with early arrival Feb. 3rd. 

Day Passes are $7 per person for one day, $10 for 3 days for vendor tents and displays.

Rally passes are below. 

Before 1/13 - After     

	GENERAL PARKING 2 PEOPLE	$140	$155
	HANDICAP PARKING 2 PEOPLE	$140	$155
	30 AMP GENERATOR 2 PEOPLE	$305	$320
	HANDICAP 30 AMP GEN 2 PEOPLE	$305	$320
	NO GENERATOR DRY CAMPING	$140	$155
	FULL GENERATOR 2 PEOPLE	$140	$155
	PASSPORT - ALL ACTIVITIES NO COACH PARKING ON GROUNDS	$109	$124
	GUEST OR CHILDREN OVER 12	$60	$75
	CHILDREN UNDER 12	FREE	FREE

Tampa RV Show

Folks in Florida might be interested in the Tampa RV Show. 2012 attendance was over 54000.
Dates are January 16-20, 2013. 
Location:
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33610

Cost ain't cheap, $10 per person plus $6 parking. There is a $1 coupon on the web site. Site is:

http://www.frvta.org/rv-shows/2013-florida-rv-supershow/ 

Linden's 4th report

November 4, 2012  -  I mentioned the light show in my last report.  Today campers came in to our park who were in the storm area.   They reported hail and highwinds.  The Navy station reported sustained winds of 50 MPH with gusts up to 70 MPH.  We didn’t feel any effects from the storm as we watched the light show from our park.  When we went shopping we saw utility pole broken in half all along the causeway to the beach

November 7^th  -  A Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is believed to have been caught in the Gulf Stream currant and ended up in the Netherlands weak and exhausted.  The Dutch fixed up the turtle and shipped it back to Texas by plane.  After months of treatment and rehabilitation at an aquarium here at Padre Island is was set free today with a transmitter taped to it’s back.  Kemp’s Ridley turtles are an endanger species.  TV cameras and a large group of people were on hand to bid the turtle fair well.  He hit the water and was gone like a shot.

November 11^th  -  The wind has been howling here for two days.  Today we went down to the beach and watched the sea gulls take off and land in the strong wind.  They always land facing into the wind.  The glide in, hover a little and the drop to the ground.  When taking off they face the wind, stretch out their wings, lift off and turn so the wind can take them up off the ground.  Sometimes, because of the strong wind, they over shoot their landing spot.

When on the ground they walk sideways always facing into the wind.  Nature is really

something to watch.

With these high winds the campground has really emptied out.  The tenters were the first ones up and out of here.  In their place had a big Montana 5^th wheel come here from the beach.  The high tide in conjunction with the high winds pushing the water make for a very high tide.  Most of the beach is under water.

November 12^th  -  Went to the Texas Roadhouse with two other veterans and their wives for our free Veterans Day lunch.  They have a special Veterans lunch menu on Veterans Day.  Two of us had steak that was very good as was all the other food.

November 15^th  -  All the workers and volunteers made a dish to pass.  The park furnished a turkey and a ham which the lady park employees cooked.  It made a great thanksgiving dinner.  After dinner Joe, the park superintendent, spoke and gave an award to one of the park employees.  The last few days the weather has been nasty and the tides have been higher than usual.  Water covers the entire beach right up to the dunes.  The beach will be closed until the weather front changes and tides return to normal.

November 17^th  -  The high winds and high tides have returned to normal.  A lot of fisherman took advantage of the good conditions.   Catching 15 to 20 fish each. Pompano, drum and whiting ranging from 12 to 28 inches.

November 18^th  -  I elected to fish today in the morning.  All I caught was one decent size sheepshead, a bunch of small whiting and a smaller catfish.  Other fisherman decided to fish in the afternoon and did great.  Story of my life.

November 19^th  -  Beryl and I went shopping today.  On the way home we stopped for gasoline.  Price per gallon broke the $3.00 mark at $2.97.  I hope this is a trend.  The sunrises have been outstanding.

November 21^st  -  The weather and the fishing have been great the last few days.  The campground is near full for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We have a new system for people checking in.  It will take some time for campers to get the hang of it.  The biggest problem is that people can’t figure out what date to put down for when they plan to leave.  It’s as simple as adding two numbers together.  Example:  If you arrive on the 1^st and plan to stay 2 days you will be leaving on the 3^rd not the 2^nd.  They put down the 2^nd because they plan to leave on the 3^rd.  Beats me.

November 22th, Thanksgiving  -  Four volunteer couples went to the Golden Coral for Thanksgiving dinner.  We went early and only stood in line about 20 minutes.  When we left after dinner the line was out the door and around the building.  This is a new type of restaurant known as a “Golden Coral Pavilion” which replaced the old Golden Coral.  It’s bigger and has a larger selection of food.   The food was very good.

Walt and Beryl Linden

Ed and Gale Austin sent us a note about their travels.

Dear friends and family, It is that time of year when Ed and I take off for the west for the months of Dec/Jan where we will stay in Boulder City NV   Use our regular address and our cells are: E-607-279-6018 & G-607-592-9444.  We are trying to miss storms and will leave home Sun. 11/11/12 (traveling thru Ohio/Ill/OK) and expect to arrive in NV by next Sun.  If all goes well we will then travel to Fla for Feb/Mar and home early April.  We always look forward to seeing friends and family in these different sites, even if it is only once a year.  Take care of yourselves, stay well and travel safe.  Love you all, Ed and Gale

Gas Price Information

Just looking at recent gas prices. Those of us living in New York are paying an average of $3.80 per gallon.

• The national average for gas is $3.40 per gallon.
• The national average tax rate is about 23 cents. (Diesel is 24 cents)
• New York is about 33 cents.

Just wondering, where is the other 30 cents per gallon we pay in New York going?

2013 Officers

If you should go to the FMCA website and check the officers/contacts, it shows next years officers.
President:  Tom Roule
Vice President: Bev Brown
Treasurer: Harold Wollaber
Secretary: Donna Struble
National Director: John Pangburn
Alternate National Director: Alice Sprout
Newsletter Editor: Reed Johnson

Folks above don't assume their responsibilities until May. The officers on the left are still the reigning executives. We are just trying to help. Sorry if there is some confusion.

NEAR 2013 has been Cancelled

Some rumors that the 2013 Northeast Area Rally is cancelled have been confirmed. Below is the note from Paul Dubois (NMA President) and my opinion (only mine!).
I thought NEAR might be a replacement for our July rally if we didn't have a wagon master.

--------------
From: Paul DuBois
Subject: Re: NEAR - 2013

Hi Tom  The rumor is true. Our Northeast Area Executive Board voted not to have a rally in 2013. This was not a decision that was made lightly but was necessary due to the lack of support from the chapters. As you are aware we have lost money since the economy took a hit in 2008. Although initially the losses were not significant and we continued hopeing for bettor days this has not happned. The lack of family coach attendance has caused a lack of vendors and therefore a lack of income. When our rally was in August we were very successful however the first meeting that I attended upon becoming Northeast Area VP I was informed that National was changing their convention to August and due to the Bylaws an Area rally cannot be held within 30 days of a convention. This caused us to change our rally to July. When I immediatly contected Tom Oddy at the Expo the only dates available were the present dates we have. At the annual meeting during Sam Allen's last year as President the membership agreed to a five year contract with the Champlain Valley Expo. That contract is still in effect. In order to cancel the 2013 rally we had to negotiate with them and they agreed to let us skip a year if we agreed not to have a rally at any other location during that period and to agree that the contract remained in effect and that I would remain in office to the end of my term. Unless we get more support from the chapters in our area than we presently do,  I fear for the future for any area rallies after our contact expires. For example we only received ads for our program book from 14 out of 41 chapters this year. I sent out 188 e-mails announcing the cancellation of the rally a few weeks ago and I received 23 bounce backs for undeliverable and only one reply and that was from Perfect Circle stating that they may be turning in their charter in the spring due to apathy in getting officers for the chapter. If these conflicting dates with our rally and lack of attendance continue to exist then I think that sends a signal to the Executive Board that the Area Rally is no longer important to them and should be discontinued.

Paul DuBois

=====================================================================

=============================================================

Below are my thoughts to Paul

Thanks for getting back to me Paul. Just a couple thoughts-

• Sharon is AND of Pen-NY Mixers and should had got an email at one of our addresses, but didn't.
• John Pangburn is ND of Fingerlakers and I would be surprised if he didn't let me know.as pres elect.
• Walt Linden ND of Pen-NY Mixers is a good friend and hasn't mentioned the cancellation.
• I was one of the one's who objected to a long term contract with any location when I was Pen-NY Mixer pres. So, while sympathetic to your problem, I understand chapter positions.
• Too bad chapters are turning in certification, but FMCA has lost sight of the purpose of the organization with lots of silly by laws about number of officers and structure..

At the risk of sticking my foot in my mouth stating the obvious, Article 3 of FMCA Constitution states the mission -

3. Mission and Purpose:

A. The Mission of FMCA is to bring together motor coach owners who share similar interests in congenial traveling, recreational, and social activities in order to preserve and perpetuate the traditional ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome family fellowship as manifested by the founders of FMCA.

Most of us who run rallies have not committed to a place that requires vendors to survive.
I wish you and the executive board best of luck. You clearly have a challenge.
Take care, Tom

Hammondsport, NY

What do these things have in common: a beautiful lake, delectable wines, and extraordinary shopping? They're all cool, of course! Hammondsport has officially been named America's Coolest Small Town, by readers of Budget Travel magazine! And why wouldn't it be? This tiny town has it all - with a population of 750.

What do you think of the officers' meet there in October?

Roule's Fall Travel

New Orleans

November brought the celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary. To do something different than use the camper, we decided to take a cruise. Choosing to depart from New Orleans, we gave ourselves 4 days there before the cruise. 

Norwegian Star

Quite simply, new Orleans exceeded expectations. While there are a few vacant buildings that have their facades painted to look occupied, they have made great progress. Preparation for the super Bowl has work going on everywhere. Those who moved back after Katrina are loyal enthusiastic and friendly.

Tulum

From there, we caught the Norwegian Star for 7 days to the Western Caribbean and Mayan Ruins. Tulum is the most famous with remnants of the whole city still remaining.
We have more information on our family blog-
http://roulestravel.blogspot.com/

Also, a larger view of a picture can be seen by clicking on it. 
Return to the blog by clicking on the "x" on the top right corner. 

We got home just in time to get together with 40 family members for Thanksgiving.

We hope yours was as joyous of ours. 

Linden's 3rd Trip Report

October 28, 2012 - We drove to Sugarland, TX. (a suburb of Houston) and had a nice visit with Beryls sister-in-law. The temperature is in the sixties here. A nice change from the last few days of 30 degree weather in Missouri.
   Today is Sunday and here in Houston, TX we saw convoys of utility trucks headed east- bound. These men will be traveling for days in uncomfortable trucks to help restore power to the east coast after Sandy does her dirty work. The sad thing is that in less time than it takes for these men to arrive and help we will hear people complaining that their power has been off too long. That's American gratitude.
I have always expected neighboring states to help in the time of need. When we went to Florida to help my brother clean up after several hurricanes hit his area. I was surprised to see a crew from Toronto, Canada, in his neighborhood working to restore power. Canada is a good neighbor.

October 29th - As we were leaving Houston we stopped to get propane at $2.65 a gallon. In Corpus Christi we bought gas at Sams Club for $2.169.
    Arriving at Padre Island National Seashore was almost like arriving home. The lady at the main gate said she heard that we were coming and was glad to see us. The head Ranger who just happened to be at the gate and another Ranger also greeted us. As we traveled into the park we met more friends. From office staff, maintenance people, campers from past years, other volunteers, and Rangers. All claiming to be happy to see us back.
    Took Beryl to dinner for her birthday at her favorite Mexican restaurant. A volunteer couple that we met years ago went with us. We had a nice evening. Tomorrow we start work.

October 31st - We've been here a few days and the temperatures have been in the high 70s and low 80s in the day time and in the high 60s to low 70s at night. The wind is ever present.
    The road into the park has been repaved as has been the campground. New concrete picnic tables are being installed. Except for a few other improvements nothing else has changed. We start work on November 1st. We move into the campground host spot today. I already have my fishing license and some bait so I'm ready to go.

November 3rd - Went fishing and caught enough whiting for a couple of meals. Ate some that night. Can't beat fresh fish for supper.
    In the evening we were treated to an awesome light show. We never saw lightning in such rapid and continuous flashes which kept the sky lit continuously. What a show.

Walt Beryl Linden wlinden@juno.com

Walt Linden's Second Trip report

October 23, 2012 - Arrived in Branson, MO. We were surprised to see all the open land along Rte 76 (Main Street) until we remembered that a tornado went through the theater district earlier this year. Lots of cement slabs next to large parking lots. The Jubilee grocery store that was attached to Walmart is gone. Although Walmart received some damage they reopened the day after the tornado passed through. We started securing tickets for the shows right away. Five in all. 

October 24th - In the afternoon we went to the Paul Harris show. He is still as good as ever. Then we drove around and did a little sightseeing. After dinner we went to the Baldknobbers show. We started with the pre-show at 7:15 PM and got out of the regular show around 10:30 PM. The Mabe brothers started the Brandson Music Tradition in 1959. It is a family affair with most family members singing, playing an instrument or telling jokes. Grandpa Mabe plays Droopy Drawers. Now the 3rd generation is taking over. A grandson dressed like grandpa has a part in the show and some day will probably play the part of Droopy Drawers. On the way out of the theater we had a chance to talk to one of the Mabe boys and his wife. They seem to be very nice people. Most people in the Branson area are very family, God and country oriented. The Baldknobber show is free to veterans. All the shows recognize veterans during their show. 

October 25th - Went to two shows today. Todd Oliver and his talking dogs. This is one of those "don't miss" shows. You may have seen him on Leno or Lettermen. He was great. The second show, "Smoke on the Mountain", is a spoof on religion. It was good but I didn't think it was great. I had trouble understanding the actors, especially the women, when they talked fast and screeched. It started out as another beautiful day. 

It stated to cool off around noon and then it started to sprinkle. By evening it was cold. 

October 26th - Went to the Rankin Brothers show last night. Another great show. After the show we talked with the brothers and their father. Another friendly personable ground roots American family that has time to talk to everyone. Typical Branson show performers. 

Tonight it is headed for the low 30s.

 

October 27th - Time to leave Branson. We headed south and at the Arkansas Louisiana state line Millers continued south visiting friends and relatives, working their way to Florida. We headed west to visit Beryls sister-in-law in Houston on our way to Padre Island where we will be campground hosts in the National Park. Another night at Walmart where we filled up with $3.219 gasoline. Eat your heart out NewYorkers. We haven't paid more than $3.25 a gallon since we left New York. 

Walt Linden

RV Glass Coverage

Just thought you might like to know we had a small crack in our 2 piece windshield that suddenly grew and started to leak.
We carry full glass coverage and called our insurer. They gave us the name of a local supplier who got a replacement and had it replaced within a week. Total cost - $1460, all covered by insurance.

Insurance is relatively cheap, and windshields are ridiculous. If you don't have it, it might be worth consideration.

Walt Linden's Travel to Texas

This is our first report from someone's travels. Walt and Beryl are headed to Texas to be campground hosts at Padre Island outside Corpus Christie, Texas.
Please keep your notes coming. I may edit, but hopefully, won't ruin your content.

Trip Report #1
October 19, 2012 - Our first stop was on the Indian reservation in Silver Creek, NY for gasoline. Before we left home I checked the price of gas on Gasbuddy.com. The price was $3.559. When we arrived at the gas station to our surprise the gas was $3.459 a gallon. Or 55 cents less than in Avon. We met Ed and Sandy Miller in Erie, PA. for dinner and the start of the trip together.

October 20th - We stopped in Kidron, OH at Lehman's where we had lunch and shopped. Lehmans is an Amish hardware store. They sell everything from brand new wood burning kitchen cooking stoves to hand tools, pots and pans, quilts, books, and anything found in an Amish home. No TVs or electrically operated tools. Lots of hand tools for big and little jobs. We stopped for the night at Walmart in Mansfield, OH. Best part is the gasoline is $3.239 a gallon with a 15 cent discount if you use a Walmart credit card. Or 80 cents a gallon cheaper than in New York. No wonder we like to travel out of New York.

October 21st - The cheapest gas that we saw in Ohio was $3.039. In Indiana it is a little higher at around $3.439. Diesel has been running around $4.00. This doesn't make Ed happy.

October 22nd - We pushed on through Indiana and into Missouri. With nothing new to report I'll give a gas price report. Gas in Illinois was $3.379. With our Walmart discount it was $3.229. In Missouri it is $3.399 less our discount it's 3.249. Diesel is $3.819. For those who are not familiar with the Walmart discount. Until December 24, 2012, if you use a Walmart gift card you will get a ten cent discount. If you have a Walmart credit card you get a 15 cent discount at the pump. The rest of the year it is only 5 cents.

Walt and Beryl Linden

Plans for our Blog

We are putting together plans for the interface of the Fingerlaker Blog and the Fingerlaker.com web site. The  general idea is the blog will contain changing/new information and the web will have historical information.
How we proceed will be determined by the ability of each to achieve these goals.
We hope there will be lots of changes and updates.
Bottom line - WE WANT TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON !
To your right, we have a list of future rallies and an link to the "fingerlaker.com" web side. Click on them to check what's going on.
Check with us often and let us know how we are doing by emailing us at:

troule@aol.com

Introduction To our blog

The Fingeralakers Chapter of the FMCA has another way to communicate with each other. This is it.