Attention all DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) and Central Texas RV.net forum members, and all else that would care to attend, it's time to set the date for another Fall get-together. (From DFW, Lake Somerville State Park is about a 200 mile drive.)
This year we've had a change of location for our DFW Metro & Friends Fall Rally. For the past few years we've been holding our Fall Rally at Loyd Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. For 2008, I've decided to "shake" things up a bit and move the rally to a new location.
I have confirmed and reserved the group area and dining hall for the weekend of October 10 & 11, 2008. Terry and I'll be arriving Thursday evening. (Early arrivals are welcome, please let me know when reserving.)
Lake Somerville State Park has a wonderful group camping facility. There is a private dining hall (accommodates around 50) surrounded by 14 "pull-through" sites. The sites are equipped with water and 30/50 amp service. On our private loop, we also have our own dump station for our use. There are also two fire-rings, one with a beautiful view of Lake Somerville for a community campfire. I'll be posting pictures of the group area and dining hall after the first of the year.
The cost to rent the dining hall is $75 a day (we'll rent it for 2 days). The cost of the rental will be divided between the rally attendees.
For those attending the campout/rally, daily entrance and camping fees will be due upon check-in at the park.
There is lot's to do and see in the area:
Blue Bell Creamery - "Country Store" is open
Antique Rose Emporium
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library
"Washington on the Brazos State Historical Site"
Texas A&M University
After the group camping sites are filled, there are lots of additional sites available in the park with ample parking in the group camping area.
Rally Costs:
Camp Site - 2 days @ $15.00 a day
Dining Hall $75.00 a day (2 days) - Divided between all the attendees
Update: 01/25/08:I just received clarification concerning payment for the sites within the group camping area. As mentioned, these sites cannot be reserved through Austin, but are tied to the reserving the dining hall, which I have already taken care of.
If you are assigned to one of the 14 sites within the group camping area, you will pay for the night's camped when you arrive at the park. If you don't have an annual Texas State Park Pass, you will be responsible for a $3.00 per day entrance fee.
Kim Ochs, the park manager, and a very good friend of mine, will have the group area gates open for those that will be arriving on Thursday. I am also working with Kim to provide a nature oriented program for us sometime on Saturday.
Tentative Schedule:
Friday Evening: Informal "Meet & Greet" at the Dining Hall - Share snacks and play games. Steve & I'll be grillin' dogs. We'll furnish the dogs and all the fixin's. Bring a side dish, chips, beans, etc. to share with everyone.
Saturday Morning: Potluck Breakfast
Saturday Mid-Morning/Day: On Your Own or Group Excursions
Saturday Evening: Group Potluck
Tentative "Evening Ranger Program" after potluck
Saturday "Movie Night" under the stars
Sunday: Fresh dough-nuts, cinnamon rolls or funnel cakes and coffee! (Menu still being determined)
Note: We will be furnishing all paper goods, plastic ware, cups, etc. (We will have donation jar to help cover costs.)
Please note that all sites have been assigned within the group camping area. There are plenty of sites within the park. The "Post Oak" camping area is the closest to our area. When making reservations with the state, 512.389.8900. Kim Ochs, the park manager did say that Fall is a busy season at the park. Also there is a home football game for Texas A&M that weekend. He did mention that lots of fans stay in the park. If you'd like to attend the rally, I would not put off making reservations. Please do let me know if you've made a private reservation so I can add you to the list and have name tags available.
Rally Attendees: (The first 14 will have sites within the group camping area.)
Chuck & Terry - Bearnkat & NTXCA - Wagonmaster - Group Camping Area - Thursday - Confirmed
Steve & Leslie - Winstonsdad & NTXCA - Wagonmaster - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
George & Karen - Chip N' Dale - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
Melonie & Mary - NTXCA - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
Grant & Polly - NTXCA - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
OPEN
Brett & Dianne - Wolfe10 - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
Paul, Debbie & Lora - NTXCA - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
OPEN
OPEN
Greg & Melissa - NTXCA - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
Bruce & Kathy - NTXCA - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
Mike & Tzena - MikeSmith - Group Camping Area - Confirmed
OPEN
We hope to see all of our old friends and new ones at the rally!
Chuck & Terry
Steve & Leslie Your Hosts
* This post was
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edited 10/09/08 12:17pm by Bearnkat *
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You're very welcome! It's always fun (and a lot of work) setting the rallies up, but worth the efforts in the end! I'll keep you posted when I do have a firm date reserved. Take care and Happy Holidays to you and your lovely daughter!
C & T
* This post was
edited 12/26/07 02:00pm by Bearnkat *
Dang it! We had such a good time at the last one, but unfortunately, we will be retired and on the road at that time. Present schedule has us being somewhere out west at that time, probably in Arizona.
Y'all have a good time! I know you will.
P.S. Keep Steve away from your trailers. He kept coming by mine and offering me the world for it. ha.
Joe
2008 Dodge Laramie 5500 C&C 4x4 with CM hauler bed
32k EZ Floater Hitch Crafter air ride hitch
2007 KZ Montego Bay 36 REB-3 38ft 11in. 5th Wheeler
Chuck, since you have convinced me that we are going to have so much fun and be treated well at the Spring Rally, I guess you had better go on and put our names in the pot for the Fall Rally too. Who knows, since you have the words "Central Texas" in the title, it may even flush out some other Central Texans.
Outstanding, we're so glad you'll be with us in October as well. Lake Somerville is a wonderful facility with so much to do. We'll talk about all the details, payment later on.
I know you mentioned you've got some friends in the Houston area. Somerville would be perfect for them since it is so close. Let me know.
We'll look forward to meeting you at RV Ranch in March.
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It's always fun (and a lot of work) setting the rallies up, but worth the efforts in the end! I'll keep you posted when I do have a firm date reserved. Take care and Happy Holidays to you and your lovely daughter!
