Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club 20 WBAC Club 149 the Road Awaits March 2021

ISSUE JOURNAL of the Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club 20 WBAC Club 149 The Road Awaits March 2021

This issue Done and Dusted P. 1 Club Officers President’s Corner P. 2 2020-2021 Future Planning P. 3 President - Event Details P. 4 - 1 2 Greg Heuer 1 st Vice Pres. - TechTalk - Awning Tie Down P. 1 3 Christine Baum 2 nd Vice Pres. - Phil Miller Secretary - Yes - Old People are Getting Vacs in Virginia! Lisa Sachs The pace is picking up fast. When you can get a “jab” you should Treasurer - Janie Tarrant get one, and schedule the next one if you’re getting the two-part. Membership - Nancy Lawn We’re going CAMPING this year, and we’ll enjoy being together Parliamentarian - Dave Woodson with our friends and family - seeing them down the road. Spring is ------coming back to Virginia. We Directors - Joe Baum have good events to go to in Connie Miller March, April, May, June, July, Devin Bowman Ken Tarrant and August. Details on the ------Breaks Interstate Rally are Web Master - Jack D’Atre inside. Don’t delay in getting News Editor - your reservations to this unique Greg Heuer park. Your Wagonmasters, Joe Baum and Ken Tarrant are planning a good time.

Read on. Make Plans.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 1 PresidentsCorner My Days are Invested in Planning

It’s been an active month here at the Cabin. My Airstream Life is exciting and invigorating. Lin and I are leading the 2021 Fallingwater Caravan in May. The 15 rigs will visit Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob, and the Flight 93 National Memorial over the space of about five days. As with any Caravan, the planning involves many phone calls, left messages, emails, and deposits/payments. I could NOT get it all done withouth the dedicated hep of your Treasurer, Janie Tarrant. She’s had the patience to work with the Banks and with VENMO to get us on a sound footing for Club Financial Management.

The Glue of the Airstream Community

Like many of you, I’ve been associated with a number of “groups” over the years. Scouting, Church, Volunteers, Trade Associations, and the like. It is in no way chauvinistic to say, from the viewpoint of a guy, that the women of these organizations are the glue which holds them together. Linda and I look forward to our club events. We love to gather with the friends we’ve made along the way, as well as meeting new ones. This club has been nurtured by many fine women: Jean Harmon, Anita McGregor, Paige Landes, Kay Bowman, Dot McElroy - and that’s just in my short time here. The next generation is taking over. It’s just too cool!

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 2 FuturePlanning An Overview of a Year of Fun, Fellowship, and Learning

Wednesday; March 17, 2021

March 26-28 July 18-24 NORVA Maintenance Rally International Rally Lebanon, TN

April 9-11 August 9-14 Virginia Blue Bell Rally Shenandoah River State Park Galax Old Fiddlers Festival Sold Out Cool Breeze Campground, Galax, VA

April 21-25 September 24-26 Region 3 Rally Commonwealth Rally North Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, FL American Heritage, Williamsburg, VA

May 18-23 October Sun. 17-20 Fallingwater Short Caravan Brew Ridge Joint Club Rally Sold Out Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - depart on June 11-13 Wednesday - Special events, beer, wine, antiques, and more. Breaks Interstate Park Devils Backbone, Nellysford

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 3 March 26-28, 2021 The Annual NORVA Maintenance Kick Off Rally - https://airstreamclub.org/norva-maintenance-rally

More fun this year at Cozy Acres Campground with the NORVA Club. We’re all invited but space will be limited. This is the popular breakout Maintenance Rally that NORVA is famous for.

Over 40 full-service, pull- through sites have been set aside at Cozy Acres Campground for the rally. The campground is currently closed but you can call Monday and Thursday at (804) 598- 2470 to reserve your site. Tell the campground you are with the NORVA Airstream Club Rally. Site cost is $49.28 per night, tax included.Creditcardinformationis required to hold a site but you will not be charged until you arrive. Tom Carmichael will collect $15 per person rally fee (cash only, please) at rally check-in.

D.J. Mastin,independentAirstreamtechnicianandownerofBrokenRivetsRV Service, LLC, will be on hand the whole weekend to discuss all aspects of maintaining Airstream trailers and Class B vans. Attendees will learn how to keep their RV systems and appliances in good shape. Also, D.J. will be available to perform minor work on trailers during the rally at a discounted rate.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 4 April 9-11, 2021 Shenandoah River April Bluebell Camp

On the Shenandoah River - https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/

350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VA 22610 - Phone: 540-622-6840

THE PARK IS FULLY BOOKED FOR THAT WEEKEND

DETAIL DIGEST:

•• FRI., April 9 - Camper Arrival Day

5-6:30 PM - Heavy Finger Food to Share, Campfre Setting, BYOB and Chair

•• SAT., April 10 - Breakfast on your own or join some of us at the Apple Haus circa 8:30 AM

Morning - Explore the Shenandoah River State Park - Bluebell Walk with Linda

Afternoon - Take in Local Attractions in the New Market to Luray Corridor.

6PM-GalaOptionalBanquetatTheMimslynInn,401W.MainStreet,Luray,VA 22835

** SUN., April 11 - Breakfast on your own and depart for home.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 5 Saturday Afternoon for your pleasure, choose among:

Local Attractions in the Luray Area:

Luray Caverns - https://luraycaverns.com/ Luray Rescue Zoo - https://www.lurayzoo.com/ Shenandoah River Outftters - https://www.shenandoah-river.com/ Bear Mountain ZipLines and Climbing - https:// bearmountainadventure.com/ Local Attractions in the New Market Area: Virginia Museum of the Civil War - https://vmi.edu/museums-and- archives/virginia-museum-of-the-civil-war/ New Market Battlefeld and State Historical Park - https:// www.battlefields.org/visit/heritage-sites/new-market-battlefield-state- historical-park-and-hall-valor-museum Shenandoah Caverns - https://shenandoahcaverns.com/ Endless Caverns - http://endlesscaverns.com/ Saturday Evening 6 PM Gala Banquet at the historic Mimslyn Inn - 401 Main Street, Luray - 540.743.5105 (Meet us in the Speakeasy Bar and Grill downstairs)

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 6 April 21-25, 2021 Region 3 Rally - North Florida Fairgrounds 441 E. Paul Russell Rd. Tallahassee, FL

By the end of April we’ll all need a trip to Florida. Supporting our own Christine Baum, Region 3 Vice President. Some of us will want to Caravan down to Tallahassee.

Camping on the Fairgrounds and the Rally Fee is #250, inclusive. That’s a Bargain.

The Spirit of Virginia Club Casual Caravan will depart from the Devils Backbone Campground Circle, Nellysford, VA, at 10:00 AM, Monday, April 19, 2021. All arrangements and reservations are ON YOUR OWN. Come and Go.

Camp 1 - Monday Night - 275 miles - Ebenezer State Park Campground 4490 Boatshore Road, Rock Hill, SC - (803) 366-6620

Camp 2 - Tuesday Night - 280 miles - Arrowhead-Lake Tobesofkee Rec. Area Macon, GA - 32.818928, -83.802813 - (478) 803-4556

Camp 3 - Wednesday - Saturday - 200 miles - Tallahassee Fairgrounds - Region 3 Rally. (Registration here: https://form.jotform.com/210518012573143)

We will all return home on our own. No return caravan planned.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 7 Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club Rally at Breaks Interstate Park

June 10-13 Are you looking to “break” out of the same old campgrounds & parks rut? Looking for some adventure? Join us in June at Breaks Interstate Park. Breaks is the home of the “Grand Canyon of the South” where the Russell Fork River has cut a 1600 foot deep “break” thru Pine Mountain, providing Daniel Boone and other settlers access to Kentucky. The park includes both Virginia and Kentucky in its 4500 acres; hence “Interstate”.

“180 million years ago, in an area now lying across Kentucky and Virginia, a vast inland sea receded, leaving in its wake a veritable cradle of botany. Meanwhile the river that is now Russell Fork got about the work of carving out an immense, spectacular gorge, renowned as the largest east of the Mississippi. Here fractal ferns, galax, colts foot, tea berries and a profusion of fungi and moss species dot an undergrowth of rich greens with their bright yellows, oranges and pinks. Hikers, be prepared for the catch of breath as you lift your eyes from the delicate landscape underfoot to the wonder of a raptor soaring overhead. Boaters, rafters, horseback riders, take a moment to rest in awe of these timeless mountains, as their undulating profiles resolve into the distance in ever-paler shades of blue.”

As found at: Our History | Breaks Park

Camping: We recommend you make reservations on Reserve America for a site on ‘C’ Loop. These are some of the limited sites with 3-way hookups (Water/50A Electric/Sewer). Sites are only $28/night. We’ve done an on-site scouting of the loop and these sites are very suitable for your travel trailer Sites are available now for the 3-4 nights of the rally. But they won’t last! Reserve now and you can cancel as late as 30 days beforehand and only be out $15 bucks.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 8 The sites are relatively flat—both back ins and pull thru’s—bring leveling blocks. The hookups on some sites are oddly positioned, so bring an extra water hose, sewer extension, and power cord. There is no shower\rest room in loop C.

Rally Fee: Still TBD. Less than $30. Be sure to fill out the attached JotForm so we have an accurate headcount.

JotForm Hot Link - Click Here to

Let Us Know You’re Coming.

Activities:

• Many Miles of hiking trails and nature walks • Unspoiled natural beauty (you’ve got to see to believe) • Many Miles of mountain bike trail • Fishing • Swimming pool, water park, canoe and paddle boat rental, restaurant, zip-line concession, horseback riding at the Park • Local Outfitters available for rafting and kayaking • Day tripping to Pikesville KY (Hatfield and McCoy Feud sites)

Directions to Breaks (IMPORTANT):

Breaks Interstate Park is in the far southwest corner of Virginia. From Richmond, it is a good 7+ hours if you are towing. The last 30 minutes through the mountains is a bit challenging but nothing horrible.

No matter what you read or what your GPS tells you there is only one good way, to approach Breaks Interstate Park from the VA side. We have had the route verified by the Park staff, as well as other club members. We even drove this route ourselves.

If you are coming from somewhere in Virginia, you will most probably approach Breaks from I-81. As you approach Wytheville on I-81, take the exit for I-77 North. You will head north and pass (briefly) into West Virginia. Take Exit 1 to Route 52 North (John F Nash Boulevard) toward Bluefield WV. You will stay on 52 North for a short time— approximately 2.3 miles. You will then merge on to Route 460 West toward Bluefield.

You will follow 460 West through Tazewell, Richlands and finally Grundy. Just beyond Grundy you will take a left on Route 609.

Route 609 is the last 30 minutes of the trip. Here you will be on a two--lane well- maintained black top with a couple of steep climbs and a few tight turns (one 15 mph switch back). This last bit on Rt 609 is the only challenging section of the trip. I would suggest doing this piece while it’s still light.

The entrance to Breaks Park is on the left.

Information Links:

Pike County, KY | Breaks Park

Breaks Interstate Park, Virginia - Camping & Reservations | ReserveAmerica

Our History | Breaks Park

Activities & Recreation | Breaks Park

Wagonmasters: Ken Tarrant (804) 357-9977 Joe Baum (804) 709-4007

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 10 August 9-14, 2021 Galax Old Fiddlers Convention - Cool Breeze Campground 2330 Edmonds Rd, Galax, VA, 24333 - 276-236-0300 https://www.coolbreezecampground.com/ - Opening April 1

Cool Breeze Campground will once again be our gathering place. Robert, the owner, con�nues to provide live on-site entertainment of the up-and-coming Bluegrass musicians from the Appalachian region as well as some of the long-�me local favorites. Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club members Chris�ne and Joe Baum are assuming the role of both host and Region 3 representa�ve (Chris�ne is Region 3’s 1st VP). Chris�ne and Joe have been a�ending the Galax rally for years and just couldn’t let it fade away. Registra�on informa�on will be available as details are ironed out so watch for an announcement soon.

Show Your Club Pride (and be comfortable, too)

Click the link below to visit the Spirit Lands End Store. You can have virtually anything sold by Lands’ End embroidered with the official Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club logo.

Order some summer shirts, or that cozy fleece you’ve always wanted. Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club Lands’ End Store Link

Website Link - https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/devils-backbone-camp/PRCG/1067650/overview 200 Mosbys Run Roseland, VA 22967

By special arrangement we have 19 sites reserved for the long-in-the-future Brew Ridge Joint Rally from arrival Sunday, Oct. 17 to departure Wednesday Oct. 20.

The Devils Backbone camp is very, very popular, despite some of the highest cost camping reservations in the market. The Fall Color is usually nice then.

FHU [orange] sites are $65 a night + tax and a $3.50 processing fee per order. Bring extra power and water lines. The hooks ups are “shared” between sites.

Here is the quote from the camping manager: “If we do a site hold, just to be clear, your members will have to call us to reserve their site and will not be able to book online. If you want to go that route, we can place a hold on the sites until March 1. Your members would have the opportunity to call us to book until that date, then we will release any un-booked sites to the general public.”

BOTTOM LINE :: If you want to visit the breweries, wineries, and an�que stores in the Rockfsh Valley BOOK YOU SPOT TODAY. Please call 540-817-6061 to book three nights and say you’re part of the Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club Joint Rally for oct. 17-20.

©SpiritofVirginiaAirstreamClub2021 Page 12 TechTalk Tie Down Your Awning? Rich Luhr writes: “. . . fair warning: the moment you propose to tie down your awning, someone will come up to you and proclaim that you should never tie down the awning. Even Zip Dee, the manufacturer of your Airstream’s awning, will tell you they don’t recommend it. So you might feel a bit foolish for having bought a tie-down that you are officially discouraged from using.

Well, I’ll go out on a limb and say that’s overly-precautionary. Tying down an awning won’t hurt it. Leaving it deployed in a heavy wind or storm will.

Zip Dee says your awning will be fine in a light breeze, but they don’t give an official wind speed limit. Instead, they say things like “if you’re comfortable in the breeze, the awning probably is too.” I’ve also heard various numbers tossed around but there seems to be no exact consensus.

So if there’s a chance of heavy weather (like thunderstorms or high wind gusts), take down your awning as a precaution. And always take it down at night, because if you don’t the wind will magically pick up around 2 a.m. and the rattling of the awning will wake you up. Take it from me. I’ve taken the awning in many times in the pitch black, wearing pajamas.

The theory against using a tie-down seems to stem from the idea that a Zip Dee awning has some flex built into it, which helps it resist damage in the wind. If so, I’m taking some of that flex away by pulling the awning down with my tie-down. I can live with that, in exchange for a bit of quiet. Obviously, if the wind picks up, I’ll disconnect the tie-down and roll up the awning. We’re not talking about complex calculus here.