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[font size="3"]COMING TO A CAMPGROUND NEAR YOU:



Livin Lite is ecstatic to announce the dates of our very first Regional Owners Rally, coming July 22nd-24th 2016!


This rally will take place in BEAUTIFUL Ft. Stevens, Oregon and is open to any and all Livin Lite owners.


Thank you to some of our owners who came up with this fantastic idea and who are working in close conjunction with our marketing team to make this a fantastic experience for owners and potential owners alike. It is our goal to provide fun and informative activities, as well as the chance to interact and connect with Livin Lite factory staff and vendors.


Official rally registration and itinerary will be announced and available soon. However, many of these projected activities depend on attendance numbers, so please comment below if you are interested in joining us this next summer!



**Note: This regional rally will be held IN ADDITION TO the First Annual Livin Lite National rally, to be held in Summer 2016 in Indiana. More info on that to come**
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This is great news.

Glad to hear about this event.  It's way too far for me to attend, but I will be watching this thread carefully to see how the rally gets put together.

We'll plan to be at both rallies. Looking forward to meeting other owners.

I'll be there!

Would love to go to this as I have never been to Oregon. However it's a little too far for this one so we are anxiously awaiting the dates for the national rally in IN. Hoping that it falls during dates that I can get off work.

My husband and I will be there. We plan to arrive on July 21 2016. Looking forward to seeing some representatives from LL, as well as having a chance to meet in person some of the people I have been chatting with here on the board.

Wait, so...how does this affect the plan - are we going to register for campsites individually, or is LL working something out with the state for a block reservation, or what ?

This sounds like fun, count us as interested!

[quote timestamp="1441843327" source="/post/15070/thread" author="@pinstriper"]Wait, so...how does this affect the plan - are we going to register for campsites individually, or is LL working something out with the state for a block reservation, or what ?
[/quote]As of right now it doesn't affect any of our plans. I think their involvement will be determined by the number of users who sign up. Right now there are 6 of us that I know of, so I think at that number we would get minimal attention but some. Get up to 20-25 and I expect they would be willing to do more. I asked Christian to push out this announcement now to see what interest it would generate while we still have time to get others on board before October's reservations open up. Not that October is in any way the deadline just the first opportunity to make reservations and pick your site/area. Unless something changes between now and October I still plan on making my own reservations.

[quote timestamp="1441973386" author="@ammobob" source="/post/15154/thread"][quote source="/post/15070/thread" author="@pinstriper" timestamp="1441843327"]Wait, so...how does this affect the plan - are we going to register for campsites individually, or is LL working something out with the state for a block reservation, or what ?
[/quote]As of right now it doesn't affect any of our plans. I think their involvement will be determined by the number of users who sign up. Right now there are 6 of us that I know of, so I think at that number we would get minimal attention but some. Get up to 20-25 and I expect they would be willing to do more. I asked Christian to push out this announcement now to see what interest it would generate while we still have time to get others on board before October's reservations open up. Not that October is in any way the deadline just the first opportunity to make reservations and pick your site/area. Unless something changes between now and October I still plan on making my own reservations.[/quote]I couldn't have said it better myself! Please continue to go ahead and make your reservations as planned for now :-) As we see more interest in the dates, we will be able to make some more decisions about what our involvement will be. But for now, go ahead and make your reservations as planned, and just count on us being there!



As we firm up more details, I promise, you guys will be the first to know!



Thanks!

We're coming. Wasn't sure there was many of these units in the northwest.

[quote source="/post/15180/thread" timestamp="1442030749" author="@dennis"]We're coming. Wasn't sure there was many of these units in the northwest.[/quote]I think there are more than we all know about they just don't participate in this forum. Seems we have more guest then members sometimes so let's hope we can induce some of them to join us in our Regional Rally next July.

I put this on my calendar. When we reserve, what loop(s) are we specifically shooting for? I see the ones described earlier, but also see that the RV park is HUGE. It would be nice to be on the same loop. Maybe that is asking too much if the campground fills up so quickly...

Also, should most of the conversation be here or on the other thread?

http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/1262/2016-on-pacific-coast?page=5&scrollTo=15260

My family and I would love too! We're visiting Bend around that time!!

Okay, I will keep this open as a possibility.

I would like to come but way too far from me, but sound interesting I will follow the thread

I see some interest on the Facebook side too so let's keep this thing going and get LL's involvement.

[quote source="/post/15396/thread" author="@ammobob" timestamp="1442779542"]I see some interest on the Facebook side too so let's keep this thing going and get LL's involvement.[/quote]Absolutely! 

We've gotten interest on both this forum and the old yahoo groups forum, as well as on facebook. What I recommend to ANYONE who wants to attend the regional rally is this: 

1) Go ahead and reserve your spot for the regional rally dates! Early October, I am going to contact the park on behalf of Livin Lite and let her know we are coming in an official capacity. 

2) Be on the lookout for an official Livin Lite sign up online. Many of you will have already registered at the park at that point, but this sign up will be for us to know how many participants we can expect. In the meantime, we will keep publicizing the Rally and encouraging people to reserve their spot at the campground. 


If you guys have any ideas or suggestions regarding how to best get the participants signed up on our end, let me know. I'm thinking having a link to our new website and having the sign up on our website...then posting that link on here and Facebook. 

Let me know what you think! 

I would definitely come to this, I have camped at Ft. Stevens before and I love Oregon parks over Washington's state parks.

Hi Group!
What usually happens at one of these Rally events?

I am in the market for my first trailer, and I am knee-deep in the product research phase.

The most important outcome for me is a deep technical dive of the products.  I want to pretty much take one of these things apart to see what makes it tick.  I'm coming with all the inspection tools that I can scrape together, and I hope to leave with the confidence needed to write that big check and handle issues that crop up in remote places.

Is anyone else interested in this sort of thing?


Thanks,

David

My wife, daughters, and I are itching to get to the coast. I decided we're going to go scope out Ft. Stevens state park next weekend (October 2-4). It is 3 hours from our house, which is worth it considering the quality reputation of Oregon's State Parks. I'll take some photos and get a lay of the land for myself and anyone else on here who is interested. We've reserved a spot in loop "G", which has water and electrical. I'll keep this thread posted.

Cheers!

[quote timestamp="1443277878" author="@purdytj" source="/post/15505/thread"]My wife, daughters, and I are itching to get to the coast. I decided we're going to go scope out Ft. Stevens state park next weekend (October 2-4). It is 3 hours from our house, which is worth it considering the quality reputation of Oregon's State Parks. I'll take some photos and get a lay of the land for myself and anyone else on here who is interested. We've reserved a spot in loop "G", which has water and electrical. I'll keep this thread posted.

Cheers![/quote]Good news. We are looking at loop M with full hook-ups so check it out while you are there and let us know what you think.

[quote source="/post/15503/thread" author="@david2015" timestamp="1443277076"]Hi Group!
What usually happens at one of these Rally events?

I am in the market for my first trailer, and I am knee-deep in the product research phase.

The most important outcome for me is a deep technical dive of the products.  I want to pretty much take one of these things apart to see what makes it tick.  I'm coming with all the inspection tools that I can scrape together, and I hope to leave with the confidence needed to write that big check and handle issues that crop up in remote places.

Is anyone else interested in this sort of thing?


Thanks,

David
[/quote][p]1. Well, since this is the first time one of these is happening...I'm betting on a potluck bbq dinner, a fair amount of adult beverages, followed by skinny dipping in the Pacific. And if there's sufficient interest to sustain LL's attention maybe a factory rep giving out t-shirts, beer coozies, and bumper stickers, in case anyone's factory decals peeled off.[/p][p]
[/p][p]2. No, I'm not letting you take mine apart and see if you can get it back together again. Maybe a visit to the factory would give you that kind of deep dive.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p]

[quote source="/post/15555/thread" timestamp="1443389385" author="@pinstriper"][quote source="/post/15503/thread" timestamp="1443277076" author="@david2015"]Hi Group!
What usually happens at one of these Rally events?

I am in the market for my first trailer, and I am knee-deep in the product research phase.

The most important outcome for me is a deep technical dive of the products.  I want to pretty much take one of these things apart to see what makes it tick.  I'm coming with all the inspection tools that I can scrape together, and I hope to leave with the confidence needed to write that big check and handle issues that crop up in remote places.

Is anyone else interested in this sort of thing?


Thanks,

David
[/quote][p]1. Well, since this is the first time one of these is happening...I'm betting on a potluck bbq dinner, a fair amount of adult beverages, followed by skinny dipping in the Pacific. And if there's sufficient interest to sustain LL's attention maybe a factory rep giving out t-shirts, beer coozies, and bumper stickers, in case anyone's factory decals peeled off.[/p][p]
[/p][p]2. No, I'm not letting you take mine apart and see if you can get it back together again. Maybe a visit to the factory would give you that kind of deep dive.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][/quote]
Dang, and I just got a new blade for the sawz-all :)

[quote timestamp="1443389385" source="/post/15555/thread" author="@pinstriper"]

Quote from: @david2015" source="/post/15503/thread" timestamp="1443277076Hi Group!
What usually happens at one of these Rally events?

I am in the market for my first trailer, and I am knee-deep in the product research phase.

The most important outcome for me is a deep technical dive of the products.  I want to pretty much take one of these things apart to see what makes it tick.  I'm coming with all the inspection tools that I can scrape together, and I hope to leave with the confidence needed to write that big check and handle issues that crop up in remote places.

Is anyone else interested in this sort of thing?


Thanks,

David

[p]1. Well, since this is the first time one of these is happening...I'm betting on a potluck bbq dinner, a fair amount of adult beverages, followed by skinny dipping in the Pacific. And if there's sufficient interest to sustain LL's attention maybe a factory rep giving out t-shirts, beer coozies, and bumper stickers, in case anyone's factory decals peeled off.[/p][p]
[/p][p]2. No, I'm not letting you take mine apart and see if you can get it back together again. Maybe a visit to the factory would give you that kind of deep dive.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]
[/p][/quote]Well, that pretty much sums it up! ;-) 

I will mostly likely be there, along with the factory rep and/or General Manager. We'd like to feed you guys a meal, get to know you better, and pass out lots of cool Livin Lite paraphernalia. There are a couple of things that are on the burner that I can't divulge quite yet....But soon...



very soon.... 

In a sense, the LL trailers boil down to a big fancy box to keep the OEM (stove, refrigerator, electrical...) gear dry.  It'd be good to see if we can get some of the OEM reps engaged, too.  After all, they're invested in a happy tribe of LL owners, too :)

Plus it opens up the swag potential!

In clarification of my prior statement, which I just re-read (sober) and which could have been taken the wrong way:

I would let Tinkering Techie take my trailer apart, with the firm and confident knowledge that he could put it together again, with only a few extra parts leftover.

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/15587/thread" timestamp="1443474254In clarification of my prior statement, which I just re-read (sober) and which could have been taken the wrong way:

I would let Tinkering Techie take my trailer apart, with the firm and confident knowledge that he could put it together again, with only a few extra parts leftover.

Maybe he would leave it in better shape than when you let him have at it!  :)

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/15588/thread" timestamp="1443474448[quote timestamp="1443474254" source="/post/15587/thread" author="@pinstriper"]In clarification of my prior statement, which I just re-read (sober) and which could have been taken the wrong way:

I would let Tinkering Techie take my trailer apart, with the firm and confident knowledge that he could put it together again, with only a few extra parts leftover.

Maybe he would leave it in better shape than when you let him have at it!  :)[/quote]

Doubtless, this is true.

Left over parts are proof that you made it better :)

Anyway, I'm going to drag along a borescope and any other non-intrusive testing gear that I can scrape up.  If anyone feels like peeking behind things, I'll have the gadgets to play with.

David


 

Short reminder to those that want to make reservations at earliest possible date;

We are less that a month out from the window opening to make reservations. October 22 is the 9 month window for those showing up on Friday July 22, 2016. I will be making mine on the 19th or 20th in loop M.

I will send out another reminder once I make my reservations.

I am planning to arrive on July 21st, so I have added the day to make my reservation, Oct. 21st, on my calendar.

Do we have a count yet of how many rigs might be coming?

Not sure of the rigs but have seen somewhere in the 20 range between us and their Facebook post. Have not checked or dwelled into the other Livinlite forum either. I have asked Christian to get involved in notifying the others (not part of this forum) about the reservations and 9 month window.

[quote timestamp="1443546980" source="/post/15622/thread" author="@ammobob"]Not sure of the rigs but have seen somewhere in the 20 range between us and their Facebook post. Have not checked or dwelled into the other Livinlite forum either. I have asked Christian to get involved in notifying the others (not part of this forum) about the reservations and 9 month window.[/quote]Will be doing a "countdown to registration " for the whole week before. Within the next couple months, we will issue an official "Rally Registration" so we can get an head count and eventually create name tags and such. We're going to try to leave registration open for as long as possible, just in case we get some stragglers closer to the date! Even if they aren't able to camp in the same spot as everyone else, they could still come for activities! 

We are new to the group, our Bearcat 21 RBS is on order. We will be attending. Is there a particular loop/area everyones looking to reserve? Thanks

[quote source="/post/15649/thread" timestamp="1443627560" author="@rwc"]We are new to the group, our Bearcat 21 RBS is on order. We will be attending. Is there a particular loop/area everyones looking to reserve? Thanks[/quote]I am looking at loop M with full hook-up myself.

This site will give you a picture of each loop/camp site # for those interested. http://www.campsitephotos.com/campground/Fort-Stevens-State-Park

Reserve America is how the Oregon State Parks gets their online reservations. They generally have a photo of each site before you book. They specifically have this for Ft. Stevens.

Yea I saw that but the pics on the State Parks site are not that good.

Just a little heads-up for those planning to make early reservations. We are now at 10 days out. 22 October for 22 July 2016.

Livin Lite is ecstatic to announce open registration for our very first Regional Owners Rally, coming July 22nd-24th 2016!





This rally will take place in BEAUTIFUL Ft. Stevens, Oregon and is open to any and all Livin Lite owners. For campground site registration, click [a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=129"]here[/a]. (Registration for rally weekend opens to the public on October 22nd 2015)



For official rally registration, click [a href="http://livinlite.com/pdf/rallyregistration.pdf"]here[/a]. This link provides a registration form that must be completed and sent mail/email to:


Christian Muffoletto

cmuffoletto@crossroadsrv.com

OR

Attn: Christian Muffoletto

1140 W Lake St, Topeka, IN 46571



It is necessary to register both at Ft. Stevens campground to reserve your site, and then additionally with Livin Lite via the form provided to secure your inclusion in rally activities, meals, seminars, etc.





Thank you to some of our owners who came up with this fantastic idea and who are working in close conjunction with our marketing team to make this a fantastic experience for owners and potential owners alike. It is our goal to provide fun and informative activities, as well as the opportunity to interact and connect with Livin Lite factory staff and vendors. An in-depth itinerary will be provided early 2016.

Questions or Comments? Contact Christian Muffoletto at cmuffoletto@crossroadssrv.com



**Note: This regional rally will be held IN ADDITION TO the First Annual Livin Lite National rally, to be held in Summer 2016 in Indiana. More info on that to come**

We couldn't wait until next summer... we went October 2-4 for a few nights in loop G. We found Ft. Stevens to be excellent. There are lots of things to do for kids and adults including playgrounds, kite-flying, miles of paved cycling pathways, long beaches, and well-kept facilities. This will be an excellent place for this rally. We didn't bring our little recreational kayak this time, but will next summer for the large pond with easy access.

More [a href="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/2015-blog/ft-stevens-state-park"]photos on our blog[/a].


(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/298738_orig.jpghttp://)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/298738_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/4698478_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/2550382_orig.jpg)

I'll be packing my canoe and bringing the acrobatic kite the wife bought me for Christmas or Birthday (I forget which one). Never tried the kite so first time- everyone bring their cameras and get pictures of a fool and his kite  ???

Put the camper up for the season (got the camper blues now), were 9 months out (even though we are going to Death Valley for a week in April) and I am already excited about this camping trip.

Coffenberry is very canoe friendly but not all that big. By late july the water will be pretty warm for trout and I don't think there are many bass in it- tho there are some. I plan on surf fishing for perch and sole. Earlier in the year the lake is stocked with trout and reputed to be great good fun.

[quote timestamp="1444936023" author="@pinstriper" source="/post/16072/thread"]Coffenberry is very canoe friendly but not all that big. By late july the water will be pretty warm for trout and I don't think there are many bass in it- tho there are some. I plan on surf fishing for perch and sole. Earlier in the year the lake is stocked with trout and reputed to be great good fun. [/quote]Bring an extra pole and I'll bring the liquid refreshments  ;)

Ammobob, is your credit card in your hand, ready for you to make your reservation for the Pacific NW meetup and LL Rally? I will be making my reservation on Wednesday.

I'll be ready to reserve at 8:00A PST on Wednesday. I hope Leslie doesn't beat me to the best spot. (Wherever that is!)

Us too. We'll roll in thursday, fishin' with Bob on Friday (get your OR non-resident license at Fred Meyer in Warrentown !)

Prolly stick around through the weekend and head home Monday.

Will I have to wait until Pacific time? I was going to take care of this early in the morning - on Eastern time!

Others can correct me, but I think the reservation system works on the local hours of the park (Reserve America is used by several state park systems in several time zones). 

[quote timestamp="1445297375" source="/post/16146/thread" author="@leslie"]Ammobob, is your credit card in your hand, ready for you to make your reservation for the Pacific NW meetup and LL Rally? I will be making my reservation on Wednesday.[/quote]It's 4:30 AM and yes I am ready. Give them a few hours to wake up and I'll get my reservation in. I will post something when I have it done and let everyone know what spot I picked. Have the back end reservations done now just need to finish the front end of this 2 week trip.

P.S. It's the wife's credit card  ;)

[quote source="/post/16151/thread" timestamp="1445300597" author="@pinstriper"]Us too. We'll roll in thursday, fishin' with Bob on Friday (get your OR non-resident license at Fred Meyer in Warrentown !)

Prolly stick around through the weekend and head home Monday.[/quote]It will be done.

OK my reservations are done. 20-24 July 2016 on loop M spot 46. Have all my reservations for a 2 week trip except for the first 3 days. Crater Lake RV park put me off until Jan 2016. Not worried can always find a place to camp on our way to Silver Falls.

We just did M44 for July 20th arrival and July 25th departure.

Quote from: @sandroad" source="/post/16170/thread" timestamp="1445353980We just did M44 for July 20th arrival and July 25th departure.

I thought I was going to beat you to the best spot! Tomorrow AM, I will make my reservation for July 21 - 25. At least, that is the plan. My husband has surgery scheduled. I plan to take care of this while he is otherwise occupied.

[quote source="/post/16187/thread" timestamp="1445383761" author="@leslie"][quote source="/post/16170/thread" timestamp="1445353980" author="@sandroad"]We just did M44 for July 20th arrival and July 25th departure.[/quote]
I thought I was going to beat you to the best spot! Tomorrow AM, I will make my reservation for July 21 - 25. At least, that is the plan. My husband has surgery scheduled. I plan to take care of this while he is otherwise occupied.[/quote]Hope it's nothing serious and tell him we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

OK it's time for the reminder I said I would post. For those going with us to Fort Stevens next July and who would like to make reservations early you are within the 9 month window between today and tomorrow depending on when you plan to get there. Today for those arriving on the 21st and tomorrow for those arriving on the 22nd.

this is a very popular camp ground and most of the sites are already booked. I would say that half of loop M was reserved when I made my reservation yesterday so if yo would like to stay in the same loop I suggest making reservations early

Reserve America will show you (on their site map) the available spots for your time period and you can filter by loop and spot. Some of use are already reserved in loop M. They will not accept reservations until 8 AM PST (I tried) and you will have to pay for your reservation in full at booking plus an $8 non-refundable fee.

M38 arriving Th leaving M

You will find us at M 51 from July 21 - July 25.

See Ya!

Quote from: @ammobob" source="/post/16193/thread" timestamp="1445432861OK it's time for the reminder I said I would post. For those going with us to Fort Stevens next July and who would like to make reservations early you are within the 9 month window between today and tomorrow depending on when you plan to get there. Today for those arriving on the 21st and tomorrow for those arriving on the 22nd.

this is a very popular camp ground and most of the sites are already booked. I would say that half of loop M was reserved when I made my reservation yesterday so if yo would like to stay in the same loop I suggest making reservations early

Reserve America will show you (on their site map) the available spots for your time period and you can filter by loop and spot. Some of use are already reserved in loop M. They will not accept reservations until 8 AM PST (I tried) and you will have to pay for your reservation in full at booking plus an $8 non-refundable fee.

Thanks for the reminder , Sir!!

Not only that- but don't forget to fill out the Livin Lite registration on our website and get it sent to me. We'd love to start getting an idea of how many are going to be attendence!

Quote from: @ammobob" source="/post/16193/thread" timestamp="1445432861OK it's time for the reminder I said I would post. For those going with us to Fort Stevens next July and who would like to make reservations early you are within the 9 month window between today and tomorrow depending on when you plan to get there. Today for those arriving on the 21st and tomorrow for those arriving on the 22nd.

this is a very popular camp ground and most of the sites are already booked. I would say that half of loop M was reserved when I made my reservation yesterday so if yo would like to stay in the same loop I suggest making reservations early

Reserve America will show you (on their site map) the available spots for your time period and you can filter by loop and spot. Some of use are already reserved in loop M. They will not accept reservations until 8 AM PST (I tried) and you will have to pay for your reservation in full at booking plus an $8 non-refundable fee.

Thanks for the reminder , Sir!!

Not only that- but don't forget to fill out the Livin Lite registration on our website and get it sent to me. We'd love to start getting an idea of how many are going to be attendence!

[quote source="/post/16203/thread" author="@christianm" timestamp="1445448476"][quote timestamp="1445432861" author="@ammobob" source="/post/16193/thread"]OK it's time for the reminder I said I would post. For those going with us to Fort Stevens next July and who would like to make reservations early you are within the 9 month window between today and tomorrow depending on when you plan to get there. Today for those arriving on the 21st and tomorrow for those arriving on the 22nd.

this is a very popular camp ground and most of the sites are already booked. I would say that half of loop M was reserved when I made my reservation yesterday so if yo would like to stay in the same loop I suggest making reservations early

Reserve America will show you (on their site map) the available spots for your time period and you can filter by loop and spot. Some of use are already reserved in loop M. They will not accept reservations until 8 AM PST (I tried) and you will have to pay for your reservation in full at booking plus an $8 non-refundable fee.[/quote]
Thanks for the reminder , Sir!!

Not only that- but don't forget to fill out the Livin Lite registration on our website and get it sent to me. We'd love to start getting an idea of how many are going to be attendence! [/quote]You have mine  ;)

Suggestion: For those of us going to this Rally: We might find it convenient to PM each other with our email addresses or cell phone numbers so we can text or email each other. Otherwise, we would leave messages on this board and wait for somebody to log on. Not good for when a fast reply is wanted. This wouldn't be required. But if pinstriper gets stuck in the mud while fishing, and can't get out by himself, it might be good to get hold of one of us so we can grab a rope and pull him out. Just sayin'...

Agreed.

I'm planning to make reservations tomorrow for the 22-24. Unfortunately we can only commit to 3 days (Friday - Sunday). Hopefully all of the spots won't be taken!!!

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/16211/thread" timestamp="1445462267Suggestion: For those of us going to this Rally: We might find it convenient to PM each other with our email addresses or cell phone numbers so we can text or email each other. Otherwise, we would leave messages on this board and wait for somebody to log on. Not good for when a fast reply is wanted. This wouldn't be required. But if pinstriper gets stuck in the mud while fishing, and can't get out by himself, it might be good to get hold of one of us so we can grab a rope and pull him out. Just sayin'...

I wonder if LL could play a role in the communications? The registration form has phone and email, though we wouldn't want that public.

5 of us are signed-up and on board now. Sure hoping the others that voiced early interest (rwc, Flenke, david2015, billmoore, Dennis, Brenda, campingcarrie, and slipvain) all get the opportunity to come join us. The more the merrier. Let's put LL on the spot to support this venture with more than tee shirts and hotdogs  ;). 

I know there was some good interest on LLs Facebook page too but I am not tied in with those folks so who know what they are doing.

DONE! We'll be in M-47. We are arriving on Friday and leaving on Sunday (2 nights total).
This will be great because 1) Fort Stevens is a family favorite of ours and 2) it will be great to be with other Livin Lite owners!

We'll be arriving Thur (spot M42) and leaving Mon. Registration is in. It'll be nice to meet everyone.

We're in M-37 for Friday-Sunday! And my registration form has been emailed to Christian...


 :)

Hey Bill, You bringing the bikes? Any trails to ride?

[quote source="/post/16229/thread" timestamp="1445534739" author="@rwc"]Hey Bill, You bringing the bikes? Any trails to ride?[/quote]Russ, we will be bringing them. Not sure about trails in the area, will be researching that, but street legal bikes can be ridden on about a 15 mile long section of the beach from Ft. Stevens south. Looking at google maps, there are lots of fun looking curvy roads in the area, probably paved though. 

I'll bring mine and hope for the best.

We're arriving tomorrow !

Oh wait - wrong thread...

Looks like we are the inly ines to attend the Regional Rally Pre-Run.

Quote from: @rwc" source="/post/16227/thread" timestamp="1445533933We'll be arriving Thur (spot M42) and leaving Mon. Registration is in. It'll be nice to meet everyone.

We are in M42 right this minute and it is a nice site.

Thanks pinstriper thats good to know. We'll be bringing our three Beagles, is there grass areas at that site?

Quote from: @rwc" source="/post/16270/thread" timestamp="1445708349Thanks pinstriper thats good to know. We'll be bringing our three Beagles, is there grass areas at that site?

Some grass, the dirt is sandy. So it shakes off but you gotta have a door matt or foot scrubby by the door.

I will take a photo when we get back to the site.

pinstriper, did you have to make this reservation 9 months ago?

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/16282/thread" timestamp="1445734600pinstriper, did you have to make this reservation 9 months ago?

We stayed there during the first weekend in October. We made reservations two weeks in advance with many options available. But it was surprisingly busy once we were there.

Any time between memorial and labor days requires this very early reservation.

I was wondering what the chances would be for someone to get a site on short notice.

[quote source="/post/16284/thread" timestamp="1445745961" author="@leslie"]I was wondering what the chances would be for someone to get a site on short notice.[/quote]At any of the more popular state parks in WA and OR that are reservation only, your chances of getting a spot on the weekend in mid-summer on short notice are pretty slim.

Quote from: @leslie" timestamp="1445734600" source="/post/16282/threadpinstriper, did you have to make this reservation 9 months ago?

Tuesday morning this week, actually.

[quote source="/post/16284/thread" timestamp="1445745961" author="@leslie"]I was wondering what the chances would be for someone to get a site on short notice.[/quote]Depends on the time of year, really. This is a BIG state park, and this is the off-season.

The closer you are to Portland, the harder it is to get a spot. During the summer, your only chance of a short notice spot would be midweek.

[font size="3" face="arial"]Reserved my space in M loop (M40).  Looking forward to meeting other owners[/font]

I am bad at counting. Is there a current master roster of who is coming and what sites ? I imagine some entries are coming direct to LL or maybe via the yahoo group or the other board, which I don't watch because....I cant be bothered to.

[quote timestamp="1445907216" source="/post/16314/thread" author="@pinstriper"]I am bad at counting. Is there a current master roster of who is coming and what sites ? I imagine some entries are coming direct to LL or maybe via the yahoo group or the other board, which I don't watch because....I cant be bothered to.[/quote][p]OK here's what I have so far. Hopefully all of you have submitted your sign-up sheet to Christian at Livinlite.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Pinstriper in M-38[/p][p]Billmoore in M-37[/p][p]Flemke in M-40[/p][p]RWC in M-42[/p][p]Merlin in M-44[/p][p]Ammobob in M-46[/p][p]Purdytj in M-47[/p][p]Leslie in M-51[/p][p]
[/p][p]For those still contemplating joining us there are several sites in the loop still available (per reserveamerica.com) over our dates. Sites 1-4, 12, 14, 18-20, 28, 49, 53-55 are open.[/p][p]
[/p][p]That's 8 of us and I have e-mailed Christian to see if anyone from their site or Facebook has signed up yet.


Current indications are that no one else has signed-up from the other sites as of right now.[/p][p]
[/p][p][font color="#1922e6"]Update from Facebook page: Ron McElliot has signed up and is on site L28[/font][/p]

Seems some folks are signing-up in loop N now as lop M is just about full. This is according to posts on LL Facebook page.

Not sure of our head count right now ( I had us at 9) but will get with Christian on Monday and see where we are at.

[quote source="/post/16381/thread" author="@ammobob" timestamp="1446261288"]Seems some folks are signing-up in loop N now as lop M is just about full. This is according to posts on LL Facebook page.

Not sure of our head count right now ( I had us at 9) but will get with Christian on Monday and see where we are at.[/quote]Have had two more email me- both were told to book in N if M was full. :-) Tentatively at 11 it seems!

I just booked M-24

(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/LivinLite%20Factory/image_zpsfugroqor.jpeg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/LivinLite%20Factory/image_zpsfugroqor.jpeg.html)

Just updated my site map with everyone I know that have made reservations. Welcome aboard Dennis!

Awesome!! I have 2 more that are not on this forum that got me their registrations today. One is in M14, and the other I'm not sure yet. 

Have heard from 2 others that have registered their sites, but they have not turned in their Livin Lite forms yet. Numbers are climbing, very exciting!!! 

What about engaging a local dealer in the event ? I am a big fan of me dealer, Funtime RV.

[quote source="/post/16479/thread" timestamp="1446761219" author="@pinstriper"]What about engaging a local dealer in the event ? I am a big fan of me dealer, Funtime RV.[/quote]Interesting concept and something to consider as planning goes forward.

With that crew on the west side of loop M, I guess quiet hours after 10:00P is a lost cause.  (rofl)

Good to hear a dealer recommendation! We have another dealer that we have been looking into as well in that area. Unfortunately, have to get a little closer and get a more accurate head count before we engage them officially :-) 

Quote from: @sandroad" source="/post/16482/thread" timestamp="1446817094With that crew on the west side of loop M, I guess quiet hours after 10:00P is a lost cause.  (rofl)

I didn't know there were quiet hours :)

[quote source="/post/16494/thread" timestamp="1446856018" author="@leslie"][quote source="/post/16482/thread" timestamp="1446817094" author="@sandroad"]With that crew on the west side of loop M, I guess quiet hours after 10:00P is a lost cause.  (rofl)[/quote]I didn't know there were quiet hours :)[/quote]The bears only come out when it's quiet.

[div][font size="3" face="comic sans ms"]Watch out, the Canadians are coming!  And we're bringing real beer!  July is my busy time at work but I think I read somewhere that someone was bringing moonshine.  Work will always be there when we get back home.  Looks like M is full and the campground is filling fast. We're over in Loop J, Site 189.  Looking forward to meeting all of you and the Livin' Lite folks.

Cheers,  Mike & Linda    
[/font][/div]

Mike and Linda - Looking forward to meeting you! I love beer. Down with fake beer!

I heard Leslie was bringing enough Makers Mark for everyone to regret.

I'm personally never tried the stuff....{rolls eyes, walking away with hands in his pockets}

Does anybody who is coming have an ice cube maker?

There's an ice machine at the visitor center. Easy walking distance. For Bob. Not me. Bob could do it in 15 minutes, easy.

Okay, I am bringing Makers Mark. Pinstriper will bring the ice. He knows where it is.

Makers Mark 46 now thats a nice bourbon.

Ok the "Bob can do it in 15 minutes" sounds like a set-up if I ever heard one.

Canadian's love Maker Mark but I Love Crown Royal and they do have better beer then us. I can attest to that with the 20 plus trips I have made to Toronto over the past 10 years. Actually flying there this Sunday on a business trip so I'll do some verification just to make sure  (rofl).

 I'll bring my bike for the ice runs and a few assorted 1.75s to help melt it. Pinstriper I'll remember your JimmyB and Leslie you can skip the shine. Not sure the crowd (or me) can handle it.

With all this talk about booze I can't wait until we start talking about what we are going to eat. That should be a riot.

I tried something new tonight. Makers 46. I got it free with a purchase of Makers Mark. I loved it; hubby did not. I will have to bring some of that as well.

Ammobob, I think you are right. I think pinstriper is trying to set you up. :)

I just saw RWC's post. I think I might like Makers 46 better than Makers Mark. I need to have another taste...

I think a taste-off is in order.

I need to stop checking this thread... it just keeps making me jealous that I wont be able to make it

[quote source="/post/16601/thread" timestamp="1447423109" author="@admin"]I need to stop checking this thread... it just keeps making me jealous that I wont be able to make it[/quote]You can make it. All it costs is time and gas.

Do you care more about your time and gas than you do about us ? sniff

Don't forget Livin Lite is gonna provide dinner one nite. Not sure WHAT yet. But it'll be there.


Mcdonald's happy meals all around? I think @pinstriper told me that's what his vote was.... I think. 

Quote from: @ammobob" source="/post/16595/thread" timestamp="1447374710Ok the "Bob can do it in 15 minutes" sounds like a set-up if I ever heard one.

Canadian's love Maker Mark but I Love Crown Royal and they do have better beer then us. I can attest to that with the 20 plus trips I have made to Toronto over the past 10 years. Actually flying there this Sunday on a business trip so I'll do some verification just to make sure  (rofl).

 I'll bring my bike for the ice runs and a few assorted 1.75s to help melt it. Pinstriper I'll remember your JimmyB and Leslie you can skip the shine. Not sure the crowd (or me) can handle it.

With all this talk about booze I can't wait until we start talking about what we are going to eat. That should be a riot.

In line with your last comment, we should have a pitch-in meal. That also means we need a place (shelter?) large enough for all of us. What is the current head count?

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/16602/thread" timestamp="1447426706

Quote from: @admin" source="/post/16601/thread" timestamp="1447423109I need to stop checking this thread... it just keeps making me jealous that I wont be able to make it

You can make it. All it costs is time and gas.

Do you care more about your time and gas than you do about us ? sniff

I think you know better than that ;)

[quote source="/post/16604/thread" timestamp="1447429109" author="@christianm"]Don't forget Livin Lite is gonna provide dinner one nite. Not sure WHAT yet. But it'll be there.


Mcdonald's happy meals all around? I think @pinstriper told me that's what his vote was.... I think. [/quote]What I SAID was I'm on the Atkins Diet, which, as far as Mrs. P knows, based on what I've told her, involves gorging myself on meat, eggs, reese's peanut butter cups, and cheese, and washing it down with distilled spirits.

You all keep your fat traps shut in July, you hear me ! I mean it !

Now thats a diet I can get behind. Lets change the name to the PIN diet, give some doc a cut to endorse it, and cash in with late night infomercials selling "the plan" :)

How do you know I'm not already a Dr. ???

Christian, it's been about a month so how about an update on participation? I know we have several interested on the Facebook page and some on the Yahoo forum.

Checking in! 

As of my count this morning- we have 26 people registered (13 rigs, one gentleman staying outside the campground) and an additional 4-6 children. I have one who has reserved a spot but has not turned in the registration form, so waiting to hear back. 


So, we're looking at close to 30 folks...and  we haven't even seen the new year yet! 

I'm thinking after the first of the year I will do another social media blast reminding folks and encouraging them to sign up. But either way, I'm pretty impressed with the numbers so far!

It's gonna be a ball! 

Quote from: @christianm" source="/post/17042/thread" timestamp="1449670292Checking in! 

As of my count this morning- we have 26 people registered (13 rigs, one gentleman staying outside the campground) and an additional 4-6 children. I have one who has reserved a spot but has not turned in the registration form, so waiting to hear back. 


So, we're looking at close to 30 folks...and  we haven't even seen the new year yet! 

I'm thinking after the first of the year I will do another social media blast reminding folks and encouraging them to sign up. But either way, I'm pretty impressed with the numbers so far!

It's gonna be a ball! 

Is this bigger or smaller than LL was hoping would happen ?

Heck I am just happy it's happening. Looking forward to wetting a line  :P  .

@pinstriper- We actually didn't know WHAT to expect. So for us, it's the more the merrier! 

 We're excited to get a chance to meet you guys, especially since we figured not everyone from the PNW would be able to make the travel for the National Rally in Indiana. :-) 

that's a pretty long drive for me in S. Ca.  intrigued though

I am really looking forward to Fort Stevens in July, and meeting some of the people I have been talking to here on the board.

I am disappointed that there won't be a National Rally near the factory. Hopefully, LL will be able to plan one for 2017. There are at least 2 campgrounds in the vicinity of Elkhart with full hookups.

In the meantime, we can just post on here with our own plans and have any number of mini-meetups.

Sure hope the new year generates some additional interest in our Ft. Stevens meet-up. Not that we will not have a blast but, the more the merrier. Driving me crazy seeing the camper under covers for the winter. Death Valley at the end on March can't come quick enough  :'( . 

Quote from: @ammobob" timestamp="1451420840" source="/post/17369/threadSure hope the new year generates some additional interest in our Ft. Stevens meet-up. Not that we will not have a blast but, the more the merrier. Driving me crazy seeing the camper under covers for the winter. Death Valley at the end on March can't come quick enough  :'(  . 

I'm gonna do another "social media blast" over the next day or so and remind folks that they can still sign up! Like you said, the more the merrier! 

The President of LL is scheduled to attend our Rally! I am hoping that we can enjoy our time with him, show off our rigs that we really love, make a good impression on him and let him see why LL products are what we chose.  Of course, this is in addition to having some fun, trash talking around a campfire, and just generally getting to enjoy our time together!

FYI --- People considering attending the Rally at Ft. Stevens in July but who have not yet reserved a campsite may want to do so right away.

As of this evening (January 13) at 10:00 P.M. EST, there were only 10 remaining sites available online at Ft. Stevens State Park campground for the nights of July 22 and 23.
        Loop D - Site 131
        Loop J - Site 195
        Loop O - Site 39
        Loop N - Sites 7, 44, 46, 54, 58, 60, 62

In addition, there are 2 ADA sites that must be reserved by phone.

We feel fortunate to have reserved Loop O, Site 41, earlier today for the week of July 19 - 26. We will be mailing our registration to Christian tomorrow, and we look forward to meeting everyone in July.

Glad we all jumped early and got close to each other. I didn't want to stagger to other loops just to visit ;) .

[quote timestamp="1452796829" author="@ammobob" source="/post/17750/thread"]Glad we all jumped early and got close to each other. I didn't want to stagger to other loops just to visit ;)  .[/quote]Bring a bicycle - it is a very big campground! :-)

I'll be bringing my bike but not sure it would be better then walking after a few  ??? . 

[quote source="/post/17753/thread" timestamp="1452797876" author="@ammobob"]I'll be bringing my bike but not sure it would be better then walking after a few  ???  . [/quote]But it might be entertaining for the rest of us!  (rofl)

[quote source="/post/17743/thread" timestamp="1452742968" author="@scbillandjane"]FYI --- People considering attending the Rally at Ft. Stevens in July but who have not yet reserved a campsite may want to do so right away.

As of this evening (January 13) at 10:00 P.M. EST, there were only 10 remaining sites available online at Ft. Stevens State Park campground for the nights of July 22 and 23.
        Loop D - Site 131
        Loop J - Site 195
        Loop O - Site 39
        Loop N - Sites 7, 44, 46, 54, 58, 60, 62

In addition, there are 2 ADA sites that must be reserved by phone.

We feel fortunate to have reserved Loop O, Site 41, earlier today for the week of July 19 - 26. We will be mailing our registration to Christian tomorrow, and we look forward to meeting everyone in July.


[/quote]This is EXCELLENT info- Thanks so much for sharing. 

Looking forward to seeing you guys in Oregon! 

[font face="comic sans ms" size="3"]I'm so bummed out....we had to cancel our trip to Oregon.  Apparently, weddings are more important than rallies and sampling moonshine.

Mike (Overruled) & Linda (the Ruler)  [/font]

[quote source="/post/17822/thread" timestamp="1452969963" author="@mrt"][font size="3" face="comic sans ms"]I'm so bummed out....we had to cancel our trip to Oregon.  Apparently, weddings are more important than rallies and sampling moonshine.

Mike (Overruled) & Linda (the Ruler)  [/font][/quote]You really never expected to win did you? If only you could talk the bride and groom into getting married at Ft. Stevens  ;) .

Mike -- maybe you can sabotage the engagement. You know, spread some rumors and stuff.

[quote source="/post/17934/thread" author="@peislander" timestamp="1453462506"]Mike -- maybe you can sabotage the engagement. You know, spread some rumors and stuff. [/quote]....off the record...I could help with that. Facebook is my specialty! ;-) 

[font size="3" face="comic sans ms"]Evil, I like that!  Unfortunately, I already gave up my camping spot.  I'll keep you guys in mind when I try to get rid of my business partner!

[/font]

[quote source="/post/17743/thread" timestamp="1452742968" author="@scbillandjane"]FYI --- People considering attending the Rally at Ft. Stevens in July but who have not yet reserved a campsite may want to do so right away.

As of this evening (January 13) at 10:00 P.M. EST, there were only 10 remaining sites available online at Ft. Stevens State Park campground for the nights of July 22 and 23.
        Loop D - Site 131
        Loop J - Site 195
        Loop O - Site 39
        Loop N - Sites 7, 44, 46, 54, 58, 60, 62

In addition, there are 2 ADA sites that must be reserved by phone.

We feel fortunate to have reserved Loop O, Site 41, earlier today for the week of July 19 - 26. We will be mailing our registration to Christian tomorrow, and we look forward to meeting everyone in July.


[/quote]Got your registration just a day or two ago- looking forward to seeing you guys!! 

Just spoke to someone who had tried to register for the Regional Rally and apparently, the campground is completely full for the weekend that we will be there! 

We are going to have a BALL!! 

Ready for some summer weather, for sure! 

[quote source="/post/18300/thread" author="@christianm" timestamp="1454445425"]Just spoke to someone who had tried to register for the Regional Rally and apparently, the campground is completely full for the weekend that we will be there! 

We are going to have a BALL!! 

Ready for some summer weather, for sure! [/quote]Maybe they can get on a waiting list at the park or with Reserve America in case cancellations occur.  According to Reserve America, there are more than 500 campsites at this park, so I would think that cancellations would certainly be a possibility.  It never hurts to try!

Quote from: @scbillandjane" source="/post/18338/thread" timestamp="1454525695

Quote from: @christianm" source="/post/18300/thread" timestamp="1454445425Just spoke to someone who had tried to register for the Regional Rally and apparently, the campground is completely full for the weekend that we will be there! 

We are going to have a BALL!! 

Ready for some summer weather, for sure! 

Maybe they can get on a waiting list at the park or with Reserve America in case cancellations occur.  According to Reserve America, there are more than 500 campsites at this park, so I would think that cancellations would certainly be a possibility.  It never hurts to try!

Oooo good idea! I will let them know! 

Ya you can totally setup an availability alert on TA, and it will email you when something opens.

They are sold out currently, but there is a site about 5 miles away...

So did you reserve the spot 5 miles way? That's not too far away and we'll have a blast. Come join us.

There is a KOA right outside the main gate

Got a bit of news from Sean yesterday. Christian was laid-off last Friday along with several others. The only assumption right now is it may have something to do with KZs aqusition of LivinLite but no one is sure. We have no contacts at KZ so not sure what any of this means. She did send me a list of all the attendees with names b4 she left.

I would hope this information doesn't mean anything to us as it pertains to our pending rally short of the loss of a free meal and maybe a tee shirt. We as a group elected to do this and will have a blast with or without them. I myself am more interested in meeting you and yours than anything Livinlite was going to do.

We can do some planning of our own get together (probably Saturday evening) in a couple of months.

I will continue to keep everyone informed if anything newsworthy breaks.

Well, best of luck to Christian! 

As Ammobob notes, don't let the potential of losing 'official' rally status deter you from gathering. Last summer three Camplites came together at Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada. This year we are following up with a second gathering at Acadia National Park in Maine. More participants this year and it is likely our third East Coast gathering next year will have even more. That's because it is great fun to meet other aluminum enthusiasts in a scenic, adventurous place. So my hope is you West Coasters have your rally. A good time is guaranteed by the Aluminum Gods.

Quote from: @peislander" source="/post/19321/thread" timestamp="1457476285Well, best of luck to Christian! 

As Ammobob notes, don't let the potential of losing 'official' rally status deter you from gathering. Last summer three Camplites came together at Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, Canada. This year we are following up with a second gathering at Acadia National Park in Maine. More participants this year and it is likely our third East Coast gathering next year will have even more. That's because it is great fun to meet other aluminum enthusiasts in a scenic, adventurous place. So my hope is you West Coasters have your rally. A good time is guaranteed by the Aluminum Gods.

[p]Still "official" in my book  ;)    [/p][p]
[/p][p]by the way I was wrong to say KZ acquired Livin' lite. Thor owns KZ and KZ is just managing LL's operations.[/p]

And the Oregon coast to boot! I'm looking forward to exploring the area for a few days and if there happens to be few good people around, bonus! :D  Bummer about Christian, however. That's a regressive mistake on KZ-RVs part IMHO. Car dealers are hiring people in that position because they realize the value-added of having someone really good at customer service being the front-person. 

Christian was never directly linked to Livin Lite so she would have been removed as our point of contact no matter what. Its just crazy to me that Crossroads would let her go without any sort of transition plan for moving LL to the KZ management.

She did a great job at spear heading a lot of valuable projects and communication. I consider her a welcome member of this community and a friend, with or without being related to the company.

I was one of several LLers to meet at Flat Rock in South Carolina at the end of March last year. No prior organization, and a good time was had by all. Nothing official to do with the factory, either.

So, that was the first official, unofficial LL rally. Now that we have been qualified to have a great time with no planning, I think we will have a lot of fun winging it.

See everybody in July!

I have to say, I had premonitions about this kind of collapse. It happens every time I become a brand loyalist. Kiss of death.

Someone needs to dig up an article on Net Promoter Score, and send it along to the marketing wizards at Thor, because they have squandered a golden egg. I have lost count of the other RV'ers who have stopped by our campsite to see and talk about out trailer. But maybe that doesn't translate to the balance sheet.

I honestly don't know if this is a case where they have grown so successfully that they don't need an engaged and free promoting customer base, or whether the thing is done and just needs liquidating. I'll bet Thor themselves don't know the answer to that, but I am quite sure they are asking that question themselves.

Christian was better than we could ever have expected, but really this whole thing was so unusual and so unlikely that I can't say I am at all surprised. Shame for her, but I am sure she will land on her feet as she has a good head on her shoulders and she will find a place that values her integrity and engagement. Thor just isn't that place.

As far as the rally goes, this was something WE, HERE, US, started, and which LL glommed onto. It was all about us idiots getting together and getting silly in someplace that folks were looking for a reason for which to go to...for...ahem.

So we're be there, fishing, liquoring and giggling and shit-talking the rat bastards in between impromptu cocktail parties and pot lucks. I didn't need any cheesy chinese-made t-shirt a size too small to pathetically proclaim my brand allegiance louder than the decals on the side of my camper already did.

Maybe we can have a brand un-loyalty event Friday night or something, involving a razor blade, a can of Goof Off, and a campfire where we strip off the Camplite logo decals. And from henceforth, if someone asks what our trailers are, we say "Oh, it's an Avion !"

What we need now, is something we have needed for about 6 months and didn't bother addressing because we expected LL to do the heavy lifting: a social coordinator, to decide when we're having what kind of potluck and who is doing what, when. It needs to be someone who is well organized, has time on their hands, and likes working with strangers they have never met.

NOT IT !! I CALLED "NOT IT" !!

I nominate Leslie.

All in favor say "Aye".

Ha! I am having a great time exploring Central Florida. I have been having so much fun, there have been days when I didn't even come to this board to see what everybody here is doing.

When I get back home, I will post a trip report about all of my adventures! I will be sure to include the time I bonded with an alligator! Now I'm ready for a bear!

[p][attachment id="1253"][/p][p]
[/p][p]pinstriper, we must have been on the same page because before I knew that Christian was gone I replied to her e-mail from Friday with the attendee list. [/p][p]
[/p][p][font color="#193ee6"]Hi Robert!
 
Just wanted to pass you the most updated registration list for rally registration. I haven't heard of anyone else, but wanted to make sure that you had the info that I do ?
 
Thanks!
 
Christian[/font]
[/p][p]
[/p][p]Had a gut feeling they would back out after they cancelled the National Rally. Here's what I sent her yesterday morning b4 I hit the forum and saw Sean's message. Timing is everything![/p][p]
[/p][p][font color="#193fe6"]"Thanks and was thinking about asking you for the list last week but with 4.5 months to go thought I'd wait a month or 2. I have been laying low and thought I might start some interest in planning for July in early May. Would guess by then we would need to start firming up the plans for what LivinLite might want to do. Hope you been thinking about it since it's a bit more off your end though I am willing to help any way I can. Suspect we should plan most things for Saturday the 23rd since most folks will arrive on the 22nd and leave on the 25th. I am out on Sunday the 24th headed to Olympia National Park in Washington State for a few days.[/font][/p][p][font color="#193fe6"]
[/font][/p][p][font color="#193fe6"]
[/font][/p][p][font color="#193fe6"][font color="#e61945"]I would like to say 1 thing though and this is just my opinion. Don't let LivinLite cancel out on this. With the discontent on the forum (including Yahoo's forum, just ask Don Neufelder) about all the changes made to the Camplite models, cancelling the National rally and questioning Thor going cheap to pad their bottom line, cancelling this would be a severe blow not to sales but reputation. It will not be so much about a meal, Tee shirts or whatever LL does but, probably more about the face time with someone at a level to deal with the tough questions that are sure to come.[/font]

Just my 2 cents worth as I will be camping no matter what happens. Keep in touch and let's start planning in May."[/font][/p][p][font color="#193fe6"]
[/font][/p][p][font color="#090103"]I won't stick Leslie with anything (unless she volunteers) since I brought this up in the first place. I am sure we as a group can come up with some basic plan and execute from there. Just like my e-mail said we'll start working on this in May.[/font][/p][p][font color="#090103"]
[/font][/p][p][font color="#090103"]I have attached the attendee list for those who want it.[/font][/p][p]
[/p]

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/19336/thread" timestamp="1457496779I have to say, I had premonitions about this kind of collapse...............

Christian was better than we could ever have expected, but really this whole thing was so unusual and so unlikely that I can't say I am at all surprised. Shame for her, but I am sure she will land on her feet as she has a good head on her shoulders and she will find a place that values her integrity and engagement. Thor just isn't that place........................

Maybe we can have a brand un-loyalty event Friday night or something, involving a razor blade, a can of Goof Off, and a campfire where we strip off the Camplite logo decals..........

[font size="3"]Ditto on Christian. I was skeptical at first, but she turned out to be a worthwhile addition. However, I sensed she was going native with us of late and that was probably her downfall.

Instead of removing decals how about adding one? Something like "PRE THOR" or "SCOTT'S" or "ORIGINAL" or "CLASSIC"? Something like the antique auto tags available in some states. [/font]

I couldn't agree more with you guys. WE as a group have come together without LL and WE will continue on with or without them :)
I am honestly disappointed that I can't make it to the west coast rally since last years east coast one was such a blast. I'm sure you guys are going to have many, many stories to tell, and maybe some that dont need to be told online ;) Either way its going to be great.

Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/19346/thread" timestamp="1457530992[font size="3"]However, I sensed she was going native with us of late and that was probably her downfall.
[/font]

Yeah, my Spidey-sense was tingling this way, too. I think she may have been the only one not drinking the Kool Aide but instead advocating for some of the resistance to the changes that we've echoed here so much.

On the plus side, all of the spots reserved by LL, Inc. should be opening up shortly, if anyone was looking to get into Loop M with all the fun kids.

If I were to be Chair of anything for this rally, it would be Chair of NO Organization. Here's why:
It is just a long weekend. I am sure everybody wants to do their own exploration of Ft. Stevens, so we need lots of free time.

Considering time limitations, I think all that we need is a Meet-and-Greet for the first night, a pitch-in meal for another night, and a time set aside for a "you show me yours and I'll show you mine" for our campers. Oh - perhaps a campfire after the meal, dependent on weather.

Any other time we spend together would depend upon individual common pursuits. I purposely chose a large campsite so that, hopefully, we could get together there for the Meet-and-Greet. Not having set eyeballs on it, we will have to see...

IIRC your place is right next to the camp hosts.

[quote timestamp="1458328513" source="/post/19664/thread" author="@leslie"]If I were to be Chair of anything for this rally, it would be Chair of NO Organization. Here's why:
It is just a long weekend. I am sure everybody wants to do their own exploration of Ft. Stevens, so we need lots of free time.

Considering time limitations, I think all that we need is a Meet-and-Greet for the first night, a pitch-in meal for another night, and a time set aside for a "you show me yours and I'll show you mine" for our campers. Oh - perhaps a campfire after the meal, dependent on weather.

Any other time we spend together would depend upon individual common pursuits. I purposely chose a large campsite so that, hopefully, we could get together there for the Meet-and-Greet. Not having set eyeballs on it, we will have to see...[/quote]I favor the minimalist approach too. We could probably even combine the meet and greet with the pitch in meal! I have it on good authority (Pinstriper) that it will not rain, so the campfire after the meal is an automatic "go". 

Rain in July ? Pshaw !!

Don't believe me ? Well let me tell you something, pardner! If it rains on us, I will....I'll....well, probably just go fishing and then sit around getting liquored up like usual.

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/19673/thread" timestamp="1458333583IIRC your place is right next to the camp hosts.

OH NO!

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/19679/thread" timestamp="1458344027Rain in July ? Pshaw !!

Don't believe me ? Well let me tell you something, pardner! If it rains on us, I will....I'll....well, probably just go fishing and then sit around getting liquored up like usual.

Wet inside and out. 

[quote timestamp="1458328513" author="@leslie" source="/post/19664/thread"]If I were to be Chair of anything for this rally, it would be Chair of NO Organization. Here's why:
It is just a long weekend. I am sure everybody wants to do their own exploration of Ft. Stevens, so we need lots of free time.

Considering time limitations, I think all that we need is a Meet-and-Greet for the first night, a pitch-in meal for another night, and a time set aside for a "you show me yours and I'll show you mine" for our campers. Oh - perhaps a campfire after the meal, dependent on weather.

Any other time we spend together would depend upon individual common pursuits. I purposely chose a large campsite so that, hopefully, we could get together there for the Meet-and-Greet. Not having set eyeballs on it, we will have to see...[/quote]I am in full agreement. My thoughts were that Saturday afternoon/evening we would just have a get together and have a potluck meal. Everyone bring thier favorite camping meal and see where it goes. BYOB (bring your own booze)!

Guess we could plan a meal and breakdown who brings what but potluck is more interesting.

I would imagine that the meet and greet would be happening as every one arrives and over the 2-3 days we are there. More fun to watch each other back-in and get set-up anyway. Me and Pinstriper will be fishing on Friday anyway  ;) .

One last piece of information. I sent an e-mail to Don and Shawn (the only contacts I have) today just to see if they have any contact information or connections with KZs marketing department. I have no idea if Christian shared our plans with anyone or she was waiting to see if this actually took off before she presented it to them so worth a chance. I am not even sure Don or Shawn are still there so this may lead to nothing but thought I would give it shot.

let you know if I actually hear something but I am not holding my breath.

Yeah, sure, fishing and making bets on how well we can back into our campsites!

We should run a pool. I got a dollar says they are never heard from.

I will be fishing as early as Thursday.

I envision some folks will be the type to sit around their campsite and welcome passers-by on a host basis, while others will be more the strolling-around-the-campground-picking-up-eats-and-drinks-from-their-neighbors type.

We intend to do some of both.

Quote from: @leslie" timestamp="1458689504" source="/post/19812/threadYeah, sure, fishing and making bets on how well we can back into our campsites!

"Dollar Miss or Make !"

I've reached out to KZ and Livin Lite as well with no return comms yet. Last I heard Christian had not been able to pass on any real details to KZ because they had not given her any contacts on who would take over her role.

[quote source="/post/19816/thread" timestamp="1458695346" author="@admin"]I've reached out to KZ and Livin Lite as well with no return comms yet. Last I heard Christian had not been able to pass on any real details to KZ because they had not given her any contacts on who would take over her role.[/quote]What do you expect ? The reason they cut her is the same reason they didn't provide a replacement. [span style="font-size:13.3333px;"]They didn't value what she was doing. [/span]

Quote from: @pinstriper" timestamp="1458689539" source="/post/19813/threadWe should run a pool. I got a dollar says they are never heard from.

I will be fishing as early as Thursday.

I envision some folks will be the type to sit around their campsite and welcome passers-by on a host basis, while others will be more the strolling-around-the-campground-picking-up-eats-and-drinks-from-their-neighbors type.

We intend to do some of both.

We're coming in on Thursday so see you then. I'll have JimmyB waiting for you when you come around.

I will not take your bet as I believe as you do, we'll never hear from them. I had to try though.

OK, Roberto. Good News/Bad News time.

The Bad News: Ft. Stevens is at the mouth of The Mighty Columbia river, and there is a sheltered beach on the mainland side where we can bank fish for salmon from the famed Bouy 10 waters. That's great right ? Wrong. Fall Chinook season opens August 1st and we are there at the end of July.

More Bad News: Lake Coffenberry, which adjoins the next loop over from us, and is regularly stocked with trout, will be trout-less. Because it's July and the water will be too warm. So they don't stock over the warmest summer months.

The good news: Lake Coffenberry has BASS in it, and CRAPPIE and BLUEGILLS, which is what you fish for in the days of warm water.

More good news: The ocean side of Ft. Stevens has like 5 miles of beach, which we can drive onto, and fish in the surf for perch and sole.

[quote timestamp="1458745520" author="@pinstriper" source="/post/19832/thread"]OK, Roberto. Good News/Bad News time.

The Bad News: Ft. Stevens is at the mouth of The Mighty Columbia river, and there is a sheltered beach on the mainland side where we can bank fish for salmon from the famed Bouy 10 waters. That's great right ? Wrong. Fall Chinook season opens August 1st and we are there at the end of July.

More Bad News: Lake Coffenberry, which adjoins the next loop over from us, and is regularly stocked with trout, will be trout-less. Because it's July and the water will be too warm. So they don't stock over the warmest summer months.

The good news: Lake Coffenberry has BASS in it, and CRAPPIE and BLUEGILLS, which is what you fish for in the days of warm water.

More good news: The ocean side of Ft. Stevens has like 5 miles of beach, which we can drive onto, and fish in the surf for perch and sole.
[/quote]To someone who has not wet a line for 20 plus years a fish, is a fish, is a fish ;)

All I can say is - so long as the camper makes it into the site, I don't care how ugly it gets!

Unfortunately we won't be able to make the rally but we spent a week at Fort Stevens last September. It is a great campground. Make sure to visit the actual Fort. If you make it into Astoria the Fort George brew pub has great food and brew. The Cellar on 10th is an excellent wine shop. Enjoy

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/19832/thread" timestamp="1458745520OK, Roberto. Good News/Bad News time.

The Bad News: Ft. Stevens is at the mouth of The Mighty Columbia river, and there is a sheltered beach on the mainland side where we can bank fish for salmon from the famed Bouy 10 waters. That's great right ? Wrong. Fall Chinook season opens August 1st and we are there at the end of July.

More Bad News: Lake Coffenberry, which adjoins the next loop over from us, and is regularly stocked with trout, will be trout-less. Because it's July and the water will be too warm. So they don't stock over the warmest summer months.

The good news: Lake Coffenberry has BASS in it, and CRAPPIE and BLUEGILLS, which is what you fish for in the days of warm water.

More good news: The ocean side of Ft. Stevens has like 5 miles of beach, which we can drive onto, and fish in the surf for perch and sole.

I don't know that we can drive on the beach with vehicles in July during busy tourist season. We did during the fall shoulder season.

Can I drive my vehicle on the beach at Fort Stevens?
Vehicles are allowed on the ocean shore from Gearhart to the South Jetty of the Columbia River.  They are prohibided on the beach south of the 10th Street beach access in Gearhart, and from the Peter Iredale beach access to the South Jetty from noon-midnight May 1-September 15.  Only "street legal" vehicles are allowed on the beach, no motorcycles or off-highway vechicles.  Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.  Vehicle access points are located at Fort Stevens near the Peter Iredale Beach, Sunset Beach, Del Rey Beach, and in Gearhart at 10th Street

Quote from: @purdytj" source="/post/19893/thread" timestamp="1458969769Can I drive my vehicle on the beach at Fort Stevens?
Vehicles are allowed on the ocean shore from Gearhart to the South Jetty of the Columbia River.  They are prohibided on the beach south of the 10th Street beach access in Gearhart, and from the Peter Iredale beach access to the South Jetty from noon-midnight May 1-September 15.  Only "street legal" vehicles are allowed on the beach, no motorcycles or off-highway vechicles.  Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.  Vehicle access points are located at Fort Stevens near the Peter Iredale Beach, Sunset Beach, Del Rey Beach, and in Gearhart at 10th Street

Sure, you hit the beach at the wreck and go south, just not north.

Quote from: @franks97224" source="/post/19891/thread" timestamp="1458969084Unfortunately we won't be able to make the rally but we spent a week at Fort Stevens last September. It is a great campground. Make sure to visit the actual Fort. If you make it into Astoria the Fort George brew pub has great food and brew. The Cellar on 10th is an excellent wine shop. Enjoy

Maybe we could find the time to head into town for a meal or wine sipping. It seems like this rally will be busy!

Got a message from Dave Boggs at KZ in response to my e-mails about our rally and their involvement while I was in Death valley. I am waiting to hear back from him today and will keep you all posted as to our conversation.

Update-Dave called me and sounds like they want to get involved. Asked for the list of attendees and any correspondence between Christian and myself. So now we'll see if this comes to anything.

All of the sites are still sold out  :-(

[quote timestamp="1460414178" author="@sbgirl96" source="/post/20466/thread"]All of the sites are still sold out  :-([/quote]You can (and should) set an availability alert on RA. As soon as you get a hit, jump on it.

As a backup, there is a KOA just outside the main gate that would let you visit with the cool kids inside the park. From time to time.

I did set an alert a long time ago.  I got an alert once but I was at work and didn't get to it fast enough.  By the evening it was sold out again.


Since it would take a few days drive each way I am running out of time to get reserved.  I can only take a week off work every 2 or 3 years and I need a few months notice.  I don't want to take the time off and not have an open spot and then not have a vacation again in a few years.  So the clock is really ticking.

[quote timestamp="1460418749" author="@sbgirl96" source="/post/20476/thread"]I can only take a week off work every 2 or 3 years and I need a few months notice.[/quote]Please disregard this if I'm being too nosey. What kind of work do you do that has such sad benefits? I'm feeling sorry for you. 

I work in the software business.  There's always a project going that can't be without me for that long.  It's only the last few years that I even started taking vacations. The first 15 years I did this job the longest vacation time I could get away was a 4 day weekend.

Someday I'll find enough good people for my team that I can be away more often.

Believe me, I understand the difference between a disconnected vacation and a connected vacation. I have a remote cabin that for years was truly disconnected and it was both enjoyable and difficult to be off-line. That being said, even while camping in fairly remote places (and always while camping in populated areas), it is easy to be on-line. I learned a great deal from this book and I pass along the info with the best of intentions!

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Internet-Handbook-2016-RVers/dp/1530237505/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460767984&sr=1-2&keywords=rv+internet

Thank you.  I will take a look.

Got a text message from Dave Bogg at KZ and they are interested in participating in our rally. He will call me this week and we'll work on some details. Keep you all posted.

Thanks Ammobob

Talked with Dave just now and they are going to participate. They are looking to bring in a local dealer, do a lunch on Saturday and want to do a meet & Greet with us. Additionally they want to do a sit down and listen to our uses/likes/dislikes about the product. Dave is looking for someone knowledgeable of the area to make contact with to coordinate some local issues.

Just got off the phone with Dave and he said they were excited and looking forward to our rally. Pinstriper has agreed to be our local contact so hopefully we get some update from that conversation in the near future. Just a couple of months to go!

Thanks, pin!

Bob, just want to whet your appetite. [a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvCZXQXosiA"]This is what we're gonna try to do[/a], if the conditions allow.

He's all wadered up, but in late July it will likely be nice and warm outside, and you'll be glad to be knee/thigh deep in 60deg water.

[quote timestamp="1464840916" source="/post/21863/thread" author="@pinstriper"]Bob, just want to whet your appetite. [a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvCZXQXosiA"]This is what we're gonna try to do[/a], if the conditions allow.

He's all wadered up, but in late July it will likely be nice and warm outside, and you'll be glad to be knee/thigh deep in 60deg water.

[/quote]

I'm in  ;)

[p]Well folks we are about a month out for us that are making this a longer trip. I start on the 15th of July hitting Crater lake and Silver Springs State park before I get to the rally on the 21st. Have not got an update from Dave Boggs at KZ with what they are planning but will get with him next week and see if I can get some info on their plans.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Looking forward to meeting everyone and having a good time.[/p]

Thanks very much. We are planning to leave SC in a week or so and meander our way to Ft. Stevens SP. Looking forward to meeting everyone and learning more about our vacation home on wheels. Safe travels, everyone!

Roberto, are you able to reconstruct the roster of attendees from Christian's secret diaries ?

It would be kinda neat to see who's coming, from how far (state ?) and what site they have reserved, all in one list.

Yes, that would be interesting, if Ammobob has the information and time to publish a list. See y'all soon!

Ammobob posted the list (at the time) as an attachment back on March 9.

Thanks! I had forgotten, so we'll go back and find it.

[p][attachment id="1492"][/p][p]
[/p][p]Just so you don't have to chase it down again.[/p][p]
[/p][p]By the way this is all I have.[/p]

Well, we are taking our time heading west for the rally. We are staying at a campground in northern Illinois where, in spring of 2015, a young bear was wandering. My husband was telling the people in the Campsite next to us about his Bear Early Warning System, BEWS for short. We are prepared for.. whatever

[quote source="/post/22585/thread" author="@leslie" timestamp="1466999346"]Well, we are taking our time heading west for the rally. We are staying at a campground in northern Illinois where, in spring of 2015, a young bear was wandering. My husband was telling the people in the Campsite next to us about his Bear Early Warning System, BEWS for short. We are prepared for.. whatever[/quote]Take your time and enjoy the trip. See you on the 21st or 22nd.

Well, we are also in Illinois near Springfield, where we will visit the various Abraham Lincoln sites tomorrow. Then, on to Hannibal, Missoouri, and Mark Twain territory. After that? Not sure yet. Having a great time so far and look forward to Oregon! Safe travels, everyone!

Just a quick update. KZ is going to do lunch on Saturday and will firm up the other plans this Friday. I should be able to give everyone a better update early next week. We are a few weeks away and I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Safe travels for those already on thier way. We take off on the 15th. See you all soon.

Hi Bill and Jane - We have left Illinois and are in Minnesota, where we will rest before going to Mt. Rushmore, and the Badlands in South Dakota. My husband is convinced there is no private airport on top of Mt. Rushmore. I aim to prove him wrong.

He's right. It's not on top. The [a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6AaFknudjU"]airstrip is inside Lincoln's mouth[/a].

Would love to go to this. Oregon would be beautiful but the distance would not be great. Hope next year there can be one in a more centralized part of the states and hope it is posted early as this one was so we can plan to attend. Hope you all have a fun and safe trip.

Ammobob, are you still waiting 10 days for your trek to Fort Stevens to start? I'll bet you are itching to get started!

We went to Mt. Rushmore, took a picture. No dogs allowed! Took the bloom off the rose. But then we went to Custer State Park. Bison! Woo hoo! A herd was crossing the Wildlife Loop road right in front of us - passed right by the passenger side of our Jeep! Sweetie, the Shiba Inu X, was engrossed. Daisy, the beagle X, turned her back so she didn't have to look at them. Daisy is a diva.

Quote from: @leslie" timestamp="1467771500" source="/post/22791/threadAmmobob, are you still waiting 10 days for your trek to Fort Stevens to start? I'll bet you are itching to get started!

We went to Mt. Rushmore, took a picture. No dogs allowed! Took the bloom off the rose. But then we went to Custer State Park. Bison! Woo hoo! A herd was crossing the Wildlife Loop road right in front of us - passed right by the passenger side of our Jeep! Sweetie, the Shiba Inu X, was engrossed. Daisy, the beagle X, turned her back so she didn't have to look at them. Daisy is a diva.

[p]You bet I am dying to get on the road! Our daughter lived in South Dakota and we spent time with her hitting Rushmore and the Badlands-Loved it there. Sounds like you are having a great trip West. [/p][p]
[/p][p]Will be spending this weekend cleaning and packing the camper from last weekends trip to Little Bear RV park. Will be ready to hit the road on the 15th.
[/p]

OK finial got the work from Dave. They are planning a seminar with prizes and lots of fun. American RV is bringing some campers and they will be on display for us.

Got the Bearcat all cleaned up and ready to go yesterday. Wish we could stay longer, we'll only be there 2 nights...

The family and I are looking forward to meeting everyone and hanging out at Ft. Stevens.
I'd like to get some opinions on uneven tire wear and slideout leaks while driving in rain. I'm also hoping to have our 55 watt solar panel setup installed by then. If not it will just be a "mobile" bank of panels for the time being. I know we will have hookups at Ft. Stevens, but I'd like to see and hear what others are doing regarding 12v power management.

Roberto, what size feet do you have ?

More to the point, if you haven't left yet, do you own waders, or wading boots, or hip boots, or even knee high muck boots ?

Failing that, how about water/reef shoes ?

Quote from: @pinstriper" timestamp="1468202268" source="/post/22907/threadRoberto, what size feet do you have ?

More to the point, if you haven't left yet, do you own waders, or wading boots, or hip boots, or even knee high muck boots ?

Failing that, how about water/reef shoes ?

I do have water shoes but nothing else. I'll live :)

So, is everybody on track to rally? I arrive one week from today. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

I could be there in 90 minutes if necessary.

4 hours for me...

We're just west of the mighty Mississippi on I-94 and plan to be pulling into Ft Stevens late next Wed. We met another Camplite owner one night and we saw a R-Pod with a blown up tire and mangled fender. I look at all 8 of our tires at every stop!

Can hardly wait to hit the road, still have to work 3 days next week but coming in on Thursday.  Really looking forward to meeting everyone. 

On our way. At Collier Memeorial State park, OR for 2 days right now.

Coming in Thursday as well

Quote from: @ammobob" source="/post/23066/thread" timestamp="1468637687On our way. At Collier Memeorial State park, OR for 2 days right now.

Photos and detailed report, please.

We will be leaving Walla Walla tomorrow - or as I like to call it - Wawa. My husband says it is because I have had too much wine. We usually keep beer on ice in our cooler. However, we have been worrying about cooking the wine in this heat, so now we have our bottles of wine in the cooler on ice.

On to the Columbia River Gorge, arriving on Thursday at Ft. Stevens. Hope everybody else is enjoying their trip, except for maybe pin, who it seems, lives close to Ft. Stevens. Also, flemke, is working but lives not too far.

Quote from: @leslie" timestamp="1468716230" source="/post/23097/threadWe will be leaving Walla Walla tomorrow - or as I like to call it - Wawa. My husband says it is because I have had too much wine. We usually keep beer on ice in our cooler. However, we have been worrying about cooking the wine in this heat, so now we have our bottles of wine in the cooler on ice.

On to the Columbia River Gorge, arriving on Thursday at Ft. Stevens. Hope everybody else is enjoying their trip, except for maybe pin, who it seems, lives close to Ft. Stevens. Also, flemke, is working but lives not too far.

Where's your next stop ?

I was out at the coast today. Went crabbing at Netarts Bay, got half a dozen Dungeness, maybe 8 Red Rock crabs.

Yum !

You are in the area for the absolute best time of year.

Umatilla is our next stop. We have no reservations. We are just going to wander and enjoy the Gorge and take our time. We will have to stop somewhere to wash our Jeep and Camplite, because we have been down some dirt and gravel roads. I would like to bring a clean rig into Ft. Stevens.

Hey guys, is there any agenda of any kind? Any factory peeps coming? It will be great to see everyone trailer.

After spending a couple days exploring the Columbia River Gorge area and Mount Hood scenic byway, we're on the western outskirts of Portland where we will tour around Mount St. Helen and see some sights in Portland. We will arrive at Fort Stevens on Tuesday and really are looking forward to meeting all of you there! Safe travels to all!

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/23069/thread" timestamp="1468676728[quote source="/post/23066/thread" author="@ammobob" timestamp="1468637687"]On our way. At Collier Memeorial State park, OR for 2 days right now.

Photos and detailed report, please.

[/quote]Started a thread under trip reports and will keep adding stuff there.

[quote source="/post/23105/thread" author="@dennis" timestamp="1468725813"]Hey guys, is there any agenda of any kind? Any factory peeps coming? It will be great to see everyone trailer.[/quote]Talked to Jeff at American RV on Friday and they are bringing 2 units up on Friday for display. They will also be BBQing lunch for us on Saturday. Show and tell, Q&A and other stuff at thier units Saturday.

Latest forecast: [a href="https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=pws:KORWARRE10"]https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=pws:KORWARRE10[/a]

We are heading west on I-84, west of The Dalles, enjoying the view of the Columbia River. This is Sunday. How come there are no boats on the river?

What kind of boats are you looking for and how windy is it? Might see some sailboats and wind surfers around Hood River. Some good wineries there as well. Will probably see some grain barges but the larger ships don't go much East of Portland.

Just stopped at a Pilot to buy gas - was not allowed to pump it ourselves. Is this the situation all over Oregon? Are we supposed to tip the person who pumps?

Yes, that is true everywhere in Oregon, state law (although I have found a few little stations out in the boondocks that will let you pump your own when there is only one person covering both the store and the pumps, even asked me to on occasion).

As far as tips go, I only tip if they do something more than just pump my gas - some stations they will clean your windshield for you, and if they do that, I'll tip them a buck. Otherwise, no tip.

[quote timestamp="1468795325" source="/post/23136/thread" author="@leslie"]Just stopped at a Pilot to buy gas - was not allowed to pump it ourselves. Is this the situation all over Oregon? Are we supposed to tip the person who pumps?[/quote]There are two states like this. OR and NJ.

No tipping.

How can you be west of The Dalles, heading to Umatilla ?

If you aren't already past Bonneville Dam, stop in and check out the fish counting window.

Also, just a little further west there's a naked beach at Rooster Rock State Park, if you're into that sort of thing.

Also, can't guarantee bears, but you would have a fair chance of seeing Elk [a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@45.9384827,-123.5281361,691m/data=!3m1!1e3"]round about here[/a].

We went right past Umatilla. At 70, I am a little past the age for bathing suit optional, in fact at this age, it's more like bathing suit required!

It is strange that in Oregon they still have to pump your gas, I forget and just jump out and try to pump my own when in that state.

So the first time I jumped out and pumped my own gas (Friday) the guy came over and told me he was supposed to pump my gas. Told him I was not handicapped ( ??? ) and got chewed out. Then he looked at my Nevada tags and explained the law to me. Feels odd after years and I mean years of pumping my own gas. Oh well something new.

Somebody should have warned us from out of state! Is there anything else we need to know about the culture of Oregon so we can stay out of trouble??

Season 1 of Portlandia will tell you everything you need to know. It is a fine documentary.

We are in Memaloose State Park, right on the Columbia River. So nice! And the way we got here was by going to a rest area on I-84! I kid you not! You have to drive through the rest area exit to get here!

We can stay until 1PM, so we are going to have a lazy AM, and then we are going to Portland! Our youngest son has been best buds since first grade with a kid - well, now he is a man - who lives in Portland now, and we plan to see him while we are here.

At Silver Falls now and I love this park. Beautiful park and the falls are outstanding.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/ddcf4e852257e648fd4279e3ffc42611.jpg)

We are coming into Umatilla tomorrow. We planned to take the red road on the north side of the big river, but anyone with experience could talk us into taking the Interstate on the south side. Pinstriper helped us with ideas to get around Portland. Any thoughts on which river route?  

I suggest you go to Pendleton and head west on I-84. My son suggested this route to me. We were blown away by the scenery. We stayed at Memaloose State Park, where you enter by going through the rest area, just east of Mosier.

Our reservation at Ft Stevens starts on Thursday. We will be driving from Portland. I had an idea - who else will be driving to arrive on Thursday? What about a Camplite Convoy? Or a LL Convoy?

This is my first time here - not sure if we can work it, but if we could...

Sorry we'll miss your convoy if you work it out. We will hit Ft Stevens on Wednesday.

Quote from: @sandroad" source="/post/23190/thread" timestamp="1468899362We are coming into Umatilla tomorrow. We planned to take the red road on the north side of the big river, but anyone with experience could talk us into taking the Interstate on the south side. Pinstriper helped us with ideas to get around Portland. Any thoughts on which river route?  

SR-14 is narrow, hilly, and lots of turns. Fun road without a trailer.

I-84 is straight, 2 lanes in each direction, and flatter.

We made it! Yay!!!  Arrived around 1:00-ish.  Couldn't check in yet, so went into Warrenton and ate lunch at Dooger's Cafe. Enjoyed my crab cakes and Bill liked his pan fried oysters, too. Then a quick run to Costco and back to Fort Stevens. Smooth check in and finally settled. We are in loop O, site 41. Sorry we couldn't get a site in the M loop, but we'll find our way to the "in crowd." Drive safely, everyone! See you soon!? ??

[quote source="/post/23192/thread" timestamp="1468900979" author="@leslie"]Our reservation at Ft Stevens starts on Thursday. We will be driving from Portland. I had an idea - who else will be driving to arrive on Thursday? What about a Camplite Convoy? Or a LL Convoy?

This is my first time here - not sure if we can work it, but if we could...[/quote]We're coming in Thursday. Gonna try to push the 4pm checkin.

Where u gonna be coming from ?

Hope to see some LL units on my way, coming from Seattle on Thursday I'll be catching US30 after coming over the Lewis and Clark bridge at Longview.  Hope to get there by 4pm checkin. Excited to meet everyone.

Quote from: @flemke" source="/post/23213/thread" timestamp="1468980667Hope to see some LL units on my way, coming from Seattle on Thursday I'll be catching US30 after coming over the Lewis and Clark bridge at Longview.  Hope to get there by 4pm checkin. Excited to meet everyone.

I would have directed Merlin to cross over to the Washington side at the 205 bridge and avoid Portland if I could have remembered the route names. 

Nah, I would have told him to stay on the Washington side until Astoria, as a more interesting ride. Anything to avoid Portland traffic.

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/23212/thread" timestamp="1468978627[quote timestamp="1468900979" source="/post/23192/thread" author="@leslie"]Our reservation at Ft Stevens starts on Thursday. We will be driving from Portland. I had an idea - who else will be driving to arrive on Thursday? What about a Camplite Convoy? Or a LL Convoy?

This is my first time here - not sure if we can work it, but if we could...

We're coming in Thursday. Gonna try to push the 4pm checkin.

Where u gonna be coming from ?[/quote]


We are in Oregon City

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/23220/thread" timestamp="1468986677[quote source="/post/23212/thread" timestamp="1468978627" author="@pinstriper"]We're coming in Thursday. Gonna try to push the 4pm checkin.

Where u gonna be coming from ?

We are in Oregon City[/quote]

scbillandjane are somewhere in this area. Here is the problem with getting a convoy to work. We want to be there about 2 PM

[quote timestamp="1468983866" author="@pinstriper" source="/post/23218/thread"][quote timestamp="1468980667" source="/post/23213/thread" author="@flemke"]Hope to see some LL units on my way, coming from Seattle on Thursday I'll be catching US30 after coming over the Lewis and Clark bridge at Longview.  Hope to get there by 4pm checkin. Excited to meet everyone.[/quote]I would have directed Merlin to cross over to the Washington side at the 205 bridge and avoid Portland if I could have remembered the route names. 

Nah, I would have told him to stay on the Washington side until Astoria, as a more interesting ride. Anything to avoid Portland traffic.

[/quote]From Umatilla we are going to take I-84 W to I-205 N to I-5 N to Longview then cross back over the river on the Lewis and Clark Bridge to catch US 30 to Astoria. Hopefully skimming the east side of Portland far enough out to retain some sanity. We're at Hood Park in WA tonight and plan to arrive late Wed.

[quote timestamp="1468988933" source="/post/23223/thread" author="@sandroad"]

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/23218/thread" timestamp="1468983866I would have directed Merlin to cross over to the Washington side at the 205 bridge and avoid Portland if I could have remembered the route names. 

Nah, I would have told him to stay on the Washington side until Astoria, as a more interesting ride. Anything to avoid Portland traffic.

From Umatilla we are going to take I-84 W to I-205 N to I-5 N to Longview then cross back over the river on the Lewis and Clark Bridge to catch US 30 to Astoria. Hopefully skimming the east side of Portland far enough out to retain some sanity. We're at Hood Park in WA tonight and plan to arrive late Wed.[/quote]That's the route I was too lazy to look up all the actual roads. Or, stay on the WA side all the way out and cross back over at Astoria. Either way.

[quote timestamp="1468986754" source="/post/23221/thread" author="@leslie"]

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/23220/thread" timestamp="1468986677We are in Oregon City

[/quote]I would say let's get together tomorrow but I'm going fishing. On that river that Bob just came down outa the mountains by.

Plus, I'm pretty sure you'll be sick of us by the weekend.

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/23222/thread" timestamp="1468986898scbillandjane are somewhere in this area. Here is the problem with getting a convoy to work. We want to be there about 2 PM

I think they are already at Ft. Stevens, from their message.

This is just like the gathering in Highlander, where they come from all over and everyone can feel everyone else's presence.

Without, you know, the cutting off of everyone's heads part. That would complicate the whole weekend. For most, if not all.

Leslie, you are [a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@45.3993672,-122.929315,525m/data=!3m1!1e3"]almost exactly 40 minutes due east of us[/a].

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/23225/thread" timestamp="1468990478[quote timestamp="1468986754" source="/post/23221/thread" author="@leslie"]

I would say let's get together tomorrow but I'm going fishing. On that river that Bob just came down outa the mountains by.

Plus, I'm pretty sure you'll be sick of us by the weekend.[/quote]

Go fishing. Hubby just came down with a summer cold, and I am trying to make sure he won't be miserable for this weekend.

Ok everyone expect to start seeing pics of campers, people etc., to appease the ones of us who weren't fortunate enough to get to travel to meet everyone in Oregon!??

Thank you!

Thanks to everybody who contributed to the timing of this weekend. Saturday the temp at home is supposed to be between 100° and 115°. I hope pinstriper's weather forecast for Ft. Stevens is accurate.

"Ocean in view!" To quote a rather famous person. 

Made it. Camped. Sleep. 

Mosquito invasion  ;-|  Bring repellent!

We have pictures to post, but there is no internet connectivity in the park, and it is very slow where I am right now. Reports will follow. When we can get a better connection.

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/23289/thread" timestamp="1469302082We have pictures to post, but there is no internet connectivity in the park, and it is very slow where I am right now. Reports will follow. When we can get a better connection.

I have just enough data signal to get this one out. More to follow.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160723/83c3e4272b6f1b07697c4636d4747f70.jpg)

Somebody drop a contact?  

Maybe a strange new,Pokemon...

I think pinstriper's picture is of scbillandjane getting a thorough look at the 2017 Camplite 21 RBS that American RV brought to Ft. Sevens for us.

Made it home safely, but had an incident somewhere along the way... All of the rivets on one of our vent covers came loose, and somewhere along the highway, the cover blew off. I know I had closed it properly because the frame was still there and fully closed, but the plastic cover was gone.

Hopefully it didn't do any damage to anybody behind us on the highway...

Also, I checked the other two vent covers, and one of them has one broken rivet (out of four). So this is definitely something to keep an eye on...

What a great get together. Thanks to all who got this going. I look forward to seeing some of you northwest guys again. Don't forget to post the group picture.

Great time, great people, look forward to doing it again.

Sorry to hear about the fan covers on Bill's camper. Had a great time, meeting everybody and putting faces to the names on the posts here. My husband says I now have 2 buddies - an alligator in Florida and pinstriper here on the board. BTW, my husband and Mrs. Pin liked each other and feel they have a lot in common.

Leslie if you haven't left yet, there is a free scale on 101 just south a few miles south of the park, I forgot to mention to you. It's on the northbound side so you'll have to go past and come back to it.

Haven't left yet - staying here for another 2 days. Lots to see and do in this area.

After listening to the discussion last night around the campfire, we have decided to head south, hugging the coast for a few days before we head north to spend some quality time with our granddaughter.

I have to report that pinstriper was nice to me, and helpful. What??? True. I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Pin. It was a really good rally. It just didn't last long enough.

Bill I have lost several vent lids before. Install vent lid covers and then you don't have to worry. $25 @ camping g world.

Thanks Dennis, I will do that!

Yup, great fun and absolutely worth the 2684 mile trip out, even at 10 mpg! The cultural and natural history in the Astoria area is amazing. Oh, and the Livin Lite owners were by and large ok too. I even met another Cruiserhead. 


So far the OR coast has lived up to its reputation with drop-dead gorgeous views at every headland on 101 south. Camped tonight at Beverly Beach State Park (taking the long way back east).


Should I (all of us) post photos on this thread or on a new trip report thread? 

I saw a question on Scales in Oregon

Weigh stations in Oregon usually are functional even when closed. According to DMV publications trailers are encouraged to utilize a closed weigh station to check their weight.

Dave

I saw the scale that pinstriper referenced, but I didn't know that RVs were able to use it.

Merlin, I vote to have the pictures and stories here, on the rally thread, so the whole story is here from start to finish. And thanks for taking the pictures!

Quote from: @leslie" timestamp="1469487063" source="/post/23367/threadHaven't left yet - staying here for another 2 days. Lots to see and do in this area.

After listening to the discussion last night around the campfire, we have decided to head south, hugging the coast for a few days before we head north to spend some quality time with our granddaughter.

I have to report that pinstriper was nice to me, and helpful. What??? True. I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Pin. It was a really good rally. It just didn't last long enough.

I'm very disappointed to hear that about pinstriper.   ;)

[quote source="/post/23387/thread" author="@mitch" timestamp="1469532211"]

Quote from: @leslie" source="/post/23367/thread" timestamp="1469487063Haven't left yet - staying here for another 2 days. Lots to see and do in this area.

After listening to the discussion last night around the campfire, we have decided to head south, hugging the coast for a few days before we head north to spend some quality time with our granddaughter.

I have to report that pinstriper was nice to me, and helpful. What??? True. I enjoyed meeting Mrs. Pin. It was a really good rally. It just didn't last long enough.

I'm very disappointed to hear that about pinstriper.   ;) [/quote]She was feeding me liquor. I'm always on my best behavior until it runs out.

[quote timestamp="1469545544" source="/post/23396/thread" author="@pinstriper"][quote source="/post/23387/thread" author="@mitch" timestamp="1469532211"]I'm very disappointed to hear that about pinstriper.   ;)  [/quote]She was feeding me liquor. I'm always on my best behavior until it runs out.[/quote]That makes sense. Once it's gone why be on good behavior?  Just a whole lotta wasted effort.

[quote timestamp="1469507145" source="/post/23376/thread" author="@sandroad"]Yup, great fun and absolutely worth the 2684 mile trip out, even at 10 mpg! The cultural and natural history in the Astoria area is amazing. Oh, and the Livin Lite owners were by and large ok too. I even met another Crusierhead. 


So far the OR coast has lived up to its reputation with drop-dead gorgeous views at every headland on 101 south. Camped tonight at Beverly Beach State Park (taking the long way back east).


Should I (all of us) post photos on this thread or on a new trip report thread? [/quote]
Cruiserheads unite!

I could say more, but I wasn't sure if he wanted to lose his reputation.

The REAL story behind the picture of us peering under the trailer was we were looking at Pinstriper trying to do the limbo under the Camplight after some adult beverages.?

I have internet connectivity now. We had a great rally. Campfires every night. Lots of talking, going over to each other's campsites to find out who was doing what. The factory sent two representatives, and a LL dealer from Portland area, American RV, brought a 2017 Camplite 21 RBS to Ft. Stevens for us to see. Saturday there was a BBQ for us, sponsored by LL and American RV. We received a $200 coupon from American RV, and $25 WalMart gift cards from LL. The LL reps talked to us about what they tentatively plan to do and answered questions. We filled out a questionnaire about our experience with our LL product.

For me, I really enjoyed meeting people I have been talking to here on this board. I especially wanted to meet Ammobob, as we have been planning this for about a year, and the LL presence was due to his persistence.

And then there was pinstriper. We hugged. It was Kum Ba Ya. Well, almost. It turns out I like him and Mrs. Pin. American RV was there due to pinstriper's efforts. At a campfire the last night, pinstriper and Mrs. Pin talked about what a great trip it would be to head south along the coast. We are on our way to Tillamook for cheese, ice cream and fresh curds that squeak when you chew them?? Okay...

I left out some things, like several people coming by who said they have LL campers, and didn't realize we had this rally. There was some confusion about which rally LL had cancelled. What was amazing is how word got out. The last day, as everyone was leaving, a couple stopped at our campsite who were camping in Aberdeen, Washington, at least an hour away. I invited them in to look at my Camplite. They have a QuickSilver toyhauler.

I think in the future we need to set aside at least 4 days for a rally. I was looking forward to this for months and in the blink of an eye it is all over.

We just got home today and once I get my crap together I will update our trip. Tons of pictures coming.

i can't express how much fun the rally was. Great people, great campers and now good friends. OH I also caught some fish. First in 25 years. Thanks Pinstripper ;)  

someone one needs to post the group picture!

[quote source="/post/23495/thread" timestamp="1469832946" author="@ammobob"]We just got home today and once I get my crap together I will update our trip. Tons of pictures coming.

i can't express how much fun the rally was. Great people, great campers and now good friends. OH I also caught some fish. First in 25 years. Thanks Pinstripper ;)  

someone one needs to post the group picture![/quote]You caught 2 fish in one cast, if I remember. That gotta count extra, no ?

I'm finally getting around to sorting photos. Here are a few. More are [a href="http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/2016-blog"]on our blog post[/a]. 

My camera was not one that took a photo of the whole group - hopefully someone else will post it.


(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160722-200726_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160723-122800_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160723-125448_orig.jpg"%20style=")
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160723-175936_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160722-145519_orig.jpg)
(http://purdygreatlife.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/7/7/10770719/img-20160723-193547_orig.jpg)

I have been wanting to post something about the rally but have not had good access at the places I have been staying.  The rally was the start of a trip to Glacier NP via of Idaho.  I finally have some internet access at the St. Mary KOA in Montana.  I loved meeting all the people and putting faces to names.  Big thankyou to Pinstriper for breakfast invite (had mine ready but it was nice to sit and eat with them.  Another huge thanks to RWC and wife for the dinner invite and his awesome pork loin that I had and BillMoore and wife for dinner company.  Sure enjoyed the evening get togethers with everyone, Leslie needs a new forum name, the gator whisperer, loved the story.  Thanks Ammobob for the leftover beer from the BBQ, I'm still toting it around and will probably have some left when I get back. I heard talk of doing it again and would come for sure.  

Quote from: @flemke" source="/post/23530/thread" timestamp="1470014179I have been wanting to post something about the rally but have not had good access at the places I have been staying.  The rally was the start of a trip to Glacier NP via of Idaho.  I finally have some internet access at the St. Mary KOA in Montana.  I loved meeting all the people and putting faces to names.  Big thankyou to Pinstriper for breakfast invite (had mine ready but it was nice to sit and eat with them.  Another huge thanks to RWC and wife for the dinner invite and his awesome pork loin that I had and BillMoore and wife for dinner company.  Sure enjoyed the evening get togethers with everyone, Leslie needs a new forum name, the gator whisperer, loved the story.  Thanks Ammobob for the leftover beer from the BBQ, I'm still toting it around and will probably have some left when I get back. I heard talk of doing it again and would come for sure.  

[b
Gator Whisperer... I like that...

More like Gatorsmooch

Quote from: @pinstriper" source="/post/23541/thread" timestamp="1470060835More like Gatorsmooch

I would not go that far!

Since no one has posted this picture yet here is our group photo.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160801/6b8205392832b7f7c80aef4ada85ba02.jpg)

Gotta love Bec giving herself the bunny ears....

Unusual sightings on our trip (at least for us).

[attachment id="1628" thumbnail="1"]
Naturally the first photo in this sequence had to be at a dumping station; but 2 Camplites (in Michigan) was weird. 

[attachment id="1629" thumbnail="1"]
One of 3 days this occurred. 

[attachment id="1630" thumbnail="1"]
We didn't stay. 

Some wildlife of our trip.

[attachment id="1631" thumbnail="1"]
Prairie dogs in North Dakota

[attachment id="1632" thumbnail="1"]
Elk at Ft. Stevens


[attachment id="1633" thumbnail="1"]
Hawk (but not a merlin) in Oregon

Great campsites of our trip. 

[attachment id="1634" thumbnail="1"]
Ft. Stevens State Park, OR

[attachment id="1635" thumbnail="1"]
Beverly Beach State Park, OR


[attachment id="1636" thumbnail="1"]
Del Norte State Park, CA

People at the Rally. A really remarkable group of folks with a great collective sense of humor, wisdom, and experience. 

[attachment id="1637" thumbnail="1"]
[attachment id="1638" thumbnail="1"]
[attachment id="1639" thumbnail="1"]
[attachment id="1640" thumbnail="1"]
[attachment id="1641" thumbnail="1"]

More people at the Rally.

[attachment id="1642" thumbnail="1"]

[attachment id="1644" thumbnail="1"]
[attachment id="1645" thumbnail="1"]

[quote timestamp="1470964122" author="@sandroad" source="/post/23828/thread"]Great campsites of our trip. 


LOL !  Hi Merlin,Got a kick out of that photo being the first one :) Glad you got my 'good' side  ;)  Say, is that a "Patty O'Room" that you folks have ?  I was caused to buy one, then overwhelmed by how bad the instructions are in lieu of how very little time I had to try to make the installation before we left for Wells...

[/quote]

Yes, it's a Patty O'Room. And yes, the initial installation takes some time. But after that, it's an easy screenroom to use and really nice for our sometimes buggy campsites. 

Thanks for confirming that.  Well, this might be enough to get me to try to have a go at installing it, again.  I was so put off by the bad instructions that I put all the boxes in the back of the garage...   Think that if I ever got more than a few hours of time to work on it, it might be worth another try.

Man I wish I found this group a few months ago so I could have attended the event in Oregon. We are from Aberdeen,Wa so it would have been an easy trip. I heard that someone else has a quicksilver toyhauler from my city as well but haven't seen it. I have only seen a few livin lite's on the road ever and its always neat when I do. Hopefully you guys plan another one next year as I would like to attend.

Quote from: @brandonboss" timestamp="1471972084" source="/post/24059/threadMan I wish I found this group a few months ago so I could have attended the event in Oregon. We are from Aberdeen,Wa so it would have been an easy trip. I heard that someone else has a quicksilver toyhauler from my city as well but haven't seen it. I have only seen a few livin lite's on the road ever and its always neat when I do. Hopefully you guys plan another one next year as I would like to attend.

There will likely be something like this again in the future, so bookmark this thread and watch for future dates. 
I'm east of you in Tacoma. 

Will do thanks. Yeah your only about 90 minutes east of me. Do you have any favorite camping spots near us? I am going to Friends Landing in Montesano on the Chehalis River in September along with Grayland state park and Riffe lake (Taidnapam) eventually.

Quote from: @brandonboss" timestamp="1471974695" source="/post/24063/threadWill do thanks. Yeah your only about 90 minutes east of me. Do you have any favorite camping spots near us? I am going to Friends Landing in Montesano on the Chehalis River in September along with Grayland state park and Riffe lake (Taidnapam) eventually.

Honestly, we need to come west more often. We do enjoy getting to the coast including up at Ozette Lake, at Pacific Beach State Park, and down to Long Beach. Staircase and Hoh campgrounds in the Olympics are fun, but we're starting to look for more boondocking / off-the-grid type places in the National Forests. We'd also like to get to Quinault Lake. 

Grayland State Park is right on the beach albeit far from offgrid its very well maintained. I will have to look up the other places you mentioned as I am a newbie when it comes to camping. Graves Crick is a place you would probably like in the national forest past Quinalt and it only has like 17 spots. No hookups or electricity. My dad loves it because your in the middle of nowhere. No cell reception either.