Cooler by the Lake VIII (April 24 -27, 2014)

[dwe]

I would suggest that if you would be setting up camp, people would wait for another time. Should go without saying, Common sense, not that common!

[bcsnave]

My choice would also be Friday night. I have been trying to keep Saturday open as much as possible for those people who would like to experience the area.

Most campers will be there by 7:30-8 but not all will be set up as they would prefer.

Gary

Let's get back on track. The sun will set that Friday, at 7:45, and will be dark about 9:30, according
to The Farmers Almanac. So, plan accordingly. May I suggest, we ALL, use our name badges. We all
do not know each other. YET ! A beer/wine or two can play havoc. My $0.02.

Doug

Uhmmmm that sounds like a plan Fred... ..I mean Mark...did I say that we should wear name tags...o ah....what were we talking about? We'll see you in a few months....thanks for bringing it up Ralph..


a a few beers and it's all out the window..c u in Apr Doug

[Gtowntear]

I am SO disappointed I am going to have to miss this gathering as you all sound like so much fun. Hopefully another time.

My husband and I bought a salvaged T@B clamshell (water damage) last spring, and after repairing the floor, remaking a few cabinets, and putting the thing back together last summer we camped a few times. It doesn't tow as well as our pop-up...we were surprised at the drop in gas mileage even towing with our Yukon.

We've decided to give it another try this summer - although a smaller "true" teardrop, like a Silver Shadow or something of the like is what I truly want...so I can tow with my Subaru Outback.

That week though we will be in the Florida Panhandle as that's the boy's spring break from school.

Have fun camping!

Shana
2007 T@B CS "Orange Crush"

[Gary and Cheri]

Shana,

I have found that with a smaller teardrop that your car will get approximately what the government rates your car for city driving. I tow with a Jetta diesel that is rated at 28 mpg city and 41 highway. 28 is about what I get normally. If I slow down to 55-60 mph I can get 30-34 mpg on a good day. Traveling at 65-70 mph can sure kill your mileage. I traveled to California and put 7,000 miles on the car and average 30 mpg when traveling 60 mph maximum. Some people seem to need to get somewhere quickly and pay for it in mileage.

Where I think a tear has an advantage is not in weight but in a low profile that does not catch the wind like some of the taller trailers that project well above the tow vehicle. I loose 10 mpg when I put my 40 lb canoe on the top of my car.

Gary

[dwe]

I always say you loose 1 gallon of fuel per 100 miles no mater what you drive. rule of thumb.

[gdpipkorn]

you should plug that hole in your tank

[Gary and Cheri]

Haaaaaaaaaaaaah

[pigcooker]

Gary,
You have to put that canoe on your roof, lengthwise!! Just sayin'

Doug

[Gary and Cheri]

Thanks Doug. That's why it is so important to attend our teardrop gathering, you learn so much. I was always wondering why cars kept moving off the road and pedestrians on the side walk kept ducking as I came by with my canoe. Besides aerodynamics turning the canoe the other way might help with that.

Gary

[pigcooker]

Gary, Glad I could help. Buddy !

Doug

[gdpipkorn]

Maybe we can get some Michigan campers to join us. Just have to drive across the lake. I don't believe it will thaw by then.

[catleppert]

Hi there everyone! Chuck and Theresa here! We are actually coming up on Thursday, and can't wait for camping season to start. Last year we brought our little dog Beau on his first campin trip. He had some anxiety issues, unfortunately. This time we are bringing our older dog, Brego, a lab mix. He is a very experienced camper, tho it has been a whole since he's been camping.

Don't know about y'all, but we are SO ready for camping season! See you all in April!

[dwe]

I was at Kohler Andrae today and took some pictures of the lake or should I say skating rink. Here are two pictures. One was taken about 2 weeks ago and one today.
gallery/image.php?album_id=1534&image_id=117454&display=popup
Notice the dark blue water.

gallery/image.php?album_id=1534&image_id=117456
Notice the lack of water. Its called ICE. As of today the lake is 90.5% covered in ice.

This will make Cooler by the Lake live up to its name.

This is my first time posting pictures, I hope it turns out.

[Gary and Cheri]

Dennis,

I was able to open the pictures with no problem. Nice to see the grass poking through the snow rather than 8 foot drifts that won't melt until July.

Like Theresa I am so ready to go camping. I would bring the trailer back if only there was no salt on the road. I kind of envy those who are spending a night in their trailers even if they are only camping in their garages.

I count 50 days exactly before I arrive at Cooler on Thursday.

Gary

[gdpipkorn]

Dennis, Thanks, your pictures are great! I have never been to the lake in winter. The frozen pics are so cool and so rare. You should cherish the event. I am going to try hard to see it myself. Snow every other day doesn't help. We are also into our #2 build so time is precious.