Dan, I'm not much of a showman. I kind of prefer to enjoy other's playing of music, then tend to join in if allowed. But yup, I usually always pack an old guitar when I go camping.

Mike, yeah, it's been a long time for that engine. Hopefully we can get that dude sent in the right direction, toward its destiny. Let us know when the horse show is. Hopefully there is no conflict with the event.

Jim, I wonder how much does it cost to camp at one of those parks? I will be committed to work for a couple of days, so I probably wont be able to call to find out until later this week. I'll call them though when I get a chance to find out how much. Or, if you get a chance, maybe you can call them. Their links are posted on the thread. There's also Camanche Reservoir. I would imagine there would be camping there too. Probably alot cheaper as well. That might be a good option to look at.
The wife and I are still not sure if we are going to stay Saturday night camping or not. It depends on a couple of factors, ie. weather, cost, etc... I just wanted to get a feel for what others are considering doing, so we can make plans in advance, if it is even a practical idea. You just hate to get there and say, "hey we shoulda"...

 

Olfordsnstone, I had already called the Stockton/Lodi RV campground on 8th street, which is just south of Micke Grove park, and they stated it is $34.95 per night. However, they are a big campground with a huge built in pool and log cabins, so I am thinking they are a bit high. I have not checked Camanche Reservoir, I would imagine they would be cheaper. I have not stayed at a campground in four years or so, but I remember staying at a lake (don't remember which one) down in the southern California area and I believe it was only $18.

 

Looks like the show is this weekend, not next...so I'm going to be somewhat free, except the wife has a baby shower to go to on the Staurday ( I knew there was something going on) so I'll have to do some running around on with my oldest back and forth to lessons on Saturday, probably be later in the afternoon 2-3pm, before I'd be able to head out.

 

Long as you are there. Got to have a good showing from all our northern cal members.

 

Jim is right. Even if you can only make it out for a short visit, come say hi. The show usually lasts until about 3:00PM with lots of people staying later. Hope to see everybody there. So far, the long-range weather forecast looks good. Jag

 

I'm probably going to be checking out the camping parks in the area when I get out there. As Nighteyez sayz, Stockton/Lodi RV Park is only 3 miles away from Mickey Grove Park. Probably the most sensible. One thing though, when I called them, I think they may have said said something about train tracks near by??? But that may have been one of the other parks I called. Don't know if that might be a sleep issue for some. But all in all (except for the trains) it sounds like a nice place to camp. They have a fire pit area designated, that they charge $10 to use. Just in case Dan and Andy get a hankerin to bend some strings on wood 'n steel (guitars, mandolins etc.), a camp fire might be a nice touch. I'll spring for the fire pit if anyone is interested. But you might want to bring a chair and ice chest for refreshments.
I think quiet time is 10 oclock there.

Mokeumne Beach Resort and Tower Park Resort are on the Mokelumne River, which sounds kind of nice too, but I suppose that Stockton/Lodi is probably the most practical. Tower Park even has a restaraunt and night club at $36 per night for a camp site with full hookups. Won't know until I get out there if any of the other places are as cool as they said they are on the phone. Flag City RV Resort is supposed to be a very nice place, with Direct tv, HS internet, hot tub, etc., for $35 per night, but is 10 miles from Mickey Grove Park. Not too bad of a distance, but...

Who, if anyone else, is considering camping out? Due to the distance from our home, the wife and I will more than likely be camping.

I didn't think of it, but I should have asked Stockton/Lodi Park if they have tent camping available there too. That might be a choice for some folks who would like to stay out there who don't possess a house on wheels. If you have a tent and sleeping bag, I would imagine that would be a much lesser cost for a camp site, rather than a motel.

 

I don't think it was the Stockton/Lodi RV park that has the train problem. I checked the map of the area, and don't see any train tracks near the park. There may be train tracks on the east side of the 99 though, maybe she was referring to those. I think they would be far enough away to not cause a problem though.

If I go, I will take the '76 which has a camper on it. However, I will not be able to afford the campground fees. The gas cost alone will be $100 for me, and next payday is a rent payday. I will have to work some serious OT tomorrow, and Saturday in order to be able to do this.

I can stay until Micke Grove closes, and if we can find a place to gather after that (that doesn't cost too much) I can stay until maybe 10pm or so, but I have to work the next day, so I would need to get back Saturday night.

 

No sleep over for me, I'm just coming up to drink all of Tims beer

I'll just be able to stay a short while.

I'll call someone as I get closer to leaving to figure out of you guys are still there or finding a spot to call home.

 

I don't know yet where I'll be staying, but I'll most definately be staying. I suppose I could bring a tent along, I think I still have one around here somewhere. I guess that idea makes the most sense...

 

Well Dan, if you didn't get rid of your camper you could have stayed in that... We have a 6 person tent, but no air mattresses for the sleeping bags. They somehow developed leaks. With my bad knee getting down and in them on the ground was difficult. Even with the air mattresses it was not that much better. This camper will be a blessing for me as I can sleep in it with no problems.

 

That did sort of occur to me, Jim. I was thinking that if I didn't have to drag the trailer down there I could simply put the camper onto my '68 and bring it down, use it and then swap it onto your truck. Of course we, found out how much fun it is to put a camper onto a truck without the aid of functioning camper jacks, so I'm just as glad not have tried it...

But I do have a tent as well as foam pads and such, so it's no big deal, I'm covered. Too bad I don't have the motorhome done though, if it was I could drive it down and tow the trailer with it. Might be asking a bit much of a 302, however...

 

Jim, the nice thing about having a camper is that you really don't need a campground. Just find a nice safe and quiet parking lot and you're set. I know that Walmart has a policy that they allow snowbirds, and other traveling rv'rs to overnight in their parking lots. Shouldn't be too big of a deal to find a spot for free. Who knows, if I see something that the wife would be happy with for free, I might just go that route as well. Have to see what's out there next weekend I suppose. But there's nothing wrong with gypsying, when ya got a mobile house. Kinda cool actually.

 

I moved the 460 for the project truck from my work truck to my camping truck. I also put the C-6 in there too. Man, what a PITA!!! That sucker's freeekin heavy!
Anyway, I'll be taking it with me over to the meet at Mickey Grove Park. I sure do hope someone has a plan on how to receive it from me. PLEASE have a truck to load it into, as well as a means to move it. Trust me, you don't want to move it the way I did. HOLY COW!
Anyway, the engine is going with me over there to the park, so please, someone post up on a plan. Don't take this wrong, but I'm not coming home with that engine/trans in the bed of my truck. This is a one way ticket.

Now I'm going to go lick my wounds and wash my clothes.
I probably should have waited to get help, but no one was around and I needed my work truck today. Problem is, now my knuckles are so sore I don't know if I feel like doing manual labor on my property anymore. Ouch...

 

Sorry, Tim. I hope there is no hard feelings over us imposing on you like this. I assumed I would be available to run parts and haul bodies as needed, but I ran into a brick wall. Not only have I been too sick to get very far from home, but it has hurt the old pocketbook. However things are getting better. . . .

You are going to be just a few miles from Mike's place, where the engine will be worked over. I expect something can be done.

Clint

 

On the subject of heavy items, I've heard that if you leave the tail gate down and brake hard when backing up, they will unload themselves. Too soon? John