Alright Yall Convinced me!! I am going to the 2012 Airventure!

Now with that said, I am a Flightless pilot (No aircraft) so I will be driving up from West Virginia...Pause....Thats right I said WEST virginia! I intend to bring my grandson with me and he is 9 years old and loves aircraft. I intend for him to help me pick out my first ELSA that WE are going to build. Now I have never been to" The show of shows", so I intend to ask a lot of questions about what I should do and bring.
First I will say I am not without skills, I retired from Law enforcement in 2002 and spent many hours camping..the real camping in a overhead cover not a "camper" I have a 10X10 cabin tent with 3 rooms and a shower tent. I have cooking gear tables and a Air conditioner for the tent.

The one thing I do have is a physical disability (recieved on duty) that prevents me from walking a great distance. I can walk but I am very slow. I would like to reserve(?) a place near a shower facility and latrine if possible. Can a vehicle be parked near the tent? in my case a chevy 1500 4X4.
and are tent sites available with electric or someplace to plug in the cord for the A/C or do I just rough it?


My grandson is screaming happy, and I know that there are many things there to keep his interest, but I would like to find, while we are there to get him involved in the "young Eagle" program, is that available there?

Now this next question is not ment to cause any hard feelings but, is there some sort of security in the camping area to look after the goods of folks while they are out of the area? If not I, humbly would volunteer for that position, I have over 22 years in Law Enforcement and Corrections as well as Army 95B (MP). All I really want to see there are the aircraft that I am interested to build next year, and the warbirds and also the modern aircraft....O.K. I want to see it all!

So, I will leave for a while you all talk among yourselves, see if I can help out and think where a older guy like me should do because I intend to be there all week!


I understand that this is kinda late in this preperation but I have finally paid my pennance to my overlord (AKA Wife) and she has, out of her loving merciful heart, and a strong crevat of "dont spent all the money ...we still have grand kids to get through College"! allowed me limited time to once again walk among the "crazy few" of aircraft manipulators.

Hints, tips and ideas are always welcome!

Thanks: Mike

At Scholler (the non-airplane camping) you can park your car IN the camp site. There are no reserved spaces but there is two handicapped areas (still first come, first serve).

Information available here:

http://www.airventure.org/planning/c...uidelines.html
http://www.airventure.org/planning/av11_campingguide.pdf

There's a volunteer center in Scholler that can probably help you once you are on site, I don't know much about the scholar volunteer network or their security, but I know they do have such.

I don't think theft is a big problem, just lock any semi-valuables in your vehicle. Not many attendees want your dirty underwear. There are a lot of seminars & entertainment events scattered about, I'd look over a schedule & attend those that interest the Grandson & yourself. You should have a great time & a lifetime memory for both of you.

For your grandson, there is easily a full day of full day of younger generation activities at KidVenture, which is usually located over at Pioneer Airport.

Even with a campsite near the showers, there is a lot of walking involved. The parking spot for your vehicle while at OSH is your campsite. Can't drive your vehicle from your camp to the exhibits and activites. There are various modes of public transportation, tram, bus, new Ford car demos, etc., but unless you have a wheelchair scooter or something, everything in between is on foot.

You're not late in planning, I usually don't firm up my plans until the first week in July.

Hey Thanks for the replies, I went to the website to get advance Camping permits and was STUNNED when I seen the price for camp scholler!
I seen the price for admission for the full week with my grand son I thought "thats alright, I can see the value in the cost for admission for both of us, no worries" cant really do much anywhere for 185 a week. Then I went to the camping site, because I figured 25 bucks a day not bad...then I put in my info and WHAMMO 888.00 buck for the week!!! Really...REALLY .....ummmmm no! My math says 24.00 a day times 7 days makes 168.00 add two more and at worst and 216.00 plus tax not 888.00 a week! Oh, and my Overlord went ballistic! So my question is very simple....Is this for real or is the reserved camping not set up yet on the website? I do not want to drive 11 hours just to turn around and go back for the lack of no where to stay for the week. I want to go, I need to go, I dream of going! BUT, Holy Moley thats expensive!

Also, a query, about my 9 year old grand son admission, is he also under a guest member or a student? I understand that if my wife goes its full 110.00 a week but what about my grandson is he a "guest" at the 110.00 or a student at 85.00 enquiring minds want to know! (and so does the Overlord)

Thanks guys for any help!

As an alternative you could camp off-site & drive over to Airventure. Yes I realize you wouldn't get the full effect. We all have to adjust for our pocketbook, 3 full days or so would give you good exposure. If you have a camper & your own power/water & such they will always have room for you on site. I bet the premo sites are already reserved anyway. You could pull in early on the 1st day & leave late on the 3rd day of your stay. You have to allow for some of your travel time & costs too. I'm more of the type to wait til it's closer. I also have to get time off work so I don't really know when I can go yet either.

I think any electrical sites are hard to come by, unless reserved ahead of time.

Sounds like some math got broken somewhere, definitely! Can I ask you to send an email to membership@eaa.org or give them a call at 1-800-564-6322 to A) help you get the right numbers, and B) help us figure out what went wrong?

Thanks - and we're glad you decided to come!

- Hal

The campsites are paid from the time they are setup until the end of the show and you get a refund on early checkout (as long as you buy at least three days).
Are you sure you put the right arrival date in? The web registration thing pops up on JUNE not JULY (yes some people actually get there a month early).
Anybody under 18 (and over 5) is a "student." Guests are adults (and the guest designation doesn't mean as much as it used to. It used to be spouses got a substantial discount. Now your guest thing just allows a non-EAA member accompanying you to get the member price).

I just tried registering on line and the prices came out where I think....You get $888 only if you say you're going to set up on JUNE 23.

Mike, to cut down on costs, I would suggest coming for less than the whole Airventure, maybe about 4 nights. Also that way a 9 year old won't get too tired or bored. Of course, on the other hand, you do have to drive a long way. Find some good amusement park , maybe some water thing on a river, and stop on the way for the boy. There is actually a small amusement park about one mile on the south edge of FonduLac, has go carts etc. , no water sports however.

As for as guarding your stuff, there is no guard system set up; no offense to your profession, but thank God that Oshkosh is still one place you can go and get away from the Gestapo mentality of much of the rest of the world. There aren't people walking around with guns and no TSA to hassle everyone.
As for as I know, you are more likely to find honest people at EAA Airventure than most anywhere else. Use common sense, don't leave an expensive camera on the hood of your car, or some parts to a rare airplane sitting around. But it feels like a safe place. In there other life, some of these guys may be the hit man for Bain Capital for all we know, but mostly folks at EAA act like it is a small village.

At 9 years old ,the boy is fine for Young Eagles, call and see if there is a chapter near you doing rides.
The EAA main phone # is 1 800 564 6322, and they may be able to help you with some info on those with some handicap or just less moblity. That may be one con for you, Osh is a big airport with much to see. Give them a call and good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gently56

....Is this for real or is the reserved camping not set up yet on the website? I do not want to drive 11 hours just to turn around and go back for the lack of no where to stay for the week.

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Humm.....I take it you haven't driven through Chicago lately......That can be several hrs by itself.

Camp Scholler never runs out of campsites so if you have your camping gear, you'll have a place to stay. It will be roughing it as far as no electricity but you can take a hot shower which keeps you feeling human. The price is less than a comparable campsite in a commercial campground and unless you just want to pay early you can pay at the gate.

Gently56.... I did the same thing. BUT, as FlyinRon mentioned, the calendar defaults to JUNE first, so select the month first and then you can pick your JULY arrival date.

I'm making my first trip too this year and coming from the Philadelphia PA region. Saturday from PA to Western OH, and then the rest of the way on Sunday. If you see a Red/Silver motorcycle, that will be me!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gently56

Hey Thanks for the replies, I went to the website to get advance Camping permits and was STUNNED when I seen the price for camp scholler!
I seen the price for admission for the full week with my grand son I thought "thats alright, I can see the value in the cost for admission for both of us, no worries" cant really do much anywhere for 185 a week. Then I went to the camping site, because I figured 25 bucks a day not bad...then I put in my info and WHAMMO 888.00 buck for the week!!! Really...REALLY .....ummmmm no! My math says 24.00 a day times 7 days makes 168.00 add two more and at worst and 216.00 plus tax not 888.00 a week! Oh, and my Overlord went ballistic! So my question is very simple....Is this for real or is the reserved camping not set up yet on the website? I do not want to drive 11 hours just to turn around and go back for the lack of no where to stay for the week. I want to go, I need to go, I dream of going! BUT, Holy Moley thats expensive!

Also, a query, about my 9 year old grand son admission, is he also under a guest member or a student? I understand that if my wife goes its full 110.00 a week but what about my grandson is he a "guest" at the 110.00 or a student at 85.00 enquiring minds want to know! (and so does the Overlord)

Thanks guys for any help!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hal Bryan

Sounds like some math got broken somewhere, definitely! Can I ask you to send an email to membership@eaa.org or give them a call at 1-800-564-6322 to A) help you get the right numbers, and B) help us figure out what went wrong?

Thanks - and we're glad you decided to come

- Hal

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Thanks for your offer Hal, but I managed to sort it out. I would like to know, though, are campfires allowed? I dont mean a roaring blaze, but enough to cook on? I have a campstove but my young Padawan has never had food cooked over a campfire (not marshmellows and hot dogs I mean real food like steak and chops.) Anyhoo all that is left is to plan the route, I want to avoid Chicago, so some mapquest stuff is needed.

Glad you got it figured out!

And, yes, campfires are allowed. The one thing to consider is that Wisconsin does have laws prohibiting the import of firewood from out-of-state.

http://www.airventure.org/planning/camp_scholler_guidelines.html

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Originally Posted by Gently56

Thanks for your offer Hal, but I managed to sort it out. I would like to know, though, are campfires allowed? I dont mean a roaring blaze, but enough to cook on? I have a campstove but my young Padawan has never had food cooked over a campfire (not marshmellows and hot dogs I mean real food like steak and chops.) Anyhoo all that is left is to plan the route, I want to avoid Chicago, so some mapquest stuff is needed.

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By car, taking 294 around west Chicago or I think someone told me 355? A little further west eases some of the heavy traffic. I am heading far west to rockford IL and heading north from there, but I'll be on my motorcycle. See my other thread for my planned route.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gently56

Anyhoo all that is left is to plan the route, I want to avoid Chicago, so some mapquest stuff is needed.

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Something else you may consider is timing your trip so you can traverse Chicago between midnight and 4 am. I have made it from Gary to Waukegon in ~1hr using that method. I just can't seem to get the freight dog working hrs out of my system....

Hi everyone!
For those of you that have NEVER attended EAA Oshkosh before, be ready for a little shock factor. No matter what you have seen, read or heard, it is bigger and better than what you expect.
Be preparred! It can be hot, cold, wet, dry, calm, windy, muddy, dusty, sunny, cloudy, but there is no place that I would rather be for that week.
I have not missed a year since 1974. I have taken my parents, now both have passed away, my fiance', spent my honeymoon there, took both of our children before they were one year old and has now turned into a family tradition. Both of our daughters are now in the military and try to make a point of coming "home" during that week to spend time at "Oshkosh".
The people at EAA make a sincere effort to see that there truely is something for everyone there. That can include, but is not limited to shopping, movies, live theatre, big name entertainment, bands, displays, vendors, food/beverage, history and of course an airshow! We try to have a campfire every night in Camp Schoeller, live in a tent and park our vehicle next to our campsite. We invite everyone in the nieghborhood to sit around the fire and have conversed with a lot of interesting people over the years. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, male or female, you will find something of interest at Oshkosh unless you aren't trying. We started by spending one day, then progressed to three days, now we spend the entire week. Since 1974 we have NEVER had anything stolen from our campsite. There is first aid, fire crews and security available in the campground. It is almost impossible elsewhere in our society to find a community of 40,000 that get along as well. There is an open invite for all of you to stop by and ask for advice based on our experiences. Hope to see you there and above all, have fun!!

No one has mentioned that there is a motorized scooter available for rent by the main gate, just be sitting down for the price. Last year I believe it was $40 or $60 a day! But my 86 year old dad (B-29, B-24, B-25 pilot) with one knew knee loved it.

Alrighty Then..Its a done deal!!!!
:DJust purchased the entry and camping for the week! Amazingly simple after I sorted it out and one phone call to EAA. I plan on staying the whole week (Sunday to...whenever) Whooo Hooo!!! :rollseyes:

Now to get the gear togeather and air out the tent (Debating on one of those "portable" A/C's for the tent) Load up the ole HHR and a short 14 hour drive :(and whammo going for the "Maxium allowable fun" factor!

SEE YA'LL THERE!!!

I'm getting worked up myself, looking FWD to it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gently56

Alrighty Then..Its a done deal!!!!
:DJust purchased the entry and camping for the week! Amazingly simple after I sorted it out and one phone call to EAA. I plan on staying the whole week (Sunday to...whenever) Whooo Hooo!!! :rollseyes:

Now to get the gear togeather and air out the tent (Debating on one of those "portable" A/C's for the tent) Load up the ole HHR and a short 14 hour drive :(and whammo going for the "Maxium allowable fun" factor!

SEE YA'LL THERE!!!

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If I may be so bold to suggest that I doubt you will need that air conditioner. I don't recall a time that I was HOT during the evening sleeping in a tent. Last year, I got INSIDE the sleeping bag each night, and it was pulled up to my neck. It does cool down nicely, and how much time do you think you will be spending in the tent during the heat of the day? Also, to power the A/C, you will need power so you would need to bring power with you in the form of a generator, always a welcome site to your neighbors. I just don't think you will need it. Now, I will add that at my age, getting up off the ground is a thing of the past, cots are the only way to go.

You will never forget this trip, and neither will your grandson. You do need to be prepared for any sort of bad weather that may blow through. I have had to spend time standing up in my tent hold it upright when a squall line comes thru. A weather radio is a good thing to bring.

Also, when you traverse the area from where you will be camped, to the gate, you will note the area where the Kiwi's and Aussies camp, near the Red Barn (the Camp Scholler one, not the Vintage Red Bard). Stay away from their area with your grandson. At night they have wild tribal music, ritual sacrifices, and other "goings on" too horrible to describe :P. I also concur with going thru Chicago late at night. That was one of my favorite parts when I used to take driving trips to OSH. Eating cold pizza, whizzing up the Tri State Tollway, and showing up at OSH early in the a.m. THAT is living.

"where the Kiwi's and Aussies camp, near the Red Barn. Stay away from their area with your grandson. At night they have wild tribal music, ritual sacrifices, and other "goings on" too horrible to describe"

Oh NO!!:eek: So, anyone know where I can get someone to watch my Young one, but wait, then again cultural diversivacation may be a good think for him, you know learning how "other" people do things! meanwhile I will do a complete investigation of these Horrific, ALLEGED, events!:mad: I know many are worried about these kind of things so..do not despair, I will make it my personal trial to discover, at my own peril, then report, if necessary, any infamous behaviour as is described!

I like ANZACS used to know a bunch in a brief tour of a beautiful Republic in Asia around 1970 ish, a whole other story!;)
AND I like Rugby TOO! ("All Blacks" Rule):thumbsup:

I look forward to this trip, this experience and this time with like minded folks!

Mike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gently56

"where the Kiwi's and Aussies camp, near the Red Barn. Stay away from their area with your grandson. At night they have wild tribal music, ritual sacrifices, and other "goings on" too horrible to describe"

Oh NO!!:eek: So, anyone know where I can get someone to watch my Young one, but wait, then again cultural diversivacation may be a good think for him, you know learning how "other" people do things! meanwhile I will do a complete investigation of these Horrific, ALLEGED, events!:mad: I know many are worried about these kind of things so..do not despair, I will make it my personal trial to discover, at my own peril, then report, if necessary, any infamous behaviour as is described!

I like ANZACS used to know a bunch in a brief tour of a beautiful Republic in Asia around 1970 ish, a whole other story!;)
AND I like Rugby TOO! ("All Blacks" Rule):thumbsup:

I look forward to this trip, this experience and this time with like minded folks!

Mike.

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Consider yourself warned.....

Also, I wanted to strongly suggest that you consider getting on a yellow school bus and visit the Seaplane base. You will be able to find out how to do that. I know walking is tough, and there is a short path from where the bus lets you off to the base. It is like a whole 'nuther world there. On a hot day, it is heaven on earth. Very interesting to watch how they operate that place.

Whats wrong with Kiwis and Aussies? .... :)
We are actually trying to cut back on the ritual sacrifices... Running out of Virgins. :) Anyway, its the Aussies that always are the rough ones... (There is always a rivalry between Kiwis and Aussies)
Will have to teach the Philistines how to play Rugby when I come over.

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Originally Posted by kiwi zk-cke

whats wrong with kiwis and aussies? .... :)
we are actually trying to cut back on the ritual sacrifices... Running out of virgins. :) anyway, its the aussies that always are the rough ones... (there is always a rivalry between kiwis and aussies)
will have to teach the philistines how to play rugby when i come over.

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:D

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Originally Posted by Kiwi ZK-CKE

Will have to teach the Philistines how to play Rugby when I come over.

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That would be good. But please don't try to teach us how to play cricket!

Don't ask a Kiwi about cricket - We're hopeless at it!

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Originally Posted by MEdwards

That would be good. But please don't try to teach us how to play cricket!

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Sorry, I thought Cricket is a long legged bug...Or that thing at Walley World named "Jimminey"!
I guess I will stick to Rugby (Better than the NFL)
Let us surmise that Aussies and NZ landers are running out of virgins, have one sport that rocks (rugby) and the last time I partied with them I was LITERALLY Ordered OUT of Austrailia (Perth was where the court was so I dont know if that really meant the whole country) and almost got an article 15 just because a bunch of ANZACS said "Dont worry mate, whats the worst that can happen"!!! Right! I am IN!!!!