Truck camper meet-up at Overland Expo, Flagstaff, May

[sabconsulting]

Hi everyone,

This has been hinted at a few times already, but here is the official invitation.

Overland Expo 2013 is being held at Mormon Lake, near Flagstaff, AZ from May 17 to 19.

I want to organise a truck-camper meet-up at the show. Last year we attended the European equivalent of this show in Germany and as well as being a fascinating show in its own right, it was great to see and spend time with the thousands of travellers with varied campers and overland vehicles that turned up and camped. So this year I think it would be great to have a truck camper meet-up in AZ.

Unfortunately we cannot bring our little truck camper along, since it is 5000 miles and an ocean away, but Sally and I will be coming in a rental B class camper we are picking up in Denver.

I've been talking to the show organisers and they have a basic camping field (no hook-up, but being TC owners I think we can cope with that :)) for $10 per night. They said they would love to have us come with our TCs and will set aside an area especially for us :B

I've been talking to a few of you already and so I know we've got a few takers, but I'd like to know who else would like to come. I'm not saying you need to commit 100% now, but I'd like to get an idea of the numbers involved so the show organisers know what size of area to set aside for us.

Hope to see you all in May to circle the wagons and get out the barbecues,

Steve & Sally.

[dadwolf2]

seldomseensmith wrote:


And in the unlikely event the great Whazoo is indisposed due to relocation or other factors, I would be happy to offer my services as guide/trip leader to one of the MANY outstanding destinations found in the area.

Seldomseen,

That is a great offer. Your insight/knowledge of the beautiful area would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[thundercloud]

Unless my schedule doesn't change at work, we are in.

[TurtleBax]

Hello Steve & Sally,

Where and from Whom are you renting your Class B in Denver?

I live far away, and would have to fly in as well.

Best Regards,

TurtleBax

[67avion]

dadwolf wrote:

67avion wrote:

Steve, we are going to make it if things work out. Whazoo is also onboard. He mentioned leading a slot canyon hike at some point.


As much as I love a death defying canyon hike with the best of you, are you sure our guide is willing and available? I thought he was moving in the spring or might not be available?? I dunno, just don't want to get people's hopes up especially if they are traveling great distances.

You're absolutely right and I shouldn't have spoken out of turn. Thanks for the reminder. And thanks to Seldomseen for what appears to be a great possibility.

[seldomseensmith]

Steve,

I won't be camping at the Expo (kind of silly since the darned thing is literally in my backyard) but I'm up for a show-up or a meet-down, or whatever. Last years event was definitely a worthwhile experience, with lots of interesting sights and sounds.

All participants, please be aware that the venue is located at about 7000 feet above sea level, and that spring weather here in Northern Arizona is notoriously fickle. Could be gorgeous, and it could be winter, or maybe even a little of both.

And in the unlikely event the great Whazoo is indisposed due to relocation or other factors, I would be happy to offer my services as guide/trip leader to one of the MANY outstanding destinations found in the area.

[dadwolf2]

67avion wrote:
Steve, we are going to make it if things work out. Whazoo is also onboard. He mentioned leading a slot canyon hike at some point.

As much as I love a death defying canyon hike with the best of you, are you sure our guide is willing and available? I thought he was moving in the spring or might not be available?? I dunno, just don't want to get people's hopes up especially if they are traveling great distances.

[River_Sand]

Steve,

Put us down too. Sounds like a good time, definitely a good chance to meet fellow TC'ers and put some faces to the names here on the forum.

[sabconsulting]

Thanks for the replies so far - great to see people are interested. Just a few replies from me...

67avion: Dave sent me some pictures of the slot canyon - looks excellent - Sally is so up for that. Also, looks like you'll have some Avion company at the show too 🙂

Mellow Mile: Forgot you are in the area - excellent.

dadwolf2: Yes, definitely the 'basic camping field', not the flashy one for those paying $$$ for their Overland 'experience' (I'm not one for paying for 'experiences' myself).

jonlin: I haven't contacted TC Magazine as I think we'll have enough takers from the forum alone.

usmcshepherd: Have a safe trip home from Afghanistan, and good luck getting the Lance - hope you get it in time.

Steve.

[usmcshepherd]

Steve,

I hope to make it as well...I'm currently in Afghanistan and need to get home and get our new Lance ordered....if we get it delivered in time we will certainly be there (it would be a great shake out for our new unit). I've also been talking to a lot of the adventure motorcycle guys (BMW GS/GSA types) and it sounds like a great event.

www.overlandexpo.com

For the truck camper crowd there is also the option of camping in Coconino National Forest campgrounds and dispersed camping. My family and I camped up here near Apache Maid and its beautiful country...just another option. Also, keep in mind that there is a registration fee or daily passes that can be purchased at the gate. its also kid friendly!

[Dennis_JoAnn]

That's a show I'd like to see. I'm going to make an effort to get out there. Thanks for heading this up Steve.

Dennis

[jonlin]

Steve,

I think this is a great idea... Have you thought about contacting Truck Camper Magazine and getting them to list/promote. They have a large TC following and list/promote these type events. jonlin

[dadwolf2]

Steve,

Count me in....and the slot canyon after the expo too. You are talking about the open field area and not the reserved space for the Overland Experience people? The open field is much nicer IMO, than the closer but sardine packed reserved space.

Mike

[Mello_Mike]

We'll be there. Just a few hours from my house. Would love to meet other TCers.

[GpnAZ]

We will more than likely be there, only a couple hours away. We were there last year with our FWC Hawk, but just recently sold it and bought a Lance 865 truck camper. It was a great show last year and very well attended, both vendors and attendees.

[67avion]

Steve, we are going to make it if things work out. Whazoo is also onboard. He mentioned leading a slot canyon hike at some point.