Returned to South Hills of Pittsburgh 4:30AM Sunday. My account, and impressions of my first Barth rally:
Left Pgh. early Fri. morning and arrived in Allegan 9 hrs. later. Very historic smaller town with Victorian architecture. Proceeded to fairgrounds. Very well received. "With Barth group" played well - escorted to site by two event workers. Wow, other Barths. Kevin, who earnestly prompted me to attend, headed the "welcoming committee". Long process trying to honor my wish for shade - opted to be in sun (or to distance my self from the unknown characters).

To my amazement, every single Barthmobile "fictional character" (and companion) could not have been nicer. I will spare you, and them of a detailed, individual characterization. I tend to be a tight ass but felt absolutely comfortable with pig tails. Simply, Barth people are kind, generous, overall great people - representing a cross section of America. My experience I trust will evolve into long lasting relations.

I especially thank Lou and his lovely wife, Barb for hosting the event. His efforts even included transporting kayaks and my family, and provided instruction.

Simply, all really cool people. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Nick Cagle:
Can't believe you let some traitor in a FORETRAVEL get in that group of beautiful Barths!!!!

Nick

Yeah, we felt sorry for him. Those ForeTravel types… well, you know…

We all missed Mary Ray this weekend, she was home caring for her daughter.





I just heard that her daughter passed away on the 16th. Please remember them all in your prayers.

Thank you all. I am so blessed to have true friends like ya'll.

We arrived home safely around 6PM. Another fine Barth weekend! 86Barth ran better than ever, should have replaced that transmission a lot sooner.

A salute to the new Barth folks who made the trip. Jim and Joan drove in from Illinois and Ted, Brenda and son Hunter made it from Pittsburgh. GREAT people!









We had a great time. The fairgrounds were full of activities, downtown Allegan is walking distance from the park. A beautiful riverside boardwalk, historic downtown, and well maintained Victorian homes make this town a jewel. I will gladly return soon.

More fairground pictures. There is an historic village there.



















Some shots of downtown Allegan.





















Kevin was busy all weekend. (Donations, anyone?)



There are a few more in the Photobucket library you can view. It took me over an hour to get these up…

A special thanks to Lou and Barb for making this happen. I am sure I speak for all, this was an excellent weekend!

Mary, so sorry to here. God bless you and your family.

Craig and Vicki.

Glad to here all had a good time. Thanks for the pics.

Looks like you all had fun. Good friends and good weather. What better mix could you ask for.

Lynn will see some of you for the Minnesota GTG. Sorry I have to be at that meeting in Lincoln. At Lake Vermillion. Will be able share information on Atwood service. Now Dometic! I had one quit completely on Saturday. I will share in an Atwood titled post when there is more to share. No power to key pad. 120 is live at the unit. Will call them from the boat tomorrow first thing. Supposed to be hottttttttttttttttttttt

quote:

Here's who I'll be looking for: Steve & LizKevinMogan DavidJim Roller + Barb and I.

Steve you are right on the excellent weekend. Though LOU cannot be trusted with a secret. My arrival was supposed to be a surprise. Rusty knew I was coming and kept the secret.

---

A magical meeting of the Barth MINDS

quote:

Though LOU cannot be trusted with a secret. My arrival was supposed to be a surprise. Rusty knew I was coming and kept the secret.

Ya shoulda told me. I thought I was leaving you out so I went back in with an Edit and got you in there.

Oh well, Steve was able to get his guard up.

Lou

Actually it was a surprise, just a day early! I just happened to notice Lou's edit. Too late to change my mind and bail out with a flimsy excuse so I went anyway… (and here I thought Rusty had my back)

Thanks again Lou for a great weekend.

Looking forward to the Minnesnowta event. Still not too late to join us! Heading to Denver after that.

Have Barth, will travel

quote:

Ya shoulda told me.

Maybe you forgot the phone conversation we had Lou? You instructed me to just show up and you would not tell.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve VW:
Still not too late to join us! Heading to Denver after that.

I haven't been following too closely, Steve, what dates do you plan to be in Denver? I have an event to work on Labour Day weekend at Watkins CO. I have been planning to leave here a bit early. Might be able to join in!

Thanks Steve for posting all those pictures. I hope we can make a GTG soon!

Maybe if there is one just a little more westward...

My 4, 6, 8, and 10 year old boys will probably give it a different...um..."flavor" though. They are maniacs.

It was good. Having other Barths in Good Ol' Allegan was a wish granted. As most of you who attended know by now, we're proud of our town, and we like to show it off when we can. To that extent, if any of you are ever nearby in the future, be sure to let us know so again we can try to spoil you. (Same for all other Barth owners.)

Others have made a good case in this thread for having a GTG you can more reasonably reach. I second that emotion. There is magic when Barth owners get together.

For those of you who couldn't make it, consider the Minnesnowta GTG next month. Many already committed owners do indeed represent some of the finest Barth owners anywhere. (Kenny, if you show up without your guitar, go back and get it, even if you miss the opening ceremonies.)

And there is always next year for more get togethers. (My training as a born Brooklyn Dodger fan helps me to keep that hope in play.)

Bless you all,

Lou (and Barb)