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Archived Newsletter |
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June 2006
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GPS TRAINING RUN Since a number of members have GPS's and not too many actually know how to use them, it was decided to have a run where they would be able to navigate the run following their GPS. The plan was good, it's just that a couple followed the GPS just a little TOO closely to begin with. It all started the prior Thursday when I gave a class on the basic use of the GPS. It was a bit of a challenge since every GPS was a different model and operated a little differently. It turned out that everyone got familiar enough with the unit to want to try it out in real life and were looking forward to the run. Everyone arrived at the Slash-X prior to 9:00 o'clock and ready for an adventure. Just to get them off on the right foot, I missed the first waypoint and got everyone messed up. Once we got everyone's GPS's set for the next point we were ready to go. Guest Jim and Barbara Hine were the first off. We had 4 people that were going to attempt to navigate on their own and two who were unable to load the route due to having Magellan GPS's (soon to be replaced by Garmin's), would just follow me and play with their units (GPS's). Before we left the Slash-X I told everyone that we would be only going on VERY easy roads but to a couple of people didn't believe me and tried to navigate "as the crow flies". One person was seen going around in circles within 100 yards of the start until I pointed him in the right direction. He was also seen going off the main road and going up and down a couple of hills he wasn't supposed to, but they were fun hills.) After hitting a couple of turns everyone settled down and things went much more smoothly. We all stopped for a break at what used to be a "Blue Dinosaur." Actually it was once a trailer that someone had taken plaster and chicken wire and made into a blue dinosaur. A few months ago someone tore the head off and ruined it. From there everyone was getting pretty familiar with the GPS and there were no more problems, it was just find your way back to the Slash-X and an adult beverage. On the way back to the Slash-X, I passed Jon & Dale with a quad motorcycle dangling from their tow strap. They were nice enough to give him a tow back to the rental place he had rented it from. I guess he'd run out of gas. Over a couple of pitchers at the Slash-X, we discussed the run and the various differences between the GPS units, and what we had learned from the run. Everyone enjoyed it and felt much more comfortable with using the GPS. I asked if anyone would be interested in another class, one covering the mapping and trip planning using the PC I got a rousing "YEAH!," so I guess I'll be doing one. Along for the fun were: Jon and Dale Rice, Bob Day and Sally Kinsey, Paul "Marco Polo" and Debbie Coursey, Tom Pastore, Rick Schaffer, my wife Pat, and Molly the Dirt Dawg my navigator in training. Guests Jim and Barbara Hine.
MEETINGS AT THE PARK June marks the start of our annual June through August BBQ and meeting at Simon Bolivar park in Lakewood. We usually gather around 6:30 for the BBQ and potluck, and a short meeting around 7:30. Guests are always welcome.
NEW MEMBERS We would like to welcome our newest members, Jim and Margaret Hein. Good to have you aboard!
2007 JEEP
For 2007 Jeep is coming out with a four door Unlimited, which will have a wheelbase 20" longer than the TJ. Also, the new Wrangler is supposed to be a bit longer and wider. What are they thinking?
Bob & Sally are planning on driving to Sedona Friday November 10, and stay there through Monday night November 13 and come home on November 14. Some are planning on staying in the Rancho Sedona RV Park $29-55 135 Bear Wallow Lane Reservations in the RV Park should be made promptly as this is a very popular place. We believe we have 3 reservations there so far. None of the sites are adjacent, but all are in the same circle and there were several more open. Ask for Fits group or Robert Day reservations. Possible hotels are as follows: The AAA guide has many pages of listing, including regular motels, B&B's, and cabins on Oak Creek. I tried to select modest cost places with good * ratings close to the RV Park. All give discounts to AAA members. I would leave it up to you to make reservations for the dates of your choice. The best bargain seems to be Sky Ranch Lodge. Several families have already made reservations at the Sky Ranch Lodge. Motel Sky Ranch Lodge 2* AAA save Motel Best Western Inn of Sedona 3* AAA save Motel Hampton Inn 3* AAA save B&B Apple Orchard Inn 4* AAA save Briar Patch Inn 3* AAA save For more info, contact Bob & Sally (310) 544-2130 kinseyday22@cox.net Also please let us know if you are planning on coming.
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