Bensen Day 2006

[Luc De Keyser]

When will it be held? Thank you. Luc

[MikeBoyette]

Yet to be decided. Usually first week in April.

[Brent_Brown]

It should overlap with sun and fun. I would like to go to both but not if days are between them. Just me I guess.

[GyroRon]

Me too Brent. Why not come to Florida after Christmas and do Sunstates New Years eve fly-in. It is there at the fly-in that they vote on the dates for Bensen Days. Maybe we can sway the vote??? ;) Your due for a fly-in anyway since you missed all the others this season. I plan to fly down in my plane and have room in the backseat.... I estimate it at 3 hours or less flight down there.

[Rotornut]

The Dates will be posted after the New Years Fly-In. Doubt that it will overlap Sun/Fun. MJ :)

[Heron]

M.J.
Any action this weekend at La Belle?
WE just created our local Club here on Thanksgiving eve, field trip proposed to have some fun.
thanks
Heron

[Timchick]

The Dates will be posted after the New Years Fly-In. Doubt that it will overlap Sun/Fun. MJ :)

?????

Why wouldn't it overlap with Sun-n-Fun?

[GyroRon]

It never does Tim. It ends just before Sun N Fun officially begins. Sucks for us working types who might want to do both. This year I am torn between taking a week off and driving down with my gyro and camping the whole week, or taking off for Friday only and flying my RV down for the weekend and then going over to Sun n Fun with Mike Bantum and Scott Lewis. I have never been to SunnFun. I am leaning heavily on the later......

[Brent_Brown]

It has in the past I did BDs and stop at sun and fun on the way home. Last year the Bds ended and S&F was days off.

[MikeBoyette]

It is only off because the EAA changed the start of SNF to Wednesday instead of having it start on Sunday the last day BD's ends. Sun N Fun went Sunday to Saturday for over 20 years I don't understand why the change.

[Timchick]

I didn't realize they changed SNF to start on Wed. In years past I remember it like Mike said, starting the Sunday at Bensen Day's end.

[Rotornut]

Yes Sun/Fun did the Change. Messed up alot of Vendors who now have to wait the 3 days for Sun/Fun to start. MJ :)

[Brent_Brown]

This year Sun and Fun will be 4-10 April. Tues-Mon.
SO now what do you think?

[MikeBoyette]

Then come to BD's and hang out an extra day then go to SNF. Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather.

[Timchick]

We can all go over to Mike's house on Monday when there's nothing else to do.

[RICK MARTIN]

Party at Mike's?....... I'm starting to get all excited!

[Rotornut]

Looks like BD Days will be March 29 ending on April 1, 2006.

We will see what Sunstate Members want to do at New Years.

MJ :)

The City Of Wauchula has agreed to let us hold BD Days
March 29, 2006 thru April 1, 2006.
Now it set in stone.

[GyroRon]

Unless I am mistaken, Sun-n-fun starts on the 4th, but like Bensen Days and ROC and even Mentone, people will start showing up for Sun-n-Fun before Bensen Days is even over.

Party at Mikes place! I'm in.

[MikeBoyette]

I have plenty of room at my house for people, but not enough parking. I was suggesting to stay and enjoy something like Disney or Bush Gardens. Also there is fantasy of flight which is just down I-4 from SNF.

[GyroRon]

What about the worlds largest McDonalds - off I-4 in Orlando - Mike can we meet you there for the Party? ;)

[Chuck Roberg]

Looks like BD Days will be March 29 ending on April 1, 2006.

Oh darn, looks like I'm going to have to miss it this year. :(

[Rotornut]

Sorry Chuck, But not set in Stone yet. We will talk after New Years.
MJ :)

[StanFoster]

Mary Jane: As soon as it is set in stone...I am booking some airline tickets.

Stan

[Rotornut]

Stan that is Great to Hear. Make time to chit chat with Mrs Anne Cook and Myself at the Regestration desk. It is going to be A Great Fly-In. MJ :)

Hey Craig Wall Can You Make IT to BD Days?????

[GyroRon]

I assume these dates ARE set in stone MJ????

[rgraffeo]

Ron,
I hope they haven't changed the dates.
I plan to host our chapter meet on the 25th, that we Gaspard & I can make it to Bensen days before the 29th.

[GyroRon]

I went online and got Sun-n-Funs dates and they pretty much set Bensen Days dates. So these dates listed in this thread should be the ones. Hope to see everyone there!

[StanFoster]

MJ personally told me the those dates were set in stone . I was getting ready to book my non cancellable airline tickets and asked her directly.

I have my tickets and I will be there later in the day on March 29th.:)

Stan

[Rando]

*****************
Looks like BD Days will be March 29 ending on April 1, 2006.

We will see what Sunstate Members want to do at New Years.

MJ :)

The City Of Wauchula has agreed to let us hold BD Days
March 29, 2006 thru April 1, 2006.
Now it set in stone.

[Rotornut]

BENSEN DAYS 2006 Dates are March 28, 2006 Early Bird Day.

Wed March 29,2006 Opening Day and Pot Luck Dinner Under the Tent(hoping for no Storm) so all bring a Dish to help out.

Thursday March 30,2006 those who want to go to Solomons Castle for Dinner are more than welcome to join us.

Friday March 31 Banquet and Awards Dinner if all works out it will be held at the Airport, but we have lots to do to make that happen. Especially because I will be at the Regestration desk from 8am to 5pm, so I will not be much help.

Saturday April 1,2006 we ALL Get to play a April Fool trick on Ron Awad!

Sunday April 2,2006 closing day, roll up power, unhook showers, clean up airport.

Sun/Fun has announced opening day for the public April 4 to the 10, 2006

Pattie from Quilters Inn will be doing our Cooking for Breakfast/Lunch/Supper.
We had a Wonderful Banquet Dinner there at her Bed and Breakfast for New Years.

Alane from Solomons Castle will be at BD Days to sell us Ice Cream YES!

Hoping to have a Big Turn Out. All you folks with Music Instruments Bring them with you, as we could use some Cheer.

We hope to have our webpage up and running with directions to Wauchula and places to stay. Stay Tuned for that to Be Posted.

Special Thanks To Mike Gasspard :)

The Weather is SO GOOD HERE IN FLORIDA!!! FLY FLY FLY. But of course in Wauchula there is Always a Cross Wind!!!

MJ :)

[automan1223]

Any way to change the dinner date for solomons castle to that friday. ?? Wife will be getting in late thursday, and wont make it.

Why not friday, and then the banquet on sat eve. Makes better sense. Esp for those who can just about make it for the weekend ....

Jonathan

[GyroRon]

Automan, Sorry charlie but Solomans is always on Thursday. Can't the wife come Wednesday?

[Cobra]

Last year I was able to attend both BD and SnF- I made a little side trip to tour the Kennedy Space Center between the two. A great trip- enjoyed it all! KSC is definately worth the time.

[Harry_S.]

Just got word from my EAA Chapter that SnF is no longer an EAA sponsored function. Anyone else hear of this or am I late in getting the word?!


Cheers :)

[automan1223]

oh well. Katherine has to work and can only get off friday and has to fly down to tampa on thursday late. I have to go pick her up too. Maybe next year. Problems of being employed.

Jonathan

[automan1223]

EAA broke off their endorsment of the event years ago because of a power struggle and the fact that a ridiculious amount of dead pilots were ending up in the morgue there. they lose a few every year it seems. Just ask the Aero news net crew they have been banned from covering SNF because they broke the story about the event being a safety nightmare and some 30 dead......

Jonathan



Just got word from my EAA Chapter that SnF is no longer an EAA sponsored function. Anyone else hear of this or am I late in getting the word?!


Cheers :)

[StanFoster]

Mary Jane: Thanks for posting the itineray. I will take the Solomans castle dinner for sure.

By the way....when I get in line at the banquet...and to my horror find I was supposed to have a ticket...will you again kindly run in the back room and get me one....:D

Alos...dont forget my promise to you and Catfish....


Stan

[route66]

Booked my tickets today! Only $213.00 RT from Phoenix to Tampa. Solomans does know about it this year, don't they?

[Rotornut]

Brandon I assure you that they will be waiting for us at Solomons Castle They Love Us GyroNuts. All will choose from their Menu.

Not to worry Stan we sell the Banquet tickets all Week, so buy one when you choose.

See you in March 2006 (the Lord willing)

[MICHAEL SOLANO]

MJ

My Dad and I are planning to be at BD this year. So save us a place.

Dad has not been doing to well for the last year. So I have been staying close to home.

He is doing a lot better the last 2 months.

Hope to see all of you there.:)

[scottessex]

So the dates are March 29 to April 1?!, I will be making the arrangements!

[Zack]

It is only off because the EAA changed the start of SNF to Wednesday instead of having it start on Sunday the last day BD's ends. Sun N Fun went Sunday to Saturday for over 20 years I don't understand why the change.

SNF has its own board and own agenda and has for the past few years. They set the dates, not EAA.


EDIT - Whoops - should had read all the posts. Some others have already said as much. Despite past accidents and such, SNF is a fun time if you decide to go. It's very well worth the visit. Stay late though, as there is good music and big parties every night. And don't miss the corn roast!

[Rotornut]

Michael, I Look So Forward to seeing you and Dad Again. This I mean with much Thought and Passion. You would always have a Spot at BD Days.

Wish Dofin and Marrisa would Join US!

BD Days are set in Stone so Please lets not debate this now.
Lets Make Arranagments to ATTEND!

DATES MARCH 28.2006 Early Bird Day (catfish will be there from 3/25/2006 till 4/2/2006.

Opening Day Wed March 29,2006 Pot Luck Dinner nite.

Thursday March 30,2006 Solomons Castle (which Jamie we are told by Dean, Alane to say HELLO)

Friday March 30, 2006 Banquet/Awards nite at the Airport if all works out.

Saturday is FLY FLY FLY!!! A chance to Talk to New Friends and Family.

Sunday April 2,2006 we all ROLL Out and Pack up.

Till 2007.

I miss so Many and Think of them more during Fly-Ins, so this is hard to Pull off.
Charlie(who I miss So Much), Ken Brock, Don Farrington, Leroy, Floyd(my true friend), Ken R, so Many. But this gives us a time to Reflect a Time to Remember and SHARE those Thoughts and Ideas that we heard from them. But Most of all A TIME for Family to Come Together.

I myself wish Rick did not love this Sport, but He does and as his wife for 25 yrs I support his wishes and hobbies. Guess you could say I am along for the ride.

But I did not Intend to CARE for as Many of you as I DO. I want all of you to Always Think. You as the Pilot are in control and always pre-flight. Such a short span of time to make the right decision if something did go wrong.

BD Days 2006 TO THOSE WE LOVE AND LOST.

Chuck Beatty what can I say I care about you as much as I do Charlie.
No reply please just know that.

MJ

[GyroRon]

I am planning on being there from late Wednesday the 29th through Sunday the 2nd, then packing up camp and going to Choppertown at Sun-n-Fun with my gyro and will be there from Sunday the 2nd till the following Wednesday. Hope to see some Bensen Days people in ChopperTown!!!

[Steve McGowan]

I'll be there a week or so early...

me&BOO

[Rotornut]

WOW That is good News Steve.

Will you be able to train students and keep busy?
If not we could put you to work on lots of Prep work.

Sunstate Members will be there March 18 rolling out power and showers do set up stuff.

So glad your back in the good ole USA. Take Care, MJ :) tell Boo HI and see him soon.

Rick will be there to stay on Saturday March 25, 2006 to Stay till April 2, 2006.

[SPBest]

I hope to be able to drive up for just one full day. My wife and I are expecting our first child on the 25th of March. She's praying the baby comes early because she just can't wait, I'm praying she comes early so I can feel ok leaving them home for a day to make it up to BD (I'm pretty excited too... for the baby that is).

Anyway, I wanted to ask if I were only able to make it for one day what day would be the best one to show up for?

Thanks,

Steve

[GyroRon]

Friday or Saturday

[Rotornut]

Steve, Congratulations on the baby, hope all goes well.

As Ron said Friday and Saturday are the most busiest and most Flying is going on. Hope you make it over for a day, you will see lots of different gyros. MJ :)

[TomCarlisle]

I'm not going to be able to make it this year. This will be the first year I've missed since 98. I will be thinking of all of you while its going on. A few of us have decided to go to Sturgis, SD this year and turn their airshow into a gyro fly-in. It will be better than the motorcycles I'll bet!

[Rotornut]

Sorry to hear you wont be there Tom :( But glad your going off to show off.
Not sure it will be the same without you around the campfire. You will be missed and we hope you have a Great Time. MJ :)

[SPBest]

Thanks MJ and Ron. I hope to see you there Friday or Saturday.

Steve

[Udi]

Got tickets! Will be at BD Friday and Saturday. Looking forward to finally meeting many of you guys and gals.:)

So, what are my options for accomodations?

Udi

[GyroRon]

Tent.....and Sleeping bag ! Be sure to look me up, want to meet you too.

[route66]

Udi,
Last year I stayed at the Best Western, (863)-773-2378 or toll free 1-800-780-7234 and it was nice, clean and expensive. I think it is $109 or so per night. This year I am thinking of sending a tent, air mattress, sleeping bag and a folding chair Fedex or as my carry-on bags. As much as I used the room last year, maybe 7 hours a day it just didn’t seem worthwhile, but I always have the option of trying the tent and if it does not work out the way I planned, pull out the Visa to have a nice hot shower and room service at the Best Western. MJ has posted a couple other places to stay, but there are not too many options. Glad you can make it this year!

[StanFoster]

Brandon: I am staying in the Best Western...splitting a room with Bill Finnegan. It will only be $45 each...not bad . For me.....nothing like having a nice warm shower and relax after a big day at the airport.

Also....I dont get to Florida often and I just like to take in the scenery . Last year I went down and ate breakfast with a bunch of farmers. They were talking orange prices instead of corn and soybean prices that I am used to hearing in Illinois.

I am going to take in the bonfire on Saturday night. I had an early morning flight last year on Sunday...so I checked in early. This year I am not flying back till mid afternoon.

Stan

[route66]

Stan, best rate they gave me even throwing in the Senior hold card, AAA and good citizen discount was $98.10 + tax. You might be right about the comforts and it will probably be my final choice. Glad to hear Bill Finnegan will be there. We spent a lot of time talking and taking pictures last year and will enjoy seeing him and everybody else again.

[StanFoster]

Brandon: I dont know...I just reserved a room with two double beds a month ago by phone...and it was 89.95 . I had no discounts. Maybe they just upped their rates?


BTW....Vance and I shared a room last year and I didnt think he was going this year when Bill and I decided to share a room. I know he is going to be looking for a room to share. He is very interesting to talk to. That guy is a genious.


Anyway....its a nice place to relax...


Stan

[Chuck Roberg]

Stan, I won't be able to make Bensen Days this year. Be sure to take lots of pictures. I'll miss you guys. :(

[Dean_Dolph]

If anyone has plans on staying at the Best Western then they better call NOW! And then don't be surprised if they are booked up. I called yesterday asking for four night availability and they didn't have any. If you only need a night or two then they might have something left. I hope this means there will be a large turn out.

I've made other arrangements and for those that haven't been to Bensen Days before there are places in Arcadia (about 20 miles South) and in Avon (about the same distance East).

[gyromike]

I meant to have this ready sooner, but here is some information for Bensen Days. Some of this has already been posted here.

Bensen Days 2006 (http://www.pra26.com/content.php?content.9)

I have links in the article for a Google search on hotel rooms in the Wauchula area, and also a link to a Rand Mcnally map that you can get directions from.

The only thing I need is the camping rates, and as soon as I get them I'll add them to the page.

[bartc150]

The Holiday Inn Express in Arcadia is very nice. It's on hwy 70 surrounded by a Chili's, Subway, Wendy's, Sonic, Wal-Mart, China Wok, etc. Any of the motels on HWY 17 in Arcadia are real nasty and not recommended. About 30 min drive to Wauchula.

Holiday Inn Express phone Number: (863) 494-5900

[Rotornut]

Thanks Bart. Get that info to Mike or Rick or Greg and they can put it on the web page. Thanks for the info. MJ :)

[SPBest]

Will anyone be offering introductory flights at Bensen Days? If so what is the approximate cost/time? And finally, is Saturday too busy to be offering such flights?

Thanks,

Steve

[Phil_Ruffin]

I'm sure we will be able to get an intro flight on Sat. Cost varies, 35 to 40 buck range I would think for around 15 to 20 mins.

MJ, how's the arm? Slow typing with one hand Huh?
Did you get my PM I sent the other day?

[Timchick]

Steve,
There should be several instructors giving introductory rides. Get there early and get on the list.

[Udi]

Does anyone have any experience with any of the local Wauchula hotels? Are they filled with cockroaches and flees?

Anyone want to share a "normal" (i.e. Holliday Inn, Quality Inn) hotel room March 30 thru Apr. 2 (3 nights Thur.-Sun)?

Udi

[StanFoster]

Udi: I stayed at the Best Western last year....it was brand new then and very clean. I have another room there this year.


Stan

[Friendly]

Stan, what are the rates

[Dean_Dolph]

Like I posted earlier, the Best Western may not have any rooms. Call Now! Otherwise you will be driving 20 - 25 miles from Avon, Sebring or Arcadia. This is what I've done every year but was hoping to get a room at the Best Western. Didn't happen!

[Udi]

Thanks for the advice, Dean. It doesn't cost anything to make a reservation, so I made one at the Best Western. The cost is $109/night.

Udi

[GyroRon]

The cost is $109/night.

Udi

That is crazy.... for the price of 2 nights at that place you could buy a really nice tent, sleeping bag, airmattress, extension cord and coffee maker and electric heater for tent, towels for drying off after a shower.... etc... etc....etc..... You could just give away the camping gear if you didn't want to try to bring it all home with you on the return flight.

Sunstate Rotorclub - along with Chapter 13 at ROC, and the PRA at Mentone - depends on camping fees and vendors fees at these fly-ins to fund the chapter for the following year. These fly-ins are the bread and butter so to speak. For every person who does not camp out on the field, that is one less fee the club would have gotten to help support itself. The clubs go to alot of trouble to make camping out on the field a good experience. They have nice shower areas, porta pottys - even though I prefer to use the bathroom in the FBO, which anyone can do if they want to walk over there - They mow the grass for us, they string out power for us to plug into, they bring in food vendors so we can have breakfast lunch and dinner on the field without ever having to go into town, and so much more.

You Motel and Hotel people are missing out on the real experience and essence of what Bensen Days is all about. It is early morning wakeups from Dave Prater flying his KB-2 overhead a dawn.... It is the bonding and friendships made that get made when your camping out with a bunch of strangers.... the late night tall tales and music around the campfire..... It really is fun, and the camping part of Bensen Days is nearly equal in value and fun as the gyros and flying part of it.

I say unless your coming with your wifes, you girly men need to go to Walmart and buy a tent and supplys and camp out in Tent City with the rest of us!

[Friendly]

Ron,
I must have a hot shower or else you would be wanting bury me for something dead. I have committed to share a room, but I would like to hear the campfire gyro stories. I will sit down tonight and figure out which days I can spend where and try to put together a list of what I need.
Maybe that would be a good thread. Out of town flyin camping suggestions. I hate to drive 14 hours and forget something important.

[GyroRon]

Mark there is Showers there. The water is so hot you will burn yourself if your not careful to turn on the cold water on too.

Here is another idea for those who want a airconditioner and and table to sit down at etc...

I Google searched for camper rental places in the area and found several that rent camper trailers at reasonable rates. I found a few places that will rent a new Pop Up tent camper - these are nice these days, with two big beds and a table with chairs, stove, A/C, Heat, etc.... - and they will bring it to Wauchula and even have it set up for you for a whole week for the price of 4 nights in one of the hotels in town. Split that with someone and you get a nice place to stay, you support the people who put on the fly-in, and you don't miss out on any of the action.

[MikeBoyette]

Hey Ron what place is that that rents pop ups? I would be interested in splitting a pop up with someone.

[GyroRon]

Google search for RV rentals Florida and start calling places. I was going to use a place in Lakeland who was going to charge about 400$ for everything including set up before and pick up later.

A small pop up camper doesn't cost much to buy either. New ones are only around 4 grand. Could buy one new, and let a RV dealer consign / sell afterwards for you and you wouldn't lose any more than renting one would cost.

[Heron]

Suggestion if I may?
To rent a 53 foot trailer it will cost around 400 a month, rent an A/C unit and lay down sleeping bags, Catfish may know someone that can provide it.
NO food fight inside please and watch what you eat, it will become hazardous! :D
Ah! bring some ear plugs . . . decoration is an open project!
thanks
Heron

[route66]

I looked for a motorhome and found this if anyone is interested.
http://www.florida-rv.net/RV-Rates.aspx They seemed like nice people, but I just can't justify the $170.00 per night when I can outfit a camp for 1 nights rental.

[Udi]

I actually like camping but I get in from Denver late and I don't want to start messing with camp gear after midnight (had enough of that in the military). Maybe I'll just sleep in a motel somewhere first night and then put up a tent for the next 2.

Udi

[Rotornut]

Ron, Thanks for the Posts. Just for all to know you have the same camping optios at ROC in Oct so get your list filled. Davie is going over to the Hotel to see about a discount rate for those attending BD Days. But being the only Game in Town I dont see that happening.

Well not good typing lefty so gotta go. MJ :)

[GyroRon]

I looked for a motorhome and found this if anyone is interested.
http://www.florida-rv.net/RV-Rates.aspx They seemed like nice people, but I just can't justify the $170.00 per night when I can outfit a camp for 1 nights rental.


Yeah the rates for motorhomes are through the roof. That is why I was looking at camper trailers... Much cheaper!

[scottessex]

I'm a cheap SOB, I'll probably just sleep in the back of the truck!

[Timchick]

For people who are flying in, Talk to Rick Martin, send him some money and have him buy a tent and sleeping bag at Walmart down there If he doesn't mind). Then have someone mail it to you after the fly-in.

[RICK MARTIN]

I will be happy to help.

[RICK MARTIN]

Or,

Like I said before, perhaps a large rental tent for a shared discount rate.

It would just take some communication & coordination.

[RotoTony]

I have an extra 7X7 tent and spare sleeping bad I could bring if someone wants to use it.

[RICK MARTIN]

Way to go Tony!

[Heron]

There is a camper here, motorhome style, I will see about it , my friend is a pilot and maybe he will show up for one day.
Heron

[RICK MARTIN]

As it turns out, I have a 7x7 tent someone can use also.

[Timchick]

There you go guys. There's a couple cheap accomodations right there. I was even wondering if Sunstate chapter would be interested in getting a few tents and renting them out with a tent site for a little more than they're charging for the tent sites. Might be something they can look into for future fly-ins.

[Rotornut]

I will try to remember to tote ours up there for use also, But you have to set it up and break it down, as I will have my hands full. It can sleep four our five.

MJ :)

[Timchick]

... But you have to set it up and break it down, as I will have my hands full. It can sleep four our five.

MJ :)


MJ, Since you're down to one hand you'll be extra busy just trying to do your normal stuff. I'm sure if someone needs to use it we can get it set up. Hope your arm is doing OK.

[Rotornut]

Thanks Tim. I am doing OK hate the pain and not being able to use my left hand as good as I do my right. But who knows when its over I might be able to use my left just as good as my right. See ya soon BD DAYS. MJ :)

[Friendly]

Ron
in post 72 pictures:
did you guys use the car covers for shade or to house your gyros ? Where are the gyros kept, what is the temp there? Are you facing the runway?

[GyroRon]

Yes some of us have bought 10x20 portable carports and used them as shelters for our gyros and or to put our tents and chairs under.

Gyros are kept where ever you park them.

Temps can be as high as upper 80's to low 90's to as low as upper 40's at night. Wide temp range, lots of morning fog....

My tent faced the runway, Hopefully Mary Jane will save my spot for me this year again.

[gyromike]

Hopefully Mary Jane will save my spot for me this year again.

Ya think so?

Heeheehee:D

[Rotornut]

Waiting to hear from Shannon, as to what spot your in with her , to see what spot you will be in with me. lol Ron Mike G will make sure that Tent World Goes Up. You guys had a Great set up. See You soon. MJ :)

[GyroRon]

It will be a long ride down in the truck - no back seat, so two adults and a kid in a kiddy seat all on the front bench - But WERE COMING!!! Shannon is looking forwards to it, and I am sure if you show her what to do she will be happy to help out some at the registration tent.

We should be there late Wednesday afternoon or in the evening sometime. PLEASE save us our spot on the end of row two.....

[Rotornut]

Ron, Mike is taking control of Tent City, I am sure he will work with you, so bring the parts for trade deals!! lol See You all not SOON Enouth!


Thanks Again Mike for Sunstates Great Web-Page :) :)

[Friendly]

Ron ,
I could set up a tent for you and give you a brother in Law deal! I will probably be there Monday, Tuesday at the latest:D :D

[Rotornut]

Hi All, Calling ALL Sunstate Members and anyone who wants to HELP.

March 18,2006 Work Detail for BD Days and our monthly fly-in.
WAUCHULA, FL

Please the more who show and help, the better BD Days can and Will Be!

I am So Ready!

MJ :)

[RICK MARTIN]

See you on the 18th!

[Rotornut]

Rick your A ROCK. Thank You. MJ :)

[WindRyder06]

Sorry guys not gonna make it this year.....:mad: I have the be in Dallas,TX on the 30th - 2nd. I had a blast last year and really was looking forward to being there. Have a fun and SAFE fly-in. I look forward to the pictures!!

[CLS447]

I am sorry to say that Shar & I won't be able to make the trek to Wauchula this year.

So it will probably be the best one ever, & then I will regret not going.

I am sure happy to see it mentioned in the ad/ articles in the EAA Sport pilot mag, & the ASC mag. I hope we have a great turnout, great weather & a very safe show!

I could really use some warm temps & sunburn right now. We will definitely miss the party. We still have not made it to the castle.....maybe next year?

MJ , we will miss you & catfish for sure! Take care of that arm & don't take any bull**** from anyone.

If we could find some $100 round trip tickets & a tent to stay in ...things might be different, but we just couldn't figure out a way to make it work this year.

Till I buy 2 tickets for the airline, rent a car, & hotel.....I might as well bring the old 77 chevy MH & haul my 447 with again! Still thinking.

[StanFoster]

Chris and Shar: I sure hope something happens to allow you two to come down to Bensen days. It was a pleasure talking with you two and sharing your enthusism for this sport.:)

Stan

[Bob Simmons]

Thanks Chris, what a great picture and a rush to meet all the fine people at the bensen days. i am going to do my best to make it back there this year.

[Doug Riley]

I just scored some tix to Tampa. See you all Thurs. afternoon.

[Friendly]

Doug , I look forward to meeting you in person. I always enjoy your straight forward post.

[RockyMeLad]

Doug,
Mark said it all. See you there.:)

[scottessex]

Do they have electricity on the camping spots?

[gyromike]

Scott,

There are usually three rows of hookups with electricity and water. No sewer.

Last year we set up Tent City at the end of the last row so that we would have power.
It was pretty nice to have power to run a couple of lights, TV (to watch JackAss The Movie, and Rudy's French Kung-Fu movies), small microwave, etc.

I think it's first come, first serve.

[GyroRon]

I already put in dibs on the same spot I was in last year. I will leave a flaming bag of dogpoop in whoevers camper or tent is in my place if it is taken when I get there!!!! :)

[gyromike]

I already put in dibs on the same spot I was in last year. I will leave a flaming bag of dogpoop in whoevers camper or tent is in my place if it is taken when I get there!!!! :)

Then you had better get there before I do!:D

Don't worry. I'll save you a spot out in the middle of the field.:p

[Timchick]

I think I'm going to get there on Monday to make sure I have a good spot.

[GyroRon]

I just remembered, we are leaving the dogs at home, But Kasey is still wearing Diapers, so make that a flaming bag of pee pee and poo poo diapers in whomevers tent/camper,who is so brave as to take my camping space! ;)

[Friendly]

Ron
I don't know one spot from another, I hope I don't get yours, but if I do you will have visitation rights on Sunday. From 9 to 5.

[Friendly]

Anyone West of Louisiana , remember we are having a fly-in on the 25Th in Gonzales. That would be on the way to Bensen Days. We would love to have you there as well. Rudy does an excellent job of cooking. He can make possum taste just like pork.

[Rotornut]

Hi All,

The Feb fly-in was good for us, not so good for
low/slo. 2/12 Sun was there fly-in to go with ours,
but as most members know Saturday is The Fly-In. We
had a good turn out, even the Immokallee crew came
over to spend the day. Sure was Good to have them
there.

March 18,2006 Saturday Fly-In / Work Day WAUCHULA
AIRPORT. Any and all Help will be needed. Set up
Showers clean etc, roll out power, trim low branches
off oak tree etc. Plan out a plan for parking for day
visitors.

March 26,2006 Sunday Richard and hopefully me will
come up to Wauchula to stay till April 2,2006. IT'S
THAT TIME OF THE YEAR FIRST BIG GYRONUT FLY-IN. We are
hoping to have a Safe and Big turn out.


MJ :)
ps/with Charlie watching over we all know to be CAREFUL!

[Rotornut]

EASY RON, you said/I will leave a flaming bag of dogpoop in whoevers camper or tent is in my place if it is taken when I get there!!!!

Mike is right first come first serve, you are in Luck with Mike, as Sunstate gave him his pick, due to all his help with our GREAT WEB PAGE !

See you soon, Shannon MJ :)

[Rotornut]

Lol With Mark! Mj:)

[Rotornut]

Doug, That is Great I want to pick your Brain !
MJ :)

[automan1223]

I know things are well organized at ROC. They have a printable sheet that you reserve your spot.

Its been 7 years since I have been to bensen days so I am looking at Chris's aerial photo and see there are a few areas that look like setups.

If one were to have an RV and wanted water and power is there enough to go around since it looks like in the previous post is a first come first served basis. ??

What are the costs of the hookups ?

Where is this nice web page for bensen days ?

Thanks
Jonathan

[RICK MARTIN]

Jonathan,

There is no problem with a power hook up. And to my surprise, our Sunstate web site also says we have water hook ups. There is a hose on the field and there are bathrooms at the old pilot lounge wth working sinks and toilets. But all the water is well water which has a sulphur odor. We use it for the showers, but not for drinking.

If we get lucky, the new pilot lounge will be finished in time.

There is a convenience store 5 minutes away and the town of Wauchula is 10 minutes from the airport. Fill your water tank before you come and you should be alright. There should be plenty of hook ups.

Here is the Sunstate web page with more info.

http://www.pra26.com/news.php

[gyromike]

Jonathan,

There is no problem with a power hook up. And to my surprise, our Sunstate web site also says we have water hook ups. There is a hose on the field and there are bathrooms at the old pilot lounge wth working sinks and toilets. But all the water is well water which has a sulphur odor. We use it for the showers, but not for drinking.

http://www.pra26.com/news.php

Ooops.
That would be my mistake. I'll remove it.

[Rotornut]

Mike, Thank you. If you need water you would have to unhook and drive to the shower hose to fill up,then re-park and settle in again, but you will see others with motorhomes doing just that.

Rick, Thanks for the link to our GREAT WEB PAGE.

Well Scott Lewis called Richard Monday to say he could not cook the Banquet at the Airport due to Medical reasons. SO we will have to come up with alternate plan. Richard,myself,Davie and Mike Raddford are working on this.

But whatever happens it will work out GREAT.

Picked up the Plaques and they are well done.
PortaPottys are ordered to be delivered, printing is started.
NEWSLTTER is late due to printer having problems. I will pick them up Thursday and hope to have all mailed out by Fri.

Electric hook-up $13.00 @ nite.
without power $8.00 @ nite.
Till I know the cost for the Banquet I cannnot say a price just yet.

I am SO LOOKING FORWARD TO BD DAYS AND FAMILY!

MJ :)

[JRB549]

Me too get to meet so many people from this fourm

[RICK MARTIN]

MJ,

Thanks for all that you both do to make Bensen Days happen.

Don't forget that I'm good for some time at the registration table.