Region C Rally 2008

Camp Catron Already Ready Already

Swimming pool on the left and basketball courts on the right.  Camping at the end of the road.

Well last Saturday I had the pleasure of taking a trip down to Camp Catron in Nebraska City to verify that all the little girl scouts got all that white stuff cleaned up and  put the leaves back on all the trees.  To my amazement they have.  The camp is just about ready for our arrival (we found someone cleaning up the pool). 

Located across from the swimming pool is a really nice basketball court with several hoops.  One of the hoops was even adjustable so even Rick can dunk one or two.  I know everyone has been asking about that.  Directly behind the basketball courts is a volleyball court.  Bring your best volleyball shoes. 

Camping for guests will be situated amongst several canvas tents that are already set up.  That means if you always wanted to try out camping, but never wanted to buy a tent, you now have a chance to do that.  Each tent is on a platform and inside each tent is four cots.  There is plenty of room around these tents to set up your own tent.  We even found a small grouping of little carts that you might use to haul your stuff to your tent (in case you didn't want to drive on the grass). 

Camping area at Camp Catron

Camp Catron is on the North end of town so if you're coming in from the South or along HWY 2 to the East, be sure and take the loop all the way around town and head North on HWY 75 if you want to avoid all the city traffic.  Then be sure to not miss old HWY 75 (AKA Business 75) which will bring you back East towards town.  There will be a Camp Catron sign to turn you North towards the camp.  Once you turn off you have about 3/4 mile of a dusty road and then you can't miss it. Of course if you're coming in on HWY 75 from the North be sure and take the Business 75 exit and follow the same directions.  Click HERE for an arial photo of Camp Catron. 

According to the weather report we are to expect warm weather and sunny weather all weekend long (except for Thursday night and Friday morning).  In case anyone isn't from around these parts the weather report doesn't always mean anything.  That's because mother nature doesn't watch the weather and therefore it might not rain at all. 

Happy travelling!





  

Final Schedule for Region C Rally

Region C Rally
June 5, 6, 7 and 8^th

 (Updated May 27, 2008)

 

Thursday, June 5

7:15am--Region C Staff Meeting-Program Center/Catron

7:50am--Flag Raising Ceremony in front of Kimmel Lodge/Catron

8:00am--Family of the Year interviews Activity Center/Catron

8:00am-9:30 Registration in Camp Catron Lodge foyer

9:30am-- Kickoff ceremony in Kimmel Lodge/Catron Camp

10:30am to 11:00am-- Bike Blessing Main Parking Lot Catron

11:00am-- Guided rides Leaving Main Parking lot Catron

                                Rides to be announced/planned by Rick Hinrichs and Nebraska

3pm-4pm --Seminar “Introduction to the GWTA Rider Education Program” at Program Center/Catron

3 pm-5pm--Camp cook off and recipe exchange at fire ring below Kimmel Lodge

4:00--Dirty Bingo at Kimmel Lodge/Catron

6:00pm-- Hot dog roast on deck and below Kimmel Lodge

7:00pm-- Ice Cream Social following hot dog roast

7:50am--Closing Flag Ceremony

8:00pm—Camp Catron Pool Party-(games Limbo, water fight, etc)

10:00pm—Bonfire at Catron

 

Saturday, June 7

 

7:00am--Until food is gone- Continental Breakfast/Coffee and doughnuts in Kimmel Lodge/Catron

7:50am--Opening Flag Ceremony

8:00am to 10:30am –Registration Kimmel Lodge/Catron

9:00am-10:00am-National Education and Retention Directors Seminar at Program Center/Catron

8:00-10:30--Guided Rides to Rods Outdoor Power Open House (Lincoln) leaving parking lot of Catron

1pm to 2:30pm --Seminar “Connecting Electronics to your Goldwing” at Program Center/Catron

3:00pm-5:30pm-- Live Auction at Kimmel Lodge/Catron

5:40pm –Staff meeting in Program Center

6:00pm-- Diner at Kimmel Lodge /Catron

7:00pm-- Awards and Recognition

   Immediately following Awards will be Closing Flag ceremony

8:30pm-- Line up for Light Parade and Show and Shine

9:30pm-- Light Parade Ending back a the DQ parking lot

10:00pm—Ice cream at DQ

10:15pm—Bonfire at Catron

 

Sunday, June 8

 

7:30am--Opening Flag ceremony

7:45am--Church music playing prior to church at outdoor amphitheater of Camp Catron (rainout, church will be held in the lodge)

8:00am-- Church Services by Nebraska State Chaplain Gary Smith

Last Minute Region C Info

Region C Rally 2008

Nebraska City and Catron Camp

 Camping at Catron Camp:  Check in does not start until 7:00 pm on Thursday night for outside camping and dorm rooms are available Friday morning.  There will be generators to provide electricity for campers.  There is no smoking on the grounds of Catron Camp.  For anyone wanting to put Catron’s address in their GPS it is 609 N 60 Road, Nebraska City. 

 
Private Suite:  May 30 is the last day for bidding for this private room for Friday and Saturday nights.  Turn down service; breakfast in bed, chocolate covered strawberries and wine, private bathroom are all a part of this package.  Bids can be placed by sending an e-mail to highbidder@gwta-c.com by midnight May 30^th.  Hosted by South Dakota/State Directors Tom and Sharon Hilgemeier. 

Kick-off Ceremony:  Opening ceremony will be at 9:30 in Kimmel Lodge at Camp Catron.  General info for the weekend will be presented.  Introduction of Region C staff.  Preregistration 50/50 will be drawn.  Announcement of the 2008-2009 Family of the Year.  The unveiling of Region C 2009. 

 

Bike Blessing:  A bike blessing will be conducted in the parking lot of Catron from 10:30 to 11:00 by Gary and Betty Smith. 

 

Guided Rides/Friday:  Rick Hinrichs and his State Staff have been planning some wonderful rides that include Nebraska City and the famous winding Loess Hills. 

 

Seminars:  Burt Wagner, Region C Safety Director will be conducting two seminars.  One is an “Introduction to the GWTA Rider Education Program” on Friday afternoon from 3-4.  The second seminar is “Connecting Electronics to your Goldwing”.  Both seminars will be held at the Program Center/Catron.

 

Dirty Bingo:  There will be two games of dirty Bingo at 4:00 on Friday in Kimmel Lodge.  Each gift should be about a $5 value and wrapped.  Please bring one prize for each game that you wish to play. Hosted by Illinois.

 

Camp Cook-Off/Friday:  3:00 pm until hot dog roast at 5:00 at fire pit below lodge. If you have slow cookers that need to be plugged in earlier the kitchen of the lodge is open.  Bring your Dutch oven, crock pot, box oven or whatever you cook in, your supplies and copies of your favorite camp recipes to share with friends.  Food will be served in conjunction with the hot dog roast.  People’s Choice Award will be presented to the winning entries. Contact Donna McCullough at DMccull63@aol.com or visit with her at the Rally.

Hot Dog Roast/Friday:  6:00 on the deck of Kimmel Lodge at Camp Catron.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoyed hot dogs and cook-off dishes.  Hosted by Iowa/State Directors Rick and Patti Harvey. 

 

Ice Cream Social:  Following the Hot Dog Roast.  Cost of the ice cream is one personal care item or $2 per bowl for Project Response.  Diapers, wet wipes, shampoo, deodorant, razors, etc..

 

 

 

Luau Pool Party/Friday:  8:00 Friday night get ready to Luau with music, dancing, limbo and excitement.  Hosted by Wisconsin/State Directors Jeryl and Sherri Vonderheid.

 

Continental Breakfast/Saturday:  Doughnuts and coffee will be served in Kimmel Lodge from 7:00 until the doughnuts are gone.  Doughnuts are from The Doughnut Shop in Shenandoah, IA.   Continental breakfasted hosted by Nebraska

 

Rod’s Power Sports Open House/Saturday:  Guided rides will be leaving starting at 8:00 and staggered every 15 minutes to ½ an hour as needed.  Signup sheets available at registration.  Service bays are held open from 9-1 for GWTA members.  Call Rod’s for more information 402-423-6230.  Please be sure to take advantage of this opportunity.  Make sure you leave in plenty of time to make it back for the auction which starts at 3:00

 

 Auction/Saturday:  Held in Kimmel Lodge from 3:00-5:30.  Each chapter is asked to bring 2-3 items for the auction.  A percentage will go to Helping Hands, a local charity-Project Response is a crisis center that provides support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other related issue and the remainder will be used to help support Region C.  Bring plenty of money to not only help support Region C, the best Region in GWTA, but also hopefully you will bring home some new treasures.

 

Dinner and Awards Ceremony/Saturday:  Dinner is catered by Valentino’s Pizza and will be held in Kimmel Lodge.  Due to seating limitations around tables feel free to bring your lawn chairs and eat on the deck of in the yard.  Tables will be taken down for awards and closing.

 

Show and Shine/Saturday:  Show off our beautiful bikes to the city of Nebraska City.  Congregate in the parking lot of the Dairy Queen at 8:30 after dinner.

 

Light Parade:  The light parade will leave at approximately 9:30 and tour through the city.  Proudly show off our GWTA and bike colors.  Coordinator Dave Telford, Region C Board Representative. 

Dairy Queen:  Dairy Queen will be staying open late for us to enjoy ice cream after the light parade.  A portion of their proceeds will be donated to Project Response. 

 

Bonfires: There will be a bonfire each night.  Feel free to bring your lawn chairs, favorite beverages and camaraderie and join in the fun.  Look for the blazing to fire to know which fire pit will be used each night.

Church Service: Sunday at 7:45 am at the amphitheater there will be church music playing for meditation and quiet prayer time.  Church service by Nebraska State Chaplains, Gary and Betty Smith will begin at 8:00 am.  In the event of inclement weather the service will be held in Kimmel Lodge.

 

Thank you to Nebraska/State Directors Rick and Kandie Hinrichs who have been hard at work to host this year’s Region C Rally.

 

Thank you to all of you who have registered for Region C Rally.  We look forward to the hugs, kisses and camaraderie of all of those that make up the family of GWTA.  Ride safe on your way to Nebraska City.  Randy and I will see you all on Thursday, Friday or Saturday of June 6, 7 and 8^th.

 

 

Randy Nelson and Jen Lipe

GWTA Region C Directors

402-290-1376 Randy cell phone

402-290-8690 Jen cell phone

Region C Rally Auction Information

Region C Rally Auction

 
                The past few weeks have found us furiously sending out snail mail and e-mail requests for auction items to over 500 vendors and businesses.  From what we understand there is about a 15% return of donations from these letters.   Just a few of the items that we have received so far are: bike covers, 1880 Wing chrome, brunch for 4 at the Lied Lodge, a case of wine, several green light triggers, Otter dry boxes, various t-shirts, plus more coming in each day.

 
The auction will be used to create a working fund for Region C and to contribute a portion of the funds to Project Response, a crisis center that provides support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other related issues and as always a portion to our charity 'Helping Hands'.

 
                If you know of anyone (including yourself) that would like to donate any items for the Rally auction we have attached a donation request letter to this e-mail.  We are also asking each Chapter to bring 2-3 auction items with them to Region C Rally. 

 
Donations will be recognized on a signs of appreciation posted around the auction.  Plus they will be itemized on our Region-C website and link’s maintained to the companies and/or organizations website that have contributed.

 
                We thank you so much for your support of Region C.  Your generosity is a great part of what keeps our Region alive.

                                                                                                          Jen and Randy

Find Out Who is Registered for Region C Rally

Updated May 27, 2008

Illinois-35 registered
Iowa-37 registered
Minnesota-2 registered
Nebraska-73 registered
South Dakota-2 registered
Wisconsin-12 registered
Region E-21 registered
Non-members 3 registered
Total registrations--182

Bob and Glen Anderson                (Missouri State Directors)               CHAPTER N/MO, Region E

Bubba and Louise Arnold                                                                   Chapter S/KS, Region E

Dennis and Eilene Baber                                                                     Chapter I/IA

Earl Baker                                                                                         Chapter B/ KS, Region E

Marcus Bandhuin                                                                               Chapter GB/WI

Dean Belanger                                                                                   Chapter GB/WI

Robert and Robyn Bentzen                                                                Chapter Z/NE

Ron Bevard                                                                                       Chapter C/NE

Tom Bishop                                                                                        Chapter Z/NE

Jim Bose                                                                                              Chapter B/NE

William Brem                                                                                      Chapter B/IL

Gerry and Cheryl Brix                                                                        Chapter GB/WI

Sharon Brooks                                                                                 Chapter C/NE

Mike and Carol Brush (National Education and Retention Direct)      Chapter A/NE

Jim and Jean Bryant                                                                            Chapter W/NE          

David Campbell and Rae Smith                                                          Chapter B/NE

Kathy Cates                                                                                       Chapter A/KA

Bev and Harry Cinnamon                                                                  Chapter I/IA

Dennis and Jackie Dotson                                                                  Chapter B/IL

Terry and Evelyn Dunaway                                                               Chapter A/NE

Jim, Karen and Katie Durand                                                                     Chapter A/NE

Ralph and Ann Edgar                                                                       Chapter H/IL

Tom and Judy Erlewine                                                                    Chapter Z/NE

Kenny and Charlotte Evans                                                              Chapter P/IA

Wayne and Mary Flora                                                                   Chapter Z/NE

Lowell and Deb Forristall                                                                Chapter P/IA

Chris and Sherri Frazier                                                                  Chapter H/IL

Barry and Phyllis Frum                                                                   Chapter L/IA

Jereomy and Laura Frum                                                               Chapter B/NE

Ron and Paula Gaul                                                                       Chapter Z/NE

Robert and Jacquie Grams                                                            Chapter W/Ne

JR and Karen Green                                                                     Chapter L/IA

Glen and Pam Guenther                                                                Chapter I/IA

Wendell and Peggy Hakanson                                                       Chapter Z/NE

Rick and Patti Harvey (Iowa State Director)                                  Chapter H/IA

Kenneth Haas                                                                              Chapter B/IL

Gary Hemmingway                                                                       Chapter M/NE

Charles Hicock                                                                             Chapter H/IL

Tom and Hilgemeier ( S Dakota State Director)                            Chapter C/SD

Rick and Kandie Hinrichs (NE State Director)                              Chapter G/NE

Larry and Linda Hohensee                                                           Chapter C/NE

Glen and Shelley Hohl                                                                  Chapter H/IL

Russ and Deb Hoskins                                                                 Chapter G/NE

Steve and Judy Houston                                                               Chapter Z/NE

George Hoy and Peggy Clark                                                       Chapter H/IA

Darren and Linda Howard                                                            Chapter A/KS Region E

Mike and Lucy Hubert                                                                 Chapter GB/WI

Dennis Irvin and Donna McCullough                                            Chapter I/IA

Tom and Barb Johnson  (Life BOD)                                            Chapter B/IL

Kim and Becky Johnston                                                             Chapter A/NE

Bill and Dee Kirkpatrick                                                              Chapter H/IA

Norm and Deb Kirk                                                                     Chapter A/NE

Richard Kruse                                                                            Chapter L/IA

Mike and Mary Krueger                                                             Chapter P/IA

Robert and Linda Kruger                                                            Chapter Y/WI

Wiliferd and Charlotte Lair (Region E Directors)               

Don and Mary Lantz                                                                    Chapter Z/NE

Brian and Joyce Lees                                                                   Chapter H/IL

Ron and DiAnne Lillie                                                                  not members/yet

Bernie and Gayle Martinson                                                         Chapter A/KS

Eugene Martinusen                                                                      Chapter B/IL

Jack and Joyce May (Illinois State Director)                                Chapter H/IL

Richard McCart                                                                           Chapter A/KS

John and Anita McCune                                                               Chapter A/Kansas Region E

Ed and Barb  Mills                                                                      Chapter M/NE

Randy Nelson and Jen Lipe (Region C Directors)                        Chapter G/NE

Judy Norman                                                                              Non-member

Dave and Betty Oleson (Minnesota State Directors)                    Chapter F/MN

Eldon and Carol Ogorzolka                                                        Chapter C/NE

Chris and Sara Palmer                                                                Chapter I/IA

Steve and Connie Patton                                                             Chapter H/IA

Darrell and Judy Peters                                                               Chapter L/IA

Stu and Kim Peterson                                                                  Chapter A/NE

Wayne Phillips                                                                            Chapter B/IL

Bill and Jean Pierce                                                                     Chapter G/NE

Dennis and Donna Pittman                                                           Chapter H/IA

Alan and Sandy Rosenboom                                                        Chapter C/NE

Tom Rule                                                                                    Chapter C/NE

John and Andrew Sample and Karen Hocke                               Chapter H/IL

Ron and Karen Sanders                                                            Chapter N/MO

Ralph and Sue Schempp                                                             Chapter B/IL

James Scholl                                                                               Chapter W/NE

Phil and Judy Schaefer                                                                Chapter B/IL

Dale and Deb Siepker                                                                 Chapter A/NE

Richard and Jacqueline Simon                                                     Chapter A/KS

JR Slocum                                                                                  Chapter A/Kansas

Gary and Betty Smith                                                                  Chapter E/NE

John and Cherie Snyder                                                               Chapter Z/NE

Bryan Sowers and Jo Allen                                                          Chapter P/IA

Doug, Michelle and Hannah Sullivan                                             Chapter W/NE

John and Patty Taylor                                                                 Chapter H/IL

Dave, Kay and Dalton Telford (Region C BOD)                         Chapter A/NE

Ron and Carol Van Natta                                                            Chapter H/IL

Terry and Nancy Vincent                                                            Chapter

Jeryl , Sherrie, and Carlee Jo Vonderheid (Wisc. State Director) Chapter Y/WI

Burt Wagner                                                                              Chapter C/IL

John and Jane Wehr                                                                  Chapter S/KS

Dave and Bump Willenborg                                                      Chapter G/NE

Bill and Cynthia Williams                                                            Chapter Z/NE

Pat Williams                                                                               Chapter GB/WI

Stan and Gwen Wolkings                                                           Chapter Z/NE

Charles Wyant                                                                           Chapter P/IA

Jerry and Joyce Young                                                               Chapter A/IA

John and Carol Youngberg                                                         Chapter H/IL

 

 

 

 

Region C Rally Schedule

Region C Rally
June 5, 6, 7 and 8^th
Schedule
(Updated April 2, 2008)

Thursday, June 5

 

5pm-7pm --Tailgate party at Best Western Motel-hosted by Illinois-bring your sack lunch/drinks for a social hour

7:00pm --Camper check in at Camp Catron

9:00pm --Bonfire at Catron

 

Friday, June 6

 

8:00am—Family of the Year interviews

8:00am --Registration in Lodge foyer

9:30am-- Kickoff ceremony in great room of Lodge

10:30am to 11:00am-- Bike Blessing Main Parking Lot Catron

11:00am-- Guided rides Leaving Main Parking lot Catron

                                Loess Hills Ride

                                Omaha Zoo Ride

                                Sac Air Force Museum Ride

                                Guided Tour through Nebraska City

                                Nemahaka lunch ride

3pm-4pm - Seminar 'Introduction to the GWTA Rider Education Program

4:00 Dirty Bingo

6:00pm-- Hot dog roast and Camp food cook off

7:00pm-- Ice Cream Social

8:00pm—Pool Party-(games Limbo, water fight, ect)

10:00pm—Bonfire

 

Saturday, June 7

 

7:00am-- till they run out-Coffee and doughnuts in Lodge

8:00am to 10:30am -registration

10:30am-- Rods Outdoor Power Open House (Lincoln) and Fun Run hosted by Prairie Red Riders

1pm to 2:30pm - Seminar 'Connecting Electronics to your Goldwing

3:00pm-5:30pm-- live Auction

6:00pm-- Diner at Catron Lodge main meeting room

7:00pm-- Awards and Recognition

8:30pm-- Line up for Light Parade

9:00pm-- Light Parade Ending back a the DQ parking lot

10:00pm-- Bonfire

 

Sunday, June 8

7:45am—church music playing prior to church at outdoor amphitheater (rainout, church will be held in the lodge)

8:00am-- Church Services by Nebraska State Chaplin Gary Smith

 

Schedule is subject to change-more to come

Private Suite Auction

Tuesday, March 18 2008

Hello Region C.

Are you looking for somewhere to stay while you are at Region C Rally in Nebraska City on June 6, 7 and 8th?  We have the perfect room for you.  Now up for auction is the first ever Region C Private Suite.  You can find the flier at GWTA Region C Rally Suite Blog.

This room is actually a dorm room with two double bunk beds.  We will put the beds together to make a double decker full size bed with air mattress on top of the camp mattresses.  Bedding will be supplied.  The room is for Friday and Saturday night.  It has its own private bathroom and shower across the hall.  Friday night you will be served chocolate dipped strawberries and sparkling non-alcoholic wine.  Each night there will be turn down service.  Contrary to what some of the Illinois guys thought, this is not Jen coming in and saying, “Not tonight, I have a headache”.  Turn down service includes your bedding folded down and a mint on your pillows.  

Saturday morning you will be served breakfast in bed.  You get to pick the time for breakfast to be served from 7:30 am to 9:00 am.  You also get to choose from one of the following three menus for both to share a quiet private breakfast in your room:

*    Sausage patties, croissant, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
*    Biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit
*    Pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit
*    All served with coffee and orange juice

Be sure to specify with your bid, if you have special dietary needs outside of the above list.  We will see if they can be accommodated before accepting your bid.

Bids can be submitted by sending an email to: HIGHBIDDER@GWTA-C.COM or sending in a bid through regular snail mail.  Current bidding can be viewed at GWTA Region C Rally Suite Blog Proceeds will be going to help support Region C.  

Please remember to bid early and bid high.  I sound like Public Television fund raiser now.  Also very important to understand that hotels / motel availability is at a minimum (like almost nil), this could be the answer for to where to stay during the rally.  

Bidding will close on May 30 at 11:59 pm (or for our military folks 23:59) and the winner will be contacted on May 31st.  

Thank you so much,

Randy Nelson and Jen Lipe
GWTA Region C Directors
402-896-8541 home
402-290-1376 Randy Cell
402-290-8690 Jen Cell

Take Home a Region C Rally Family Quilt

This quilt was made by Judy Peters of Iowa Chapter "L".  It has the Region C Rally Logo stitched right into it.  It is made using a process called strip quilting and is made of cotton.  Although it looks pretty small shown here it is actually made for a queen size bed.

What's even more amazing is you can take this quilt home for under $2.  That's right all you have to do is purchase the winning ticket and this quilt is all yours to keep. 

Chapter "L" is offering you the chance to purchase a raffle ticket to win this quilt.  It will be on display at several upcoming events including the following:

• Spring Fling in Grand Island Nebraska
• Cabella Bike Show
• Chapter NEB & IAL Fun Run
• Region C Rally
• Chapter IAP Fun Run
• Gold Rush

They have also offered to show up at any other event around the Omaha area to show it off.  Tickets are $2 each or get 6 tickets for $10.  All proceeds will go to the Helping Hands.  For more information feel free to contact Darrell and Judy Peters HERE.  The actual drawing date is yet to be determined so don't delay.

Bid For a Private Suite

Current Bids

Date	Name	Bid
3/14/2008 11:25 AM	JFrum	$20.00
3/14/2008 1:06 PM	JLipe	$25.00
3/14/2008 1:23 PM	JFrum	$28.50
3/17/2008 1:58 PM	Norman and Debra Kirk	$85.00

Click HERE for more information on the Private Suite...

A Message From Your Regional Directors

This information was released today about the Rally.  I am posting it here merely because it will be retained for a longer period of time.

Region C Rally is shaping up nicely.  We are already receiving registrations in almost daily now.   Big kudos to Darrell and Judy Peters, Chapter L/IA who were the very first to register for the rally and also Earl Baker Region E/MO, for being our first to register from another Region.  If you are planning on camping at Camp Catron during the Rally you must be self contained if you are a full size camper. There is only room for 5 motor coach style campers and it will be filled on a first come/first serve basis.  For motorcycle campers and tents, there is electricity on a limited basis.  You will be able to run lights, coffee pots, etc., but not any air conditioners.  Dorm rooms are not available for occupancy until Friday morning.   We have found one line omitted from the registration forms.  If you have anyone registering for the Rally that is under 16, their registration cost would be $10.  The t-shirts and polo’s this year will be an oatmeal color.  As more questions arise please feel free to contact us at any time.  If we do not know the answer, we will do our best to find it out from someone who does know. 

Thank you all for being such a great Region and so supportive in keeping the Region one of the best in GWTA.

 

See you all in Friendship,

 

Randy Nelson and Jen Lipe

Region C Directors

 

402-896-8541 Home

402-290-1376 Randy Cell

402-290-8690 Jen Cell

Nebraska City Map

Hello again.  I am attaching a map of Nebraska City that I received last time I was down there.  You might have to save it and print it off (if you want a copy) to read it but it does highlight some of the area attractions in and around town. 

For those that don't already know, Camp Catron is way up at the very top left hand corner of this map.  It is number 3 on the map.  Those are some pretty dinky numbers so it may be hard to see. Download Larger Map.

The little dots are actually numbers. Here is the key to the numbers.

Things To Do In Nebraska City Part 1 of?

As you read this, let it be known that the region C staff is hard at work planning this years Region C Rally at Camp Catron in Nebraska City.  As you can see from the photo here, things are not ready yet.  They are going to have all this white flakey stuff all cleaned up.  There are also a lot of bare trees right now which all need leaves by the time the rally begins.  Don't worry though, Nebraska City is home of Arbor Day and although many leaves will be required, there will be plenty of staff on hand to get this done. 

Many moons back (probably the mid 1800's) a guy named J Sterling Morton arrived in this area (14) to call it home and sell salt.  I hear that the area was pretty bare of trees when he arrived.  I read that, I wasn't really around at the time to witness it. 

He built a small home on a hill and as time went on he kept adding on to it.  Eventually he ended up with a 50 room mansion complete with a bowling alley and a carriage house.  You can tour this house for a small fee and see how he lived (times weren't all that bad apparently).  He even built an observatory on the roof where he could view the stars.  Sadly, I was informed that this has been closed permanently and I don't understand why.  You can stand at the bottom of the stairs and gaze up there and wonder about it if you want to. 

The house sits on a 72 acre plot of land now filled with trees.  We can only imagine how all those trees got there but remember before Mr. Morton got there is was pretty bare. 

Now days the site is a state historical park and the freakiest thing about this entire park is this bench that they place around a statue of Mr. Morton himself.  If you can see in the photo the bench is very large.  They call this whispering bench.  Why will become clear when you use the buddy system.

If you sit on one end of the bench and have your buddy sit anywhere else on the bench (say for instance the other end) and that person whispers something to themself (yes outloud), you'll be able to hear it like they're sitting right next to you.  Call it freaky, I certainly did. 

Across the street to the West of the Morton House is an Apple Orchard (50) where you can have a piece of apple pie, shop for gifts, take a walking trail hike (under trees), visit a tree house, buy apple wine and even watch them sort apples on this strange contraption in the back room (just to name a few).  More on this another time. 

Nebraska City is a short ride from Omaha and we frequent this town at least once a year to stock up on apples and apple wine.  It's never a dull trip for us even though we've been there so many times.  My wife Laura is hooked on the antique apples.  She has her favorite ones all picked out and looks for them when she gets there.  I have to admit, they are pretty good.  Last year we brought home two full bags of apples on the bike and had apple pie for 2 weeks straight.  They make great gifts. 

Oh yea...just a little tidbit of information you didn't need to know...I also attended J. Sterling Mortons School in Omaha.  Now rest easy and plan your trip to Nebraska City for the Rally this Summer.  See ya there.

Nebraska City Camping

This entry is basically a formality.  We all know that everyone is going to be camping onsite at Camp Catron.  You can't beat the rate and it'll be where the action is. 

The only exception is if you're are rolling into town with the big RV, you need water and electricity hookups and you don't have a generator.  If that's the case, one of the following sites may be of interest for you.  Keep in mind that there is room for RV's at Camp Catron providing you can boondock. 

Riverview Marina State Recreation Area
N. of junction 2 and HWY 75. 
It has access to the Missouri River and provides room for up to 30 trailers.
http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks/guides/parksearch/showpark.asp?Area_No=151
402-873-7222
 

Victoria Acres RV Park & Campground
6591 NE Hwy 2
Room for up to 66 trailers.
402-873-6866

 

 

3/4/2008 - Updating to properly working URL - Hey look you can stay at area 151!

 

Nebraska City Hotel Listing

This is the city hotel listing that I have so far.  If you have anything to edit or add please drop me a note.  I'll update this list as updates are made available to me. 

Apple Inn - This is where the Region C Planning meeting was held.  I liked the cabin feel it has.
502 S 11th
402-873-5959
800-659-4446
http://applieinn.net

Best Western Nebraska City Inn
2515 S 11th
402-873-7000
877-397-1100

Cassel Grove Homestead Inn Bed and Breakfast
750 S 64th Road
402-873-0602
http://casselgrovehomesteadinn.com

Days Inn
1715 S 11th St
402-873-6656
800-329-7466

Economy Inn
1905 S 11th St
402-873-6610

Lied Lodge & Conference Center
2700 Sylvan Road
402-873-8733
800-546-5433
http://liedlodge.org

Whispering Pines Bed & Breakfast - Only 5 rooms!
2018 6th Ave
402-873-8733
http://bbwhisperingpines.com

Region C Rally Fliers Released

In recent events, the 2008 Camp Catron Region C Fliers have been released.  Watch this area closely for a PDF version to appear which will allow you to download the flier, print it out, and send in your registration.



Click on the link to the left to access the flier page (Region C Flier Page).  On this page you can download fliers for the Rally if you wanted to do so.  Print them out and send them in to pre-register for the rally.