Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

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T-3
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Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by T-3 »

Hello Leakoil'ers!

Several Leakoil members have joined forces, to plan the first annual VW Camping Cruise "Camp Qwesty". This is not an official Leakoil event, just some trendy people looking for an excuse to exercise our Volkswagens. I know this is crazy-late notice, but this cruise will take place 29-August through Labor Day(ish). We have multiple volks committed, and more are welcome, if you would like to join us. We will be riding along the West Coast of Michigan this year, to see the dunes and other points of interest (if the pandemic situation allows). Most campgrounds, attractions, and restaurants are open, but that could change.

We are planning optional events including: dune buggy rides, a boat ride, more dune buggies, potluck dinner, and other local activities. Suggestions are welcome!

We have a loose schedule of stops and overnight locations, starting Saturday (29-Aug). Some of us can only travel for a few days, while others may stay gone through Labor Day. We will stay flexible, and also look for alternatives to any closures. Post here if you are interested, and I will PM you.

- 8-29: Kickoff @ Tony Paco's Restaurant in Toledo, OH
- 8-29: 1st Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
- 8-30: "ACD" Museum in Auburn, IN
- 8-30: 2nd Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
- 8-31: Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, MI
- 8-31: Overnight @ Van Buren State Park in South Haven, MI
- 9-01: Tour of multiple locations in Saugatuck, MI
- 9-01: 1st Overnight @ Silver Lake State Park in Mears, MI
- 9-02: !!!Dune Buggies!!! in Mears, MI
- 9-02: 2nd Overnight @ Silver Lake State Park in Mears, MI
- 9-03: More Dune Buggies???...Then travel South/East
- 9-03: 3rd Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
Last edited by T-3 on Fri Aug 14, 2020 11:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
rallytwo
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by rallytwo »

This sounds like such a blast.... Let me know how to join the group!!!
Thanks
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T-3
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by T-3 »

Oh, By the way,
Your attendance at this exclusive event, guarantees your ownership of one of these fine garments....
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rallytwo
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by rallytwo »

nice t-shirts, this is the real deal!!!!!
1972 Ghia
1973 Thing x 2
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1987 Vanagon Westy
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Dual Port
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by Dual Port »

If you guys haven’t quite figured this out yet, let me make some comments. This is NOT your ordinary camping trip, it’s a tour of some world class museums. Northeast Indiana is home to more car museums in one small area than probably anywhere in the country and maybe the world. The ACD (Auburn Cord Duesenberg) Museum is one of the best in the country- it’s in the original building that housed the Auburn motor car company back in the 20’s and 30’s, and it’s been restored to a level that makes you think you’ve gone back in time. This building would be worth seeing if there were no cars inside, but the vehicles (2 floors of them) are Pebble Beach quality gangster cars that make me drool to look at. I’ve been to this museum at least 6 times if not more, sometimes just to sit in the lobby and dream about the past. It’s awesome. Behind it is the NATMUS museum, also filled with wonderful trucks and cars, if you’re a truck guy like me. A few miles down the road is the Ford Flathead Museum, obviously filled with flathead cars and cool displays. It was expanded dramatically in a new building a few years ago. Also nearby are two more museums holding war vehicles and movie cars, either of which could take a half of a day. (I’ll admit I haven’t been to those two for a few years and I heard that the Victory museum sold off some stuff). This is all within a 5 mile radius.

The Gilmore Museum (Kalamazoo) is the largest auto museum in the country by square footage because it’s a small town. It is also a world class facility that I’ve been to several times and don’t hesitate to go again, I haven’t been there since Saturday (yes, two days ago). The former owner (?) of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical company sold off the business and had some spare cash lying around so he purchased a large farm near Kalamazoo and proceeded to recreate a town from the 20’s and 30’s complete with a Ford dealership, Lincoln dealership, Cadillac dealership, Franklin dealership, gas station, working diner, and much more. Everything is packed full to the brim with high quality cars, bikes, and automobilia, all very well presented and air conditioned. I don’t know how many buildings there are but it’s probably 15-20. If you're into aircraft, there's a GREAT aircraft museum called the Air Zoo in Kal, also funded by Upjohn money. That's why we went there this past weekend, they're about a half hour apart.

As for the Silver Lake dunes in Mears, MI, I have not been there so I can’t comment, but it looks awesome! Quads, dune buggies, and sxs are available for rent (not cheap) or if not inclined you can ride along with someone else.

I’ve been looking forward to this since I heard about it in June and now it’s about to happen. I put a new tranny in Bus 2 for this trip and took it to Columbus the other day for a trial run.

This is a unique opportunity, I recommend strongly you all consider coming!

PS there’s an antique bike show/swapmeet at the Gilmore Aug 29-30 and they have primitive camping on the grounds (no showers) for $25/ea.

The '58 Chevy below is the one from American Graffiti.

Tony Packo's has some of the best chili dogs and chili you'll ever have, had lunch there yesterday. :mrgreen:

See you there!

Pictures in no particular order.
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Last edited by Dual Port on Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:09 pm, edited 6 times in total.
Bruce Amacker
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Dual Port
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by Dual Port »

More pics.
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Bruce Amacker
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by Six Volt »

Looks like a great event and many thanks for putting an event like this together at a time when everything is cancelled and folks are starving for some VW interaction. :D

I hate camping, but I may have to drive to Tony Pacos's in the 40HP just so I can buy one of those Vanagon T-shirts for Widefive! He'll L-O-V-E it! :D
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SlashKirk
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by SlashKirk »

Bruce...was the picture of the Zundapp just for me? :D
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SlashKirk
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by SlashKirk »

Add this to the itinerary please...
T-3 wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 9:18 pm - 8-29: Kickoff @ Tony Paco's Restaurant in Toledo, OH
- 8-29: Stop at Rickholes house and drop off gift from Brad
- 8-29: 1st Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
- 8-30: "ACD" Museum in Auburn, IN
- 8-30: 2nd Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
- 8-31: Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, MI
- 8-31: Overnight @ Van Buren State Park in South Haven, MI
- 9-01: Tour of multiple locations in Saugatuck, MI
- 9-01: 1st Overnight @ Silver Lake State Park in Mears, MI
- 9-02: !!!Dune Buggies!!! in Mears, MI
- 9-02: 2nd Overnight @ Silver Lake State Park in Mears, MI
- 9-03: More Dune Buggies???...Then travel South/East
- 9-03: 3rd Overnight @ Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN
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Marla
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Re: Camp Qwesty 2020...Don't Miss it!

Post by Marla »

This looks like an amazing trip. I wish I could join. Have a great time and post tons of pictures.
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