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Contact:

Merry Christmas from Mark Ulm

Mark Ulm #12469
PO Box 122
Nisswa MN
218-963-3339
markulm@hotmail.com

Theresa Steen #12941 (Secretary)
steenbs@charter.net
 

Niagra Falls Rally - 2009

As usual, many eager BT Cruisers arrived early to the rally and were welcomed by rally hosts Tony and Elaine Grenzy. A hospitality tent with coffee and brownies provided the opportunity to greet old friends and make new friends. Tony and Elaine made a great selection with Four Mile Creek Campground. Located on the bank of Lake Ontario and 15 miles from Niagara Falls, it is very scenic and spacious.

We officially kicked off the rally on Wednesday evening, September 9, with socializing, a potluck dinner, a campfire and New York trivia with prizes.

On day two we were off to the main attraction, Niagara Falls. At the Visitor’s Center we learned some of the history and geology of the falls. A tour of the Great Lakes Garden and viewing the falls from Prospect Point were next. It is difficult to describe the energy and beauty of the falls other than to say “awesome.” (Be sure to check out the pictures on the web site.) A trip to near the base of the falls on The Maid of The Mist tour boat gave everyone an exciting though damp (in spite of the provided poncho) finish to morning activities. After a large lunch at the Como Restaurant, a trip to Devils Hole State Park allowed a leisurely afternoon with a walk along the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail. A few hearty souls ventured down the Devils Hole nature trail (rim to river) for some distance, but none made it to the river. Too little time or too much lunch? The evening event was a social time with hotdogs cooked over a camp fire.

Day three began with a visit to Old Fort Niagara. From a guided tour we learned that the history of the fort goes back over 300 years. It was originally built by the French to control access to the Great Lakes. A young man dressed in a French military uniform of the period told us about the soldiers’ lives and demonstrated the use and maintenance of the flint lock gun. A Native American told us about trade with the Indians and discussed a display of articles of trade of the time. Our next activity was a drive to Lockport NY and a two-hour cruise on the Erie Canal. The Erie Canal was constructed between 1817 and 1825 to connect the Hudson River and Atlantic Ocean with the Niagara River and the Great Lakes. Our trip took us through two locks, raising and lowering the boat 49 feet. After a great late lunch / early dinner at the Lockport Canalside Restaurant, it was back to the campground for a short rest. At dusk we headed to the falls for night viewing under the colored lights. The falling water, mist and fog reflecting the colored lights reminded us of the romantic attraction that the falls hold.

Day four was a busy day, starting with getting on the trolley to get to several attractions. The first visit was the Niagara Aquarium before going on to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. There we saw artifacts, interactive displays and movies on the 12,000 year history of the Niagara River. Then it was back to the falls picnic area for a deluxe brown bag lunch prepared by Tony and Elaine. Before long we were back on the trolley to our next stop, Cave of The Winds. There we were issued a poncho and sandals (yes, sandals – footwear). A 200-foot elevator descent, several short stairways and catwalks took us almost beneath the American falls. This was a great and exciting experience. We left more wet than dry and with clean feet. Next, we were back on the trolley to Goat Island for a walking tour, and then back to the campground. The evening activity was dinner at Ray’s Restaurant and Tavern near the campground.

Day five was departure time. With a continental breakfast, we sadly bid farewell but gladly plan to meet again at our next rally planned for April/May 2010 in Virginia.

We are very appreciative to Tony and Elaine Grenzy and all that helped with site selection and activities for this rally.

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Letter from Founder & Past President - Nancy Miller

Dear BT Niagara Travelers;

What a great time we had! Thank you all for making this rally very special.
The fun we had laughing and visiting during the events made this a memorable time. Being in the spectacular setting with others who appreciate the fellowship and the beauty of nature added to the enjoyment. Having new experiences always makes for a great time; locks on the Erie Canal; the Mist of the falls on the boat ride only topped with the Falls spraying down on us on the walk way at the Cave of the Winds.

A special thanks to all for being on committees, hosting rallies, being officers and most of all supporting the Chapter by attending our 8 rallies.
We may not have gained in membership numbers but we have grown in strength of our chapter from your support and encouragement. Thanks also to Bonnie and Les and Jean, for their advice and guidance.

Please Note: Novella & Ray Cone and Lowell & Janice Reisert attended all 8 of the BT Rallies; THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Once again, thank you all for your part in the success of the BT Cruisers Chapter. May the Chapter continue to have memorable Rallies.

Fondly,
Nancy

Nancy E. Miller
Founder and Past President
BT Cruisers Chapter
Gulf Streamers International
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Welcome note from new BT Cruiser President - Mark Ulm:

Hello,

I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy.

If we haven’t had a chance to meet yet , my name is Mark Ulm. I am the current president of the BT Cruisers. Thanks to everyone for your support.

I would like to invite anyone that owns a BT Cruiser and has any questions about their rig or about our group to simply ask. We will do our best to find an answer.

I would also like to invite anyone that is not a member of the BT Cruisers to join our group.
Your first year is FREE ---you have nothing to lose.
If a BT Cruiser member refers you, they will also receive one year free dues.
We are a chapter of Gulf Streamers International, so you need to be a member of that club first---about $20 http://streamers.gulfstreamcoach.com/index.asp

The BT Cruisers have two rallies each year in a new location with 10 to 20 rigs participating. This is a huge contrast to the big rallies where some people have felt lost in the shuffle.
Our current Vice-president , Paul Aigner, over-sees the rallies with the help of a rally host.

I would like to address some of the questions about rallies if you have never been to one (the 1st two are from me before we went to a rally)

What is a rally ?

A rally is people with a common interest (i.e. own a BT Cruiser) getting together in a location that they would like to experience with a host that has helped arrange everything.

I bought a BT Cruiser to be foot loose and free ! Why would I want to travel a long distance to camp with a bunch of people I don’t know and be locked into a schedule ?

The rally is usually only one part of an extended trip when people are coming from a distance.
You can take part in as little or as much as you like.
As hard as it is to do in some locations with so much to do , we try to allow for free time.
Kay & I had a lot of anticipation about going to our first rally but we’ve made so many good friends.

Is it expensive?

No! That’s the beauty of it. It’s like having a free tour guide.
BT Cruiser dues per year are only $5 / person.
The rally fee is usually only $10 to $20 for odds and ends .
The campground fee is often negotiated by the host.
You pay for the sites or events you go to and perhaps a restaurant bill or two.

I think it would be a good location near where I live to have a rally , would I be stuck with doing the whole thing?

No!
We have our vice-president ( Paul Aigner) or a wagon master .
One of them would help plan the rally and set the itinerary.
You would perhaps research campgrounds and things to do and places to eat in the area . Having someone that knows the area is a big asset.

What’s expected of me when I get to a rally?

Just come and have fun.
If you want to just go with the flow --everything has been planned.
You may ask before you arrive if there is anything you can do and you might be given a small task.
Most times a rally has a potluck dinner. First timers may stress out over that. You can plan ahead but keep it simple--we all have small kitchens.

I hope we can inspire you to come to a rally.
A significant amount of time and effort goes into making them a fun event for everyone.
You will only be a stranger once.
This can be a big part of being a BT Cruiser….
I look forward to hearing from you.

Keep on cruising,
Mark
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