From: RWolf99@aol.com
Message-ID: <7b138ba9.3695a3e7@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 01:21:27 EST
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Oshkosh Advice for First Timers
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I went to my first Oshkosh three years ago.  It was the first time I lived
within driving distance (Cleveland).  The last two years I've flown from
California via airlines.  Can't wait to fly the Lancair there!

Some advice, as requested --

#1)  There's no such thing as "too early" when making reservations.

#2)  If you're going by airlines and Oshkosh itself is sold out, Appleton is a
good alternative.  There are regular shuttle busses (buses?). Cost is
reasonable, I think $7 each way.  Details are on the EAA web site.

#3)  I've always camped.  I stay with an EAA chapter I used to belong to when
I lived in Cleveland. They stake out a campsite the weekend before the show
starts.  There's always camping space at Camp Scholler, even if you're not
fortunate enough to have someone claim a space before you get there, but it
becomes quite a hike if you arrive late.  My son (he's 16 now and I'm 42) and
I take the shuttle from Appleton and walk about a mile from the bus stop to
the camping site.  Everything on our backs.  The trek back is harder because
we have so much extra stuff.

#4)  Camping facilities are excellent, as camping goes.  Warm showers, too,
but it's a unique experience hosing yourself down with a kitchen sink spritzer
hanging from the ceiling.  (no joke!)  You don't need to bring cooking gear.

#5)  There's no such thing as "good coffee" at Oshkosh.  If you're a Starbuck
snob (as I am) you're roughing it, but it's worth it.

#6)  Wear good walking shoes.  You'll be walking at least 13 hours per day.
And not minding.

#7)  There isn't enough time to see everything.  Not even close.  Decide early
what to skip.  See it next year.

#8)  Prepare for every type of weather except snow.  A warm jacket, a pocket
sized poncho, and shorts.  Hopefully all you'll need are the shorts.

#9)  Bring a hat with a big brim.  Make sure your ears are covered.  You'll be
outside in the sun all day.

#10)  Start each day with an empty backpack.  A daypack is fine.  You'll want
to put all the handouts, catalogs, and new toys in there.  (I guess it's
obvious that my son and I spend a lot of time at the exhibitor booths.)

#11)  Bring more money than you think you'll need.  Actually, plastic is good
-- accepted most places, except maybe for the food stands.

#12)  Go to the Lancair dinner.  Saturday nite.  I'm gonna miss it this year
-- my parents 50th wedding anniversary is in Boston on Sunday -- and I wish it
were possible to do both.  

Can anyone add to this?  Especially those of you who either fly your own
airplanes there or stay in hotels?

- Rob Wolf
rwolf99@aol.com