Minnesota Classic Glastron Forum

General Category => Iowa Events / Meets => Topic started by: Plugcheck on March 14, 2017, 03:02:40 PM

Title: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on March 14, 2017, 03:02:40 PM
         I know its snowy and cold where most of you are right now but the time has come to think about lake Rathbun 2017.   An annual meet up in South central Iowa on the second largest lake in the state.  We moved both the date and the venue last year with amazing success.   There is so much to offer and the State park we used to camp at is available for those who would choose to do so.   Its a quick run on the lake, but a rather tedious drive between the two places.   We moved to the Lake Rathbun Marina and obtained both a camping spot and a slip rental for the three days.    This years trip will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday July 6th, 7th, and 8th.  Campsites are $25.00 per night, and slips are $20.00 per day.   Campsites have 50amp service and water.  Tents are allowed, up to two, but not in combination with an RV.  We found having slips to be the ultimate convenience, come and go as ya please.  Even made a twilight run possible as the marina is lit well enough to get back home.   Between the Honey Creek Resort for Friday lunch, and Louie's, there is plenty of great food to be had.  Marina has fuel, and a convenience store.  Staff is friendly and helpful.  Our contact for this is Jannell Sowers, her office number is 641-724-3212, her cell is 641-436-6587.   The marina does not open until early April, so her email right now is the best way to contact her.   Jannell@rathbunlakemarinas.com   The website is www.rathbunlakemarinas.com (http://www.rathbunlakemarinas.com), but I had some trouble getting to their site today, I wonder if it is down.   Maybe someone else will have better luck.

Having looked at some old posts here are some quick answers:
 Yes, they allow pets.   
2 tents maximum with no RV on each campsite.
 Water is a fair distance, bring a splitter and a hose(at least 50')
Jannell is rather difficult to get ahold of until she has regular hours at the marina sometime early-mid april.
Do not confuse Honey Creek State Park with Honey Creek Resort, they are separate and a fair distance apart.
If you stay at the Marina, there are no gravel roads involved.   You can get to the state park and resort without gravel as well, but we get lost easily in unfamiliar territory and there is plenty of gravel roads to be found. 
The ramp at the Marina does not have any dock next to it.  A courtesy dock is off to the side.  Best way is to have someone in the boat to drive it over to the slip, while the other parks the vehicle/trailer.
Fish were biting US last year, so its fair to say fishing is available for those interested.
An area is reserved to drop your trailers since they are not allowed in the campground.
Facilities are a small walk away but are very nice and keypad access only.  Never had to wait much, if at all to shower.  Probably because I avoid the peak times.
Fire pits are available as is firewood.  Firewood quarantine area, if you bring it from outside, you cant haul it back with you. Look up EAB(Emerald Ash Borer) for more info.
We had a "Live and let die" drive in movie experience last year with the projector, might very well have something similar this year.
This is a very informal get together, no shirts or trophies, but lots of fun to get together and boat.  We had a fantastic spot last year at the end of the no wake area to watch all the boats coming/going.   Some of the twin big-block craft going up on plane was absolute music to us gearheads.  Maybe if enough folks are going, then maybe a tee-shirt in the future.   I'm not an artist, so I'll need help in this department.
Occasionally there is some beach area by the old camping spot, but its usually muddy or filled with tree debris. One year it was quite nice and we found time to beach there.

Let me know if anyone has any questions, and as always, lets hope for great weather.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: dorelse on March 14, 2017, 03:25:49 PM
I would love nothing more than to come to the Iowa meet.  Seriously.

That weekend just won't ever work for me.  We're up in Northern MN boating the weekend before & after July 4th. 

Sorry to be a buzz kill on that weekend...but it won't ever work.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on March 14, 2017, 03:49:39 PM
Sorry to hear that, last year it was a last minute change, now this year is a permanent out on those dates?  I will make note for next year.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: dorelse on March 14, 2017, 03:52:55 PM
Sorry to hear that, last year it was a last minute change, now this year is a permanent out on those dates?  I will make note for next year.

Yes...last year we were 'giving up' our rental cabin up North, we're keeping it for the foreseeable future.  Just doesn't feel like the 4th if we're not up there. 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on March 14, 2017, 04:07:33 PM
If there is a better weekend to have it the Rathbun meet then its up to folks who wish to attend to let me know.  I moved the date because early June the weather is unstable.  Now having endured three solid days of rain last year in MN was unusual, the promise of rain at Rathbun in June was becoming more consistent.  August is out for MN, and June has rain/storm issues.  Summers are short, and most folks do something on the fourth, but last year it was the only weekend open for Tim/Christine.  We could go back to June and brave the weather, nothing cast in stone on this deal.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on March 15, 2017, 08:38:46 AM
We really enjoy this trip and barring some major event preventing it we plane to be there.
i always liked the timing of June better but the weather was an issue each time we were there, weekend after the 4th works for us as our "party at the cabin" is the weekend before, i will just take the entire week off.
if an earlier date will get a better turnout i think we are game.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on May 23, 2017, 01:00:11 PM
has anyone made reservations yet ?
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on May 23, 2017, 01:01:48 PM
Not yet, but I have the vacation time scheduled so I do need to get after it.   I'll try to give her a ring today and ask about adjoining sites.  Anyone else interested in going?
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on May 23, 2017, 09:11:02 PM
Called this afternoon and reserved three camping spaces and three slips.  Plenty of room for more people, but at this point only three couples have expressed any interest in attending.  Booked under my name, and Janell is familiar with our group.   The campsites we had last year were rented as a seasonal spot.  We got spaces across from those she said. 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on May 23, 2017, 10:23:21 PM
Thanks for setting that up


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: makinwaves on May 25, 2017, 12:10:12 PM
Thanks.  Let me know what I owe you.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on May 25, 2017, 01:09:42 PM
I haven't paid for anything, just reserved the spots.  Now that you made reservations, I don't need to worry about cancelling the extra spots.  Just a reminder to everyone else, this outing is open to everyone, get your reservations soon.  So many options, multiple camping opportunities, resort lodge, restaurants,. Last year was a blast and the weather fantastic.  Hope to see some more folks attend.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on July 01, 2017, 09:39:11 AM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/d6de18e035c5c708f0d30d6d5f041b14.jpg)
July 6-10
Looks like great weather!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 10:37:25 AM
We're planning on leaving on Thursday, not sure what time yet we have a few things we have to deal with.
Is there any set plans for the weekend or any ideas of things you guys want to do for sure.
And when do you guys think you'll be arriving.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 05, 2017, 10:47:17 AM
     Connie and I hope to be on the road early, possibly by 9am right after rush hour with the intent of stopping for lunch just before Rathbun.   We should arrive sometime in the early afternoon, launch CVZ, drop trailer, then set up camp.  Tim and Christine will not make it this year, his 23 is down till winter project time, and his GT is in the shop for repairs.   I have not heard from anyone else, so it looks like just us four. 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 12:16:58 PM
Sounds good
Hey… Anyone else up for a last-minute road trip?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 05, 2017, 01:16:23 PM
       I just called and cancelled the third camping spot, so I'm pretty sure it can be had for the weekend.  I guess I didn't say Thursday is when we hope to arrive.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 05:07:48 PM
We are bringing the 1900, and planning on being on the road before noon.
I get one early departure per year, and I used it last weekend when we left Treasure Island Marina Sunday morning at 5:30 am.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 05:35:00 PM
Well after a couple river trips and a weekend on the lake with algae growth.
It really needed a bath, scrubs the scum off washed it and actually put a coat of wax on it. maybe only the third since it was done in August 2015.
I have a lot of respect for you guys who wax their boats every week or even every month, Heck I got a lot of respect for anyone who puts on 2 coats(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170705/8956176654dc952015d88d345c4daadc.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 06:03:32 PM
Oh, and we won't have dogs this year


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 05, 2017, 07:16:58 PM
Did I read that correctly, no dogs?  Hopefully not on our account, we luv to hang out with them. 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: thedeuceman on July 05, 2017, 08:28:43 PM
No, we were planning on bringing them but Benny Nipped the neighbor kid at the cabin so he is under house arrest for 10 days.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on July 09, 2017, 09:54:09 PM
The trip home was a little soggy. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/dfa28981852bd8c599d0aa38cd1dba4b.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 10, 2017, 07:25:47 AM
Sunny and hot all the way for us.  I suppose the rain at least cooled things off a bit.  Was a great trip, fantastic weather, probably the busiest I've ever seen the lake, but never crowded. 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 10, 2017, 12:52:52 PM
    A few pictures from our get together at Rathbun.   We did have a full moon cruise out on the lake, but I didn't take any photos, my old digi camera needs more light than that.  We had some great boating, floating, swimming, and just general day at the beach activities.   Had two nights of campfires, complete with smores, and a movie night on Friday(The Big Lebowksi), a lunch trip on Saturday to the resort, and a dinner date for Connie and I at Louie's on the lake which is a restaurant at the Marina.  Fantastic spinach/artichoke dip and hand made thin crust pizza.  Having the slips were a great convenience.   We wished the marina store carried later hours, 6pm close on Friday and Saturday seemed a bit early, especially considering it didn't get dark till after 9pm.  Had time to visit and relax, the boats and vehicles gave us no issues.   We left around 1pm Sunday, Joe and Laurie stayed around till 4pm, celebrating their 34th anniversary is what we're going with.   Discussed timing and location for next year, maybe those folks who have attended before could let me know what works date and location wise, or is Rathbun simply too far for most everyone?  Have tried to set up an Okoboji meet, but I have not been able to find a camping location that would fit out needs, can't find one on the water that's not completely booked out.  Maybe go back to the State park and put out every night?   
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on July 10, 2017, 05:01:47 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/014c4d87626c77a36ae7c7ee056a2d6a.jpg)
Beached, too shallow, so moved over a bit.  Joe's wet because he fell in the hole left when Mike moved his boat, lol.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/d4a81668bc76cfa6c967b1f44435ce8d.jpg)
A little swimming snake came to visit
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/ad425f1a572e50e3171375cd26753346.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/034935a8e469579b8b3bc5d6691b6eb3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/71805638d97bb8727588385d351a94f4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/a47f0586b273740658f92d41e5afbb60.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/9ba82d1abaf64e64609d4db6e844bbc9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/7058b633a07cbdab32b53a8f682a2275.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/cb6ce1659b91776bc7071e3954f60545.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/c54019f03406e668126965053454e958.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/0985e870f132e2d0619da5af74f2aef5.jpg)
For the record, this umbrella is really nice, but hard to put up on windy days, lol.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/eb4bbc5174aa6adfa5488445fd381d31.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/b0d251afb18cb87f7f9ea755b169822e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/2f7bde14d787884c740720c9b806d738.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/9b02a6f156e0f8ee196fb439c1f018cb.jpg)
Not the greatest full moon shot, but you get the general idea, lol.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: 75starflight on July 10, 2017, 05:13:35 PM
Great Pictures! Thank you for sharing. I wouldn't mind going back to Rathbun again, but it just hasn't been in the cards lately.

I like those docks! Looks like no need for bumpers?
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Mrs.TheDeuceMan on July 10, 2017, 05:21:17 PM
    A few pictures from our get together at Rathbun.   We did have a full moon cruise out on the lake, but I didn't take any photos, my old digi camera needs more light than that.  We had some great boating, floating, swimming, and just general day at the beach activities.   Had two nights of campfires, complete with smores, and a movie night on Friday(The Big Lebowksi), a lunch trip on Saturday to the resort, and a dinner date for Connie and I at Louie's on the lake which is a restaurant at the Marina.  Fantastic spinach/artichoke dip and hand made thin crust pizza.  Having the slips were a great convenience.   We wished the marina store carried later hours, 6pm close on Friday and Saturday seemed a bit early, especially considering it didn't get dark till after 9pm.  Had time to visit and relax, the boats and vehicles gave us no issues.   We left around 1pm Sunday, Joe and Laurie stayed around till 4pm, celebrating their 34th anniversary is what we're going with.   Discussed timing and location for next year, maybe those folks who have attended before could let me know what works date and location wise, or is Rathbun simply too far for most everyone?  Have tried to set up an Okoboji meet, but I have not been able to find a camping location that would fit out needs, can't find one on the water that's not completely booked out.  Maybe go back to the State park and put out every night?
Definitely an awesome weekend and the weather was just amazing!  We forgot to take a group shot of us, lol... will need to remember for next year.   Last year we also stayed longer on Sunday, and it POURED!  Not this time :-)  But, it did pour just after we crossed into Minnesota. The campground is set up more for campers, etc. but we were still able to put our tent there.  I like it better having the boats in the slips, prices weren't bad either. :-) 
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: dorelse on July 10, 2017, 05:45:19 PM
I was absolutely bummed to have missed it guys.

We can always camp on my property 7 miles away...no amenities, but it'd be all ours?
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 10, 2017, 06:27:57 PM
Slips are independent from camping, so it's the best of both worlds.  Leave boat in slip, trailer in storage up the hill, and camp at Don's for those inclined to do so.  Ramp fee was $10.00.  I spent approx $145.00 for 3 days camping and slip.  Spent more on food and drinks than that, knock off $75.00 for camping, and it's a real cheap vacation.  Back the event into June and we chance weather.  Push it forward into July and we crowd the MN meet.  I'm ok with moving the date, and possibly the venue, but the marina is family owned and very friendly, they sell beer/wine on site, and have a hotel so to speak.  The shoreline must have at least a dozen campgrounds around it, and there is a resort with water park and upscale restaurant.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: Plugcheck on July 10, 2017, 06:41:44 PM
Just an FYI, Okobogi is about halfway between Omaha and Minneapolis.  Spirit lake being the largest body of water in the state, but has much less shoreline than Rathbun.
Title: Re: Iowa Glastron Meet 2017
Post by: makinwaves on July 12, 2017, 12:15:48 PM
It looks like you had a great time.  8)