The original purpose and focus of Outbackers.com was to provide a forum for Outback travel trailer owners. A place to discuss common interests and learn from fellow aficionados. Outbackers was also conceived with the intent of providing a different, friendlier, more inviting atmosphere than the other forums that dominated the RV community.

In that spirit, the Outbackers.com community exists to celebrate the interests we share in common, not the issues that drive us apart. There are countless opportunities on the internet and elsewhere in life to discuss any topic you wish to explore, no matter how controversial or divisive. In contrast – our little niche you might say - the atmosphere at Outbackers is intended to be a refuge from all that. An escape from the ugliness in the world. A place where we can all get together and enjoy the finer things in life, without having to wade through all the muck that permeates so many other venues. An opportunity to just get away from the cares of ‘The Real World’, and relax for awhile and enjoy each others company.

Over time, the community has evolved and grown. Our focus is broader now, and we welcome campers and RV’ers of all persuasions. We also encourage open discussion on a wide range of issues. Many of which have little or nothing to do with Outback ownership. And it is that broadening of focus that has turned a simple owners group into a close and vital community. Many would say a family. By the same token, in order to preserve the supportive and non-threatening nature of this community, there are certain ‘hot-topic’ issues that have been deemed inappropriate for discussion in this venue. Were not saying there is anything wrong with these topics, they just don’t belong here. As such, we do not talk politics or religion. We stay away from discussions about abortion, gun-ownership rights, and those types of issues that tend to be so emotionally charged, and have proven to be so divisive elsewhere.

Now, some of you may feel that this is all a little too politically correct. Maybe a little too restrictive, or even wimpy. To that, all I can say is… “It is what it is”. You will notice that I do not use this resource as a soapbox to advance my own views on political or social issues. No one has ever seen statements or arguments from me about where I stand on such topics, nor will you. Tempting as it sometimes is, Outbackers.com is not here for the advancement of personal agendas, and I will not use it as such. No one else will either… Period.

Recently, a topic came up on the forums regarding questions about guns and their place in the camping environment. Nothing wrong with that, it was a valid discussion. The questions posed were specific and compelling. Initially, the responses were specific to the questions asked, informative and interesting. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the original questions to be swept aside, and the discussion became political in nature. At that time, and for that reason, the topic was removed.

Following that action by the moderators, the typical cries of ‘censorship’, ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘too many rules’ rang out. In response to those comments, let me clarify a few things…

First of all, Outbackers.com is a privately held and funded entity. As such the ownership is free to set forth any rules deemed appropriate to the desired direction and use of the resource. The First Amendment regarding freedom of speech simply does not apply, and is not a valid argument in opposition to the administration of this forum.

The opportunity to participate in the Outbackers.com community is offered to all who care to partake, without cost or restriction to how much or how often they choose to do so. It should be kept in mind though that participation is a granted privilege, and not a right. A privilege granted to those who agree to and follow the rules and to participate in the spirit set forth by the ownership.

The rules clearly state that the administrators can and will remove any topic, posting or verbiage deemed inappropriate to the community. This is not censorship, this is moderating.

The rules are not open to debate, nor do the members get to pick and choose which rules to follow, and which to ignore. Everyone participating in this community agreed when they signed up to follow the rules, and it is expected that they do just that.

Finally, let me say that none of this would be possible without the professional and dedicated efforts of the Moderating Team. The Moderators all offer their time freely and on a voluntary basis. You may not always agree with their actions, but they deserve your respect and thanks for the effort they put forth. I can’t imagine what this place would be like without them, and they all have my unqualified appreciation, admiration and support. Moderators… I thank you, for a job well done!

And on that note, I hope that we can move forward and with an understanding that this community succeeds or fails based on all of our efforts. It is up to the members to remember what we are here for, and to participate with friendliness and respect towards our fellow Outbackers. And that in our administration of the community, the Moderators and myself will continue to approach each and every decision with the single minded goal of keeping Outbackers.com the best little forum on the internet.

Now, let’s get back to doing what we do best… having fun!

Thank you for your time, and…

Happy Trails,
PDX_Doug
Owner and Administrator
Outbackers.com

Go ahead and make your reservations using the link below. Make sure you reserve in the Harbour Pass (HPAS) section (Sites 23 - 35) .
Here is a link to ReserveAmerica website. Hardridge Creek COE Campground


Post here if you plan on attending.

Attendees so far:

Crawfish - Site 29
Campingnut - Site 30
ee4308 - Site 23
The Holly's (SOB friends) - Site 35
W4DRR - Site 33
Slingshot - Site 58
B&J GAcampers - Site 31
Jambalaya - Site 27
Boat Man - Site 32
Need2mellowout - Site 34
having fun - Site 26


Leon

2009 Northeast Rally - Gettysburg, PA

Drummer Boy Campground

June 12-14, 2009

Attending so far.....

mikenkristipa
rdvholtwood
joonbee
trandingup
Lynne in MD
shelty
wolfwood
huntr70
clarkley
SOB friends
dieseldave
jjbridge

For more info, please contact either Rick (rdvholtwood) or Mike (mikenkristipa). If you plan on attending, please email us at db09rally@comcast.net.

We have a date and place, the dates will be July 23rd-26th, 2009 at Casini Ranch you can come up earlier if you want and don't have to stay then whole time. We decided that instead of voting for times and dates it would be easier to just come up with a date and place and let those who can make it reserve a site it is just to hard to find a date and place that is perfect for everyone.

Casini Ranch is a very family oriented campground on the Russian river and is only about 6 miles from the Ocean. There is a lot to do and we will be coming up with activities, like a Potluck, Geocaching, Astronomy night, plus they have Kayaks for rent a duck pond, hay ride and playground for the children. It is close to Wineries, Beaches,forest, and Golf courses.

We will be posting Activities as we come up with them. We will also post who is reserved in what sites.

So come and join us for the first Nor Cal rally, and if you have any ideas for things to do please post them Skippershe has already given me some great ideas. Also SOB Outbackers are welcome too, the more the merrier.

Here is the website: Click here

If you want hookup make sure you ask for them, I don't think all sites have them.

Make your reservations as soon as possible to get the site you want, sites will be going fast.

*******************************APRIL 24-26 2009************************************

I have been impressed with Leroy at http://www.timberlakecampgroundandrvpark.com/, and his eagerness to please and accomodate us for our Fall Rally in a few days, so I have planted the flag for our spring rally there as well.

The need to do the rally in April and the unpredictable weather at that time and the convenience of a building for gathering combined with Leroy's kindness made the location an easy choice

From The Timberlake Campground Website:
Located away from highway and train noise. Enjoy privacy and comfort at its finest.

After attending the PNW Fall Rally 2008 and loving the woodsy sites, it was unanimous vote to use the sites for our Spring Rally. The sites being held for our rally are 28-43, that's 16 sites. If we have bigger turnout and he has sites available ( which he does this early in the process), he'll accomodate you, so call early (like now). Those of us that were at the Fall Rally chose our sites. Don't worry, they are all woodsy, some bigger than others.
Site 34 will be our gathering site as it is a short site, we are renting it as we did for the Fall Rally, but sooooooo worth it! Asking everyone who attends to split costs of the gathering site

Site 28 -Jozway
Site 29- OPEN
Site 30- OPEN
Site 31- 4H1DinaOB
Site 32- Timber Site 33 -Jnk36Jnk
Site 34- Gathering Site (but we also have the Hall if weather is bad)
Site 35- Bluewedge
Site 36- DoxieDogLover
Site 37- Larry The Outback
Site 38- Thunder
Site 39- Oregon Camper
Site 40- Crismon4 (also has Tent site 16)
Site 41- PDXDoug
Site 42- MV945
Site 43- Callbullydogs ( traveling the farthest!)
That shows only 3 open sites , but there are more we can reserve if people keep singing up! Maybe this'll be our annual spring fling rally site?
You can bring your own firewood if you choose but he also sells it.

Call for a site by March 13th Looking forward to seeing those who can attend

H2OSprayer did a great job on the 08 factory rally
http://www.outbackers.com/forums/index.php...mp;#entry303101

Keystone has expressed an interest in doing it again. For those of us that missed it, myself included, and those that did make it, is there an interest in going back. 2 years off again leaves plenty of time for discussion and planning. It would probably have to be in the same window, as that is when the factory is in shutdown but if another window of time is suggested, we can always ask.



John

*I have contacted the Alamo Fiesta RV Resort to discuss a rally in June 2009................. *

Here's their deal. They mailed me a brochure with this information.



Anyone see a problem with this? I think individual reservations would be the way to go. What's an extra dollar?

What do you all think? Should I go ahead and complete the form and mail it back? We're looking at Wednesday, June 17-Sunday, June 21 for rally dates. Of course, you can come earlier and/or stay later.

This is the place we talked about at our last rally in Fredericksburg. These dates should fit everyone's school year ending. There are tons to do in San Antonio.......Sea World, Fiesta Texas, the Alamo, historic downtown San Antonio, the riverwalk, Schlitterbahn is about an hour's drive or less.

So, who votes "Yes"? "No"?

Let me know as soon as you think we should get this thing going.

Disregard any other comments on this rally thread except for these Alamo Fiesta comments. See comment 50 and later.

Mark

SydneyExcursion Site 152 Dates 11-14 Site 167 Dates 14-28
Crawfish Site 166 Dates 11-21
need2mellowout Site 165 Dates 11-22
Jambalaya Site 164 Dates 11-22
folsom five Site 120 Dates 11-18
campingnut18 Site 168 Dates 11-23
having fun Site 162 Dates 11-20
swanny Site 132 Dates 11-25
quicksam Site 159 Dates 11-25
Jimmie Site 118 Dates 13-20
5th Time Around Site 154 Dates 13-20
H2oSprayer Site 115 Dates 14-21
mike Site 114 Dates 14-21
jdpm Site 119 Dates 14-20
GoVols Site 138 Dates 7-14
jcat67 Site 126 Dates 17-21
boat man 121 Dates 15-21

Hi everyone. I have reserved a space in G Loop, #25 for November 28 through the 30th for our annual get-together to celebrate Thanksgiving left overs as well as to partake of the taste treats at the Sea Hag. I do hope that there will be others who will join us at the Oregon coast in the winter. It really is a lot of fun. Jodi

As of 8-20-08 we have:

jnk36jnk in G-25
YGuy in G-29
Crismon4 in G-26
PDX Doug in G23
Timber in G-28
Oregon Camper in G-24
Blue Wedge in G-27
Allthegoodnamesaretaken in G-30
Larry the Outback in G-19
Walkerman in G-32

I'll update this from time to time.

2008/2009

Spring

1...2008 2nd Annual Spring Roll Out Rally...May 16th - 18th...Palace Campground, Illinois
Contact H2oSprayer Original Thread...6 Families attended

4...2008 1st Annual Midwest Outbackers Rally...June 6th - 8th...Natural Springs Resort, Ohio
Contact outbackmac Original Thread...11 Families attended

9...2008 Pacific Northwest Spring Rally...May 2nd - 4th...Yakima RV Resort, Washington
Contact BlueWedge Original Thread...14 Families attended

10...2008 SE Spring Rally...April 18th - 20th...Ocmulgee State Park, Georgia
Contact Crawfish Original Thread...7 Families attended

12...2008 Texas Spring Break Rally...March 15th - 18th...Pecan Park Campground, Texas
Contact mswalt Original Thread...8 Families attended

13...2008 Northeast Spring Rally...May 16th - 18th...Chocorua Camping Village, New Hampshire
Contact supermom Original Thread...10 Families attended

Summer

2...2008 Outbackers Factory Rally...July 6th - 10th......Ebys Pines Campground, Indiana
Contact tdvffjohn Original Thread...17 Families attended

3...2008 SE Summer Rally...June 14th - 21st...Topsail State Park, Florida
Contact zoomzoom8 Original Thread...40 Families attended

6