Total Solar Eclipse 2024 in Waco, TX- Any Interest in an Ollie Rally?

[TXGal]

Hi all, this is Sara, a newbie to Ollies and learning lots!

I've been reading through several "Total Solar Eclipse" conversations in this forum and know the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg, TX is filling up fast, if not already full. I'm posting this message to gauge the interest "Ollie folks" may have in renting camp/RV space on my 47 acres (pasture land), which is 14 miles north of Waco and in the center of the eclipse path. Baylor University is presenting, from Baylor McLane Stadium, an extensive program with the Lowell Observatory and Discovery Channel, if you want to attend. The map below shows the main travel route from my area to Waco; however, there are several back routes, know by locals and will be shared.

You could plan on coming early and staying past the April 8th eclipse, avoiding some of the mass exodus from the area. There's plenty to do here, from Magnolia (Chip & Joanna Gaines) to exploring handmade crafts at the Homestead Heritage Craft Village, which is 6 miles from me. If you want to learn more about the attractions, check out the link or QR code below.

Since it is pasture, campers would have to be prepared to dry camp or "boondock" since no hookups would be available. I would, however, like to hear your suggestions on how I can make the experience more enjoyable. Maybe this could turn into a mini Ollie rally! From what I've read on this forum, Ollie owners enjoy the "ride" and getting together.

Any feedback, help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to John E. Davies and Hokieman in helping me get this "Ollie" rolling!

Thank you!

Sara (TXGal)

 

https://www.busytourist.com/fun-things-to-do-in-waco-tx/

[Hokieman]

I’ll commit to a spot immediately if you decide to host.   Im hoping many others here will join me and indeed we will have a mini-rally. 

[John E Davies]

Depending on how long after the actual eclipse you will allow folks to stay, it would be possible for some or all of the TEN Ollies at the Fredericksburg rally to drop by for a day or two at your place. That would be very cool. I am not sure my wife will be willing to linger longer 😬, she is pretty adamant about getting out of Texas and into the desert southwest for a long ramble back to Washington State.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[ScubaRx]

I'll commit to a spot if you're willing. A rally of Oliver owners is always fun. What kind of fee are you thinking of?

[Mike and Carol]

If a group of Olivers met for a mini rally near Waco we would pull our Oliver up for a few days.  We’re close to Fredericksburg (we were there today) and are in the path of the eclipse so we were going to view it from the back porch.

[TXGal]

8 hours ago, Hokieman said:

I’ll commit to a spot immediately if you decide to host.   Im hoping many others here will join me and indeed we will have a mini-rally. 

Thanks, Hokieman!

I've contacted the Baylor University spokesperson associated with the Lowell Observatory/Discovery Channel program at Baylor McLane Stadium and obtained the following website to review - "Eclipse of Texas 2024" (eclipseovertexas2024.com) This map of the eclipse's path in Texas was included. I like that the "totality" of the eclipse in my area is 4 minutes, 13 seconds!              

[TXGal]

5 hours ago, John E Davies said:

Depending on how long after the actual eclipse you will allow folks to stay, it would be possible for some or all of the TEN Ollies at the Fredericksburg rally to drop by for a day or two at your place. That would be very cool. I am not sure my wife will be willing to linger longer 😬, she is pretty adamant about getting out of Texas and into the desert southwest for a long ramble back to Washington State.

John Davies

Spokane WA

What a great thought! Thanks, John.

My place could stay available for as long as the Ollies want to come. During that time of year, the cattle can remain in a "non-rally" pasture! I'll have to see what can be offered to encourage your wife to linger a little longer. Better that time of year than in July through September when hotter temperatures have arrived and won't leave.

Sara

[TXGal]

1 hour ago, Mike and Carol said:

If a group of Olivers met for a mini rally near Waco we would pull our Oliver up for a few days.  We’re close to Fredericksburg (we were there today) and are in the path of the eclipse so we were going to view it from the back porch.

That would be wonderful. Ollie owners seem to be a close group and enjoy the visit!

[TXGal]

4 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

I'll commit to a spot if you're willing. A rally of Oliver owners is always fun. What kind of fee are you thinking of?

Thanks, ScubaRx, for your interest.

Haven't set a fee, yet, because I'm researching liability insurance, permit requirements and possibly portable potty trailers. May not need the last item, since folks are "dry camping" with their Ollies. From reading the Ollie rally posts, there's usually a meal for the group, but I also know the eclipse will be the primary event.

Any suggestions on fee or other things I mentioned? Would appreciate the input. Thanks!

[Hokieman]

Sara, I think a good starting point is for you to decide how many trailers you would want on your property.   That will help you decide what you need and what you don’t, as well as a reasonable fee.   If you want to keep it relatively small, it will be less profitable, but probably more fun for all and less hassle for you.   I’d suggest you keep it simple on the amenities.   Negative on the porta potties.   We don’t need them nor want to see or smell them.  Having a meal such as a bbq trailer would be fun, but availability may be difficult during that time frame.   Rally goers can easily organize their own pot luck meals, so no tents, tables, needed.   A few trash barrels would be nice, but we can pack it in and out.  Oliver’s are set up to be self-contained for electricity, propane, water, and sewage needs, no need to make them available.  You’ll have to decide if fires will be permitted, many campers like them, but not having them will not be a deal breaker.  I don’t know about permits, seems like a small gathering is no more  complicated than a family wedding, perhaps a liability waiver is all you need.   Fees can be transferred in advance via Venmo, Pay Pal, etc.    We have some lawyers on this forum,  perhaps they can chime in with suggestions.   I think all that is needed is a relatively level spot in a pasture, which has been bush-hogged or mowed.  You don’t want any grass fires from hot catalytic converters on the tow vehicles.  Oliver’s have moderate off-road capability, as they have high ground clearance.  Dirt road access is no problem, unless it becomes extreme 4WD.   If it rains and somebody gets stuck, other Oliver owners will pull them free.   There may be other requirements I’m overlooking, others can help out with ideas.  My personal wish is to have no generators, music or air conditioners running  during the eclipse.   If you have experienced one, you’ll know why.   I’m confident if you have an Oliver rally, you’ll have a bunch of fun, well behaved people that and leave no trace when they leave!   If there are not enough Olivers to meet your target attendance goal, we can rally interest with Airstream folks, Casita, or others. 

Mike

[DaveAndBecky_NorthernMI]

We are very interested in attending. Please post details when available.

[Gliddenwoods]

Interested in attending...

 

[TXGal]

2 hours ago, Hokieman said:

Sara, I think a good starting point is for you to decide how many trailers you would want on your property.   That will help you decide what you need and what you don’t, as well as a reasonable fee.   If you want to keep it relatively small, it will be less profitable, but probably more fun for all and less hassle for you.   I’d suggest you keep it simple on the amenities.   Negative on the porta potties.   We don’t need them nor want to see or smell them.  Having a meal such as a bbq trailer would be fun, but availability may be difficult during that time frame.   Rally goers can easily organize their own pot luck meals, so no tents, tables, needed.   A few trash barrels would be nice, but we can pack it in and out.  Oliver’s are set up to be self-contained for electricity, propane, water, and sewage needs, no need to make them available.  You’ll have to decide if fires will be permitted, many campers like them, but not having them will not be a deal breaker.  I don’t know about permits, seems like a small gathering is no more  complicated than a family wedding, perhaps a liability waiver is all you need.   Fees can be transferred in advance via Venmo, Pay Pal, etc.    We have some lawyers on this forum,  perhaps they can chime in with suggestions.   I think all that is needed is a relatively level spot in a pasture, which has been bush-hogged or mowed.  You don’t want any grass fires from hot catalytic converters on the tow vehicles.  Oliver’s have moderate off-road capability, as they have high ground clearance.  Dirt road access is no problem, unless it becomes extreme 4WD.   If it rains and somebody gets stuck, other Oliver owners will pull them free.   There may be other requirements I’m overlooking, others can help out with ideas.  My personal wish is to have no generators, music or air conditioners running  during the eclipse.   If you have experienced one, you’ll know why.   I’m confident if you have an Oliver rally, you’ll have a bunch of fun, well behaved people that and leave no trace when they leave!   If there are not enough Olivers to meet your target attendance goal, we can rally interest with Airstream folks, Casita, or others. 

Mike

Thank you so much for this information. I see it all as a positive. The pasture area under consideration for the rally is level and there is a double gate entry coming off a paved road. What size camping area would you recommend? I agree about keeping it small, so it can be enjoyable for everyone. 

Thank you again for your input.

Sara 

[TXGal]

11 hours ago, TXGal said:

Thanks, ScubaRx, for your interest.

Haven't set a fee, yet, because I'm researching liability insurance, permit requirements and possibly portable potty trailers. May not need the last item, since folks are "dry camping" with their Ollies. From reading the Ollie rally posts, there's usually a meal for the group, but I also know the eclipse will be the primary event.

Any suggestions on fee or other things I mentioned? Would appreciate the input. Thanks!

Hokieman, on this post, has provided some wonderful suggestions. Will be drawing up some "campsites" off my land survey to best accommodate the Ollies in an area that is open and level. Will keep everyone updated once that is done.

Sara 

[TXGal]

47 minutes ago, DaveAndBecky_NorthernMI said:

We are very interested in attending. Please post details when available.

Dave & Becky - Thanks for your interest. As I mentioned to ScubaRX, will be looking at my land survey and drawing up some sites that are well suited for campers. It will be such a delight to meet wonderful people from all over the U.S.

Have a great week and weekend.
Sara 

[TXGal]

33 minutes ago, Gliddenwoods said:

Interested in attending...

 

Gliddenwoods, thank you for your interest in attending what I hope will become an Ollie rally to observe the total solar eclipse. I'll be posting more information once I'll workout the details.

Again, thanks for your interest!
Sara

[QuestionMark]

My wife and I would be interested as we are frequently in the WACO area, and this is close to home so to speak.    

[TXGal]

18 minutes ago, QuestionMark said:

My wife and I would be interested as we are frequently in the WACO area, and this is close to home so to speak.    

Thanks, QuestionMark, for your interest. Since you come frequently to the Waco area, then you probably are familiar with the Czech community of West. May have to obtain kolaches (Czech pastry for those that may not know) for breakfast on the morning of the eclipse.

Will be providing updates and plans when they're developed.

Thanks again for the interest.
Sara

[TXGal]

Here's a quick update about the interest in having an "Ollie Eclipse" rally on my place outside of Waco. Approximately 23 hours ago I posted the original message and 7, possibly 8 Oliver owners are wanting to come. What fun!

Last week I contacted a graphic designer to design an eclipse logo for t-shirts. These shirts would be given as reservation gifts. Below is the design I like the most. 

Hope everyone is having a great week with beautiful weather! We need rain, so looking forward to the inch forecasted tomorrow.
 

[Mike and Carol]

Would throwing in something about Oliver owners be something to consider?

[TXGal]

13 minutes ago, Mike and Carol said:

Would throwing in something about Oliver owners be something to consider?

Terrific idea! Any suggestions on the phrasing? Any color associated with Ollie rallies?

Thanks for the input!

[ScubaRx]

8 hours ago, TXGal said:

Just a suggestion about the graphic. I really like it, but I suggest turning the left arrow to point toward the previous date of 1878. It just seems to emphasize the time spans more effectively.  I also think Mike's idea about "throwing in something about Oliver owners" would add to the exclusivity of the gathering.

Great ideas TXGal...

[TXGal]

15 minutes ago, ScubaRx said:

Just a suggestion about the graphic. I really like it, but I suggest turning the left arrow to point toward the previous date of 1878. It just seems to emphasize the time spans more effectively.  I also think Mike's idea about "throwing in something about Oliver owners" would add to the exclusivity of the gathering.

Great ideas TXGal...

I appreciate the input. Never thought about reversing the arrow. I did ask the graphic designer to replace "146 Years" with "Past" and "976 Years" with "Future". Will check out the arrow reversal. Thanks!

[TXGal]

Hello all! 

Mariusz Krukar, member of the 2024 U.S. Total Solar Eclipse Discussion Group, posted a YouTube video (shared below) that shows the path of totality for the 4/8/2024 solar eclipse. After viewing it, I took a screen shot of my area (Waco, TX) and am sharing it. 

 

 

[Steve and Cindy]

We would definitely be interested in coming up from the Houston area!