See some pictures of past Snow Camp Rallys at: http://www.blachon.org/moto/Snowcamp/04/

LOCATION: Sunshine Point Campground, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington.

DIRECTIONS: The campground is located just inside the Nisqually (Longmire) entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park, east of Elbe and Ashford, on Washington State Route 706.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: None

CAMPGROUND CONVENIENCES: Very nice modern pit toilets. Running cold water. Covered pavilion.

COST: National Park Entrance Fee $10.00/vehicle (Bikes $5.00). Camping $10.00 night. These are National Park Fees, the event itself is FREE.

NEARBY SERVICES: Gas and groceries just outside the park entrance and in Ashford. For the less cold tolerant, accommodations ranging from bunk space with shared bath to cabins to deluxe suites are available outside the park. Some of the choices, listed in order of distance from the park entrance are:

Gateway Inn (0.1 mi) 360-569-2506

Stone Creek Lodge (0.2 mi) 800-569-3942 Lodge Near Mt. Rainier (0.3 mi) 360-569-2312 Mounthaven (0.8 mi) 800-456-9380 Alexander's Inn(l.2 mi) 800-654-7615 Rainier Overland Lodge (4.3 mi) 360-569-0851 Nisqually Lodge (4.3 mi) 390-568-8804 Whittaker's Bunkhouse (7.3 mi) 360-569-2439

WHAT TO BRING: Cold weather gear. Food for meals other than the furnished ones. AREA ATTRACTIONS: Snow, Mt.Rainier

ACTIVITIES: Eating to keep warm (you burn a tremendous amount of energy keeping warm, so you have to keep stoking the internal furnace). Day rides up to Paradise Visitor Center for those bring bikes (if the road isn't closed) or as far as we can get without falling down too much (if it is). Standing around the campfire trying to keep warm while telling lies. Eating (did I mention you have to eat a lot to keep warm?).

REMARKS: This rally is a chance to be cord and miserable with like-minded fools. It is the brainchild of and cosponsored by Joe Rodgers (one of the owners of Tacoma BMW), and Rolf-Immo Gabbe. It is intended as an ALLBrands RALLY (don't let the BMW sponsorship fool you, there will be lots of other bikes). Show up with whatever vehicle you wish. Those of us coming by bike will heap derision on those less hardy who come by car or RV, but we'll be the first to help use any amenities that can be brought or furnished by those vehicles.

THE PLAN (such as it is):

Saturday, 18 January-arrival, set up camp, start fire, etc. Chili feed all. Afternoon/evening courtesy of Tacoma BMW. (If you wish to cook/contribute other food, we won't turn it down. We've had pan-baked cornbread and other goodies. An ice cream cake has already become a Snow Camp tradition). Dayride for those who feel like it. True stories and other tales around the campfire.

Sunday, 19 January--Pancake breakfast sponsored by BMW Riders Association. Also enjoy (?) that snow camp delicacy--"Chicken Fried Bologna" (don't ask, you wouldn't believe it if I told you). Dayride for those who feel like it. Roadkill BBQ Sunday afternoon/evening courtesy of Ride West BMW. True stories and other tales around the campfire.

Monday, 20 January-Eat remaining food, break camp and head for home. The campground is open year-round, so early birds can arrive on Friday for earlier). It is first come, first served, but we've never had a problem getting campsites. For some reason, hardly anyone camps there this time of year.

REGISTRATION: Not required, you just need to show up. For planning purposes it would be helpful if you would let us know you're coming so we have some idea how much food to bring. Please send that info to Rold-lmmo Gabbe (address below). Thanks.....Rolf

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rolf-lmmo Gabbe, 12408 149th St. E., Puyallup, WA 98374, f:253-770-3749, email: rolfgabbe@yahoo.com  Joe Rodgers, 11619 Pacific Hwy SW, Tacoma, WA 98449, #253-582-1838