Transporters By The Tunnel
Transporters By The Tunnel is a LiMBO
Sponsored Campout, Held around the third weekend of July , at Historic Valley
Campground in North Adams, Mass. The Tunnel is the Hoosac Tunnel, rail tunnel
about 4.5 miles long. Built in 1874 it was at one time the longest tunnel in the
world. Also close by about 20 minutes driving time, viewable from the
campground, is Mt. Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts
Historic Valley Campground is located
about 15 minutes walking distance from the western portal of the tunnel. The
campground has 100 sites, most with water and electric. Modern comfort stations
and clean hot showers. We have a caravan, hike to the tunnel, catered Saturday
nite dinner and Sunday Breakfast plus tons more planned.
The Campout started in 1994 in a small
field behind the office with about 15 buses in attendance. '95 had 35 buses and
'96 had 44 buses, GTI, 1 motorhome, a Dodge conversion van and a GMC van. 1997
saw 55 registered buses at the campground and in 1998 we had 82 registered
vehicles at our campout. We were going to call it quits after '98 (cause its
alot of work) but, the campout has gotten its own momentum, we can't stop it
now! (I've tried to call it quits for three years now, but folks won't let me
=)) By 1998 we had taken every available space at the campground and the small
field. Because there is only about 70 available sites (not including the safari
field) at Historic Valley campground, we ask everyone who attends if they would
like to share a site with some else. Of course ifs totally optional, but its a
great way to meet new folks and make friends that last a lifetime. The sites are
quite large and can easily handle two or three buses on each. If you know
someone that is attending, your welcome to share with them too.
In 1999 we had almost 100 vehicles in
attendance. It was a great time. Our caterer Ron Lepel and crew from Boston
Seafood Restaurant, put a delicious buffet of BBQ Chicken with all the fixin's.
The theme was Christmas in July and we had a visit from Santa Claus. A couple of
members dressed up as the Angel Gabriel and Rudolph the red nosed Reindeer (we
have pictures) and danced around the campfire. We had a fantastic bon fire
Saturday nite with a make shift band that really jammed!! Sunday morning Ron and
his crew came back and made a scrumptious all you can eat breakfast. We followed
that up with a walk to the Hoosac Tunnel.
The year 2000 was a bit soggy. 'Wettest
summer on record' according to the weathermen and did we get it at Transporters
that year. We still had close to 85 buses show up in the rain. Even the hearty
crew from PA had were having a great time under their pittifully small tarp in
the rain. We were glad to have full use of the pavillion. Started a fire in the
fireplace first thing in the morning and it was kept going throughout the day by
visitors that came by to dry out a bit. The weather station said a total of six
inches of rain fell between Saturday and Sunday. Ron Lepel and his crew came
again and severed two great meals. The sun peaked out for a bit on Sunday as we
cruised to the eastern portal of the Hoosac Tunnel and Bear Swamp Hydro electric
plant. We even had the pleasure of seeing a different kind of VW van. Rick
Alexander came out in his 'brubakerbox'.
Its a neat little van based on a beetle floor pan. They were popular back in the
70's. All in all we had a good time and we also raised 120 dollars for the
American Heart Assocation in memory of our friend Gary Domestico. It is always a
great time so make plans to attend.
In 2001 and recieved some help from fellow
members and bus nuts John Netzel and Kevin Kruger. They handle alot of the
weekend activities. The weather was much better than 2000. Uncle Fudd, AKA Nevin
Lescher, handled our caravan to the Hoosac Tunnel. The bus turn out was smaller
but I didn't advertise it as much.
This past Transporters by The Tunnel John
and Kevin handled everything. I wanted actually wanted to not have TBT but a
very vocal majority won out and John and Kevin said they would handle all the
arrangements. I don't remember the offical count of buses, but I believe it was
on par with 2001. The caterer was there with all his crew and Kevin and John had
a raffle. The weather was absolutely great!!
For 2003, I'm really putting in a big
effort. This event will be number ten and the last. Yes, I did say the last
Transporters By The Tunnel. I've already lined up a band to play Saturday night.
I've got the caterer lined up and I'm hoping to find a clown or something for
the kids. Even though its not policially correct to serve alcohol at events
anymore, I'm trying to line up either a mobile bar or have a couple of beer
kegs. I'm planning a real party! IF YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT COMING TO
THIS EVENT THIS IS THE YEAR!!
Check
out this years flyer!!
Click here to read about
the details of the 1995 campout
Click here to read bout
1997
E-mail
me for more info!