15th Annual North 40 "H.O.P.S. Party" Invitation -- 1 of 3

Jay Honeck

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Jay Honeck
This is your official invitation to our annual HOPS Party in the North 40 during Oshkosh Airventure. ("HOPS" stands for "Homebuilt, Owning, Piloting, and Student" -- the old rec.aviation Usenet groups that pre-date the modern internet.)

Mary and I are long-term EAAers, and this will be our 35th consecutive Oshkosh Fly-In! As always, this party will be held at our campsite in the North 40 aircraft camping area on Wednesday during the week of Airventure. This year, that will be Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

If you're wondering what it's all about, here are some pix from each year's event. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...073741826.100000777116758&type=1&l=2c184c945a

It's laid back, fun, and allows all of us to put faces with the names we've seen on-line for years. Amelia's Landing Hotel provides the food, while "admission" is a six-pack of good beer from your hometown. Because we're from everywhere, this lets us all sample beers from all over the country. It's great fun!

How does one find this party, you ask, in a sea of aircraft? It's actually easy, with a bit of planning. Simply stop at the EAA booth at the entrance to the North 40, and either give them our name, or our N-number -- N14EG. They will vector you right in to our site.

Just remember that the EAA camping booth closes around 6 PM, so you should obtain the party location earlier in the day. (Someone usually posts it here as well.)

The party starts after the airshow ends -- we usually have a nice crowd watching the arrivals/departures that begin as soon as they reopen the airspace. Bring a chair if you can, as that's usually what runs out first.

If all else fails, look for the blood red RV-8A named "Amelia" in the North 40. It will probably be the only RV-8A out there! We also usually fly an enormously tall Texas flag over our site, so that should help to track us down, too.

Hope to see you there!
 
We'll be there! Can you save me a medium shirt? Last year I got a 3XL which is pretty funny for twiggy little wimp like me :)
 
We'll be there! No better place to watch the night airshow.
 
We'll be there! Can you save me a medium shirt? Last year I got a 3XL which is pretty funny for twiggy little wimp like me :)
lol The shirts are always hard to gauge.

For those wondering, we give out commemorative HOPS Party 2017 shirts to the first 40 attendees. I used to order mostly medium and large, but Americans have grown steadily larger.

I now order mostly Large and Extra Large. I don't even remember ordering a 3XL!
 
Once again, really hoping to attend this event and see the POA glitterati in person! Thanks, Jay!
 
What?? Why?

It's a budget thing. Not broke, or anything like that. Anniversary trip, and some other stuff going on that we're aggressively saving money for. Just not enough paychecks between now and then to make it work, numbers-wise. And also still finishing up two more instructor ratings...
 
I'll drop by and say hello, but will likely have to leave Tues night or Wed Morning.
 
It's a budget thing. Not broke, or anything like that. Anniversary trip, and some other stuff going on that we're aggressively saving money for. Just not enough paychecks between now and then to make it work, numbers-wise. And also still finishing up two more instructor ratings...
That is almost literally un-American. Imagine, saving money *upfront* to spend on vacation? lol
 
That is almost literally un-American. Imagine, saving money *upfront* to spend on vacation? lol

I think Dave Ramsey calls a vacation that you pay for after you go, a "Vacation that follows you home." :)

The savings goal isn't completely for vacation stuff, the anniversary trip is just a small part of it... but just bad timing.

And no, it's not for a bright yellow Corvette either, but man... nice car you found there, Jay!
 
I think Dave Ramsey calls a vacation that you pay for after you go, a "Vacation that follows you home." :)

The savings goal isn't completely for vacation stuff, the anniversary trip is just a small part of it... but just bad timing.

And no, it's not for a bright yellow Corvette either, but man... nice car you found there, Jay!
Thanks! It took me 45 years to find it. I've wanted it since I was a paperboy, throwing newspapers on 62 customer's porches each afternoon.

You would probably not be surprised at the number of people we interact with who are clearly up to their necks in debt, but are nonetheless here on vacation. When Credit Card #3 doesn't work, it's hard not to start lecturing. lol

We shall miss you at OSH 17.
 
Is there an age limit? I want to bring my soon to be born son to Oshkosh, but my wife thinks at 3 weeks old he may be too young. I say start the aviation bug while they are young.
 
Is there an age limit? I want to bring my soon to be born son to Oshkosh, but my wife thinks at 3 weeks old he may be too young. I say start the aviation bug while they are young.

Do you mean Oshkosh in general or Jay's party? We've certainly seen the under-one crowd at Oshkosh.
 
Do you mean Oshkosh in general or Jay's party? We've certainly seen the under-one crowd at Oshkosh.

Both. Will probably skip the airshow because of the noise, or if it's really hot and humid. Not sure I want to put earmuffs on him that young.
 
Both. Will probably skip the airshow because of the noise, or if it's really hot and humid. Not sure I want to put earmuffs on him that young.
Our party is always family friendly -- as is all of Oshkosh.

25 years ago, I carried my son around Oshkosh in a front pack. He moved to a backpack when his sister was born.

Eventually they both moved to a wagon. I was ecstatic when they could walk the grounds on their own!

They will be at the party this year, ages 23 and 26. :)

Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk
 
Howdy, folks! First time post here. Last year was my first OshKosh, and I'm coming back for more! I went with a buddy last year, he showed up first, and found us a "lovely" secluded spot... beneath the billboard next to 41! So... nice and private, but I think I can still hear the highway noise (though, I did make all of the traffic coming in on the service road jealous every morning while I was cooking up bacon!)

So, needless to say, I didn't meet a whole lot of folks last year. Definitely interested in a different experience this year! See you all there!
 
Wednesday evening is tied up, but I can bring some beer and help you drink it on the other evenings.
 
Howdy, folks! First time post here. Last year was my first OshKosh, and I'm coming back for more! I went with a buddy last year, he showed up first, and found us a "lovely" secluded spot... beneath the billboard next to 41! So... nice and private, but I think I can still hear the highway noise (though, I did make all of the traffic coming in on the service road jealous every morning while I was cooking up bacon!)

So, needless to say, I didn't meet a whole lot of folks last year. Definitely interested in a different experience this year! See you all there!
lol We have spent one or two unhappy years parked out by the Hwy 41 fence, over the last few decades. Last time was 10 years ago, or so...

We learned a couple of things from that experience:

1. Not everyone in Oshkosh loves us. One guy came by every morning, at about 4:30 AM, blowing his car horn and shouting expletives.

2. Wearing ear plugs is wonderful.

In fact, we have taken to wearing ear plugs at OSH (and whenever we travel) ever since, and our sleep quality has soared.

See you in OSH!
 
Oh... I am *definitely* glad that I had brought ear plugs. Noise doesn't usually bother me too much (I spent 5 years on an aircraft carrier, sleeping either directly beneath the 3 wire or directly between cats 1 and 2), but man... the drone of those truck tires was something else.

Really looking forward to hanging out with fellow aviation nerds. I'll /finally/ have my PPL by then, too, FWIW.
 
lol We have spent one or two unhappy years parked out by the Hwy 41 fence, over the last few decades. Last time was 10 years ago, or so...

We learned a couple of things from that experience:

1. Not everyone in Oshkosh loves us. One guy came by every morning, at about 4:30 AM, blowing his car horn and shouting expletives.

2. Wearing ear plugs is wonderful.

In fact, we have taken to wearing ear plugs at OSH (and whenever we travel) ever since, and our sleep quality has soared.

See you in OSH!

What kind/brand of earplugs did you wear? I used some, but they didn't block all the highway noise and they fell out in the night. Any tips? I camped in Scholler once before and will be again this year, and, gosh, that Interstate is noisy.
 
No OSH for me this year.
Nor me. Finals week in summer school at the university. I get paid the exact amount to install the new adsb transponder and blinky wing tip lights.

Or new flooring in the kitchen and second bath.

You know what the choice will be, don't you?
 
It's a budget thing. Not broke, or anything like that. Anniversary trip, and some other stuff going on that we're aggressively saving money for. Just not enough paychecks between now and then to make it work, numbers-wise. And also still finishing up two more instructor ratings...
So does this mean I can be your first instrument student this fall?
 
What kind/brand of earplugs did you wear? I used some, but they didn't block all the highway noise and they fell out in the night. Any tips? I camped in Scholler once before and will be again this year, and, gosh, that Interstate is noisy.

I use ear plugs a lot. My dad's hearing is pretty poor and I've been taking precautions for years to hopefully not go down the same path.

The best tip I can give is to go to home depot and just start trying different ones. There are probably a hundred different brands/types to choose from and 95% of the deal is getting the right fit for *your* ear. So get started this weekend by buying small quantities of 2-3 different ones and wear them this week. If they don't work out, get another batch to test next weekend. If one of them does work out, buy a 200 pack and you'll be all set for years.

Not blocking all the noise and falling out are indications of poor fit. Once you have the right fit it will be a night and day difference.
 
We use these. As you can see, we buy them by the case. (I also use them when doing yard work around the hotel, when traveling, and on long trips in the convertible).

They are cheap, and work great.
7c41732ecde002ace79eef0a5628be61.jpg
 
Nor me. Finals week in summer school at the university. I get paid the exact amount to install the new adsb transponder and blinky wing tip lights.

Or new flooring in the kitchen and second bath.

You know what the choice will be, don't you?

Well, at least I see you have your priorities in correct order !
 
Nor me. Finals week in summer school at the university. I get paid the exact amount to install the new adsb transponder and blinky wing tip lights.

Or new flooring in the kitchen and second bath.

You know what the choice will be, don't you?

Mrs. GRG55 and I have an understanding. She doesn't allow me a choice. That way I am completely safe from the prospect (and the inevitable negative consequences) of making the wrong one. ;)
 
I ordered the 2017 HOPS Party shirts this week. Remember, the first 40 attendees score a free one!

Some of you guys might have all of them!


Sent from my SM-T700 using Tapatalk
 
This is your official invitation to our annual HOPS Party in the North 40 during Oshkosh Airventure. ("HOPS" stands for "Homebuilt, Owning, Piloting, and Student" -- the old rec.aviation Usenet groups that pre-date the modern internet.)

Mary and I are long-term EAAers, and this will be our 35th consecutive Oshkosh Fly-In! As always, this party will be held at our campsite in the North 40 aircraft camping area on Wednesday during the week of Airventure. This year, that will be Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

If you're wondering what it's all about, here are some pix from each year's event. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...073741826.100000777116758&type=1&l=2c184c945a

It's laid back, fun, and allows all of us to put faces with the names we've seen on-line for years. Amelia's Landing Hotel provides the food, while "admission" is a six-pack of good beer from your hometown. Because we're from everywhere, this lets us all sample beers from all over the country. It's great fun!

How does one find this party, you ask, in a sea of aircraft? It's actually easy, with a bit of planning. Simply stop at the EAA booth at the entrance to the North 40, and either give them our name, or our N-number -- N14EG. They will vector you right in to our site.

Just remember that the EAA camping booth closes around 6 PM, so you should obtain the party location earlier in the day. (Someone usually posts it here as well.)

The party starts after the airshow ends -- we usually have a nice crowd watching the arrivals/departures that begin as soon as they reopen the airspace. Bring a chair if you can, as that's usually what runs out first.

If all else fails, look for the blood red RV-8A named "Amelia" in the North 40. It will probably be the only RV-8A out there! We also usually fly an enormously tall Texas flag over our site, so that should help to track us down, too.

Hope to see you there!
I found myself and my kids in the 2006-2009 photo's but it's been a few years in Asia now with no Oshkosh ... not sure if all my camping supplies are still in the trailer since I stopped paying my portion of the rent a few years ago (that stuff just slips sometimes, not intentional). Just talked to the kids and we're planning to do Oshkosh next year for the first time in about 7 years ... I'll fly home for it. Miss Oshkosh, absolutely great family time. Enjoy and I'll try to bring Hong Kong beer next year ;).
 
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