Illinois
Blue Lake Club
P.O. Box 13, Erie, Illinois 61250
309-659-9297 (May through September only)
office@bluelakeresort.org
Blue Lake is a small club about 20 miles northeast of the Quad Cities in Iowa. Sitting in a bowl, near the Rock River, surrounded by corn fields and woods, it’s a great little family get-away spot. The club is practically empty during the week, but becomes full of friendly people from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.
Several permantly installed trailers surround the clubhouse and swimming poind. The deck next to the pond is the center of activity. The pond, fed by water pumped from the river is chlorinated regularly, and is a comfortable break from summer heat.
The few residents, and the weekenders are all extremely friendly. During my visit there in 1995, although they have a families only policy, I was welcomed warmly by all. I had been traveling cross-country and had asked in advance to stop there to camp for the night.
The next day, soon after leaving, my engine died. I was towed back into Erie, to the town’s only mechanic, and called the club manager to see if I could stay until repairs were done. He immediately came to town, and hooked my camper up and towed it back to the club.
I spent three restful days reading by the pond, until Friday and suddenly people were there. I was immediately invited to a barbecue and was treated royally for the rest of the weekend. Someone took me shopping to replenish my dwindling supply of food and to check on the progress of my vehicle repairs.
Then problems came along to make my trip a disaster. The mechanic had disappeared and never started work on the van. One of the Blue Lake members drove me all over the place looking for mechanics and parts, but none could be found. When all appeared to be hopeless, he offered to trade a van he owned for my camper, and a deal was made, allowing me to continue my trip.
I can only say that the members of Blue Lake Club are exactly the type of people I have come to know as nudists in many places. Friendly, outgoing, fun-loving, and willing to do whatever it takes to make someone feel welcomed to the family.
Chicago Sun Club (Travel Club)
PO Box 133
Wasco, Illinois 60183
630-377-3719.
