Wednesday, August 22, 2018, ACA National Rally, Spearfish, SD

I think I already mentioned Elkhorn Ridge RV Park was a very nice place. The sculpture below was one of many scattered around the well kept common areas in the park. The resort and the surrounding area made a great location for the ACA National Rally with the only downside being the limited space available for gatherings.

I always love to see a long arc of beautiful American Coaches lined up at our rallies.

Debbie, our National Membership Chairwoman, preps the ambassadors to meet with rally first-timers. Each new attendee had an ambassador to introduce them to rally activities and to help with any questions or concerns.

The first night's menu was simply "heavy hors-d'oeuvres" but I'm pretty sure everyone had enough to eat. I know that because, as the last table to head to the chow line, we found that the caterers had run out of a lot of the more popular selections. We still managed to find enough to fill ourselves up.

Bob, our rally master and ACA vice-president, emceed the member's meeting along with our president, Tony, on the right.

Representatives from REV Group, the parent company of American Coach, gave members a rundown on new initiatives and the future of the company.

Social hours are the most popular part of a rally (unless you count the catered meals which might be just as popular). Everyone brings an appetizer or snack to share and their favorite beverage for an afternoon of catching up with old friends and making new ones.

I think the look on Bill's face, below, fairly represented the mood of the happy hour crowd - everyone seemed to have a great time!

A couple of 2019 coaches were on display along with a handful of vendors to make sure we had shopping options. I couldn't quite see myself in one of these new Heritage Edition American Eagles just yet - maybe next year?

Who doesn't love a good ice cream social? Especially when the toppings were as delicious as they were plentiful. I know I shouldn't have indulged but just one bowl couldn't hurt that much - right?

Before our last night's entertainment, we had a couple who wanted to tie the knot in front of 200+ close friends. The minister performed a short ceremony, which he repeated in Navajo (a first for me), as we finished our steak dinners.

The evening's entertainment was a magic show that included select members from the audience to provide a bit of light-hearted humiliation with the illusions.

I think the sunset shot below, over an American Coach provides a nice close to this rally post.

Saturday, August 18, 2018, Move to Elkhorn Ridge, ACA Rally

Our drive today was ridiculously short - from Spearfish City Campground to Elkhorn Ridge Resort and Campground just east of Spearfish. It was 7.6 miles (89,639.1 total) but the most interesting thing was our entire trip consisted of right turns - not a single left turn today! Even better, every turn was nice and wide so there was never an anxious moment. I doubt that will ever happen again.

Even though we were early, check-in went quickly since nearly all of the rally attendees were already settled in. Some folks had arrived a week or more before the rally start to extend their time with friends. The attendance was limited to 120 coaches because the largest room at the resort could only accommodate 250 people. So, it was either limit the number of rally guests or eat meals in shifts (no one would want that!)

I was a little disappointed to have missed so much pre-rally fun, but then we did thoroughly enjoy our past week exploring the sights in Spearfish Canyon.

Tuesday, January 16 through Saturday, January 20, 2018, Tampa RV Supershow Rally

It was a grueling moving day today - just kidding - we went 6.3 miles (85,028.5 total) from the LazyDays rally to the Florida Fairgrounds for the RV Supershow. Seriously, it was a bit concerning that our parking time was scheduled so early we had to contend with the morning rush hour traffic. Even so, we were extremely lucky with our timing and we had no merging issues.

The crew did an excellent job parking the 40+ American Coaches together very quickly. Bonus - we were provided with 30 amp hook-ups which made life much easier for the duration of our stay. We also seemed to have the best location at the fairgrounds - literally across the street from the vendors. 

Keith arranged for an open area where we could congregate for happy hour around four every afternoon. Everyone brought something to share and we found ourselves with so many options and so much food every night.

The first time we have seen a convertible bunk bed sofa!

Joani has decided when we retire from full-time RV life she wants this little Leisure class B for vacations. It certainly was nice, but it was tight. It was probably half the size of our current home. I'll try to keep an open mind. 

How about this trailer for the deck enthusiast - two decks for folks who really don't like to touch the ground.

By the end of the show we had seen a lot of cool stuff, but after five years of full-timing, the only thing I felt inclined to purchase was a new display for our tire pressure monitoring system. I know, not very exciting - maybe next time.

Thursday, January 11 through Monday, January 15, 2018, SEACA LazyDays Rally

This year's winter excursion through Florida was feeling pretty familiar. We left Sumter Oaks SKP park in Bushnell, FL following the same route we did two ago when we last attended the Southeast American Coach rally at LazyDays in Tampa, Florida. We had to stall a little to make sure we were not too early for check-in. The 50.0 mile (85,022.2 total) drive was all on back roads. I was again reminded just how much better secondary roads usually are compared to the Interstate highway system. Additionally, since we were familiar with the route we were not misled into the heart of Dade City's downtown district which made things a bit more relaxing.

Since we were a day early for the rally, registration went very smoothly. We were parked on the edge of the facility in a pretty tight site. I had to have a guy move his pickup truck to maneuver into our site that had a tree overhanging us. We never did have enough room to get our car off of the drive, but then again neither did anyone else.

Only a few people had already arrived for the rally, so I made the most of our free time with daily trips to the spa and lots of walks with Sam to look at the LazyDays inventory. Of course, being so close to Tampa we were obligated to visit their Ikea for some idea shopping and Swedish meatballs. 

Soon enough the whole gang arrived. The rally attracted just under 60 American Coaches with lots of old friends as well as new ones. There was entertainment most every night and so much great food! Unfortunately, I rarely thought to capture pictures and instead just enjoyed the fellowship, food and fun. The few times I did snap a picture on my phone it did a poor job of capturing the atmosphere. Fond memories would have to do as we wrapped up our time at LazyDays.

Saturday, June 17 through Saturday, June 24, 2017 ACA Rally, Shawnee, OK

Well, technically, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were ACA Southeast Chapter's "pre-rally" days, but just about everyone was already here and we had a happy hour each day with old friends, really great munchies and BYOB. I attended alone while Joani comforted poor Sammie on Saturday. Whenever we both left him alone he had to wear the cone. The look below tells you just how much he enjoyed that.

I think I see tears in his eyes! After three days he woke up and said "enough with pain! It's time to move on!" And he has been getting back to his old self ever since.

I caught a lot of grief for taking two pieces of pizza - one for Joani, of course, and there were plenty of leftovers before it was all over. Sunday Joani attended and loaded her own plate with fried chicken.

On Monday, the official beginning of the rally, a few dozen more folks arrived. That brought the rally total to about 110 shiny American Coaches - what a sight to behold!

Monday night we had "heavy hors-d'oeuvres." Great stuff, but a bit disorganized. We were like hungry hogs feeding at a trough. There was no line, so it was nearly impossible to get a little of everything on the first go-around. After the initial frenzy everyone got their fill and then some (as with most rallies, overeating is the norm).

I did a poor job of capturing people - not a single good shot of everyone at our table. Someone was always cut off or blurry. Maybe I can blame the BYOB policy.

Tuesday night we had another fabulous feast. The menu included peppers and beef and smoked ham and lots of vegetables to round out the nutrition. Of course, the meal was topped off by peach, apple and blackberry cobblers.

Our meal was followed by comedy from John DeBoer. He did a lot of ad-libbing and was pretty funny. I had some reservations, however, when some of his material revolved around keying cars with vanity plates.

Bob Hurley RV's crew was doing their best to sell all seven of the models they brought to the rally (three Revolutions, two Dreams and two Eagles). After thinking they had not sold a one, we were told that at least three people left with a new coach. 

We looked at the show coaches several times.  Joani decided she really liked the Eagle 45C and asked for a brochure. That got them excited - a live one on the hook. I liked it as well, but some quick math showed, with an unrealistic trade-in allowance, we would still be looking at a $3,000/month payment for the next 30 years. That put a damper on things. Our humble coach has everything we need without a monthly payment so I guess we better keep it.

The American Eagle 45C - This photo does not do it justice!  It is so pretty.

I would love to put this shower in our coach - I think we could do it!

A new offering from American Coach - a Class B. Very sleek and perfect for extended trips or weekend get-aways.

The new American Coach Patriot (just under $130,000 - ouch!)

Wednesday night we had pizza - nothing special on its own, but the company certainly made the evening pleasant.

We had a free night on Thursday and we joined two other couples and hit a local Mexican restaurant by the name of Rosa's. It was good food made even better with the addition of some of the best homemade "hot" sauce I have had in some time. I ate too much - I guess the rally mindset extended outside of the park.

An American Coach Tech fixed our water valve problem that we have put up with for over a year. The water pump no longer burps due to fresh water leaking back into the tank. They only charge you for parts - no labor - what a deal!

Friday night - our big night - prime rib cooked to perfection with a nice selection of veggies and mashed potatoes. German chocolate cake and carrot cake made a fine finishing touch. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Johnny Counterfeit. That guy had you believing you were hearing a nearly endless list of famous people including Johnny Cash, Elvis, John Wayne. Jimmy Stewart, Willie Nelson, Dean Martin (and the rest of the Rat Pack), Paul Lynde, Archie and Edith Bunker. I liked the way he modified song lyrics to fit the character of whoever he sounded like. The Time Traveller Band did a great job as well. They clearly knew their audience - everyone sang along with a selection of songs that were easily recognized and obviously favorites.

Saturday morning the thunder of big diesels roared as nearly everyone headed off to their next adventure. I say nearly everyone because we, along with 15 other coaches, stayed an extra night before leaving. We certainly enjoyed our time at the rally and the camaraderie of the group (with the exception of one irresponsible dog owner) and look forward to the next time we can all get together.