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.
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.
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