88th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase

The parking crew!

   June 19-22 we attended the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) Rally at the Cam-Plex in Gillette Wyoming.  There were a LOT of rigs there -- it seems like someone told me around 2300!  Once we got parked, we were reunited with many RVing friends and the fun and festivities got into full swing.  

RVers abuzz at the Wyoming Center

   We were able to break bread (actually half price appetizers and draft beer) at Old Chicago with Dennis and Carol Hill, former owners of the school.  They are always full of ideas and feedback which we find most helpful.  

Here comes the rain again!

   Finally, we had the pleasure of meeting Lee and Janet Lukehart, of SavvyData.  Lee has been a real godsend when it comes to getting the school's database converted and running like a charm.  It was fun to share their excitement over their new full-timing freedom and their very first rally.  Now WHY didn't I get pictures of these fine folks?

George spoke to over 250 people

   We can never thank instructor Sharon Del Rosario and her husband Don enough for all the effort and personal sacrifices they make for the school.  We especially enjoyed their company over dinner at Humphrey's, and Sharon worked in quite a few private lessons despite her already busy volunteer schedule.  

Vallerie Lee -- now exactly what she planned

Thor Diesel Club, of which we are members, moved our get-together into the nearby stables to get out of the pouring rain.  Never let it be said that we let a little rain dampen our spirits!  And rain and storm it did!  A sudden hail-storm damaged quite a number of rigs, and many that were parked in lower areas became stuck in the mud.  

Thor Diesel Club members

   George stepped out of our coach into ice water about four to six inches deep, but we were determined to meet for dinner with friends and former student, Pam McArthur and husband, Jim.   Perkins actually let us in the door pretty much dripping wet.

   Seminars were well attended, and I actually got to attend my friend, Gail Alexander, of RV Space Savers' presentation.  Gail and husband, Mike, are super nice folks and have developed a line of awesome products, which is where I blew my household budget for the next few months.

Friends Jim and Pam McArthur

   The days were busy, but I still found time to tour the new motor coaches and dream a bit.  It was a great rally, and we look forward to many more FMCA rallies in the future.

Beautiful sunsets in Gillette, WY