We are on our second trip of 2025. Two weeks ago we took our annual test trip to Shabbona Lake State Park to be sure the winter did not give us any surprises. We always go for about a week after the oil change, once over and dewinterizing. It was a great week with beautiful sun and nice temps. We took our usual hike, but Ernie could not go as far and that is sad. Over the winter he seems to have developed arthritis in his hind legs, especially the right one, and it drags when he is tired and he begins to noticeably pant.
This week we are camping with a large regional group with our local chapter of FMCA/RV too many letters! and a name change over the winter that is tongue tying everyone. I once tried to explain what this was like to my niece and when I was done she said – oh like a motorcycle club but you all have RV’s and no cool jackets – yes, but we have cool shirts!
We have been here since Sunday and it was a short ride from home, less than two hours so I am good with that. The actual rally started yesterday, Tuesday and on Monday and Tuesday I worked registration. I like that since I get to meet almost everyone who comes here and give them goodie bags and forms and talk a few minutes. I have to say I walked more than my 10,000 steps both days. I think I earned the urban boot on Fitbit. Jerry has decided to drive golf carts to transport people from their RV to different activities. I am pooped today and I have been receiving numerous requests from both of my accounting work clients and needed to work the whole morning today. Trying hard to juggle both schedules together.
So you may be curious what we do here for 6 days. Along with the volunteering, we eat – lots of opportunities to eat on site with provided meals or in Elkhorn, WI at restaurants. I had delicious mango ice cream in town on Sunday after we arrived. There was a volunteer dinner provided on Monday night which we ate with most of our group. Yesterday at lunchtime there were hot dogs and chips provided. Last night we listed to a cover band that played rock songs from the 60’s and 70’s. You know I was there until the very end. I was one of the last people left in the building besides the band. Even Jerry left me there 🙁
The other thing I like about coming to these events is that there are always RV mechanics on site. Last year we had some work done on our A/C to make it quieter when it is running. A great investment we have really enjoyed. Over the last year our back up and side view cameras have stopped working one by one, with no rear window or mirror, there is no way to see what is behind you without the camera. It really freaks me out when I am driving since Mr. Standing my driver’s ed teacher told us to glance back with the rearview mirror every 45 seconds. I have been voicing my displeasure, isn’t that a nice way to say complaining? for over a year. Jerry has called and taken the RV to at least 5 places and no one could fix it. I saw the RV repair truck sitting around and went to chat with them. They were at our RV in 10 minutes and all the cameras were fixed in less than an hour. I told them how happy they made me. Every time I see them driving around I give them a wave and they wave back.
Today it is raining and tonight there may be a hurricane watch/warning. I really hope not since I don’t want to have to sit in a building soaking wet with lots of soaking wet dogs that will smell like wet dog. And me with no scented candles. This evening there is another provided dinner with pork chops, potatoes and other sides. If I have any complaint at all it is the lack of dessert at the meals. So far not one meal included a piece of cake, a brownie or a cookie. Thank goodness there is a coffee cart with ample treats on site, otherwise I don’t know what I would do. I’ll check in again tomorrow to let you know if I had to evacuate my RV and what is happening.
See Rocker the band in this clip from a very long time ago!
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxlRRZ7ddqzLfBlqX6PyBrERrvYudZOi9x?si=eo4-HJsuEo5SWzU6