RALLY END

As they say, "all good things must come to an end". Such was the case last night, as the closing ceremonies brought down the curtain on the Gypsy Gathering Western RV Rally here in Yuma, AZ. Nick and Terry Russell, the publishers of the Gypsy Journal RV Newspaper, were the hosts for this rally, and after thanking all of the volunteers (above photo), it was officially over last night.

We had some fun, learned some new things, and have the date for next year's rally already marked on the calendar. We have attended RV Rally's in Georgia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Oregon, and California, but this is our favorite. We have watched this rally grow from it's inception in Casa Grande, to where it is today, and the smaller group (approx. 200 RV's), makes it feel more like a family gathering, as opposed to a commercial RV rally. Nick does a great job of changing it enough each year, to keep it fresh, particularly with his seminar line up.

Speaking of volunteers, the gal seated is Barbara Westerfield. She and her husband Tom, have been here at the Yuma Fairgrounds for almost 2 weeks, helping put this thing together. Without dedicated volunteers, these kinds of get togethers are simply not possible. Believe me, I speak from experience, having organized many events from a few hundred to a few thousand attendees. When we joined the Family Motor Coach Ass'n Golden Spike Chapter a little over a year ago, we met Barbara & Tom at our first chapter event in Oregon, when we all rode the Mount Hood Scenic Railroad.

One of the last day activities was described as the Golf Cart Rodeo. This picture is of Nick blindfolded, being told by Greg White where to steer the golf cart. The object is to talk the driver through the course without hitting, or running over any of the cones. The fastest time is the winner.

This morning, we're out of here with a northbound course for home. We'll say a sad goodbye to Nancy, who is heading back home to CA, with her first RV rally now a memory. Tomorrow, we're hosting our 3rd annual Alaska in Arizona BBQ, for a group of friends, who have shared our experiences, working in Skagway, Alaska.