FMCA INTO Rally

[Larry N.]

Scott and Cindy (not sure of the screen name, they were at KOFA) are here, a couple of coaches down from us -- nice folks. This INTO (International Area) rally is a disappointment. I was able to walk by and scan all the vendors in just over 5 minutes, and the seminars haven't particularly attracted us either. We are in a nice area, though, here at the Pima County Fairgrounds near Tucson, parked on the grass of the polo field -- very pleasant, and we've met some nice folks in nearby coaches. Highs so far have been near 80, lows near 40.

[UTTransplant]

That’s what happens when you’ve been doing it long enough to know everything Larry! We are south of you at Huachuca, but leaving on Wednesday. We have stayed at the Pima Fairgrounds ourselves, though not for a rally. Have you visited Saguaro National Monument yet? It it fantastic and close by.

[Larry N.]

That’s what happens when you’ve been doing it long enough to know everything Larry! We are south of you at Huachuca, but leaving on Wednesday. We have stayed at the Pima Fairgrounds ourselves, though not for a rally. Have you visited Saguaro National Monument yet? It it fantastic and close by.

I'm nowhere near knowing "everything" but how many "RV tour" seminars or "washing your RV" seminars do you need. There are a LOT of things in the Tucson area that are worth a visit, but I don't need a rally to get out and see them. Saguaro is on our list, along with several other places here -- thanks.

[Utclmjmpr]

 We are here also and find no disappointments..The seminars are always boaring as they are usually a sales pitch. We will see how the rest of it goes.>>>Dan

[Kevin Means]

Scott and Cindy are great folks, and their playful labs, Jet and Charlie, will run right into your RV if they see you've left the door open. Say hi to them for us if you get the chance Larry (Scott and Cindy )

Kev

[Larry N.]

We've made some new friends here. In addition to Scott and Cindy, there are two couples who are not framily (yet): Stan and Mary from Tyler, TX, and Larry and Myra from northern Arkansas. Last night was great -- Larry and Myra fixed BBQ pork chops, and everyone else supplied veggies, dessert, etc. Because the wind had really picked up, we set up a table inside Larry's Essex, borrowed chairs, and had tables for eight in the coach. A wonderful supper, with excellent company.

And the rally entertainer last night was Tom -- yes, he just went by Tom on stage, though the program lists him as Tom LaGravinese, from PHX. He was good, emulating a number of folks, including Sinatra, Bennett, even George Burns (a great job) and Groucho, roaming the audience as well as on stage.

So the rally is looking better...

[Larry N.]

We made a couple more friends tonight, Del and Judy from Denver area. Another good evening tonight, with chicken and rice for supper (10 of us now), but outside because the wind had died down so we didn't need to be inside. Entertainment was again good, with a young country singer named Curtis Braley, with Sarah and Mitchell as the band. He was actually quite good. The "Polo Club" is great (we're camped on the polo field).

[cadee2c]

Im about an hour south of you in Amado. Came down to visit my step brother and his wife. We went up to The Whipple Observatory today. They only give two tours a year to the top and this wasn't one of those days, but we did go to the visitors center where they have some cool stuff, then had a nice long ride up a narrow windy gravel road to the gate. It made for awesome viewing and I got some good pictures.

If you're interested in that stuff, it might make for a good day trip from Tucson. Unfortunately, we have to leave tomorrow for San Antonio. Im very sad to leave Arizona and could easily spend another month traipsing around here.

[Larry N.]

Sounds as if you had a good time, Caryl. We're headed home mañana, since the rally is ending tonight. Looking at the NWS graphical forecast, it appears we should make it into Raton Saturday afternoon, then we might get stuck for a day or so to let the forecast precip (snow, I expect) move out, before continuing to Denver.

This afternoon was a "picnic" lunch, with pulled pork, salad, cole slaw and, for some, beans (they ran out before we got there), along with iced tea or lemonade. La Cantina was doing a booming business in margaritas to go (plastic cup), and lots of gab. Tonight's "entertainment" was a guy who did a mediocre job of karaoke of "oldies" -- lots of folks (including all 10 of us in the "polo club") left very early (15 minutes or so).

Here's a picture of the 10 of us (plus furries).

[cadee2c]

Fun looking group of people, although the guy on the far right looks a little sketchy.

[Rene T]

I counted 13 . 

[Larry N.]

I counted 13 .

That's the "plus furries" 

BTW, we're in Bernalillo (just north of ABQ), and it's looking as if we'll have some snow soon, at least on our route home, even if it doesn't actually hit here (clouds here, though).

[Rene T]

That's the "plus furries" 

I missed that.     

[Larry N.]

Well, we got home yesterday about 1600, after waiting out the weather (snow, icy roads) for a couple of extra days in the Bernalillo KOA (north side of Albuquerque). Since we used to live in ABQ, we took the opportunity to roam the city, looking at the houses we used to own and checking out the changes in those areas. We also got a chance to drive to the Crest (Sandia Peak), looking for changes on the way. The Barn Dinner Theater is long gone from the back (east) side of the Sandias on hwy 14, as is the wonderful chicken restaurant that served family style (they say you can't go home again -- "they" may be right).

All in all, a very good trip, enjoying framily at Qz and meeting new friends at INTO, plus checking out the past.

[Heli_av8tor]

Glad you are home safely. Enjoyed meeting and being “temporary neighbors “ at Q.

Tom

[Larry N.]

Thanks, Tom. We enjoyed that, too. We always meet new framily when we're at Q, and it's one of the great things about going there, both being with those we already know and meeting new folks. It's great.

[Heli_av8tor]

Too bad circumstances took Mary Ann away for much of the time. Will get to know her better next time

Tom

[Larry N.]

Thanks, Tom -- we're looking forward to it.

Larry