Mercy !

These old dogs of mine are a little tired tonight.  Two days of hoofing it around the FMCA rally in Perry Georgia has taken its toll.  I'm tired but a good night rest should rejuvenate me enough for the drive south in the morning.  We're headed for central Florida for a few weeks and are looking forward to some new sights and maybe a little rest.

The rally experience turned out to be much like the ham radio conventions or the old Comdex computer shows I used to attend.  We want to see it all but sometimes there is just too much to see and do.  Maybe it's what keeps us coming back to these things.  Always something new to excite your mind and expand your horizons.  Yes ... the places get crowded and the temperatures warm .. the line to the men's rooms might be almost too long and the food not so good but the chance to hob-nob with fellow enthusiast is, as they say ...priceless.  And the chance to talk to the technicians and experts who design, build and service our coaches are there and are usually so helpful and attentive.

Though this is our first experience with a big rally, we really recommend attending one.  And one important side-light.  We would not have even thought of attending this rally if it had not been for our friends Bob and Joan from Maine.  We met them but a year or so ago and have kept in touch this past year.  They are well traveled and know where to go and what to see and said 'you've got to go to Perry'.  But the best part is when you see them in person again.  They instantly make you feel like you are their best friends and treated us so very well.  So thanks again Bob and Joan ... We appreciate your friendship, kindness and great recommendations.

We took time to drive through a number of the areas where the rally goers rigs were parked.  It's kind of fun to see what others are driving and if your lucky, peek through the windshields while passing by to see how they are decorated.  My guess is that there were maybe 1500+ of class 'A' coaches parked around the complex plus another 500 or so new ones brought in for folks to tour and dream over.

Here's a view of maybe 10% of the coaches parked at the complex.

Just a little hint of some of the activities that were apart of the rally.  Here's a volunteer band and singing group entertaining in the center court area of the rally.  There are also many chances to learn new things as a wide variety of seminars are offered throughout the nearly week-long event.  From caring for your RV batteries and electrical systems to RVing in South Africa and Europe ... almost something interesting for all.

Poking around some of the nearby RV parks we stumbled across this restored double-decker.
Probably not many of these around but this one was sporting new paint and was quite a rig.  I can't imagine driving this as the driver is sitting in the lower, almost ground level, position but what a view for the passengers   up top.  Such a panoramic vista they'd have.  Sitting perched on the second floor with all that unobstructed view ahead.  Wow!

But not all is polished chrome and five color paint schemes. No convection oven here ... no HD satellite receivers ... no 650hp diesel monster pushing this rig.  No ... just a humble traveler ... maybe a little down on his luck and trying to make ends meet.  Probably doesn't even consider himself an RVer but just happened to be parked in a nearby town today. A true contrast to what we have been seeing.

Taking to the road can take many forms and occurs for many reasons ... but the important thing is that it gives a person a chance to see this great country up close and personal.  It's really is one of life's great treasures.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil