JUNE, 2010 - JUNE 24-27th, 2010
WEKIVA FALLS RESORT, SORRENTO, FLHOSTS: FRAN BISHOP & KATHY COLLINS Wekiva Falls Resort is a large campground/resort on the Wekiva River, perfect for a rally. All RVW rigs were parked in a common location next to the clubhouse and pool. The resort also includes a springs with waterfall for swimming, kayak rentals, and a pontoon boat tour.
Thursday: Women arrived at Wekiva Falls Resort throughout the day. All gathered for Happy Hour that evening for meet, greet, and conversations about summer plans. Intense domino and card games followed in the club house.
Friday: A group of 25 took a boat ride on the Wekiva River. Wildlife observed included deer, soft shell and slider turtles, hawks, herons, ibis, and alligators. The guides shared information about fossils discovered in the river and the springs. Friday afternoon women visited nearby Sanford Mall, explored the nearby preserves, and did some geocaching. Friday evening Happy Hour introduced the Patriotic Theme for the weekend with Declaration of Independence and Patriotic Word Searches. The team of Evelyn Hayes, Jo Ann Raddi, Cathy Ike, and Paulette Saffle finished both searches in record time. Domino and card games continued.
Saturday was an "on your own" day for the women. The pool was a popular place to beat the heat, although several ventured into the springs. Coral and Woody even tested the kiddie slide.
RVW Patriotic Games were open for competition on Saturday afternoon -- Washer Toss and Golf Ladder. Evelyn Hayes was the weekend champion with Linda Woodbury coming in second. Debbie Redden claimed a "65," but the highest possible score was 36??
Red, white, and blue filled the RVW club house room at Saturday night's pot luck. The women joined together in honoring our country, singing together the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the evening. Those women who served our country in the armed forces were recognized. As usual, the food was plentiful and delicious. Dinner was followed by Sparklers, our own RVW fireworks!
Sunday morning was spent with best wishes and good-byes as RVs left the resort. All promised to meet next in Dunedin.
MAY, 2010 - MAY 11-17th, 2010
GEIGER KEY SMOKEHOUSE & MARINA, GEIGER KEY, FLHOST: LYNETTE BIRCH From May 11th through the 17th, 2010 the Florida Chapter enjoyed a spectacular rally at the Geiger Key Campground and Marina in the beautiful Florida Keys. On Tuesday most people arrived and settled in to this waterfront park. Many enjoyed the grouper sandwiches and drinks at the campground’s tiki bar and restaurant. Wednesday was the "Dachshund Puppy Baby Shower" with appetizers provided by the campground, including chicken tenders, Jalepeno poppers and hush puppies. A sheet cake with "KieWie" and her new Mommy's picture imprinted atop the icing was also served. 26 RVW members enjoyed the puppy shower while being entertained with the steel drum live music. On Thursday, due to high winds, the eco-kayak tour was put on hold. Instead, many of the gals occupied themselves by fishing off of our sea wall, while others floated in the water/current, snorkeling. A few of the ladies relaxed in their hammocks sipping their beverage of choice! Others carpooled and drove in to Key West, ten miles south of our campground, to Duval St. a favorite tourist destination! The Butterfly Conservatory was also a big hit! Some took the "Conch Train" tour of Key West. Sloppy Joe's was a definite stop! On Friday the Captain cancelled the Dry Tortugas trip due to high seas and 25 knot winds. At 6pm our group had dinner reservations at The Turtle Kraal Restaurant in Key West. On Saturday morning rally leader, Lynnette and her helpers made breakfast at her campsite, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, coffee and juice. Nobody went away hungry! On Saturday evening we set sail on our two hour Sunset Cruise aboard the Tall Mast Sailing Ship, "Jolly Rover". On Sunday morning, the Monroe County Fire Department explained and "hands on" demonstrated the proper use of a fire extinguisher. The firemen went to each rig and inspected our own fire extinguishers. Shortly thereafter, one of Monroe County's "Finest" Deputy Sheriffs, gave a seminar on personal safety. Sunday afternoon was the Geiger Key Campground Barbecue for all campers to participate in. "Finger licking delicious"! On Monday morning Lynette announced that next year she will be hosting another memorable rally! Same place, same channel (Mile Marker 10) Geiger Key Campground arriving on Monday, May 16, 2011 and departing on Monday, May 24, 2011. Details of events are already in the planning stages! Make your reservations soon as many of the gals from this year’s rally have already booked their sites for next year and space is limited. "Happy Trails " and I'll see you "up around the bend”!