This is the third Escapade we have attended. Our first one, which was here in Gillette, included driving school for me, Boot Camp, as well as Escapade. We went to almost every seminar because we split up and Jim went one way and I went another. Learned so much about RV’s and life on the road. It was incredible. Spent lots of money at the market place. Had no idea there were so many neat (necessary) gadgets. I had almost as much fun there as Jim did. Did not volunteer the first year (which is what everyone recommends and I definitely agree with).
The second Escapade was in Sedalia, MO. We arrived for early bird parking but did not attend Boot Camp or any of the pre-event classes. We went to a lot of seminars again, spent money in the market place, and did a little volunteering by driving the shuttles. It rained and rained and the mud was incredible. People had to be towed out – especially motorhomes. They just are not off road vehicles. We spent more time socializing and getting to know more people. Other than the rain and mud we had a great time.
This year was definitely more about socializing and volunteering. We went to a couple of great seminars but most of them are basically the same ones that we’ve attended in the past and did not attend this year. Volunteered more of our time which was really fun. We arrived early so we could socialize more. Met some new people and caught up with old friends. A wonderful time.
All of the first timers we’ve talked to have nothing but great things to say about everything they learned. Most of them are a little overwhelmed by all the information but are sure glad they came.
We won’t be attending Escapade next year in Sedalia. But in 2013 they will be back here in Gillette and we just may feel like showing up once again. We don’t plan that far ahead so who knows what we’ll be doing.
The best part of Escapade is being with people who understand our lifestyle. Not everybody here is full timing in an RV. Many of them are part-timers or sometimers, who just want to learn more about their rigs and the RV lifestyle. But there are a lot of full timers and it is exciting to visit with others who enjoy being on the road as much as we do. Sharing travels, hardships, problems, innovative ideas for doing something in (or out) of the rig and lots of laughter.
Friday was a pretty laid back day. Didn’t get up until after 7:00. About half the rigs pulled out to head back out on the road. A lot of people did laundry but we decided to wait another day. Hopefully all the laundromats won’t be so busy. Did some grocery shopping.
Friday afternoon we had happy hour and a potluck at our rigs. Jan and Bill had met another couple in the laundromat and invited them to attend. Tracked down a couple of other Chapter 45 members and invited them. Also invited Judy and Gary.
Great time, great food, great friends. And then it got cold and windy. Really windy. That brought the evening to an end.
I'm looking forward to our fist rally. Don't know what groups we will join yet, but we have much to learn from others and hopefully will have much to give back.
ReplyDeleteWindy in Wyoming? No! ;-) Seriously, I'm glad that you had pretty good weather and excellent socializing. Good for you for volunteering. The Escapade experience sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteThe only Rally we have ever attended was last Octobers MO Samboree,As fist timers you have to where a badge that says so, we were parked in and out of the way place with just three other rig's on the other side of the Fair Building, It was held at the Columbia Boone County Fair Grounds.Donna didn't like it. she said the people were very cliquish and unless you started a conversation no one talked to you. Rigg's did win first prize for his tricks in the Dog Contest.He was probably the reason most people that did talk to us did, They couldn't believe a big Lab was able to be a camper dog. of course they all had little dogs like Sadie.Don't know if I will be able to talk her into another Rally it would have been nicer if we were parked with a big group and people sat out in the evening. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.
ReplyDeleteBeen quite a few years since we have been to an RV event like that but I do remember how much I enjoyed the seminars that were offered. A great way to fast track the RV learning experience for sure.
ReplyDeleteGood summary. I agree that volunteering makes it more fun since it gets you involved with the people. Hope to one day make the Gilette rally, although we are pretty much done with rallies, that is one that I think we would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI went to that wet Escapade in Sedalia as well. I think I was one of the few rigs that didn't have to be towed out. I was just lucky that day. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time at the rally. Meeting up with good friends and making new ones.....priceless!!
ReplyDeleteWe haven't attended any rally's yet. Maybe this winter. It sounds like fun.
ReplyDeleteA big reason for going to rallies is for the social activities. After awhile the seminars are all about the same.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to go to the Rally this year, would have been a first-timer. My schedule didn't work out for me to go to Wyoming. May have to wait until 2013, I don't think I'll be near Sedalia next year. I would probably consider volunteering to meet people, since I travel solo.
ReplyDeleteExcellent review!!! I think I'll put Gillette on the calendar for 2013.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of going early to have more time for socializing. I get too tired during the week to do much of that. Except the year I fell and broke my face. That year I stayed in all day then socialized with the neighbors each evening so as to not scare so many people with the way I looked. :)
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