Saturday, March 24, 2012

GOOD SAM RALLY – THURSDAY

IMG_4294 Jan and Bill had a battery problem when we arrived on Monday. The guys immediately set to work to find out what was draining their battery. Got the generator running to get them charged up and finally figured out it was a dead cell in the battery. Off to Costco for a new battery and all is well.

Jan and Bill bought the same generator we have and Jan is having more fun with that remote control switch than I ever did.

This is our first Good Sam National Rally. We attended a Samboree in Casa Grande in 2009 and vowed never to go again. No one would talk to us. We asked if we get sit with some of them at a meal and were told that the seats were saved. We went in to play bingo and when we sat down were told that those seats were taken. It was terrible. But we did meet Jan and Bill there which made it all worth while.

IMG_4297 I wanted to try one of their big rallies to see what they are like. And the big difference this time is that we are with four other couples. Believe me, this makes a huge difference. Here we have Sherry, Dave, Jan, Bill and Jim waiting for the tram.

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Now having said that, I make an effort to talk to lots of people. We’ve met several new folks who are parked around us and visit with people who have dogs or just smile. I really do try to make an effort because I know there are several people who are attending for the first time.

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I am going to get Jim up on the roof to take some pictures to give you a better idea of how many rigs are here. They are selling pictures taken from the sky but they want $15 for them and I don’t want one that bad. Let’s just say there are lots of us. I’m still hoping they give us a count sometime.

IMG_4302 Registration went really quickly. Of course, we had all of our paperwork all filled out.

I haven’t been real impressed with the seminars being offered or the number of vendors that are here. I’ve talked to several people who have been to other Good Sam Rallies and they have told me that this one is much smaller and the number of vendors is way down. Not sure what the reason is. Might be because they are holding three Rallies this year across the country. With the price of fuel that does make sense.

As far as the seminars, I think it’s because we’ve been to several rallies and have been living the full time life style for almost four years that the majority of them are nothing new. I also found that many of the seminars at this rally are geared towards motorhomes and not fifth wheels.

The social aspect of the Rally has been great fun. It’s been wonderful to catch up with John and Karen, Polly and Vern, Sherry and Dave, and especially Jan and Bill. We are getting a lot of time to visit and catch up on what everybody is doing and where they are headed for the summer.

IMG_4336 (Not a very good picture. We are a long ways away and there’s a fence in between us.) The entertainment tonight was Bowzer’s Rock and Roll Show and it was fantastic. You remember Bowzer from Sha Na Na, don’t you? He may be getting older but he can still hit those low notes without any problems.

He had four women on stage for a hula hoop contest and let me tell you, one of those gals could really keep the hoop going. Then he brought up four guys and they were good for laughter. A whole lot of fun going on.

These are just a few of my impressions and thoughts on the Rally. If any of you have any questions, just let me know.

12 comments:

  1. Looks like you are having a better time with this rally. I agree, after awhile the rallies are like "more of the same" and less vendors. Seminars are good for "newbies" though. And, less vendors, means I'll spend less money! Have fun!

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  2. Yah, I don't think we are really "Rally People" ... We would prefer just sitting around a campfire with folks instead.

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steveio
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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  3. We had the same experience with The MO. Samboree in Columbia in 2010. No one would talk to you, very cliquish unsociable crowd. We even won first prize with Rigg's in the Dog contest and still were like lepers to the old timers.Donna swore she would never go to another Rally. I hope she changes her mind, I'm sure there are groups Like the Escapees or the Gypsy's that put on a better Rally, But I think the Good Sams aor out in our family. Have a great time. Sam & Donna..

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  4. We stopped in at the Rally on Friday. Went through some MH and fifth wheels. Took a long time in the Big Tent. We think it is bigger than the Q. Glad you got to meet up with everyone. Your entertainment schedule looks awesome. We leave the West side of Phoenix on Monday. Coming your way...hope to meet up with you two next week. Enjoy your time at the rally.

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  5. We've never been to a Good Sam Rally, from the sounds of it, maybe we'll try one out.

    Much prefer the Q style of rally, we had a lot of fun there with our SKP group. :c)

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  6. I have found these rallies to not be my cup of tea. I seldom know anyone at them. I'm sure it makes a difference if you arrive with your own social group.

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  7. What about Tina and Jeff, seen them. Have fun.

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  8. We are going to our first rally this Sept. Escapees in Sedalia, MO we are looking foward to it.

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  9. have fun at the rally!..looks like there is a ton of people!!!

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  10. I think it is always better if you have another couple with you. We go to the one in Ky in June with another couple. We have more fun that way. The Gypsy Journal rally is always a good one. The next one is in Celina ohio. Starting Labor day. Check out Nicks Blog

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  11. So glad you are with other couples and having fun. Not too often you meet "snobby" RV'ers.

    I was also thinking that 6 months ago Jim sure would not have had a good time with all the pain he was in.

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.