First 2013 Rally

[Pooker]

Do any of you belong to FMCA (Family MotorCoach Assoc)? I'm heading to Indio, CA next Wed. for their Western Area Rally for 4 nights. It's a pretty large rally (over 1,000 rigs attend) with two buildings of vendors selling everything from jewelry to RV supplies and services. There's entertainment each evening, half a dozen or so RV dealers displaying new and used rigs, a parade, etc. It's a fun experience.

If you have never joined a camping organization and attended a rally, I would encourage you to try it. I have gone to many a Samboree (Good Sam) and FMCA rallies and usually enjoy each and every one - even those in freezing winds and rains!

I'll tell you all about it when I get back.

Pooker

[Rufflesgurl]

Hi Evie - I have been a member of FMCA for a long time but haven't gone to this rally. Have gone to chapter gatherings though.
Will you go straight from the FMCA RALLY to Quartzsite?? Have fun!!

Linda

[Dell]

I'm new to this group, new to my motor home, and new to FMCA. I noticed they have a tour package for the Kentucky Derby April 29-May 5. If I go, it will be my first real trip to anywhere in my motor home. Well, that's sort of not counting the GTG at Hillsborough this month which is only sixty miles away from my home where I'm hoping to meet some of you. Maybe I should say first long distance adventure instead. Anyway, is anybody considering going to the Kentucky Derby? It would be fun to plan it together. 8-Dell

[BirdbyBird]

I worked for FMCA here in Cincinnati for one year, between undergraduate and graduate school.....I worked on the magazine and got to attend the 1973 National Rally in Carbondale, Ill. Learned about sending the honey wagons around and everything! It took me a long time to actually get involved in the lifestyle myself when I bought my first MH in 2005.

I have yet to attend a FMCA rally but did go to an Escapee rally in 2005 and have attended two of Nick Russell's rallies here in Ohio. I do enjoy the seminars and learning opportunities at the rallies ....and the vendors, must not forget the vendors and all, but for the element of fun.... the WomenRV gtg have been the best.

[Redetotry]

I've always wanted to go to the Derby, or to the races the week before. Sounds like a good time.

[Bethers]

All the rallies are the best.

As to "packages" like The Derby - look carefully at costs, etc. Those can be cost prohibitive (for me, anyway) and you possibly could do better on your own. BUT, if you want to be part of a group, it can be worth it. And I've never looked into the FMCA packages. So I could be totally wrong! My mind was going "caravan" and those are very cost prohibitive, IMHO. But some like them.

Have fun, Evie! (I know you will). Looking forward to seeing you, I hope, in Q.

[chalet05]

Dell, I am a believer that there are some things I won't ever do alone so I have done and will do some package trips. The only one I have done so far was to the Rose Parade in 2008. I am on a standby list for New York City in September. Both of these are rallies where you park and they get you around.

In 2014 I (along with friend LeRoy) am signed up for a caravan to see the Polar Bears on Hudson Bay in Canada. A caravan isn't something I would normally want to do because of the schedule, but I think this one will be okay.

Beth is correct that packages cost more, but for some of us, that is okay.