Gypsy Journal Rally

[MsBHaven]

Just returned home from a trip to Indiana (RV Hall of Fame, Amish Country) and then on to Celina, Ohio for my first Gypsy Journal Rally. First of all, the RV Hall of Fame was really neat to see (I love vintage RV's) and the Amish Country was so peaceful - - and I got to take a one hour buggy ride with a 78 year old Amish gentleman. If I had arrived on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday the ride would have also included a trip to an Amish farm and dinner with the family - - hope to do that another time. The town was Shipshewana, Indiana and it is a really neat town to visit. The roads were full of buggies.

The Gypsy Journal Rally was so neat. I arrived on a Sunday, the rally started on Monday and I left Friday morning. Nick is such a hoot and his wife Terry is such a worker. The Geeks on Tour (Jim and Chris) were also there. There were over 130 rigs that included Class A, B, C, truck campers, 5th wheels, and travel trailers. It was held at the Mercer County Fairgrounds and everyone had electric and some of us had water also. Parking was at random and I was fortunate enough to be parked next to two rigs that also had a woman in each traveling alone and we were all age 58. One was full-time in a Class C and the other was married in a Class B traveling part-time like me. It was neat to be able to share info with them.

There were over 30 seminars to attend such as RVing Safety, Boondocking Tips, computer classes on creating a blog, Picassa and Google Earth, Frugal RVing, and many many more.

I really suggest one of these rallies to anyone who wants to learn more about the RV lifestyle. They plan to have another one in that same location at the end of September next year. I hope to be able to attend it again next year.

[Gentleladybear]

So glad you got to see the RV Hall of Fame. I was in Elkhart for a rally a couple of years ago and the man that run the RV Hall of Fame came and gave a talk. I went over to the Hall to see the units there and ran into him. He had a man and his wife with him and introduced them to me. The man was the creator of the first protype for the pop up camper. Got a chance to talk to him and his lovely wife.

They also had a trailer there that reminded me very much of the one in the Lucy Film the Long Long Trailer. What amazed me was the early on heating units, surprised anyone survived in there. They also at that time had the Mae West Motor coach, with a balcony on the back. Very worthwhile trip.

We did the dinner at the Amish farm and it was wonderful

I would love to go back one year and attend that rally again. Know you had a wonderful time.

[Lotus]

Margie,
It sounds like two great trips. I read your blog earlier and enjoyed your trip and pix to the RV Hall of Fame. It was so interesting to follow some of the history of rv's/campers. Thanks for sharing.

Becky

[avalen]

sounds like another fun little journey to take, I saw a tv show once on vintage rvs
and it was awesome, could imagine seeing them in person, it would be like going
to a car show.

[Paulette]

I read their blog and would like to attend a rally some day and meet them and the Geeks on Tour too. I'll bet it was a wonderful time!

[oregontocal]

I met Nick and Terry last year at the Life on Wheels conference in Tucson, and was able to take a tour through their RV. It's a large converted bus that Nick swears Terry did most of the work on turning it into their home on wheels. It has a full-sized refrigerator-freezer and a full-sized bathtub!!! I'm glad you all started this thread because it reminded me to order the "Gypsy Journal."

[sunshinecruiserTN]

Oh Margie, sounds like such a good trip. I'll plan on next year. I met Nick & Terry at the LOW in bowling green, KY a couple of years ago and have followed them via their blog. A great couple!

[SeeyaGal]

Terry indeed did all the carpenter work in the bus, she's awesome!! Most people do not know that Miss Terry almost died in 2000 to Cervical cancer, so she is pretty special to Nick. We have yet to go to one of their Rally's but will try to go.
We have two of Nick's books
Meandering Down the Highway- A year on the road with Full-Time RVers
Highway History and the Back Road Mystery-Discovering America off the Interstates
We also get he Gypsy Journal all the time and I need to dig up some photos to give Nick of some funny signs I've found.
The death of good friend Dave Balaria devestated him and now the death of Gaylord Maxwell is heavy on his heart so keep Nick & Terry in your thoughts and prayers.