We
wrapped up our first (annual) rally at Blue Arrow RV Park Aug 8-11 at
Estes Park, CO yesterday, and I must admit it exceeded my expectations.
We had 15 attendees, including vintage Caravels, Flying Clouds, Globe
Trotters, Safari, Sovereigns, Overlander, Argosy, a pristine 1995 35'
Classic MH diesel pusher (one of 12 made), and a beautiful vintage
Avion.
The
Rally began on Wednesday in full monsoon, with the early arrivals
huddled under JP Polly's "memorial Bill Scott awning" with her
make-shift Flamingo lamp; the more the wind and rain blew the closer we
came together, but not our spirits. Twin brothers Roger and Bob
Hightower from AZ, with matching Sovereigns and white Dodge pullers
stood in the rain with me relishing the cool oasis absent elsewhere in
the country. High energy Jodi and John Guerin of Laramie, coffee
roasters exceptionale, and their two delightful boys, provided us with
their secret blends each morning. Barbara Moran and Richard of St.
George, UT added their enthusiasm. We were all 17 again. By Saturday,
all arrivals were aboard including Phil Patterson who drove non-stop
from Sturgis to attend the last night.
Our
open house on Saturday afternoon gave us all and other RV-ers the
pleasure of seeing the wonders and differences of the vintage
treasurers. That evening, we all climbed aboard Luke Bernanders' (Cool
Hand Luke) 1960 Ford - American Fire Truck with light and siren to the
Rock Inn Steak House. Taking a spin around Blue Arrow was met with
astonishment and grins, especially from the visiting Europeans in their
rented RV America rigs. Following dinner and ice cream social provided
by Blue Arrow, Luke's and the Guerin kids all piled into my Overlander
for an evening of cartoons while the adults were treated to a John
Denver evening. The same meteor shower event that was the genesis of
"Rocky Mountain High", dazzled us to "fire rain'n in the sky" while we
were serenaded to Michael Matheny and Don Horn's guitars until the
Overlander was sleepy as were the adults.
Sunday,
we broke camp with Cool Hand Luke, '65 Caravel in tow behind
the fire truck, leading the Guerins, the Hightowers, the Pattersons, my
Overlander, and Fred Coldwell's vintage Jeep through Estes Park, much
to the astonishment and smiles of the pre-GW Bush visit tourist crowd.
In Loveland, we headed our separate ways, a bit sad the magic was over,
but relishing the experience as an event we will all remember.
Before
finishing, we vowed to have a second RM Rally next year, with more
vintage attendees and bigger rain cover. So all those who didn't attend
plan on another RM rally next year. You won't want to miss this one.
Randy
Unter - Wagon Master 2001 RM rally.
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