Until Next Time, and then "To Infinity and Beyond!"

I used to hate saying "Goodbye!", so I just stopped saying it.  No point in making yourself feel bad by letting such a finality escape from your lips.  We learned from our good friends Chris and Cherie (Technomadia) to think of parting with friends as "until next time", because there will be a next time, and a next time.  Since we bid adieu to Chris and Cherie we saw them in Melbourne, FL when we had our fuel "accident", and Sunday we will see them again, with roles reversed, in Billings, MT where they are currently residing until their Detroit Diesel 8V71 is made whole again.

Saturday was an "until next time" day repeated over and over again as we walked the park repeating that phrase to old friends, and new friends alike.  Our 7 day Newell Gurus Mini Rally was successful beyond our wildest dreams.  Many folks who put on RV rallies charge a fee to attend, which is above and beyond the cost for your individual RV site at the particular RV Park where the rally is being held.   That attendance fee can range from a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand.  We don't charge any additional fees.  All you pay is for your site.  You are responsible for making the reservation and getting you and your rig there.   You don't even have to own a Newell to attend........all you have to do is show up and meet some amazingly cool people, and make new friends.  There is no organization beyond a few scheduled potlucks and a few technical discussions.....and discussion is the key word....it's not a lecture, or seminar.......people sit down to discuss a particular topic with someone who is known to have particular expertise on that topic.  There is no time limit...it's over when it's over.....you can stay the whole time, come in late, leave early, or not come at all.  We have people who ask to attend who represent vendors such as Aqua Hot, or Gerard Awnings for example. We emphasize to these vendors that they are welcome, but our philosophy is "Friends Helping Friends", and that we don't charge our friends to help them.  There is no monetary factor, or motive in what we do.   That is why via word of mouth we had 31 different RV's attend our rally.....large by Newell standards, but small by say FMCA, or Escapee standards.  We like the smaller rally.  FMCA had over 3,000 RV's attend their rally a couple of weeks ago in Gillette, WY.  With our format you are able to meet everyone, and actually remember all of their names.  It is relaxed, informal and UNorganized....those who attend love the UNorganized part of it.....most, if not all of us are retired from the "organized" world.

Our written in Jello goal was to depart Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort between 10 and 11 am, and we actually left at 10:15.  As we edged on to I-90 westbound I was a little nervous, a consequence of the prior day's discovery of the 8 loose bolts on my drive shaft.  Plus I was anxious to find out how effective the cleaning of my radiator was.  In both cases I had nothing to worry about.  The coach purred like a kitten all day, and in spite of numerous long 7-8% climbs she stayed cool and confident.

Left to right: Hockwald's, Olivier's, and McCloud's

I'm not sure if I have mentioned previously, but this next phase of our travels over the next 3-4 weeks will be with two other couples who also own Newells....although much later models than I.  As our 3 Newell convoy approached the Wyoming border chatting on our CB's (Citizen Band radios) Darlene (of Tom and Darlene McCloud fame) suggested we take a slight detour to Devil's Tower.  This is what I love about Jello.....nothing is firm, or chiseled in stone....we all agreed immediately, and just a few short miles later exited I-90 at mile marker 199 and took HWY 24 to Devil's Tower.  Our detour would take us 75 some odd miles through some of the most beautiful scenery we have seen since the American Alps in Northern Washington about this same time last year!  I will let some of TLE's pictures do the talking.....

Almost there

There!!!

When we arrived at Devil's Tower it was a zoo of people, RV's and cars.......we opted not to formally enter the park, even though we could have for free with our Golden Age passes.  We, instead, parked briefly at the KOA parking area just outside the gate......took a few pictures, chatted a little, then did U-turns to escape the melee, and continued on our way back to I-90 via HWY 14.  We all agreed that even without Devil's Tower as the goal, this drive was worth the detour.....it was beautiful!!

We arrived in Sheridan, WY at Peter D's RV Park around 4 pm......I had called on Thursday to reserve 3 spots, and the manager was outside as we arrived directing us quickly into three adjoining sites.....all just long enough for our 60+ foot rigs.

Later, after it had cooled down, we all convened at our picnic table for a potluck.....what a nice group of people to travel with!!!

Going around the table clockwise.....Cindy, Forest, Tom, Darlene, and TLE

We sat chatting, and enjoying great hamburgers, broccoli and carrots, and key lime pie until dusk.  Another day lived well with good friends!

Thanks for stopping by!