ORLANDO STATE RALLY         2007  

           
TCT Members (left of banner) Al & Joanne Stocking; Annice & Norman Griswold (back row);Joan & Bill Kraftcheck –  (right of banner) Billy & Gail Barnes; Ann & George Metz; Judy & Larry Dhans and their dog “Charlie”  proudly display their new sponsor's banner.

Treasure Coast Travelers met for a second time in March.  Bright and early Wednesday morning all members were on the move to Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando which was the location for the Winnie Gators Florida State Rally.  Most of us were “first timers” and didn’t know what to expect.  We were lucky to have along two members Bill Kraftcheck and Norman Griswold that had attended this rally several times and thanks to them arrival and entry went very smooth.  We all met at the front holding area, arranged our order of entry and proceeded in.  Us first timers were in awe of the number of coaches that were already there and how many more were expected.   

I think approximately 320 coaches attended and the “parkers” must be commended.   You could tell this wasn’t their first rally.   The parking was handled in an orderly manner and expeditiously to boot.  We all had the required amount of space between our coaches and plenty of space for our vehicles.  Fortunately for us there were two coaches parked next to us that did not bring tow vehicles which allowed for our banner identifying the “Treasure Coast Travelers” to be seen from a great distance.  

When we arrived everyone set up their coaches (on grass again I might add) and visited the facility to become oriented with where things were being held.  There were several vendors selling their products on Wednesday and others that would be ready for business on Thursday.  TCT members that did not have outdoor mats took advantage of J & J Sunshade’s good prices.  Moving on to the inside of the building we met up with TCT members Ann & George Metz, and helped set up Ann Metz Wirecraft Jewelry.  Ann makes beautiful wirecraft jewelry and is extremely talented.  Some of us purchased bracelets and earrings that we just couldn’t resist.  The difficult part was choosing what we wanted from such a huge selection. 

We visited Al’s Motor Home & Trailer Sales display.  We met Larry Johnson our liaison and picked up our new banner (smaller version) to attach to our “Big” banner so that we can let everyone know how proud we are to be sponsored by Al’s.   Thanks Larry. 

Wednesday night Treasure Coast Travelers and friends from the Southern Tier Winnies had a terrific dinner at one of the local Red Lobsters.    Lobster is always nice to fall back on.  Ha! 

As the festivities began on Thursday, during the opening ceremony, all officers of Winnie Gators and special guest were introduced; giving faces to names that some of us have spoken to but had never met.  Kudos goes to Bud & Paula Geng for their ability to remain calm in the face of storms and for all of their very obvious hard work to make this rally run smoothly. The new officers have very big shoes to fill!  

The food servers were very friendly, helpful and made sure that you were served all that you wanted and without delay.  Bud kept everyone happy by announcing that seconds could be taken as soon as everyone had been served once.  There was always plenty of food.  Good job guys! 

A special thanks to Winnebago for sending their tech teams to help repair some of those annoying little repairs. Many of our chapter members utilized this service.  We hope that Winnebago will continue sending the tech teams. 

TCT’s group of six had a great time.  We were relatively close to all the activities which made arriving at the functions easier. There were several scheduled events that our members participated in. Seminars were conducted that will come in handy for our safe travels. 

The Seaside Winnies were in charge of the games this year and they did a great job!  Everyone had a lot of fun.   TCT had several participating but only one that was recognized for his score. Bill Kraftcheck (TCT member) came in second place overall and received a $100 gift certificate for his efforts.  Good job Bill!
 
Larry & Judy Dhans entered their boxer “Charlie” in the dog contest.  Now why he didn’t win is beyond me?  He, without a doubt, was the cutest, most talented, friendliest dog entered and with a very cute costume that represented TCT.  He was dressed in our club colors, wearing our logo and had his own “first timer” rally tag.  As my mother always says when I am bragging about my children, “every old crow thinks his is the blackest.”  Got it!  Well we think Charlie should have won!!! Thanks Larry & Judy for allowing Charlie to enter and represent our group.

Back at the campsite we enjoyed our own competitions.  They were quite a few challenges during the four days with our washer toss game.  The girls had proven to be very strong at our previous campout and the guys had to practice up in order to show better.  They challenged the girls (some of the women had never tossed washers) and the guys did finally manage to take the title away.  So I guess I will have to say, “NICE GAME” guys.  That hurt…ha!   Seeing that everyone enjoyed the competition Norman & Annice Griswold presented a traveling trophy to the group.  Yes, until we meet again, the guys have the trophy and title.  We will see what happens in April at Lake Arbuckle. 

We drew quite an audience with our game playing and our almost too loud music.  Campers stopped by to observe and some took a turn.   Everyone seemed to enjoy playing. We passed along instructions on how to make the “washer toss” to many other groups.  I have a feeling that this game will show at several other chapter outings.   

We saw many old friends and made several new ones.  We enjoyed meeting Ray & Lucie Allard of Inverness; Bernie & Shirley Sork of Stuart and John & Carol Pressliens of Riviera Beach.  We were lucky to meet couples that are possible new members.  We hope they will give a call and join us for a future campout. 

Just for kicks some of us went to the flea market that was located next to the fairground.  Some of the women purchased beautiful orchids and of course the guys found tools.  

We hated for Sunday to roll around.  Saying goodbye was difficult as some of our members will not return until next September.   We wish everyone safe travels and we look forward to seeing them upon their return.  For those that will still be around for a while, we will see you at Lake Arbuckle. 

Until next time…Happy trails! 

Gail