For those of you thinking about attending the New Year’s Rally without bringing your RV, Linda Brian has secured a cabin rate of $100 instead of the $139 per night rate normally charged. The rally starts December 28, 2022 departing January 2, 2023. Call 318-256-0002 to make your reservation. Be sure to mention Traveling Supremes to get your discount.
New Year’s Rally (December 28 and leaving on January 2,, 2023) plans are rapidly coming together for our next TS rally which will be held just west of Many, Louisiana, at the Toledo Bend RV Resort and Cabin near the Pendleton Bridge going into Texas.
An email will be sent at a later date to those of you who are registered, giving you the agenda and what you will need to bring. We’ll be having “Dirty Santa” so gifts are needed and one “white elephant” gift for Bingo, more on this later. We’ll have some quality entertainment by local members. A few tours have been planned for those who wish to go, one at the location where Fort Jesup was and one in Texas where the Columbia shuttle crashed. Plus other destinations of interesting things for you to see and do as well as eating out, yum! Some of you may even want to make a bait for fly fishing in the seminar we’ve set up for those interested. If you don’t fish, you can give it to your son as something special for him to cherish from dad.
We think we also have something really special planned for you, which in all these many years of being in the club, hasn’t been done, but we think you’ll enjoy and have lots of fun and good fellowship while doing it. Yes, it is a competition!
We’ll usher in the new year which may be closer to New York time, eat out some, have a “pea-off” (pea-off not a pee-off), have the usual New Year’s day meal of peas for good luck, cabbage for good health and green backs (money) and we plan on having door prizes from a few of the local merchants. So, we want you to come join us for a good time!
When you call, be sure and tell them you are with the Traveling Supremes so you will get the discounted price. There are cabins for those who don’t want to bring your rig. Following the lead of our new Wagon Master Steve Merriman’s example, I’m negotiating with them to get the price down for the cabin. Hope it works.
The cancellation rules are: 14 days prior to the rally date if you cancel you will lose $25 dollars of the $50 deposit as payment for the cancellation fee and after 14 days, you will get a voucher not a refund. So if you opt to wait on registering, but know you are coming, please let me know so you can be included in the count for reservations and tour numbers and purchasing of food prior to the rally.
We arrived in Galveston on Wednesday, October 12, at Jamaica Beach RV Park to find several members already there soaking in the sights, sunshine and cool breezes at the beach. Eventually we had 5 rigs—James and Gail Smith, Jim and Tina Hoover, Steve and Lisa Merriman, Polk and Linda Brian and Duane and Patty Stowe. In addition, we had two more couples who did not bring their rigs but stayed in a local hotel or bed-and-breakfast nearby—Jerry and Hessie Smith and Myrna and Billy Braly.
We had a Meet and Greet at the air-conditioned Clubhouse, but opted to do our remaining activities outside at the beautiful Pavilion in the Park. The Clubhouse was three flights up, so you can see our reasoning! After snacks and finger foods, we tested our brain power with a couple of puzzles Gail had for us. There was also a Lazy River and an adult pool/hot tub at the RV Park for our enjoyment! Also a HUGE tortoise lives on site at the miniature golf course at the Park!
On Thursday, a breakfast of fried eggs and sausages was provided by Polk and Linda Brian. We had planned to take a short walk or ride across the highway to sit or stroll on the beach and enjoy the nice weather and people-watching under James’ canopy but a sudden rain storm cancelled that plan. However by the end of the week, I think everyone had made at least one visit to the beach, some even sitting around their own campfire to watch the sunset.
TS GROUP PHOTO AT THE BEACH!
That evening we met back at the Pavilion for a scrumptious Shrimp Boil, provided by TS Club and cooked by James and Gail Smith.
The Annual Business Meeting followed, as well as the installment of our new 2023-2024 officers. They are:
President: James Smith 1st Vice-President/Wagonmaster: Steve Merriman 2nd Vice-President: Ron Garner Secretary: Lisa Merriman Treasurer: Diane Garner
Those who were absent were contacted prior to the event, and all new officers accepted the responsibilities as presented to them by the nominating committee and accepted the positions. A big thank you was given to all outgoing officers and Jim Hoover was treated to a dinner for himself and Tina as his gift from the incoming President James Smith and the entire TS membership!
Ron and Diane Garner, James Smith, Lisa and Steve Merriman
On Friday everyone left the park and headed out for a tour of the Galveston Seaport Museum and the Elissa sailing ship, which Myrna Braly had set up for us. After the tour, a dutch treat lunch was enjoyed at Fish Tales on Seawall Blvd.
Saturday began with another Brian—prepared breakfast of French toast and sausage at the Pavilion. Aren’t they the best? This was a busy day at the park with a Fall Festival and golf cart parade and Halloween costume contest for the kids. We took a free day exploring Galveston on our own. Many visited local mansions and Star Drug Store. We found several of the oak trees on the carved tree tour. Others went to the Greek Festival at a local church. Others sat out to enjoy a Caribbean-style ocean breeze outside the rig—so relaxing! Dinner at the Sandbar Grill, at West End marina, not far from RV Park, capped off a perfect day. (Seafood, of course).
We reluctantly said Adios on Saturday and most headed toward home, though some were staying on for a few days, and some continued their travels elsewhere. Now we are looking forward to our future New Year’s rally at Toledo Bend when we can visit again! Hope to see you all there!
Join me and Lisa Merriman and Duane and Patty Stowe the week of 19-26 of April, 2023 in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the Koa campground. We have secured 15 sites together with both 30 and 50 Amp hook ups for a flat fee of $40.00 per night. We also have use of the cabins for a fee of $75.00 per night. We have full use of the club house and kitchen as well. On Fri, Sat and Sun the club house doubles as a restaurant from 7am to 10 am for menu items. Cancellation policy is a full refund minus $2.00 up to 48 hours prior. Lisa and Patty are working on an agenda which will be presented at a later date. The cut off date for reservations is the 1st of March. The address for the Koa campground is 838 McClendon Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71901. The contact person is Lynn at 501-624-5912. Don’t forget to mention you are with the traveling supremes to get the special rate!
Steve Merriman, Wagonmaster
Rejuvenate in the thermal waters of turn-of-the-century Bathhouse Row.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park KOA offers a great place to stay when visiting this truly unique city. The campground is just minutes from Hot Springs National Park and the historic downtown area where you can rejuvenate in the thermal waters of Bathhouse Row. Explore the history of the national park, browse the galleries, and shop till you drop. Thrill to the exciting fun of Magic Springs & Crystal Falls or experience hoof-pounding exhilaration at Oaklawn racetrack. Rock crawlers are welcome at Superlift ORV Park, just a stone’s throw from KOA. Hiking, crystal hunting, fishing, and boating are also nearby. Your campground hosts offer shuttles to downtown (fee) and free rides to Magic Springs and Oaklawn (seasonal). This KOA offers the best breakfast in the area (February – November). Pool: April 15 – September 30. Max pull thru: 80 feet.
Join me and Lisa Merriman and Duane and Patty Stowe the week of 19-26 of April, 2023 in Hot Springs, Arkansas at the Koa campground. We have secured 15 sites together with both 30 and 50 Amp hook ups for a flat fee of $40.00 per night. We also have use of the cabins for a fee of $75.00 per night. We have full use of the club house and kitchen as well. On Fri, Sat and Sun the club house doubles as a restaurant from 7am to 10 am for menu items. Cancellation policy is a full refund minus $2.00 up to 48 hours prior. Lisa and Patty are working on an agenda which will be presented at a later date. The cut off date for reservations is the 1st of March. The address for the Koa campground is 838 McClendon Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 71901. The contact person is Lynn at 501-624-5912. Don’t forget to mention you are with the traveling supremes to get the special rate!
Steve Merriman, Wagonmaster
Rejuvenate in the thermal waters of turn-of-the-century Bathhouse Row.
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park KOA offers a great place to stay when visiting this truly unique city. The campground is just minutes from Hot Springs National Park and the historic downtown area where you can rejuvenate in the thermal waters of Bathhouse Row. Explore the history of the national park, browse the galleries, and shop till you drop. Thrill to the exciting fun of Magic Springs & Crystal Falls or experience hoof-pounding exhilaration at Oaklawn racetrack. Rock crawlers are welcome at Superlift ORV Park, just a stone’s throw from KOA. Hiking, crystal hunting, fishing, and boating are also nearby. Your campground hosts offer shuttles to downtown (fee) and free rides to Magic Springs and Oaklawn (seasonal). This KOA offers the best breakfast in the area (February – November). Pool: April 15 – September 30. Max pull thru: 80 feet.
Traveling Supremes 