Wow, what a start to a rally! Our opening “greet and meet” meal for the Hot Springs Rally was hands down the most elaborate we’ve ever had and I’ve been in this club for a very long time. Hosts Wagon Master Steve and Lisa Merriman and Duane and Patti Stowe had the room decorated in festive Mexican colors. Lisa had decorated a fruit pyramid and had covered serving chafing dishes. We had Mexican food and it was just as delicious as it was beautifully displayed. Well done you four!
Those attending were: Our hosts, Merrimans and Stowes, Sue and Joe Moore, Nita and Larry Denmon, Ida and Les Cook, Jerry and Hessie Smith, Jim and Tina Hoover, Burnell and Marie Moreau, Paul and Tandy Krugler, Jack and Suzanne McEwen for a few days and their guests, Bud and Donna Brown, and two other guest couples, Scott and Tammy Walkman, and Butch and Alice Brown and us, Polk and Linda Brian.
Our first day of the rally was just as great as the opening. Many of us took the “town tour” shuttle bus provided by the KOA RV Park. It too was one of the best we’ve had through the years. Lynn, our guide and driver, did an exceptional job. At the end of the town tour, we visited Fordyce Museum, which is one of the oldest bath houses. After touring the bath house, we then ended our tour eating at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery which was very good. Later many shopped, some sat on the Fordyce Museum’s porch and watched people, while others went to the Gangster Museum. All in all it was a great day.
Friday morning many gathered at the KOA RV kitchen and enjoyed breakfast and the day was free. Several rested, some shopped and the Denmons, Polk and I, toured the Garvan Woodland Gardens. We opted for the golf-cart guided tour which was the best way to go since it was a hilly path. Seeing the Anthony Chapel with its huge glass and wooden structure was well worth the drive there and actually it was free to view, gorgeous!
After a restful afternoon, we feasted on another beautifully displayed meal of fish and shrimp with all the trimmings, yum! Our hosts outdid themselves. Thank you. But the best was yet to come, one of our best musical presentations. The group seems to be getting better each performance and maybe that was besides our popular singers, Tina Hoover, Ida Cook and Polk Brian, they were joined by Duane Stowe singing and simultaneously playing his guitar and harmonica, wow! Burnell Moreau and guest Scott Walkman accompanied as was well as Ida. So you see, we had a great time but we missed Raymond Frazier accompanying them.
Saturday morning several ate at the camp kitchen, while some went to the famous Pancake Shop Restaurant down town where the pancakes are as large as the plate and people are waiting outside to get in to eat. The day was free for personal touring and many rode the park shuttle to go to the Tower which overlooks the city and many miles out. That evening we had game night and gathered for dominos, cards and tiles or to just visit.
Sunday was open for resting or attending our choice of church. Several rode the park’s shuttle to the church and/or horse races. A few of us who were leaving the rally early decided to eat at the Fisherman’s Wharf since we wouldn’t be able to join the others on Tuesday evening. It was delicious! That afternoon the Smith’s treated everyone to ice cream at the club house and many stayed and played games and or visited.
Monday we again took the park’s shuttle to the Purple Cow for lunch. Many enjoyed the purple malt or shake (yes the purple cow must give purple milk) and other desserts. Tuesday evening Polk and I had left but others had a feast at Fisherman’s Wharf, located on Hamilton Lake, to end a GREAT Rally.
AT the end of this rally some traveled to a gathering in Branson with Paul and Tandy Krugler. Our next rally will be at Chama, August 14-19th with the Brian’s helping to plan a few activities. Then our Business Meeting will be October 18th-25th in Riviera, Texas, NOT in Portland, Texas, as first advertised, and closing out the year we’ll be in Rusk, Texas for our New Years celebration. Linda Brian
Traveling Supremes 