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.
Galveston, TX
October 12-16, 2022
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.
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!
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!
After the 2022 Chama rally this year, three Traveling Supreme rigs went on to Custer, South Dakota. They were Jim and Tina Hoover, Steve and Lisa Merriman, and Duane and Patty Stowe. After three days on the road we arrived at Broken Arrow horse camp in Custer South Dakota. Many of the campers there bring horses for trail rides.
The next day we spent the day sightseeing and shopping in downtown Custer. It’s a quaint little town of about 2000 residents. We enjoyed a meal together at the Mount Rushmore Brewing company.
On our second full day in the area, we returned to downtown Custer and saw some good looking cars at a Studebaker car show. Then we headed out to see the Crazy Horse Memorial which is a short 15 minute drive from Custer. We viewed the monument which is a work in progress and is a long way from completion. We also enjoyed a meal at the on site restaurant known as “Laughing Water”.
On Wednesday, we took a day trip to Wall drug. It is located about two hours north of Custer. Wall drug was much larger than I expected. We enjoyed a meal and some shopping. After our meal, we took a scenic drive out to the Badlands.
Of course, no trip to South Dakota would be complete without going to see Mount Rushmore. It is a magnificent sight by day or night. You will see people from all over the world coming to see this symbol of America. After dark, during the peak season they have what is called the lighting ceremony. It is a 45 minute program. A park ranger came out on stage and gave a talk on the four Presidents’ faces depicted on the mountain. There were patriotic songs and at the end, all veterans past and present were invited to come down to the stage and be recognized. It all made you truly proud to be an American!
On our last day we drove up to Hill City and had a German lunch at the Alpine Inn. After lunch, the ladies did a little shopping in some of the quaint little shops in downtown Hill City. Then we were off to explore Custer state park and the Needles highway. This park is one of the largest state parks that I have been in! You could spend several days exploring this park but our time here in South Dakota had come to an end.
Vaya con Dios Amigos
James C. Hoover
The Traveling Supremes arrived in the Hub City of Texas (Lubbock) on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at the Retreat RV Park. Hosts, Ron and Diane Garner and James and Gail Smith, welcomed everyone with a meet and greet party in the clubhouse. Attending were: Polk and Linda Brian, Sue and Joe Moore, Tina and Jim Hoover, Billy and Myrna Braly, Steve and Lisa Merriman, plus the hosts.
A big event to start us off on Friday, the 13th, was a trolley ride through the National Ranching Heritage Center, which was filled with all the buildings used on west Texas ranches throughout history. It was very well done. We had a great lunch at Blue Sky Burgers.
On Saturday, we toured the Buddy Holly Center and saw the actual homes of the parents of Buddy and his drummer. We drove to McKenzie Park to visit the Prairie Dog Town and have a nice picnic on the banks of a little stream, before going on to the Windmill Museum. It was filled with more windmills than you ever knew existed and was lots of fun to see. Pot luck dinner back at camp was enjoyable as always.
On Sunday, the hosts supplied breakfast and everyone had free time for church or whatever. That afternoon, we went to see the Silent Wings Museum, which paid honor to the glider pilots of WWII. The guys loved it!
Monday was Texas Tech tour day!! Immediately after breakfast at Cast Iron Grill (provided by Garners), we went to the Tornado Memorial, reminding all of us of the May 11, 1970 Lubbock tornado where 26 died and much property was lost. We then went to the Red Raider Club where Rodney Allison (quarterback at Tech 1974-1977) took us through all the Tech Athletic facilities. As luck would have it, we ran into the brand new head football coach, Joey McGuire! He is a definite favorite around these parts!
October 12-16, 2022
The 2022 Traveling Supremes Business Meeting is now scheduled for Jamaica Beach RV Resort in Galveston, Texas, for October 12-16, 2022. It will be hosted by the TS Executive Committee.
For reservations, please call (409) 632-0200 and ask for Angela, if possible. Rates differ according to weekday/weekend and location of RV spot.
More details will be forthcoming in the near future. Get your spot now!
Visitation Saturday, March 12th from 5-7 at Kilpatrick’s in West Monroe.
Celebration of Life 2:00 pm Sunday, March 13th at First West with graveside in Mangham at Gwin cemetery.
Rosalyn and husband, Bud Odom, are long time members of the Traveling Supremes. She was an educator and tennis coach for Ouachita Parish SB. She loved her church family and the Lord and will be missed in her community, West Monroe.
The Lubbock rally, May 12-17, is our next opportunity to get together. We have been busy making plans for the rally, which will be “chock-full” of so many things to do we can’t name them all! (A “silent wings” museum, a windmill collection, Buddy Holly memorabilia, a ride through an entire ranching village, wine-tasting, picnicking, prairie dogs, and more!).
One problem—there are only 6 spots left at RV Park and our deadline to reserve those is March 1!!! If you haven’t signed up with them and let them know that you are a Traveling Supreme, YOU MAY MISS OUT! Call now to The Retreat RV Park at 806-368-8613 and make a reservation. We want to see you there!
James and Gail Smith
December 28, 2021-January 2, 2022
Brazos Valley RV Park in
Caldwell, Texas
Get ready for a great celebration! The holiday season is fast approaching and we have solidified the plans for a fantastic New Year’s party and rally. Hosts for the rally are James R. and Barbara Smith and James H. and Gail Smith. We are holding 15 RV spots at Brazos Valley RV Park in Caldwell, Texas. You may make your reservation by calling Melissa at 979-200-3007 and ask for a spot with Traveling Supremes. Fee is only $35 per night and we have a clubhouse and all the trimmings!
As you may know this is near Washington-on-the-Brazos, the birthplace of Texas. We
have tour reservations for the Star of the Republic Museum and the many historical sites there.
In addition, Caldwell is 30 miles from Brenham, (where Blue Bell ice cream is made), and 30 miles from College Station (the George H. W. Bush Library). All this in addition to our normal New Year’s Eve high-jinks! Please make plans to attend. We promise you a good time!
Traveling Supremes 
