Buena Vista – Traveling Supremes

Buena Vista gathering report

Buena Vista July 21-28, 2019

The Buena (Bu nah)Vista campers gathered late Sunday afternoon and enjoyed barbecue, beans, potatoe salad and Key Lime pie provided by co-hosts: Lou and Carol Butaud and Jim and Tina Hoover. In attendance were Carole and Bernie Lezell, Joe and Sue Kelly and Jerry and Hessie Smith.

The first full day of the rally started with Jerry, Lou, Joe and Jim producing a wonderful pancake breakfast with sausages. Most of the group drove up to St. Elmo to peruse the old mining town. All of us stopped at Hot Springs Restaurant for a late lunch. Then at 5:30 we gathered for Happy Hour, stories and nibbles.

On Tuesday we caravaned to Salida parking next to the beautiful park. Some shopped, but all returned for our reservation at the Boathouse on the River. Several rafters were spotted.

Wednesday was “an open day”. It was also Carol and Lou’s ninth anniversary. He was taking her out to breakfast and asked if anyone would like to join them. All of us‼️The first two restaurants were closed even when their websites said otherwise. The third place had scarce bakery goods only and the fourth restaurant recommended would be open at 11:00. So Sue Kelly made us delicious breakfast burritos with Jerry Smith adding crispy bacon. Carole and Bernie went to visit the local museum and tour the old railroad drive. The rest drove up to the beautiful Cottonwood Lake. Cards, pizza, brewery, and dinner filled out the day.

Thursday morning started with donuts provided by Lou and coffees by Sue beside the Kelly’s rig. We all drove up the gorgeous road to Cottonwood Pass. Some ate in town. Some played cards, a few napped, but we all attended the Mt. Princeton RV Park annual fish fry potluck at 5:00. Cindy invited our group to go first. Delicious!!!

Friday was Leadville Day. Those who had not previously toured the mining museum did so. Others drove the Silver Kings backroads and shopped. The meeting point was High Mountains Pies for the best pizza. Happy Hour at Carol and Lou’s park model in the front porch was more like a light supper with all contributing. Saturday was again a free day. Some ate breakfast at the Rooster Crow, last minute shopping, meeting after lunch for tasty ice cream on the patio at Louie’s. Then the daily card game. We ended our day at Quincy’s Restaurant for the Prime Rib dinner!! On Sunday Carol and Sue sent us off with pastry treats and well wishes. A VERY GOOD rally!

Thanks to Hessie Smith for taking these notes and Tina Hoover for her excellent photography.

Business meeting

From Linda Brian

TS Members, I’m getting more excited about the North Louisiana “Southern Pride” Business Meeting to be held at Lincoln Park, Ruston, Louisiana for September 23rd to 27th. But before you come to North Louisiana, don’t forget we have two other gatherings, Buena Vista for July 21-26 and Chama on August 18-25th. Check the web page for details.

Now for info about the NL “Southern Pride” Business Meeting, don’t shy away because you think it is just a business meeting, you’ll be disappointed. I want to encourage you to go ahead and call for your reservations early (318-251-5156). You will not be given a site number but when you arrive you pick out the site you want and park. Most all sites are easily accessible to the club house.

This is a rally that is hosted by your executive committee. You will be served a welcome meal, two breakfasts and desserts on two other evenings. We will eat as a group at an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet with a senior discount and we’ll meet at an Italian Restaurant for a group meal which is across the street from Miss Kays’s (of Duck Dynasty) bakery. You’ll have options of several tours in three cities, Ruston, Monroe and West Monroe. We’ll have a few guest speakers through the week and you’ll learn why so many people are proud to be from North Louisiana. You’ll learn about some of the well known people from the area including a visit to Duck Dynasty. Our decorations and meals will reflect the culture of the area and that is not South Louisiana culture or dishes, I’m talking about North Louisiana pride, country food.

So mark your calendars now with the date and call to register. Tell them you are with the Traveling Supremes. Hope to see you in September in Ruston. Linda Brian

Wagon master Report

Jim Hoover, your Wagon Master, has an update on some upcoming events.

Trader Village

As per my recent communication the tag along to Trader’s Village scheduled for June 1-2 has be canceled, or should I say postponed until a better time. This is something that I would still like to do, so with your input we will try to reschedule.

Quartzsite 2020

I recently put out information on a tag along back to Quartzsite for the RV show in 2020. We have four rigs signed up so far but I need to remind everyone that Black Rock RV park in Brenda AZ agreed to hold 8 sites until the end of May. That would be this coming Friday May 31. If you think that you might be interested call 928-927-4206 and tell them that you are with the Traveling Supremes. Just be aware that this is the slow time in Arizona RV parks so the office is only open from 8:00 – 12:00 Mon. thru Friday mountain time. To add to the confusion Arizona does not observe daylight savings time so this time of year mountain time and pacific time are the same. Anyway….try to call when the office is open.

Buena Vista, Chama, and Business Meeting

No changes at this time. I hope to see everyone in the mountains!

James C. Hoover

jchooverjr@hotmail.com

361-228-0776

Wagon Master’s Report

Hello Traveling Supremes,

Well we just finished our West Memphis gathering hosted by Ted and Susan Kercher. They did a great job and we all had a great time despite the rainy weather. Love that Memphis BBQ! If you missed this one there are plenty more opportunities to join in the fun.

In June we have a tag a long to Trader Village in Houston. Check in May 31 and check out June 3rd. Call Tori Brooks at 281-890-5500. More info Here

Then in July we have a gathering in Buena Vista Colorado hosted by the Butauds and the Hoovers. Check in July 21st and check out July 28th. The blocked off sites at Mt. Princeton RV were released in March but you still‎ may be able to get in by calling Cindy at 719-395-6206. Join us and escape the summer heat in the mountains of Colorado! More info Here

From there we go to Chama NM. The Gathering dates are August 18th to the 25th but as most of you know many members come and go at various times. Another great way to escape the heat in the mountains. Sky Mountain RV doesn’t open until May 15th ( it snowed in Chama yesterday) but call 575-766-1100 or go online to start making your reservation but do it soon as this park is very popular! More info Here

‎Then we will have the annual business meeting in Ruston LA at Lincoln Parish park 318-251-5156. Check in Sept 21st and check out Sept 27th. More info Here

That rounds out our current schedule for 2019 but I’m always open to ideas. We are also in search of a host for the next new year’s rally. I am also considering another tag a long to Quartzsite next January so let me know if you might be interested.

Until then I wish you safe travels!

James C. Hoover

jchooverjr@hotmail.com

361-228-0776

Buena Vista Update

From Lou Butauds

Just a quick note to remind everyone who may be interested in joining our Gathering at Mt. Princeton RV Park in Buena Vista, Colorado that the time to make your reservation with the park is NOW! The Gathering starts on July 21, 2019 (arrival day) and ends on July 28, 2019 (departure day). If you wish to arrive early or extend your stay work that out with the park when you make your reservation. The park is very popular and for good reason – prime area to visit, well managed park, and good amenities. It generally fills up early for the season. Park telephone number is: 719-395-6206.

Carol and I will be arriving in Buena Vista on July 19 on our way back south from visiting Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Sturgis and the Badlands. We will be in the Rapid City area for about a week. We plan to leave Buena Vista on July 30.

As to our reservations, I spoke to Cindy, Owner and Manager, just recently and she confirmed she is holding ten spaces for our group. We currently have five who have expressed an interest but only three are planning to be in RV sites. Dakes and Butauds will be in cabins. So, please call and make your reservation today if you are interested. Discuss cancellation rules with the park when you make your reservation. I plan to tell Cindy that she can recoup any unused reservations on April 1, 2019.

Once I know who plans to attend, the agenda will be tailored for the group. We know the area very well and will select from the attractions that seemed to be of most interest to the 2017 group. Of course, time will be allotted for individual interests and choices and some “do your own thing” time. All day trips will be escorted.

Buena Vista and the surrounding area offers lots of historical and interesting places to see, good places to eat, usually great weather, shopping for those interested and the unmatched beauty of the surrounding 14,000’ mountains. We are also planning to visit a couple of excellent restaurants the group enjoyed in 2017. We will have group functions such as breakfast and pot luck, but these all require that we reserve a facility – another reason for needing commitments now. Should you have any questions, feel free to call Carol and me or Tina and Jim. Telephone numbers are: Lou and Carol – 830-755-4441, Jim and Tina – 361-228-0776.

Remember, make your reservation now! Hope to see you at Buena Vista in July.

Planning for 2019

Here are some preliminary details of a few events planned for 2019. As more details are added you will find complete information in the “Rallies” option on the main menu (on the left). Also, we will let you know through the blog as others are added. Stay tuned!

Buena Vista, CO

July 21-28, 2019. Buena Vista Gathering at Mt. Princeton RV Park. Hosts are the Hoovers and the Butauds, reservations have been made for 10 sites. You can reserve no by calling the park at 719-315-6206.

Chama, NM

August 18-25, 2019. Chama Gathering at Sky Mountain Resort. No host, just a great gathering in the cool mountains of New Mexico. Actually, many will be staying a month or longer, just make reservations early as the park fills up fast. Cal 575-766-1100.

Business Meeting

September 23-27, 2019. Year end business meeting at Lincoln Park in Ruston, LA. Hosts are the Executive Council. Small park, close to everything. We have spaces reserved, but pick your own as you arrive. Park phone is 318-251-5156

Chama train
Downtown Buena Vista, CO
Ruston, LA

It’s here!

Yes, the New Years Rally is here! And to start things off, here are a few of the rallies/gatherings we’re starting to organize:

Memphis end March 2019;

Traders Village in Houston spring 2019;

Buena Vista in July 2019;

Chama in August 2019.

More to follow as plans firm up. Meanwhile, here are pictures of some of the rigs of New Year Rally attendees, in no particular order.

Buena Vista Gathering Update

The Hoovers and Butauds are moving forward with planning for the July 2019 Gathering in Buena Vista.

The park is Mt Princeton RV Park in Buena Vista, Co. Arrival date is July 21, 2019 and departure date is July 28, 2019. We have ten sites reserved. Reservations may be made now by calling the park office at 719-395-6206. Be sure to mention you are with the Traveling Supremes group. If you are concerned about possibly having to cancel, ask about their cancellation policy. Reservation cutoff date is April 30, 2019.

BV sits in a valley surrounded by 14,000 foot mountains. It attracts folks of all ages – some looking for hiking, biking and white water rafting, others looking for “jeeping adventures”, some for “day trip” opportunities and yet others just looking to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful scenery and to hang out with people of like mind.

We are planning to provide for several day trips to include the following: St Elmo (a ghost town) just a short, beautiful, drive in to the mountains; Salida, a quaint little town, with a mountain stream running through it, at least one exceptional restaurant, and many different shops; Leadville, a short drive which takes you to an old mining town with an excellent mining museum, a functioning old fashioned steam train, an opportunity to soak up more history, shopping, and one very good pizza joint; a possible side trip to the Continental Divide; and other excursions are in the works. For example, if we have enough interest, we may schedule a “day trip” to Breckenridge, Co – with a stop at the Alma Mall. It’s unlike any Mall you have been to before. All of these trips will be escorted.

For those who are interested, we may also be able to schedule a night out to attend a local “Little Theater” production which recounts the “bawdy” days of Buena Vista. And, if we have a person or two looking for a real adventure, we can help you sign up for a ride down the river. Lou, Carol and Jerry Smith did this in 2017 and it was a ride we will not soon forget. Hot springs are also available at a resort close by if you wish to just relax. Jeeps are available to rent if someone wants to venture off the beaten path.

The main attractions are the cool weather, the beauty of Buena Vista and the surrounding area, the many opportunities to soak up history, shop, experience excellent restaurants, “day trip” opportunities and other activities. Some try their luck at trout fishing in the nearby streams. We will be planning several group meals – at least one at a Buena Vista restaurant which everyone seemed to enjoy in 2017. And, we hope to take advantage of the “gatherings” offered by the park staff – these range from happy hour, to enjoying an evening at the fire pit, pot luck dinners, early morning coffee and donuts or other events planned by the park staff.

Should you have questions or just want more information, just call the Hoovers (361-228-0776) or Butauds (210-325-4256) and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Finally, if you plan to attend we recommend you call Mt Princeton RV Park (719-395-6206) and reserve a spot NOW! Updated: October 3, 2018

Added Rallies

The following information can also be found in the Rallies > Upcoming Rallies menus.

2018 Buena Vista, Colorado Tag-Along

August 8 (arrival) thru August 11, 2018 (departure)
Mount Princeton RV Park
30380 Co Rd 383
Buena Vista, CO
719-395-6206

This will be a no-host Tag-Along for those of us who wish to extend their summer vacation after the Elkhart, IN Gathering. Lou Butaud has blocked 5 sites at Mount Princeton RV Park. You may call now for reservations. No deposit will be necessary at this time as the park will call you in February, 2018 to confirm your reservation. At that time, you’ll be asked to make a deposit.

There are numerous places to visit and explore between Elkhart and Buena Vista. Some of these include:

Amana Colonies, Iowa (7 colonies plus a Passport America RV Park)
St. Louis (take a bus tour of the city and ride up the arch)Lake of the Ozarks (between St. Louis & Kansas City – lots of activities)
Kansas City (see a Kansas City Royals baseball game – Worlds of Fun Amusement Park has a good RV park)
Omaha (RV parks at the casino across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa and at a city park beside the Missouri River in Bellevue – walk across a pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River between Nebraska and Iowa)
Denver (see a Denver Rockies baseball game)
Colorado Springs (visit the Air Force Academy and get reservations to ride the cog train up Pikes Peak)

2018 Chama, NM Tag-Along

August 12 (arrival) thru August 19, 2018 (departure)
Sky Mountain Resort RV Park
2743 US-84
Chama, NM 87520
575-756-1100

This will be a No Host Tag-Along. Some of us consider Chama as a second home to avoid the summer heat and will plan to arrive earlier and/or stay later. Make your reservations as soon as you can as Sky Mountain always fills up rapidly. The laid-back Chama style is a great way to relax and enjoy the cool mountain weather along with the comradely of fellow Traveling Supreme members.

Tagalong added July 2019

2019 – Buena Vista, Colorado

Ten spots are reserved for July 21-27, 2019! We’ve received exciting reports about the many things to do & see in the area. And who doesn’t want to experience the cool summer Colorado weather! Mark the dates on your calendar, make your reservations (mention you want one of the sites blocked by Lou Butaud) and plan on attending the Buena Vista Gathering.

Mt. Princeton RV Park
30380 Co Rd 383
Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-6206

Hosts: Lou & Carol Butaud and Jim & Tina Hoover