Gathering – Traveling Supremes

Hot Springs Getaway 2023 (Amended)

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.

Chama Gathering 2022

We had a cool gathering in Chama with twelve rigs in attendance including guests Darren and Tammy Phillips, past members of the club, who joined us. Susan and Ted Kercher also joined us from California while staying in a cabin close to the park, making thirteen total. Many came for the entire month, others including us came for 3 weeks while Don Spencer and the Newman’s for several months. It is always like coming home when arriving at Sky Mountain RV Park in Chama and getting to spend time with our extended family, TS Members. Those attending other than Susan and Ted and Darren and Tammy were: President Jim and Tina Hoover, VP/Wagon Master James and Gail Smith, Secretary and Treasurer Myrna and Billy Braly, Steve and Lisa Merriman, Don Spencer, Sue and Joe Kelly, Jerry and Hessie Smith, Dave and Deanne Phillips, Ron and Diane Garner, new members Max and Karen Newman and us, Polk and Linda Brian. The day we left Duane and Patty Stowe came into camp getting ready to travel north for another TS trip.

Naturally we get to enjoy visiting prior to and after the designated week of the gathering. One example prior to the week, we had an ice cream gathering at Sue and Joe’s rig with Jerry and Hessie helping host. Most everyone attends church each Sunday and it is a must to shop regularly at the local grocery which has everything. We did notice that some of the eatery places had closed due to Covid, to lack of help, or a surge of break-ins. We did get to enjoy Sarah’s singing in the grove of the park or in the newly erected club house. She is a long time helper at the park and a special person to all. One Saturday we were able to gather downtown to attend the Chama Days’ Parade and eagerly gathered thrown candies. One evening, many of the group attended an auction and dinner just south of town which helped the humane society. Some of us drove into Pagosa Springs at different times for shopping at Walmart and eating at special restaurants we’ve enjoyed over the years. Some played cards and the men did get to go cut sticks after the designated week was over. The Merriman’s hosted two fish-fry’s and some had campfires to enjoy. Also, we had a memorial for a longtime camper here and friend to all of us, Raymond Bullock, who passed away several weeks ago. He and Mary Ann have been coming for a long time and she too helps in the park and is loved by all. So you see we have kept pretty busy in additional to our RV visiting on a daily bases. Oh, nearly forgot, a few went to the doctor and we were all depressed that our, afore mentioned, Mary Ann, had a stroke and is in the hospital in Albuquerque. So, please lift up a prayer for her.

Our gathering began with a snack night on Monday which is always enjoyable and with varied dishes. We were able to use the newly constructed building which hasn’t been completely finished but is closed in which keeps us out of the weather (pollen and mosquitos). We also had a steak night on Thursday with each couple bringing their own steak, hamburger, or chicken for the grill and a side dish. Delicious as always!

We did have an Executive Members’ meeting during the week where the list of newly nominated officers was presented and they also attended the meeting as guests. The ballots have been sent to each of you and the nominees will be voted on at our business meeting in Galveston in October. Hope you can make it! Also, at the meeting, Myrna reported we have $5,960.53 unencumbered as a balance in our treasury. Two upcoming rallies which will reduce the budget some are: The Galveston Business Meeting Rally sponsored by the club will be Oct. 12 leave on 16 at Jamaica Beach RV Resort and then we will have our New Year’s Rally on December 28 to leave on January 2, 2023, in Many, Louisiana, at Toledo Bend RV Resort and Cabins. Check the web page for more detail. Again, hope you can make both.

Linda Brian

As a reminder, if you have not gone to the web site, travelingsupremes.com, and requested or signed up to receive notices when our Web Master, Susan Kercher, posts updates, please do so now. Sometimes sponsors of different rallies will send you a notice about a rally but sometimes information is sent to Susan for her to send out and if you are not signed up you will not receive the notice.

Linda Bria

Chama 2022 Update

James and Gail Smith wants the Traveling Supremes know what is going on in New Mexico. Chama is having fires all around it and most recently has had a disruption in the water supply that threatens to last quite awhile. Everything is shut down and train isn’t running. Hopefully it will be ready for us August 15-20! But it is still our beautiful, peaceful, cool Chama!

Gail Smith found a video from a Facebook Page called ”What’s up in Chama” and wanted to share it with us (I hope the video will open, will work, if it doesn’t, text or email me and I can forward to you):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/4462135410501619/posts/5213010448747441/

Ted and I are planning to join the Traveling Supremes in Chama and will be at the Elkhorn Lodge from August 15-21. We hope to see everyone there for CHAMA TIME…Susan Kercher

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.

Elephant Butte, NM gathering

Hello Traveling Supremes!

We have another addition to your calendar. ‎Billy and Myrna Braly are hosting a Traveling Supreme gathering in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. The arrival date is April 19th, 2020. The departure date is April 24th but you are encouraged to come early or stay late to enjoy the area. Be sure to check on the weekly rate.

You can call Elephant Butte RV Resort at 575-744-5996. To check their web site, click https://www.elephantbuttelakervresort.com. As always be sure to tell them that you are with the Traveling Supremes. They are holding 10 back in sites until November 1st but they can accommodate requests for a pull thru as near the group as possible.

The City of Elephant Butte is home to the largest lake in the state and also The Sierra Del Rio Golf Course. It is the premier destination for recreational boating in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Enjoy the local restaurants, hotels, rvparks, fishing guides, watercraft sales and rentals, city park and the beautiful walking trail. And of course mingling with your TS friends…

Vaya Con Dios Amigos!
James C. Hoover
jchooverjr@hotmail.com
361-228-0776

Quartzsite 2020

Hello everyone….

A few of you have expressed an interest in going back to Quartzsite so we’re going to do a tag along again in 2020. ‎The show dates are Jan. 18th through the 26th, 2020. I called two parks in Brenda, about 12 miles from the big show in Quartzsite. Black Rock was the first and only one to return my call so we will stay there again. It is a full hook up park and offers a shuttle to the show several times daily. They have agreed to hold 8 sites but only until the end of May due to the popularity of this event so call them at 928-927-4206. Be sure to tell them that you are with the Traveling Supremes. Be sure to read the cancellation policy closely. This will be a tag along so no real agenda just fun and fellowship!

Call me if you have any questions.

James C. Hoover

jchooverjr@hotmail.com

361-228-0776

Elkhart Gathering

From Dave Phillips

Reservations are now open for the Elkhart, IN Gathering scheduled for July 16-22, 2018 (departure on the 22nd). Call the Elkhart Campground for reservations at 574-264-2914 (25608 County Rd 4, Elkhart, IN) and say you’re with the Traveling Supremes/Phillips group. Eight spaces have been set aside.

The weekly rate is $235 if you’d like to stay the entire week. Join us for a fun week in RV and Amish country. Please notify the Phillips when you make a reservation (dphillipd@msn.com). Registration deadline is June 1, 2018.

Hosts: David & Deanne Phillips

Thanksgiving, NY Rally, more

We wish all members, their families, and guests a Happy Thanksgiving. One word of warning: before you tackle that turkey dinner, make sure you don’t exceed your RV’s weight capacity!

Also a reminder to make sure you are signed up for our NY rally. We will be having quite a lot of fun! You can see more here

Finally, the Laningas and the Cooks have made reservation at Port Aransas Port A RV Resort for January 3d through February 3d. This is not a rally or even a gathering, but if you show up maybe it will be! You can get the park info here . This is a high end park but monthly rates are reasonable.

Sault St Marie gathering

A ” gathering ” is happening at Aune Osborn Campground in Sault Ste Marie, MI. First night is Saturday, July 15 2017 running thru Friday, July 21, 2017. Checkout by 12:00 PM Saturday July 22, 2017. So far the Wellock’s, Moreau’s, and Rickles have reservations.

To make a reservation contact Roger by e-mail; click here (roger_auneosborn@yahoo.com). Deposit of $32.00 is required at time of reservation. Sign up now!