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1999 year Highlights
by Wanda Ray
January, 1999
Icy roads did not keep us “die-hard” campers at home. We met in Ullin,
IL for our ‘Christmas’ and end of the season camping. New officers were
elected and as the snow was falling, we formed a circle for the
exchanging of gifts---not cheating—of course!!
February 1999 found us at the Casey Jones Village in Jackson, TN
for the big RV Show.
March, 1999 our first campout for the year we were at Fort Massac
State Park, in Metropolis, IL. The John Haleys showed up in their new
5th wheel. It was decided that Black would be the color for our next
order of Club Jackets.
April 1999 – was so cold that most left the campfire at the Canal
Campground in the LBL early and hoped for better weather in the morning.
(Sounds like we might be getting wimpy). Our “snowbirds” are back from
Florida and Texas. Cynthia Haley and her dog “D.D.” entertained us with
“How much is that doggy in the Window”.
May 1999 –Diamond Lake near Owensboro, KY was the site of our
Memorial Day campout. Nice weather, and a big shelter made the men’s
“job” of fixing breakfast for the ladies much easier. Lots of activities
for the kids to enjoy here.
June, 1999- Piney Campground in TN was very warm but also very
nice. We sat away from the fire, and talk of homemade ice cream became a
reality. Two large freezers disappeared quickly. We all went to the
Cherokee Hills Steak House for Saturday night supper……down a gravel road
,way out in the middle of a pasture field with all the grain bins.!! Jim
Borum was leaving for home after supper and didn’t want to go back to
camp to pick his trailer up. But as he was leaving his site he failed to
pick up his tag from the site post. The gate attendants would not let
him through, since he could not prove he had paid!!! He had to return to
the site and pick up the tag. Jim didn’t know the way to the restaurant
and was being left way behind. He was NOT a happy camper. We didn’t
really expect to see two large bears standing inside (they were stuffed
of course) and we were “stuffed” when we left. Sunday morning after
worship service we just had to try making more ice cream. It was
delicious as well. Since Jim Young has now retired, he was able to “wave
goodbye” to the others as they left.
July 1999 we hosted our 3rd 4-Rivers State Rally at KY Dam
Village State Park. We had 42 rigs and 100+ people in attendance. George
& Mary Taylor made frig magnets for each family attending. At the
morning breakfast, Odell Allbritten was delivering the door prizes along
with a kiss……we began to get a little nervous, when he also kiss a MAN.!
A full weekend of activities kept everyone busy and a group from a local
church presented an enjoyable Puppet Show. Faye & Gene Burden from
Madisonville took digital pictures and placed them on the ‘World Wide
Webb” . Wow, what is next!
(The Jayco Company had high praise for Flight #9 since we had 42 rigs at
our 4 state rally and there were only 190 at their International.)
August 1999 – Jayco International Rally in York, PA. Five club
members (with shiny clean rigs) went to the rally via Myrtle Beach, SC.
It was the first time for the Rays to see Myrtle Beach. Traveling
through 5 states, IL,KY,TN,GA, SC. Then through, NC,VA, MD. Getting our
rigs into the Capitol KOA was more than a challenge since 26 SMALL motor
homes from Germany had all the large sites and we barely could squeeze
into the short ones. We took 3 trucks and went to the Baltimore Harbor.
The first day of the rally in York, we went to Hershey, PA. (smell the
chocolate). Other adventures included Gettysburg, a Harley Davidson
factory, and a buggy ride into an Amish Farm. We camped conveniently
near the Freightliner Truck Dealership. Along with the good are some
‘challenges’. Two tires had to be changed, another had a slow leak that
needed air frequently, George’s A/C clutch broke, the right rear spring
broke on Dale’s trailer and we sat for 5 hours at the Salem, IL rest
stop waiting for parts. (The first spring that arrived did not fit, so
he called Roger and had Michele Wright bring the correct one after work.
There was one ER visit for an allergic reaction to scrimp (remember
Jan?)
Regular August meeting, 1999, we were at the Cypress Lakes Campground in
Calvert City, KY. Johnnie & Ed Wyatt from Decaturville, TN and Faye &
Eugene Burden from Madisonville joined our club. Ice Cream and
watermelon on Sunday, sounds like we eat all the time.
September 1999 – Giant City State Park in Makanda, IL was our
gathering place. Hiking was the main activity. We talked about our
Christmas meeting, and planned to go to Shawnee College on January 1,
2000 ….IF everything goes well for Y2K. (what strange things we worry
about.) The Ellerbusches are selling their camper, but the Borums are
buying it…..so bad news and good news. The Ellerbusches will visit every
time they can.
October 1999 was our Invitational Campout at Hillman Ferry. We
had 12 member units and 14 visiting units. (Lots of people). Campfires
felt very good. Two motions made at the September meeting were
rescinded. One concerned the elimination of the reading of the minutes
and the other concerned canceling of dues for this coming year. We would
have to change the by-laws to do those things…..it was not worth the
trouble!!!! We live and learn. This was the campout that the men put up
tarps on the side of the pavilion since it was so cold. The group of boy
scouts really appreciated it also.
November 1999 – Columbus Belmont State Park near Arlington, KY.
Eleven units showed up. The Larry Buehlers “jumped ship” and bought a
Challenger, hope they will still visit us often. Faye & Gene Burden
showed up with their new 27’ Designer 5th wheel , so they had the
campfire since they were giving “tours”. Donna Young & Martha Sue Peters
‘accidentally’ dumped our president Odell Allbritten out of his hammock.
Better watch out ladies, he will get you back. Ellerbusches will be
celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in December. Our last campout
church service for the season was held overlooking the river watching
the tugboats pushing and guiding the barges. John Haley gave an
inspiring talk on God being our “tugboat” guiding our lives. So ended
1999.
