September 23 through September 26, 2021, the Heartland LTVers gathered at Potawatomi State Park in Door County, Wisconsin. We had a total of 17 LTVs in attendance. One couple had to cancel at the last minute due to illness. In addition, we were visited by a couple from Illinois who have an Unity FX on order, but had never seen one in person. We also welcomed two other couples who are contemplating the purchase of an LTV. About half of the group had attended a previous rally and the other half were new Heartland rally attendees.
At check-in, new rally attendees received a welcome bag with their name badges and a club sticker, and women received a small cross-body bag with their initial. I started this tradition at our very first rally and have continued it with each rally.
There were a few rain showers, including during our first dinner – a traditional Door County fish boil at Waterfront Mary’s in Sturgeon Bay. It was also chilly and windy, so the restaurant moved our large group indoors, rather than the usual tents outside. This was a welcomed change by all. Some ordered off the menu, but for those who had the fish boil, I heard many compliments that this was the best they had tasted. Extra bonus was that it included cherry pie a la mode!
Most of our group was in a portion of the campground called Daisy Field South. There is a beautiful little shelter/cabin that can be shared by campers in the park. We took full advantage of that location for our morning coffee, meetings, and two of our dinners. Warmed by a fire, it was a cozy place to enjoy each other’s company and a view of Sturgeon Bay.
LTV funds provided morning coffee, breakfast treats, and pulled pork sandwiches for our Friday potluck. A side trip to Wood Orchard Market near Egg Harbor on Wednesday included purchases of apple cider donuts, apples, and apple cider for our group.
After coffee on Friday, we had a Question & Answer session followed by coach tours. Friday afternoon, the Hafemans led a group on a 13-mile bike ride through some scenic parts of Door County. After our potluck, it was time to distribute prizes. As winners were drawn (one prize per LTV), they had the choice of the following: $50 gift certificate to the LTV store, a LTV quilted pullover, items embroidered with our club logo, including towels, an apron, and a women’s sweatshirt, a picnic blanket, and pot protectors.
On Saturday, we started off with coffee and conversation in the wonderful shelter/cabin near our campsites. Following that we had Show & Tell, where members shared some of their favorite items and gadgets for their LTVs. We also had a Garage Sale, where we could give away or sell items we no longer have a need for. In the afternoon, some gathered to visit, while others went exploring other locations in Door County. Saturday night’s dinner was pizza from Sonny’s Pizzeria in Sturgeon Bay, where we again took full advantage of the cozy shelter nearby.
Unfortunately, Andy and I had to leave early Sunday morning. We had to get home, unpack and repack our LTV, and get to Springville, Utah, by Wednesday night for our niece’s shower and wedding on October 2. We wish we could have stayed to wish everyone goodbye.
Door County is a beautiful place to visit. If you haven’t been there, you really need to add it to your list of future destinations.
Written by Ann Dudler
Photo credits to Penny Sharp, Patrick Reid, and Rob Westphal
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