The Heartland LTV’ers 2025 fall rally began with members from 10 states and Canada arriving at Memorial Park in Washburn, Wisconsin, on a Monday when Lake Superior was hiding behind the fog. By noon, the fog had lifted, and every LTV was nestled amongst the trees, ready for a week of renewing friendships and new adventures.
The early morning visit from the Washburn and Ashland Chambers turned into an impromptu tour to the State Fish Hatchery.
Isn’t it wonderful to have a coach that can park almost anywhere—even in smaller parking lots. Some chose to ride their bikes from the campsite to the hatchery, others drove their tow vehicle.
The tour provided us with insights into the operation of the Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery, which raises lake trout, brown trout, and splake for stocking Wisconsin’s streams and lakes, as well as the Great Lakes.
We also heard tales of ghosts that may or may not visit the home attached to the old fish hatchery. The old superintendent’s home will soon be under restoration.
A wonderful lady dressed in attire of long ago shared with us the gardens and their desire to bring back the original plantings. How did they know what was planted in the 1800s? Well, they found boxes and boxes filled with what I will call work diaries, with all sorts of details of what happened at this fish hatchery. All in all, this impromptu tour was a delight for all who attended.
On Thursday, a planned adventure took those participating on a Trolley Tour of Ashland, the “historic mural capital of Wisconsin,” and the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center. Lo and behold, the person narrating the tour was also painted on a mural. Can you tell who she is?
If you guessed Maribeth Monroe, you are right! What a delight she was to listen to as she shared her love for her hometown and all it had to offer.
We would like to extend a big thank you to all those who helped: Joe Fierst for leading the bicycle group tour to Madeline Island, and Anita Reid for guiding and helping us get to know our ovens. While the microwave seems easy, the other features can be a little intimidating. Thank you to Win Semmler for sharing your knowledge about the batteries in our coaches and to Chasey for discussing Camp Hosting—who knew there were all those opportunities out there for us? Thanks to Ken for sharing what we had learned at the Winkler Rally with Maintenance. We all need reminders of how to care for our home on wheels. To Terry Gunnell of IRV for sharing your solution to excessive water pump noise. I was amazed at how many attendees had already installed them, but I am sure there are many more who will choose to install your device. Finally, thank you to Lisa for sharing your wealth of knowledge on yoga teaching and reminding us to take time each day to care for ourselves.
Thank you to everyone who helped with the food. Whether it was cooking pancakes, making hamburgers, or making root beer floats, you are all greatly appreciated. That is the one thing I know about the Heartland Members: you are always there to lend a hand and make things happen.
To the entire group, thank you for the kind card. This is one of those cards that you keep and put in your memory box. You know the box you go to when times are a little tough or a moment when you need a little lift. Your card is one we will cherish always. Thank you too for the gift. Totally unexpected, and we were blown away by your generosity. We have decided that we could use new camp chairs, perhaps ones that are lightweight and not too bulky. So again, thank you!
Yes, this was our last Rally to organize by ourselves. Dale and Sue Gerstenecker have stepped up to plan and make all the arrangements for the Spring Rally in Illinois. A little birdie told me maybe a fall rally is in the works in Iowa. Ken and I will still be there, lending a hand and helping wherever we can.
The Heartland LTV’ers Club needs to have someone step up and take on the leadership role with Triple E. Those at Triple E are wonderful to work with and are always willing to help when they can. I will miss them!
If you would like to step into a leadership role, now is the best time to do so. Why? Because planning is well underway for 2026, and you would have a year to get ready for 2027. If you are interested at all, please give us a call; we will be glad to answer any questions you have and help you get started.
Thank you to all who have attended our rallies. It has been fun getting to know all of you! Now that I’m retiring from my leadership role, I feel I will be able to take the time at a Heartland Rally to get to know everyone a little better.
Written by: Kendra Johnson
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