35 people and 10 dogs brought 19 LTVs to the Blue Ridge Leisures Fall Rally, Sept 27-30, at the Anvil Campground in Williamsburg, VA. The states represented were NC, VA, MD, PA, and NY.
Anvil Campground, located in the heart of Williamsburg, was chosen for it’s shuttle bus services from the campground to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Busch Gardens, shopping and other area attractions. Even though our LTVs are very mobile, it’s nice to not have to unhook for the day!
Unity’s abounded with 14 in attendance spanning 2013 to 2016 models! There were also 2 2015 Free Spirit SS units, 2 Free Spirits from 2004 and 2006, and a 1999 Freedom wide-body.
The Rally began with a potluck dinner on Tuesday night, followed by introductions and a history of the Chapter.
Despite the constant threat of rain, spirits were high. Temperatures were mild, with a slight breeze (depending upon where you were). Fast moving clouds kept us guessing – alternating between drizzle and glimpses of the sun!
Some folks tried to see the fleeting sun through a solar telescope.
Some explored Williamsburg and other nearby attractions, while others visited, walked dogs, hiked and biked.
Some even flew their drone!
Both Wednesday and Thursday were days we could do whatever we wanted to.
The opportunity presented itself for free massages by one of the campground’s employees who was in massage school! She worked on us non-stop on her day off and was tipped handsomely for her efforts.
Wednesday and Thursday evenings we again came together for dinner (another potluck, and then delivery from an Italian pizza place).
After dinner on Wednesday we had a lively discussion on LTV lessons learned, tips, helpful advice from other rallies attended, and other questions and answers. Potential future rally locations were also discussed.
This was the highlight for many of the new LTV owners -hearing the stories and learning from the more experienced ones.
After Thursday dinner the LCR dice game was enjoyed by those who had not yet retired for the evening. Much whooping and hollering ensued until a winner was declared!
Like the Winkler Rally, our available slots filled up super fast – within 2 days of the announcement!
Due to the campground meeting room size we had to limit the number of participants.
Unfortunately there were 10 LTVs on the waiting list that didn’t get in.
Facilities that can accommodate more people are being pursued for next year.
Everyone enjoyed our previous spring rally at Travelers Rest RV & Golf Resort in Dade City so much that we decided to regroup at the same location this fall. The Flamingles Fall Rally was held over Veterans Day weekend, from November 11th through the 14th. The group was smaller than last spring, but we had as much fun. The rally hosted ten couples and eight rigs, as two of the couples spend the winter season at Travelers Rest.
Travelers Rest is an ideal destination for a rally — in addition to all of the activities available in the park, rallies are given access to a large, dedicated room and kitchen facilities. Late Friday afternoon Wagon Masters Pat and Art Dubuc welcomed everyone to our dedicated room, Citrus East, with a “Heavy Hors d’oeuvres” happy hour. The food was scrumptious and was so plentiful it also served as our dinner. Because of our group size, we were able to sit around one big table and get reacquainted with friends from last spring and get to know the new additions as well.
On Saturday morning we arrived at breakfast to find Art and Pat hard at work making breakfast. Art cooked waffles, while Pat helped by cooking sausages.
The food was delicious and a perfect way to start the day. After breakfast we took advantage of some of the resort’s recreational facilities by playing bocce ball and shuffleboard. There was also time to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding Lake Margaret, relax in our lawn chairs and socialize with friends.
Saturday evening was a Pot Luck spectacular. Everyone was asked to bring a main dish of some type and Pat & Linda Quinn made a large green salad to accompany the meal. Again, everyone outdid themselves and the food was outstanding. It is amazing what miracles can be accomplished in the tiny LTV kitchens! After dinner Frank and Annie Meier — Flamingles members who are Travelers Rest residents and the hosts of a weekly movie night at the resort — played a feature film for some of the rally attendees. The film, London Has Fallen, is quite good but violent, and Frank promised a more family friendly film next time.
Sunday morning began with a continental breakfast and another day of enjoying the beautiful weather and park activities. In the early afternoon Pat held a business meeting to discuss future plans for the Flamingles. Crystal Wood shared the specifics of the spring rally, which will take place at Compass RV Park in St. Augustine, from April 28 to May 1. The group decided to take advantage of the Hop On Hop Off tourist bus, and a winery tour is also being planned. More information about the spring rally can be found on the Flamingles Facebook Page. It was also decided that Pat will look into possible dates for another rally at Travelers Rest, either in the fall of 2017 or the spring of 2018. The final decision of the meeting was for a get-together dinner on Wednesday, January 18, after a day of touring the Tampa RV Show.
Sunday’s night dinner was a special treat. We hired Chef Lee Breen, a caterer who lives at Travelers Rest, to prepare dinner. He served Swiss Chicken, rice, carrots and green salad — all of which were delicious. After dinner we were lucky enough to attend the first Travelers Rest Sunday Night Entertainment of the 2016–2017 Season. It began with an ice cream social, followed by welcoming announcements and an invitation to all first timers to come up front and introduce themselves — something the Flamingles did with gusto. The evening’s entertainment was the Cypress Creek Dixieland Band – a fun local jazz band. What a fun climax to a memorable and fun rally.
Monday morning was time for good byes. We were very happy to once again play hosts to the wonderful Flamingles at our winter home, and we look forward to seeing everyone again real soon.
Story submitted by Linda & Eddie Quinn
The park has a Halloween Party that weekend, so bring your costume if you like.
We have a block of 13 sites (water and electric) for $34/night (before any discounts)
Good size lake (Hogback Lake) with swimming, fishing ($9/day fee for license sold at park) and rentals (kayaks at $20/day)
We will have planned activities on Saturday Sept 24.
Group meals; Trivia contest – with PRIZES!; Group chats; fly fisherman lessons; Live music after dinner – bring your instruments and/or Sing along with Karaoke.
