2023 Rally Reports
March 19-26 Tucson. AZ rally
Tucson, AZ Rally Report
Rallymasters-Matt Benston & Katrina Cooper
Rally venue – Voyager RV Resort - https://voyagerrv.com/
Matt Bentson & Katrina Cooper RV Site
Bob & Becky Coulter Stayed at their new ‘Winter Palace’
Gene & Rosie Dorsey Onsite Hotel
Art & Nancy Utech RV Site
Bob & Sharee Scott Onsite Hotel
Bill & Beverly Eckel RV Site
Barry & Jann Engleman RV Site
Doreen Caffrey RV Site
Tom & Connie Doreen’s Guests from Alaska
Cliff & Jeanne Meier RV Site
Allen F & Lynn Buckingham Onsite Hotel
Pat & Gloria Romansik RV Site
Mike Sternenberger RV Site
Sunday 19 March
All Attendees were treated by their Rally masters, Matt & Katrina to a Pork BBQ Dinner in the expansive Ballroom at the Voyager RV Resort. After Matt covered the weeks’ Itinerary and options, Becky Coulter suggested we conduct the Annual Cuatro Estados Chapter meeting. Those minutes were posted late March. We learned that Lynn Buckingham has been the Treasurer for over 15 years for the Cuatro Estados Chapter. Thank you so much Lynn for a job well done.
Monday 20 March
Off to the AZ Sonoran Desert Museum about 0930. We were able to make it down the hill to watch the Raptor demonstration which Wowed us all. After the Raptor demonstration, we wandered around the museum grounds to discover this museum is not as impressive as past years’ visits. The 45-minute Raptor show made it worth the visit. For lunch, we meandered through Gates Pass to the Campus of the University of Arizona for a large Lunch gathering at Gentle Bens. The restaurant was not very active since the students were focused on mid-terms since their team got knocked out of March Madness early. The evening’s meeting (a.k.a. Happy Hour) was postponed to Tuesday evening due to high winds and no last-minute Resort Rooms available.
Tuesday 21 March
Tuesday was a free day where folks ventured out to different corners of SW AZ. We met for Happy Hour in the Arizona Room of the resort. Snacks were shared, and some GREAT stories were told.
Wednesday 22 March
Our initial planning was to drive up Catalina Highway up to Mt Lemon to have lunch at the Sawmill Run Restaurant was superseded by rain. Most everyone had visited a nearby CostCo to graze around the sample tables, so that was voted out. Mat & Kat, Art & Nancy, Barry & Jann, & Mike S. went to the Biosphere 2, and still got wet between buildings. Bob & Sharee went to the Titan Missile Museum down in Green Valley. Gene and Rosie, Bob & Becky went to Round1 (a wise choice as it was all indoors). Most of us met up at Bottega Michelangelo in Oro Valley for a nice Italian Lunch. That night, we all met at the K9 Casa (Mat & Kat’s pets’ rig), for snacks & Happy Hour. The weather had cleared but was still 10 degrees below Tucson’s normal.
Thursday 23 March
16 of us were able to catch the first Tram (10 am) at the Pima Air and Space Museum. We were amazed with the progress of air travel, cargo, and military uses. Then lunch was enjoyed at the Yard House. many of us sampled the large assortment of local and exotic brews. Thursday evening’s Happy Hour was bypassed. We were all ready for an early evening.
Friday 24 March
During the Friday evening Potluck held in the resort’s Catalina Room we learned of each other’s excursions. Gene & Rosie (key turner) annihilated the human race from the Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley. Art & Nancy were shopping for a new collection at Tucson’s Auto Museum. Cliff & Jeanne went down to Ft Huachuca and found a nice Military Intelligence Museum. The group had a great time sharing RV horror stories. (Pretty sure we could write a book.) We told those that were leaving the next day farewell. Bob & Sharee left early to arrive with mountains covered in Utah snow (or was it snot? Text error!).
Saturday 25 March
Many had seen the Thunder Birds practice on Thursday & Friday. I (Matt) may have spooked everyone with anticipation of chaotic traffic, mayhem parking, & massive crowds. However we had a few brave soles show up for the event. I saw Mike S. & Barry E. while walking the large area of displays. Later that evening we had an Ice Cream Social at the K9 Casa picnic tables. Jeanne was smart and brought hot fudge as a topping, and Mike S. had brownie bites. We all had a great time reminiscing about our week, saying our goodbyes, and telling the group where we were headed on our next adventure.
Sunday 26 March
Many were texting their farewells as they ventured out to home or on to more adventures.
Learn More about what we do
Rally reports are submitted by the Rally Masters within 2 weeks of their rally. It is a quick synopsis of what happened during their rally. More pictures can be found in the Photo Gallery Tab above.
2023 Rally Reports Continued
APRIL 23-30 Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM Rally Report
Rallymasters-Carl & Linda Threatt
The Albuquerque rally was April 23 through April 27, with 9 rigs, 16 attendees. For the most part, the weather co-operated, after all, it is spring & spring in ABQ is windy. Our first happy hour was an outdoor event, the clubhouse was still being used as the RV office, due to filming in the park for “a major film.” It was decided to party between Utech’s coach & neighbor, Dan, whom we invited to join us. Happy hour was nightly.
Monday was a free day, several people went to the Unser Racing Museum & then on to explore Old Town. At happy hour, the clubhouse was opened back up for use, discussion was opened as what to add to our itinerary on Friday & Saturday, as most were not attending the Gathering of Nations (2 couples did attend the Gathering).
Tuesday all 16 attendees rode the Rail Runner to Santa Fe, and lunch at Tomasita’s Restaurant.
Wednesday was lunch in Old Town, at D H Lescombes Brewery. Most people had places they wanted to see & do, so everyone did their own thing. Several went on to the Lavender Farm, Los Poblanos.
Thursday our caravan left the campground at 8:15 a.m., & drove up to the Sandia Crest. It was a windy, cold morning at the top, with actual temperature of 47 degrees, (less with wind chill.) After looking over ABQ & ALMOST to Texas, we then drove to Madrid for lunch. If you haven’t noticed yet, this was definitely an eating rally!
Friday 10 of us decided to have brunch at the Frontier Restaurant & go to the Bio Park. 4 people went to the Gathering of Nations. Joe & Rosalie Vacaro left for home, as they had a baby shower to attend, for family, as well as pick up their dogs from the “pet resort”. The Bio Park will have to be another time, as it was again windy & started raining. Pat & Gloria Romansik were able to join the rally, after Pat taking a pretty big fall & injuring himself, earlier in the week.
Saturday many of us left for the Farmers Market, downtown, at 10 a.m., afterwards, we enjoyed a lunch at the Guava Tree Cafe.
Sunday we said our goodbyes, “until the next time!
2023 Rally Reports Continued
May 17-21 Gallup, NM
Gallup, NM Rally Report
Rallymasters- Phillip & Stephanie Bishop
2023 Rally Reports Continued
june 7-12 Alamosa, co
Alamosa Colorado Rally Report
Rallymasters- Becky & Bob Coulter
We initially had 11 rigs signed up for the rally. 10 RVS made it. Dewey and Lou Berry were driving 1,500 miles from their home in OKC to get to our Colorado rally due to a broken wheel lug bolt in Dalhart, TX. They ended up staying 3 nights in Dalhart waiting for parts to get back on the road. They were coming to tell everyone that they sure would like more people to attend their OKC Rally Wept 8-12. They want to show you, their city. Another couple was coming to attend the rally and see if they wanted to become members of CE but they could only get 3 days at the RV park, so they canceled with the office last minute. Bobb and Kathy Barnes got stuck outside the park when he turned off their truck engine and were not able to restart it. They had the 5th wheel towed into their spot and had their truck towed to the dealership. They had to be towed into another space at the end of the rally and their truck was done soon after.
Attendees were the Barnes, Broughtons, Coulters, Bill Eckel, Houstons, Joyce Jamele and her friend Kay, Lyles, Brenner/Rozdilsky and Thornton/Jeffery.
On arrival day we had a great happy hour and heavy snacks at the clubhouse and a lovely birthday celebration for MJ Brenner. After the party many of us went outside to play a new game called Gaga Ball from Israel. It was very fun, and we got winded running around in the pit. We also played, horseshoes, and cornhole.
Thursday June 8th we went to Colorado Gators and Reptile Farm. And finished off the day with dinner and beer at the Colorado Farm Brewery.
Friday June 9th we met at the Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, it took forever to get into the park due to the number of people entering. Several of us went to play in the Medano Creek that flows through the park. The creek was really flowing with all the snow melt. It undulates like the waves of the ocean. We stripped off our shoes and threw them on the bank and walked across the very wide creek. The water was warm. We met more CEers at the Sand Dunes Recreation Adults only Greenhouse for drinking, eating and soaking. We met the Englemans there and enjoyed a nice visit and got to hear how their new house was coming along. Later we all donned our lighted cat ears, glasses, and light sabers. We did a little “Grey Pride” Conga line around the pools and had all the young folks wondering what we were doing. To see what fools we made of ourselves go to the movie created by Bill Eckel on YouTube, https://youtu.be/iswx2RPf-GM. The Stargazing occurred in the parking lot as no one wanted to drive 30miles back out to the National Park.
Saturday June 10th- Was a day on your own. Some went to the Donkey Dash in Creede, CO, some took the Cumbres & Toltec RR. Two couples went hiking up some difficult terrain. Two couples went to the oldest Church in CO, then to Jack Dempsey’s home/museum in Manassa, CO and later to Cano’s Folk Art Castle in Antonito, CO. It is made of Beer Cans. The drive-in movie in Monte Vista was a bust it was playing kids movies. We still had a great happy hour, a quiz about the Gator Farm and tech gifts made by Bill Eckel. First prize went to Frank & Betsy and 2nd Prize went to Richard Huston. Bill Eckel made popcorn and showed a movie in the club house.
Sunday June 11th we went to se the Stations of the Cross and the Shrine in San Luis. The bronze statues were created by a local artist known as the Michelangelo of San Luis. After we had an impromptu Sunday all faiths service, we hiked down the mountain to have coffee and lunch. A Big thank you to Connie Broughton for playing the hymns on her accordion and to the scripture readers up and down the trail.
That evening we closed out the rally by having a nice dinner at Ninos in Alamosa.
2023 Rally Reports Continued
jULY 25-21 Heber Valley, UT
Heber Valley Rally Report
Rallymaster-Joyce Jamele
What happened in Heber?!?!
You should have been there!!
Rally In The Valley
July 26 - July 31 2023
Rallymistress - Joyce Jamele
Assistants - Sharee Scott & Joyce Schmitt
Doreen Caffrey
Bod & Sharee Scott
Gene & Rosie Dorsey
Pat & Gloria Romansik
Tom & Martha Galvery
Mike Sternenberger
Judy & Will Perkins
Matt Bentson & Katrina Cooper
Joe & Anne Thomas
Connie & Collin Broughton
Joyce Schmitt
Don Walker/Sarah Menapece
Craig & Klea Ford
The Rally In The Valley kicked off with a potluck Happy Hour at the Mountain Valley RV Resort site of Rallymistress Joyce Jamele. We filled up on heavy appetizers, followed up by cake and ice cream. Then Joyce went over the activities planned for the week.
Wednesday - July 26
Today we explored the neighboring town of Midway. First on the agenda was a visit to Memorial Hill, a site dedicated to those who have served from the area. Some of us hiked the trail that spirals around the hill, while others drove to the top. We took in the the 360° view of the valley, read the names of the many veterans of the area.
Next we headed to Heber Valley Artisan Cheese, run by the 4th generation of the Kohler family. Russ Kohler took us on a hayride to the robotic dairy, located in a huge open air, well-ventilated facility Everything (almost) is done by robotics - the cows wear “necklaces” that track their activities - eating, resting, milking, etc. They go to be milked at will (they even have their favorite milking pens), where the robots connect them to be milked, record the amount and other statistics, and reward them with a sweet tablet that has the specific blend of vitamins for each cow.
Several of us stayed for a cheese tasting. We learned how to properly enjoy cheese - warming it, smelling it, even how to actually taste it.
Many of us shopped in their store, others enjoyed sitting outside eating ice cream. Then off to spend a free afternoon exploring the town.
In the evening we went to Tom Whitaker’s Cowboy Museum. What a display of Western memorabilia! We sat on hay bales eating chili, biscuits and cobbler while enjoying music and stories by Kristen. She also entertained us with rope and gun tricks.
Thursday, July 27
Today we went up into the Uintas to enjoy the scenery and an easy walk around Mirror Lake. Some of us worked up an appetite and enjoyed some snacks in the parking lot provided by the Scotts. After a stop at Provo Falls, we went to El Tigre in Kamas for a delicious Mexican lunch.
That evening we went to the City Park in Heber to enjoy music and food from several food trucks. And, as luck would have it, the Heber Community Foundation had a free ice cream social!
Friday, July 28
A day to explore Park City. Everyone was on their own to do whatever interested them. Or stay at the RV resort.
We met on the rooftop patio of the No Name Saloon for an early dinner. Some of us went to the Egyptian Theater for a performance of Xanadu.
Saturday, July 29
After a free morning, we visited the Blue Moon Alpaca Ranch in Kamas ( or is it Francis, or Woodland?). Whatever.
We were greeted by their livestock guardian dogs, Blue and Juno. These dogs keep the herd safe, guarding them from predators. They patrol the pastures and respond to any alpaca distress calls.
Linda gave us instructions of how to approach and touch the alpacas; and how not to (no one got kicked!). We were given bags of food to offer them - they ate gently right out of our hands. After lots of hugging and eating, the girls were let out of their pasture for a cooling dip in the stream and pond, while we went to meet the boys. They are kept in a separate enclosure because, well, they are boys!
Linda took us into the Yarn Barn and demonstrated how the fleece was spun into yarn. There she also told us that they had decided to retire and sell the herd. This last winter, with record breaking snow, was really difficult for them. Anyone up for raising alpacas?
That evening we got together for a potluck dinner.
Sunday, July 30
A visit to Sundance Resort was on the schedule for today.
Some of us started out at Bridal Veil Falls and walked along the Provo River before going to Sundance.
There were many things to explore at Sundance. While some hiked, others rode the chairlifts (3, to be exact) to the top of the resort.
Monday, July 31
Today was a free day - time to catch some of the local activities - golf, visit the Midway Crater, shopping, chores in the RV.
We all met for our last night get together - dinner at the Midway Mercantile.
Tuesday, August 1
Time to pack up, clean up and take off for another adventure.
HAPPY TRAILS!!
NOTE: Some of the group went off in their own during the rally to golf, float on the Provo River, ride the Heber Creeper, visit the Midway Crater, hike in the mountains (getting lost and found - hitchhiking back), eating donuts, shopping.
2023 Rally Reports Continued
AUGUST 2-8 Hayden/steamboat springs, co
Hayden/Steamboat Springs, CO
Rallymasters-Gene & Rosie Dorsey
2023 Rally Reports Continued
september 25-30 Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City, OK Rally Report
Rallymasters-Dewey & Lou Berry
Cuatro Estados September 2023 Oklahoma City Rally
The Rally was held at Twin Fountains RV Resort which had many amenities
that all enjoyed. Mainly the Rally Room, with the connected Bar and Grill.
In addition there was a swimming pool, fishing pond, miniature golf, hot
tub, fitness center, pickle ball court, dog groomer, patio and fire pit. Within
a block from the park was a road that led to many local attrractions and
within 5 miles from downtown. This is the best RV Park in OKC.
The ttrendees were:
Dewey & Lou Berry – OKC Rally Masters
Bob and Becky Coulter – Albuquerque, NM
Doug and Sharon Moss ( Guests ) Ogden, Utah
Will and Judy Perkins – Lakewood, Colorado
Roger and Karen Redman – Placitas, NM
Jim and Anna Richardson – Huntsville, Utah
Dave Roberts/Rosann Bingham – Ogden, Utah
Friday the 8th they all arrived and met in the Rally Room for a Chicken-
Spaghetti Casserole, salad, green beans and Cherry dumping desert
prepared by Lou Berry. Seconds was enjoyed by several. Introductions and
new acquaintances were made by all fourteen attendees.
Saturday the 9th we visited the “ National Cowboy & Western Heritage
Museum which is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and
culture. The museum focuses on the American cowboy, rodeos, Native
American culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military and Western
performers. We were guided by a Docent with 23 years of experience and
one of our church members. A ftee r a 2 hour tour we then ate lunch at their
restaurant.
Then at 2:00 pm a “Hands-on” craft demonstration was provided for the
ladies to learn how to make “Greeting Cards”. This event was conducted by
a lady from our church that performs this task professionally.
Sunday morning the 10th- Lou Berry provided a breakfast for the attendees
in the rally room. Then in the afternoon we visited the (newly opened) “First American Museum” located downtown Oklahoma City. The museum
explores the collective stories of the 39 Tribal Nations who were removed
from their ancestral homelands to what is now Oklahoma. For lunch we
traveled 20 miles to Arcadia, Oklahoma to eat at the “ Chicken Shack “.
Close by we visited “Pops” Famous Pop Bottle display exhibiting thousands
of deferent flavored pop. Then we looked at the famous “ Round Barn “ that has been on display for years.
Monday the 11 th we visited the Oklahoma State Capitol. We were guided by a very knowledgeable Docent for an hour tour explaining the history of Oklahoma, the activities of state government, and more. The Oklahoma State Capitol is the only capitol in the nation to house all three branches of the government. The Oklahoma Arts Council, collections of art works located through six floors of rotundas, corridors, and galleries, make the Oklahoma State Capitol the largest public art museum in the state. Yes we
had to pass through a security check before entering. Then we enjoyed
having lunch at the “Bedlam BBQ “. It appeared that everyone ordered
something deferent and when we were done eating nothing was left.
Tuesday the 12 th we visited the “ Oklahoma City National Memorial
Museum “. This museum tells the story of the bombing of the Government
Alfred P. Murrah Federal building on April 19, 1995. This building was
located just south of the Reflecting Pool, where today a grass lawn holds
168 empty chairs naming those who died. The chairs are arranged in nine
rows, which represents the nine floors of the building. The nine story
Murrah Building occupied an entire block in downtown Oklahoma City.
The Eastern portion of the building remains and is termed the “Survivor
Wall” and holds four granite panels. Engraved upon these panels, which
were salvaged from the Murrah Building, are the names of those who
survived the tragedy. The “Survivor Tree” a one hundred year old American
Elm, is the only tree in the surrounding area that survived the bombing.
This memorial is a place of quiet reflection, honoring victims, survivors,
rescuers, and all who were changed for ever.
UNBELIEVABLE HIGHLIGHTS:
Five door prizes were awarded through names being drawn from a box. All
winners drew their OWN names for the door prizes. Men’s names were
drawn 4 out of the 5 drawings (Bob Coulter, Doug Moss, Will Perkins &
Jim Richardson). Karen Redman was the lady winner. Then Dave Roberts
won the Jar of Candy by guessing the closest number of pieces of candy in
the jar.
Wednesday 1 th
Departure day.
Some attendees arrived prior to the rally to see more of the Oklahoma City
sites while they were in town.
Doug Moss
Many thanks to our wonderful rally masters. You went above and beyond. OKC had so much to offer along with your southern hospitality. All of us really enjoyed your rally.- Becky Coulter
2023 Rally Reports Continued
october 4-10 Wilcox, AZ
Wilcox, AZ Rally Report
Nancy & Art Utech
RALLY REPORT: OCTOBER 2023: WILLCOX, AZ REX ALLEN DAYS
This rally was planned in the summer of 2022 and changed repeatedly from then on. Change#1: from the KOA to a difficult venue due to concerns over price. Change #2: The second rv campground was changed because the guy wouldn’t hold spots open. Change #3 and #4: Spiro was going to prepare a Greek buffet for night #2 but when Joe Ben (owner of the KOA) passed, Spiro and his wife moved to Tucson. Change #5: Spiro’s wife was connected with a vineyard for a private tour. Alli moved with Spiro. Change #6: John Schneider was a friend of Joe Ben and Joe Ben was going to invite him to meet our group. But John didn’t come because his wife passed.
The rally was planned to coincide with the Rex Allen Days in Willcox. The goal was to introduce everyone to an area that is replete with historic significance and culture.
At this point, I just had to shrug and hope folks were flexible. Our rally folks weren’t just flexible, they were FANTASTIC! What a great group! They were:
Doug and Doreen Metz-McDonald
Sharon Peterson, my Co-Rallymaster
Ed and Lynn Kausche
Bill and Joyce Williams
Karen and Roger Redman
Connie and Colin Broughton
Carl and Linda Threatt
Tina and Bruce Wiseman
Hans and Birgit Iliew
Bill and Bev Eckels
Art and Nancy Utech
Wednesday 10/4: check in. Meet and greet and dinner of Sloppy Joe’s and potato salad at the Utechs.
Thursday 10/5: Our first stop was the Rex Allen Museum, where we were treated to a private tour of Rex Allen Memorabilia and the highlights of his life. The museum is dedicated to the legacy of Rex Allen, who was born in Willcox. WOW! Everyone had a break before we carried on to a tour of the Chirachaua Regional Museum which honors the people who created the rich heritage of the area. The museum features the history and culture of the Chiricahua Apaches from Cochise to Geronimo to their time as prisoners of war.. WOW! Then we moved on to dinner at the Big Tex BBQ for some really good bbq.
Friday 10/6: We started the day off with a trip to Amerind Museum and Gallery. Located in Texas Canyon near Cochise Stronghold, William Shirley Fulton established this unique museum and art gallery in 1937 as a private, nonprofit anthropological and archaeological research center for Native American cultures. An one of the most incredible collections of turquoise! INCREDIBLE! From there we went back to downtown Willcox to the cutest Art Deco movie theater where Rex Allen Jr regaled us with “the truth” about his dad and played several of his father’s songs. WOW! Then we headed back to Utech’s for Happy Hour where we were serenaded by Bill Eckels on pan flute, Connie Broughton on accordion and Carl Threatt on guitar. No one was anxious to end the day.
Saturday 10/7: Free day to engage in any of the multitude of Rex Allen Days. The parade was downtown and was really fun. There was a classic car show, rodeos, a carnival and much more. The movie theater had two first run shows. Apple Annie’s was just across the road and there were several orchards to visit. Certainly something for everyone.
Sunday10/8: We started the day with a brunch of sausage gravy, biscuits and sausage links at the Utech’s. Then we traveled to the Tirrito Farm for a tour of the facility followed by lunch. Our tour was lead by Yuri Tirrito, the owner. The farm is a working diary farm, with goats and chickens. They also won the Arizona Craft Beer Silver Award for their beer. The restaurant is farm to table. We enjoyed delicious pizza at the conclusion of our tour.
Monday 10/9: Take a drive up to the Chiricahua National Monument. A breathtaking drive with the most amazing view. You can see all the way to Mexico from the top. We all met up for dinner at La Unica for our last night together.
Tuesday 10/10: Utechs served a farewell breakfast of French toast and sausage links before everyone said goodbye.
This was a great week! What did some of our rally folks think? Here are the reviews:
“Loved the farm tour.” Doreen
“FUN” Doug
“I enjoyed learning about Rex Allen and the history of the area, as well as meeting the owner of Tirrito Farms.”
“Great!”
“Interesting.”
“The rally hosts did a terrific job! It was a blast!!”
“This was a wonderful trip! We made new friends and saw neat things we didn’t know were here.”
Now if you didn’t come, don’t you wish that had come!