Did someone say "windy"?

We spent the week in Hutchinson, KS at a Monaco Wannagos rally. The Wannagos are a small chapter vs. the VERY large chapter of Monaco International. The rally was attended by less than 100 coaches vs. 400-800 at a Monaco (Intl. or “Come Home”) rally! It was a lot of fun, but very tiring as well! Breakfast is served between 7-9 and then they had various activities scheduled on different days. We had a “happy hour” each day, catered dinner, and various entertainment. Let’s see…we had a “Red Hat” luncheon, line dancing instructions, crafts, etc. One night they had a Bunko game, another we all got on a bus and drove to Wichita for a “chuck wagon” supper. Not only did we have a great dinner, but a “Cowboy” band as well. Another night, Carl Acuff Jr., had a show for us and last night we had a DJ and dancing. The best part about this smaller rally is I felt that I met a lot more people, had more personal conversations and got to know more about those that I did meet. I guess maybe at the larger rallies we tend to “hang out” with those that we know and rarely get a chance for more one on one with people. There were also Monaco techs there and the parts truck as well. One of the reasons we love our Monaco motorhomes is that Monaco takes very good care of their customers. Techs will repair two items on your coach, if your coach is out of warranty labor is free and parts are discounted. It’s nice that you can be at something fun and have problems taken care of! We don’t like to have problems, but with all the workings on a motorhome plus the affects of rolling down a highway (it’s like a perpetual earthquake), you have to expect things will happen!

So what were our thoughts on Kansas? Well, we started out with rain, then wind; had a tornado “watch” one or two nights, more rain for several nights, wind, more wind and finally a day or so of “warmer” temperatures! I think there were two days that we might have sat out and enjoyed the warmth, but that’s about it! On our way to Hutchinson we stayed in St. John, KS and took a day trip to Dodge City to see the Boot Hill Cemetery and Museum. It was neat to see, but it wasn’t open 100% as their season starts in June! One of the original reasons that *I* wanted to go to Dodge City was a brochure that we had picked up…it talked about a steakhouse in Dodge City. Our first stop was the “welcome center”. When we asked about the restaurant we were told it was no longer open! Oh man! They told us about two others that they thought were good. After the museum we headed for an early dinner. We decided on Casey’s Cowtown. When we first pulled up, there was only one other car in the parking lot. I went inside to even see if they were open! By the time we left…it was packed! I have to add that I had one of the very best filet mignons that I’ve ever had! It was scrumptious!

One day while at Hutchinson we took a quick trip to Yoder, KS. A “neighbor” at the rally brought me a “thank you” gift for letting her use my satellite internet. She brought me a candle that smelled so good. When I asked her where she got it, she told me “Yoder”. Jerri & Lloyd Wood, and Don and I headed for Yoder the next afternoon! Yoder is basically an Amish town. In fact, as we were driving down one of the streets, we encountered a horse and buggy going the other direction! Although we didn’t go into any of the Amish stores, we did go into several of the “touristy” stores. I found my candle and also went into a candle store where they make all kinds of yummy scents. They will also custom fill your containers! We decided to go into a local restaurant for lunch. It was packed and for good reason! All the sandwiches were made with home-made fresh bread! It was great! The prices were also unbelievable! Our lunch (for 2) with drinks was only $8.00! Heck, if we had eaten at McDonald’s it would have been that much! They also had several Amish servers there as well.

Jerri & Lloyd had “invited” us to attend the rally with them. We met them at the service center in Harrisburg, OR in February and had a lot of fun with them then. Our week in Kansas was no different. They both kept me in stitches! Don and Lloyd just really hit it off well, as did Jerri and I so it’s fun to spend time with them! We’ll see them again when we are in Wyoming in late June and most likely when we hit the service center again in October! They are both from Kansas (originally) but now have a home in So. California. Jerri was a great source for information and provided a lot of “fuel” for Don! I had mentioned to Don that I would like a pair of cowboy boots so he and Lloyd set off in search of some for Mother’s Day. The pair he actually came up with was too big since they didn’t have my correct size, but returning them was “no problem”. Jerri and I set off for Salina, KS where she knew of a large western wear store. I ended up with some really neat boots called “Star Baby’s! They are too cool! I have to admit though; I had to take them off last night before the dancing began! They need to be worn for a while!

Today our rally came to an end and it was time to say our goodbyes. The end of the rallies and our gatherings with friends is always sad, but we always look forward to seeing them again on down the road. We each head off in different directions, each one with a different reason for going that way. We headed south and east towards Arkansas where we will spend a few weeks. Our granddaughter, Ashleigh will be graduating from pre-school, turning 5, and having a dance recital all in the next few weeks! We made it as far as Seminole, OK today and should reach Cabot, AR sometime tomorrow!