Tuesday, July 21, 2009

GNR 2009 has started

It has been a busy few days since the last blog. Sorry about not posting every day. At the end of the day, one seems to think nothing has happened, then two or three days later, it looks like so much. So we'll bring you up to date.


Saturday was kind of slow for us, other then we did the laundry 15 miles south of here. (The only Laundromat in Forest City closed.) On the way to Garner, we stopped at a small country Lutheran church that cousin Barb Gahring and her husband Don are supervising the construction of a new parsonage. We were a bit taken back when we heard that they were building a new parsonage for a country church, but on Sunday, we attended church there. Okay, it is a church that is really alive and well. Before we were even in the church, we were greeted by a local couple. After church, the local members likewise greeted us again. Also, the church was nearly full other than the choir benches along the front. The other thing about the church was that the front layout was nearly identical to what my home church was when I was a very small boy.


After church we spent some time with Don and Barb, catching up on their travels and challenges. They certainly enjoy the life style of helping on church building projects around the country. We can only say, God Bless them for their dedication and service to the Lord.


We then returned to the rally grounds and met others coming in just in time for the rally. At 6:30 PM, it was opening ceremonies in the grand stand, which is back from the Winnebago river, dug into the bank. It was the usual ceremonies, parade of chapters and specialty groups, and welcome by the local mayor. GNR has to be a real positive shot in the local economy, but only for one week.


Monday was seminars and we both sat in on one and presented one. My presentation went well, other than we had several power problems. Needless to say, when the power dies, so does the projector and the sound system. But with my printed copy of the presentation, we continued on while they restored power twice. One thing I will say was that in spite of the problems, no one left according to a friend of mine who was in the back row. So we can say that the subject was right on, entitled "Living on the Road". What we have found earlier was that the dealers do a great job of telling the folks what is in the RV and how to use it, but once they hit the road, new RV owners are at a loss about what they can really do with it other than drive it or park in "expensive" private parks. Now they know about a lot of the other options. They certainly are not experts, but they have a hand out and had a good introduction, all in 50 minutes.


On Thursday we present another seminar on "Boondocking" which I look forward to. RV park pricing has just become out of step for what many folks want in their travels. Our observation is that most people are comfortable with what they have in the rig and are really looking for a safe place to park it. An electrical post would be great, but not at the inflated numbers that have become the norm. This is especially true when folks are in travel mode from one part of the country to another.


Finally to wrap up yesterday, we were invited to join a number of others in the 365 group to an impromptu dinner outing at Thompson, a neighboring town. I was in wind down mode and the specialty for the night was Prime Rib, something that I hadn't had in ages. We were at a table of 10 and everyone had a prime rib dinner and no, most didn't finish it. Sandy and I split one and we still brought home noon lunch for me. It was done well and brought back memories of my many dinners out during my working days on the road. Now back to reality!


Gene

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