Expanding Horizons

We attended our first FMCA Convention in March at Perry, GA. It was a fun experience especially because we pre-camped with Larry & Mem Halstead, Jim & Linda Matheny, and Mason & Floretta Young. Because we entered the campground together, we parked together. That is the way to go to any rally or convention.

Prior to leaving for Perry, Janice spoke with a friend at Crystal Lake who is a long time FMCA member and whose husband is an officer in the organization. The friend asked to which chapter we belonged. Janice explained that we have unsuccessfully tried to inquire about membership in the Dogwood Chapter in central Virginia, but we never we able to get a response after several tries. Within 48-hours, Janice received an email from Wilt Greenwood, National Director, of the Dogwood Chapter. He invited us to a reception that he and his wife Barbara would host at the Perry convention.

At Perry we tried unsuccessfully to find the Greenwood coach. We became frustrated and returned to our camp site to call Wilt and offer regrets. He not only encouraged us to come, but said he would come and get us. We explained that we had four couples that were interested; he said, "the more the merrier". We had a good time and told Greenwood that we would like to follow up when we returned to Virginia. He suggested we camp with the chapter at least one time before joining. He put us on the Newsletter email list and gave us a copy of the current issue so that we could see the yearly schedule.

Back in Virginia we have had campouts in April and May with the Old Dominion Cardinals. On both occasions we have talked to others about joining the Dogwood Chapter to meet new people and see new campgrounds. There was more interest and enthusiasm than expected. This week we acted.

Chuck and Donna Tolson got things rolling with an email to us about the July Dogwood Rally at Rockahock Campground in Lanexa, VA on both the Chickahominy Lake and the Chickahominy River. We replied immediately "lets do it". I sent an email to the Halsteads, Mathenys, Freeds, and Bill Ferebee all of whom had expressed interest. Today the Tolsons and the Parsons made reservations at the campground and sent our rally fees to the rally hosts. Hopefully, others from ODC will join us.

We look forward to meeting new RVers and seeing new places. We will make a decision on whether to join the Dogwood Chapter after the campout, but it looks promising.






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