Update from the Downings

Just some news from us as we finish our first whole month of full-timing. We miss the Shanty Shakers so much!

Best wishes to everyone.

Brian and Barbara Downing

Our first month on the road

 Barbara and I sold the house in San Diego and hit the road in our ’99 Rexhall Rexair 36’ Class A on July 24^th. Our first stop was Yuma where we thought we’d try the SKP’s park, not realizing it closes for the summer. After wandering around a little we stayed at Araby Acres for the night then moved on to Congress and stayed at SKP’s North Ranch for several days while the closing completed on the house.

We were headed for Rapid City SD to get registrations and drivers licenses but wanted to avoid Sturgis Bike Week and the week after, so we slowly drove thru AZ, UT and WY visiting all the National Parks and cashing in on our senior passes!!

We’ve been dreaming of going full time for about 10 years and planning our way to making the dream come true. One of my dreams was to find a nice place to camp, meet some fellow RV’ers and sit one beautiful evening with them swapping places to go, camp grounds to stay at and things to do.

On Wednesday that dream came true too! We camped next to Mike and Suzi on one side. Lee and Marylyn on the other side at the Rapid City Elks Lodge 1187. Next to the Elks golf course with lots of big trees and well away from any traffic this is a nice place to stay. Our rig was nicely in the shade and we all pulled up our chairs and drifted into the “Have you ever been to….” “If you’re in that area go see…” conversation that was just so natural for all of us, it felt like we’d been friends for ever.

After a little paperwork problem we got our vehicles registered in SD and our Drivers Licenses. It was so simple! The drivers licenses were handed over after filling out a 1 page form and taking an eye test. The drivers license office opened at 7.30 am and there was NO LINE. Yes just walk in and you got served.

The office for vehicle registrations’ was across town but again no line. No inspections required, no smog. We had registrations done in 30 minutes and the cost for the RV AND the car? Less than $200 TOTAL for tax, tags and registrations. And NO LINE. What a pleasure after San Diego!!

So next we have decided to see Devils Tower and Yellowstone before heading south to Austin TX for the US Formula 1 Grand Prix October 23^rd where we have a camping spot reserved trackside.

We have reservations for the winter in Casa Grande then maybe in the spring we may show up at a SS meeting in San Diego!

If you are bored and desperate you can follow us on our blog 

http://banbrv.blogspot.com/

Have Fun

Brian and Barbara Downing

50s week in Grants Pass, Oregon

Oh what a week it was !  Between Jacks Landing RV resort and Schroeder County Park there were 21 rigs plus Mary Wilson who arrived by air, and our rally hosts Jerry and Carol Miller for a total of 44 Shanty Shakers in attendance. The fun...and the eating.....officially started Tuesday evening  with a pot luck at the Miller's home.

On Wednesday morning, many gathered under the gazebo at Jacks Landing for coffee and donuts. It was very different for the group to be separated in two different parks and to not wake up to John P's coffee, but everyone made the best of it.

The afternoon was spent at Hendersons for a safety presentation. There must have been some lessons learned because a few guys decided to schedule maintenance or repairs on their rigs. The guys at Hendersons also treated the group to ice cream. (they obviously know the SS)

By now, an unofficial challenge was made on the SS Facebook page to get as many pictures as you can with the Bears of Grants Pass. The challenge was accepted and here are some of the results.

             

The Taprock Restaurant was the next group gathering. It was a beautiful evening on the river with a delicious meal, a good time for conversations and building friendships.

Most attendees will agree that Hellgate Jet Boat ride on the Rogue River was the highlight of the rally. There wasn't a dry seat on the boat but the front row definitely got more than their share of splashes during the wild 360* turns. (Thanks David A for being such a good sport) The meal enjoyed mid-trip was delicious, with all you can eat bar-b-que chicken and ribs along with all you can drink beer, wine, tea and lemonade.

Friday morning about 20 or so members visited the Wildlife refuge. The guide was very knowledgeable and obviously connected with the animals. A favorite was the grizzly bears. They sat up and motioned for the guide to throw them a treat...big, scary creatures looking so cute !

Thanks to Debbie Lupton for taking this priceless video !!

Oregon's biggest Classic car show was held on Saturday morning in Riverside Park. Over 300 cars were on display, quite a sight to see. Several members topped off the week by checking them out.

It was a fantastic rally and special recognition goes to Carol and Jerry Miller for hosting and organizing the fun activities. Outstanding job !

Welcome to Jay and Carol Shirreffs to their first SS rally. They made it a big one !

One more recognition goes to David G who was awarded this special t-shirt !

Note from the VCRs:

We really enjoyed the gathering in Grants Pass, OR. More fun than expected, even if it was a little wet! David has finally dried out and Don, I hope your swollen thumb has recovered. Who knew jet boats could provide such a variety of entertainment, glad it was “our” boat for the trip.

Also wish to send out thank you to Dave & Carol; Garth & Judy; Jay & Carol for providing us with rides, appreciated them very much (even though I could not get out of Jay's child proof locked door).

And the very biggest thanks goes to the Millers. How nice to open your home for us to have a super potluck with much visiting. And arranging the Henderson tour; Wildlife tour; oh yeah, and the jet boats!

David & Marilyn Anderson

SEE YOU ALL AGAIN REAL SOON !!