Sunday, July 1, 2012

FMCA Rally, Driving Lessons & Heading East

The past couple of weeks have passed quickly because we were so busy. We attended the FMCA Northwest Area Rally at the Mill Casino in N. Bend, Oregon with George & Valerie Mayleben of the RV Driving School.

IMAG0740

Only a small percentage of the 574 RVs at the rally were parked with hookups, and we weren’t among them. Our boondocking site wasn’t bad until the rain created a huge muddy area right in front of us. The sun was out in this picture.

IMG_0521

We were lucky to have an almost unobstructed view of the bay from our site.

IMG_0532

We enjoyed this rally more than we have previously with the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) organization. People were friendlier and it was fun to help with the Driving School booth and give one of two seminars – George gave the other one – both to SRO audiences!

One of the times when the sun was peeking out from the clouds was when we saw a demonstration of the traditional Native American method of cooking salmon fresh off the boats.

IMAG0742

Later, we had baked salmon for dinner, but I think it was cooked inside the hotel/casino’s kitchen. There were certainly a lot of rally attendees enjoying the dinner, and this was just the first seating of two that evening..

IMAG0748

At the end of the rally, I gave three mini-lessons (3.5 hours each) for RV drivers in their own rigs, two on Sunday and one on Monday, and George gave one on Sunday. Don and I then went to Coburg (near Eugene) where I gave two 2-day lessons, one to a single man (two 4-hr. days) and one to a couple (two 6-hr. days). Whew! Six students in 7 days! I don’t think this is how the School normally breaks in new instructors, but I sure feel like I know my job a lot better now.

Throughout the rally and subsequent lessons in the N. Bend/Coos Bay area, it rained or drizzled with occasional partial sun. We hoped to get away from the rain and clouds when we moved inland to Coberg, but it just continued. I got lots of experience setting up and moving markers in parking lots while wearing my rain jacket, to teach new RV drivers to back and maneuver their motor homes.

We left Coberg this morning and the rain held off while we were getting ready to roll. It wasn’t long before it started to drizzle again, though.

IMG_0534

Our path along US Hwy 20 took us through lots of tight turns over narrow roads. And yes, it rained most of the way until we left the mountains.

IMG_0558

IMG_0552

IMG_0546

IMG_0554

We were getting a little nervous when we saw several signs referring to “Snow Zone” and “Chains.”

IMG_0562

IMG_0561

Gladly, we didn’t experience snow, but it was nice to see it far away on these mountain peaks.

IMG_0579

We arrived in Burns around 3 pm, and had several hours to enjoy the high-70 degree temps and sunshine before turning in for the night.

IMG_0580

Tomorrow we’ll drive further east to Twin Falls, ID.

5 comments:

  1. Yeah i also heard about this really. I wish i could also participate in it. Thanks for sharing the event information.
    http://wimbledondrivingacademy.co.uk/index.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. didn't know you have a new job! Congrats! I am sure you will give other women the confidence to drive their motorhomes. We were in your current area (and c.g.) last year and yes, we had snow there but it was in May.
    Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Been wondering where you guys were. You've sure been busy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like an interesting job! That Rally sounded just huge with all those RV's!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I will trade you some 102 degree days for weeks of your nice cool rainy days, smile! Tucked into Ft. Stockton, TX, this afternoon and it was only 94. Do you think it will get better as we head west? Ha! No way. We are looking forward to OR and much cooler weather! Travel safely! Sounds like you are off to a roaring start with RV School. Wonderful! Hugs, C

    ReplyDelete

Please tell me what you think, either here, on Facebook, or by email. I *love* comments!