Florida Crackers Chapter of FMCA: March 2016 Rally

Florida Cracker News

March 10-14, 2016 –Little Willie’s, Arcadia, FL

President's Message:

I was sorry that I was not able to attend the entire rally. From what I saw, however, everyone had a great time enjoying the Rodeo and the very friendly atmosphere this club is known for. To me, this club is like an extended family, whose members really care about one another. I am sure that everyone had a wonderful time there at Little Willies. A special thanks to our hosts, Lynn, Al, Peggy and Bill for a job well done.

I look forward to seeing you at our April Rally at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, FL. Remember, as you enter the campground, turn right just past the pool and Pavilion into the holding area where you unhook your car. DO NOT GO PAST the POND and TREE LINE or you will have great difficulty turning around down there.

Have a very Happy Easter and see you next month.

Gene & Max

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From the excitement of the rodeo to the many excellent meals, this rally can be proclaimed yet another success story. Al & Lynn S. and Peg & Bill S. did a great job coordinating a fun week for all from start to finish.

We had a great turnout for the rodeo and everyone did a superb job whooping and hollering when our Florida Cracker group was announced over the loudspeaker. We watched in amazement as world-class riders took on world-class steers and bucking broncos. Each event was exciting and everyone put on a great show. We all laughed watching the clown interact with a cleverly-trained horse and also enjoyed watching many young steers avoid the lasso. It seemed like those steers couldn't wait to get back to the pen and brag about it. One beautiful horse also led a group of cowboys on a merry chase multiple times around the arena before that rope finally hit its mark. It was really obvious that horse enjoyed outsmarting those cowboys.

We had two visiting guests at the week’s rally, Dave & Glo D. & Lyle & Phyllis L. Both couples really seemed to enjoy meeting our members. Glo's appetizer of pretzels sticks with green grapes dipped in caramel and rolled in slivered almonds was such a huge hit she obliged a request to make them a second night. After tasting her strawberry salad, everyone was very disappointed to hear she and Dave drove a fifth wheel so weren't eligible for FMCA membership. But we all were pleased to hear that Lyle & Phyllis L., were not only eligible but interested in joining. Since we recently had to close our membership, they've been placed on a waiting list and plan to join as soon as possible. This club should be so proud as everyone at the rally tried to make our club a warm and welcoming experience to our visitors. How lucky we all are to be part of this great group.

First-time visitors Dave & Glo D.

First-time visitors Phyllis & Lyle L.

We also were fortunate to have some former members join us on rodeo day. It was great seeing John & Janie Y. and Tony M.

Nancy H., Tony M., Bev & Leo D. & Janie Y.

John Y., Tony M. & Nancy H.

Everyone was so pleased they were able to spend the day. Another great surprise was having Don C. bring Priscilla with him. It was so good to get to catch up with her during the week. She wound up adding quite a bit of excitement, though, when she had a bad reaction to a recently changed prescription and went from standing upright one moment to lying on the ground the next. Are you sure that swoon wasn't caused by being in such close proximity to that stud muffin Don, Priscilla? Everyone will be pleased to hear that upon checking back with Priscilla the following week, she’s back to her old medicine and is feeling much better.

Don & Priscilla enjoying the rodeo

As usual, if anyone went hungry, it certainly was the fault of our hosts and hostesses. All the meals were delicious and the promised “roadkill” BBQ meal did not disappoint.

Although many of us prepared ahead for the promised scavenger hunt by collecting all the usual items required, Al surprised us all by totally changing the hunt. Instead of individual items, this time we had to come up with as many State coins as we could. First back with all 50 State coins were Guy & Carol who won one of Al's beautiful handmade wooden bowls.

Guy & Carol won Al's beautifully crafted bowl for 1st Place.

Jan & Norm took second place by coming up with 48 quarters, admittedly with lots of help from several friends. (And, yes, had the others just listened to the rules, Al had cleared that ahead of time as being fair play.) The beautiful prize was another of Al's creations, an exquisite wooden candle holder with the added safety feature of a twinkling battery-powered light instead of a flame. Both couples look forward to years of use of these very special and treasured prizes.

Here's a close-up of Al's beautiful craftsmanship

Jan was very pleased to win 2nd place.

Some of us just hung out at the campground enjoying the heated swimming pool and some ventured out. Norm & Jan and Don & Jo Ellen tried to visit Pioneer Village but it was closed. They had much better success with a visit to Joshua Orange Grove where they found some really sweet tangerines and oranges. Upon return, Norm shared a bowl of peeled segments with the pool worshipers. Our chief heckler, Tom S., commented he preferred seedless be purchased next time. Be careful when you tease the spouse of the newsletter editor, Tom. Norm is always looking to find something for me to report.

Another great discovery on this trip was a great produce and meat market called K&J Homegrown Produce. While standing in a line that went all the way to the back of the store, conversations were overheard indicating folks had driven from over 70 miles away to shop at this market. After tasting the strawberries, it was understood why. The next day Norm & Jan went with their friends Dave & Glo to get some of the fresh and friendly-priced meat. They all definitely recommend this as a destination to visit at future Arcadia rallies.

Talking about future rallies, Bev gave quite a report of what we could expect at the one she and Leo and Mack & Jan will be hosting next month in Mayo. Bev claims we should “plan to be amazed” as they are planning a last meal that will be a ginormous, scintillating event that will be etched in the annals of the Florida Crackers. With that kind of buildup, Gene should probably be hustling to get even more sites. Hope to see you all there. Thanks to the folks who shared their great photos. You make the newsletter so much more special.