After getting fully immersed in the UltraVan online community we were excited to meet all the folks we had been corresponding with for the past few months in person. The 50th Annual National Ultra Van Motor Coach Club Rally took place in Tombstone, AZ. We were hoping to drive our UltraVan out there but after learning it was only running on three cylinders that wasn’t really an option. So we drove our little Hyundai out to the desert and tent camped. The first day we got there we were greeted with open arms and a delicious dinner provided for us by the hosts of the rally, Linda, Terry, Cyndie and Chuck.
Over the course of the week we got to know everyone in this very special community. It was really cool to see all the relationships that have been formed over the years with everyone involved. Every morning we gathered for coffee and pastries, promptly at 9am. At the group meeting the president went over any updates as well as having a “health check” for members that weren’t able to make it. That really stuck with me and gave such an insight into what a close knit community this really is. Over the next few days Marlene taught us how to play Phase 10, Carl and Fran had us over for breakfast, we had a Yankee gift swap (that got preeeetty rowdy), a potluck and even fit in Bloody Mary’s by the pool with Olga and Cyndie. By the last day of the rally it was really hard to say goodbye to these people we just spent all week with. It felt good to make new friends and we certainly look forward to the next rally which I believe is in May at Yosemite. Now all we gotta do is get that engine rebuilt….
