Have you had a brush with fame during your travels? Did you encounter someone interesting or unforgettable? FMCAers shared their stories for this month’s discussion topic:
Tell about a famous or unusual person you have met while motorhoming.
We were amazed by the talented artists who competed in the chain-saw carving contest during this year’s “Loggerodeo,” which is held each Fourth of July weekend in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. A two-hour-long “speed carving” contest took place daily during the event, and carvings were made from cedar logs. The rest of the time, each artist worked on a more challenging sculpture that they hoped would win the top prize.
Bruce & Fran Leach, F383626
Cerritos, California
In August 2001 we were camping with family in Kennebunkport, Maine. One afternoon, the 13 of us took a walk along the Marginal Way. We stopped at an ice cream shop. As we approached, it appeared closed, though a few black Suburban SUVs were parked out front. At the door, a well-dressed man greeted us, and a young lady took us to a table in front. A large party was in the back corner. While we enjoyed our cones, my sister-in-law suddenly jumped up and shouted, “That is Barbara Bush walking by!” Mrs. Bush came over and said hello to everyone. Next, George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev walked over. My father-in-law stood between them and had his photo taken. You never know who wants ice cream.
Richard & Phyllis Cicchetti, F387705
Plymouth, Massachusetts
At an FMCA event in Kentucky, we put our sun shade, which is decorated with tiger eyes, in the coach windshield. A gentleman stopped and introduced himself as chairman of the board at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. He said that our shade was the same as the logo on his business card. He explained that the refuge rescues and cares for “big cats,” bears, and other animals — a lifetime sanctuary. He and his wife invited us to visit the refuge. We did, and had a fantastic experience.
Pete & Arlene Chiarolanzio, F181694
Florham Park, New Jersey
We had just read the March 1999 issue of Family Motor Coaching. It included an ad for Monaco Coach Corporation, which told how a couple and their granddaughter survived a terrible accident, thanks to their well-built motorhome. As wagon masters for Fantasy RV Caravans, my husband and I were greeting caravanners as they arrived for a tour to Mexico. The door of a Monaco coach opened, and there stood the couple from the magazine. Indeed, a small world!
Weta Berger, F205425
Brownsville, California
We met an interesting family during a recent trip to Nashville, Tennessee. We wondered why the children weren’t in school. Our first conversation with the mom answered that question. She told us about getting caught in a violent storm while at a shopping center, and her children wondered how it could be 95 degrees outside and hailing. She used the situation as a learning opportunity for the homeschooled youngsters. Later, we learned that because the economy back home was dreadful, Dad had found employment in Nashville, and they were exploring the area to determine where to settle. I half expected their Winnebago motorhome to transform into a Conestoga wagon and see them hitch up a team of oxen. They certainly exhibited the traditional American spirit.
Billie Torbeck, F236771
Largo, Florida
Future questions:
1. How do you “decorate” your campsite when parked?
2. How do you monitor severe weather while you are traveling in the motorhome, or parked at a campsite?