By Charlie Adcock, F311374
FMCA National President
April 2016
Hello, My Fellow FMCA Family.
As I am writing this, FMCA’s 93rd Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in Perry, Georgia, is still a month and a half away. However, as you are reading this, the Reunion is now just a recent memory. I’m sure it was a good rally, as those in Perry always seem to be, and I hope you were there to enjoy it and create those great memories. I always love attending these Reunions and having the opportunity to mingle with and visit with so many members of our wonderful Family. The next issue of the magazine will include a detailed report about all the fun and experiences everyone had at that Reunion.
Speaking of fun times, I want to talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience that Gloria and I had while we were still out West. One evening in January Gloria said to me, “We have been invited to go with the 4-Wheelers chapter for a ride in the desert at Quartzsite, Arizona.”
I said, “Gloria, I’ve SEEN the desert!” She asked, “When?” and I said, “Well, driving down Interstate 10 through Quartzsite. But . . . if you want to go, we will.” Am I glad that we did!
The description of the FMCA 4-Wheelers chapter in the Chapters/Areas section at FMCA.com calls it a family-oriented club that provides its members the opportunity to see “country not visible from pavement.” To participate in the off-road adventures, which they call “runs,” members must have a street-legal, four-wheel-drive-type vehicle that has low range and is equipped with standard safety equipment. The chapter’s outings take them on all types of trails, from scenic to “hard core.” The chapter president is Kim Pollock, F265794. Our hosts for the day were Dale and Diana Manners, F347781.
The run we were invited to join was a preview for a ride they were to take the next week at a rally they were having in Quartzsite. The trail we took was called the Hogsback. It was classified as having a difficulty rating of 3.0 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and was about 30 miles long. I was amazed at these Jeeps and how they were set up to handle the really rough terrain. I think these owners probably have more money invested in accessories than what they paid for the basic Jeep. These folks go into the desert very well prepared; everyone knows what to do and how to do it.
The day we made our ride with Dale and Diana, eight Jeeps traveled together. After we lined up, we gathered for a briefing. We were told to make sure we could see the vehicle immediately behind us rather than focusing on keeping up with the Jeep in front of us. That way no one would be left behind. We all loaded up and headed to the “air-down area.” This is where the drivers reduce air pressure in the tires to give better traction on the rocks.
After making that adjustment, we headed into the desert. Our leaders were Pat and Alice Maitland, F316036. Alice was on the CB radio describing the cacti and other plants as we passed them. Her desert knowledge was amazing and really made the day for Gloria and me. We even heard all about cacti called jumping cholla. They are vicious, and the barbs have to be removed with wire pliers from anything and anyone who is unfortunate enough to contact them.
It had been many years since I had been around a CB radio, and I had forgotten what a 10-100 meant. It was not long until Pat called back and said there was enough cover on either side of the trail for a 10-100 break — the girls to the right and the guys to the left. This seemed to work out pretty well. At lunchtime, we all stopped and got out our lawn chairs and sack lunches, and as we shared a meal, we also shared information about ourselves. It was a really fun time getting to know one another better.
I was amazed at all the people we met and the sights we saw in the desert that day. We even saw a small “lake” in an area they call Dripping Springs. The pool of water was about three feet in diameter and a couple of inches deep. I said to myself, “This sure ain’t Arkansas.” We also stopped by an old, abandoned miner’s cabin at Apache Chief Mine. I don’t know how or why anyone would want to live out in the middle of the desert. Each to his own, I guess, but, personally, I like a few trees and lots of green stuff around me!
By the way, our tail gunners for the day were George and Jody Taylor, F430136. Jody was the one who worked out the logistics with Gloria, from the invitation to the day of the ride.
I guess the best way to wrap this up would be to say that if going out into the real desert is not on your bucket list, it should be. Gloria and I have pictures and memories that we will cherish forever. And, no, you really can’t see the desert from I-10. I want to personally thank the FMCA 4-Wheelers chapter for this unique experience.
Also in January, Gloria and I spent about 10 days at the big Sports, Vacation & RV show in Quartzsite, Arizona. My goal was to spread the word about our great family organization and to meet as many FMCA members as possible. I really enjoyed visiting with our members there. Also, we welcomed many new members during the show, and certainly some others signed up shortly thereafter.
I want to challenge each one of you to recruit at least one new member this year; we would grow by leaps and bounds. Also, please encourage everyone to get involved in a local chapter. Lots of folks ask me, “Why should I join FMCA?” I usually start out with the big money-saving benefits that we enjoy, such as the Michelin Advantage tire program and, of course, the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance program. But I always include the most important benefit to me, which is the friends that I have made in FMCA. They are my extended family; I enjoy their company, and I know I can count on them in time of need.
I hope that by now you have your calendars marked for August 3-6, 2016, and will be with us in West Springfield, Massachusetts, at our 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase. I would encourage all of you to spend some extra time in the Northeast area of our beautiful country before or after attending the Reunion. I plan on eating my share of “lobsta” while up there. Gloria and I really want to tour the Boston area and maybe go up into Maine.
Well, it’s time to close this one down, so here’s hoping to see you down the road somewhere, and don’t forget to recruit a new member this year. If everyone would do that, we would grow by leaps and bounds. (I know I said that before, but it bears repeating!)
And remember, “It’s all about having fun!” FMC
Notice Of Annual Membership Meeting
Family Motor Coach Association’s Annual Membership Meeting will take place on August 6, 2016, during FMCA’s 94th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase in West Springfield, Massachusetts.