As I write this article spring is in full display in south Florida. Temperatures hitting 90 degrees starting in late March seems much too early. So, what’s been happening. Our Pelicans held their “Leaving Florida Rally” at the Upriver RV Resort in N. Fort Myers just before Easter. It was hosted by Roger & Emily Mercier, with Rich & Cathy Queen and Jim & Mary Kennedy co-hosting. They did an outstanding job in keeping the group fed and entertained. Our group had a personalized tour of the North Trail RV service facility along with an in-house lunch at their new Sales Center. Our longtime friend, Dan Cutting of North Trail coordinated this wonderful tour for the Pelicans. On our last night together, we had a Birthday Party with cake and ice cream celebrating the Pelicans 20 year anniversary of the chapters founding. All the founding members are gone but we still have several Charter members active in the Klub. Thank you to all the planners and I was happy to see our newest member, Jim & Mary Kennedy step up to assist in the rally planning.
Moving forward, the State Rally hosted by Greg & Margie Harrop was held in Panama City Beach right after Easter. Seven Pelican coaches trekked north, west and then south to join in on the festivities. The weather during the rally did not cooperate very well. Our gatherings started outside under a large covered picnic pavilion, but later our hosts Greg & Margie got us inside at the campground community center which had the kitchen equipment available for the caterers. The caterers did an outstanding job as we had full meals including meatloaf one night and our last night was a wonderful low country shrimp boil. Greg & Margie, we commend you for all the great raffle items you provided and the fine rally you put together for us all.
The rain stopped on our departure morning and 4 of us Pelicans planned to stop in Lake City, Florida for the night. What we encountered right at the campground area on I-75 was mind numbing. A Class A coach heading north evidently blew a left front tire causing the coach to verge into the median, tearing down about 150 yards of the barrier. The coach, somehow, ended up in the south bound lane facing south and it was literally torn apart with much of the interior laying on the highway. We were told that there were no survivors. The incident happened at about 1:00pm. That evening, as we were coming home from dinners 7:00pm, the remains of the RV were still not removed. I guess I’m bringing this up primarily to give us all a reminder to make sure our tires are in good condition. We have tire monitors on line and drive like your life depended on it. No, I don’t have Tyron on my unit, but it gives you pause to entertain putting it on. One of our Pelicans recently had a catastrophic tire failure of the left front and was able to bring the bus to a stop with no damage to the coach. He credits Tyron with saving his coach and possible personal injury.
Ok, as you read this it is probably the middle of June and summer is in full swing. Some of our folks will be attending the International in July. Yours truly will not make this one. I hope to be based in Minnesota, to spend time with family, and hope to do some Canada walleye fishing if the borders open.
So, to all of you Newmarians throughout our great land, Connie & I wish you the very best this summer wherever you are spending it.
We can be reached at Tim.buchholz80@gmail.com Cell: 239-464-0219.
Tim Buchholz (12344)
Pelicans – President
