Michael Vreeland (20733)
Virginia State Director

First, I was horrified to see the damage done by Ian and unfortunately it will be a long road back to what was normal for not only Florida but the nation. My thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted. Hang in there is will get better over time.

I know that all Newmarians are busy either planning for their snowbird trip or when to winterizing their vacation home on wheels. I have been anxiously counting the days to the next rally I get to attend, and scheduling campground stays in Florida for my annual snowbird migration. First, I head to Gaffney for my yearly service. Just a friendly PSA – I do this every year hoping to catch potential problem early so I do not get stranded on the side of the road someplace. It has been my experience that when you do get stranded on the side of the road it is rarely – if ever – right next to a Freightliner service center. So be warned and prepare as much as you can. It can still happen, but I am trying to minimize the risk. After the service I headed to the Region Five Rally in Savannah, Georgia. I am really looking forward to this rally, seeing my fellow newmarians, swapping lies, and just having a great time.

Fortunately, my knee surgery went well but more importantly the therapy is going better. I am at about 90% of normal – yeah, yeah, I know I was never normal – but I will be back to where I was before the surgery by the time I head south.

As I said last episode, I am registered for the December North Carolina/South Carolina Christmas Rally, the January Tampa SuperShow, and several Florida Sea Turtle and Manatee rallies in the Dec 2022 – April 2023 months. I continue to review the NKK Calendar to identify other rallies I can squeeze into my schedule. I have posted the 2023 Virginia State Rally in the NKK Calendar scheduled for August 20 – 27, 2023 rally in Berryville, Virginia at the Watermelon Park. It is very close to Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia which we will be touring and there is an onsite River Adventure where you will float down the river on tubes for a couple hours. If you will be in the area, please add this rally to your itinerary. I am always happy to rally with all, anytime. I am still working some of the details and I will add more info to the NKK Calendar once I firm them up. Additionally, there will be a joint Virginia/North & South Carolina Rally in Mayberry Campground in Mt Airy, North Carolina for July 13-17. This event will be posted on the NKK Calendar soon so please put both the Virginia State Rally and the Virginia/North & South Carolina Rally in your calendar book. I hope to see you at both rallies, I will be there.

Safe travels to all and Happy RVing. To all my fellow Newmarians I hope to see you soon. Rally On!!!!! I can be reached at beagleRV@gmail.com or 540-809-9830.