Richard & Donna Ritchie (16254)
Illinois State Directors
Rally season is in full swing! We hope you are enjoying it as much as we are. Our combined chapter rally in Keokuk, Iowa was loads of fun. We learned things we had never thought about. The Mormon church has a big influence in that area, and, as always, we now know more than before visiting there.
From there we went to Clear Lake, Iowa for our combined State Rally with Iowa. We were so lucky to find a great RV park, Oakwood RV Park, that had all pull thorough and buddy sites. We managed to do this rally mostly by internet, and it did not disappoint us. The Iowa State Directors, Pat & Bill Schmidt, did visit the area and checked out some restaurants and the Buddy Holly locations before we went. The area is a cute tourist area and a place anyone would enjoy revisiting. We visited the Buddy Holly crash site. And we had a fantastic tour of the Surf Ballroom.
Our chapter and state rallies were scheduled back-to-back, and this one worked for everyone! Once we’re out, we’re out! Two couples joined our chapters which will be great additions!
When we finally got home in mid-June, we did a little gardening, and after a couple of years without doing much, our patio and yard looked like we live here again. The sprinklers had to be turned on before leaving for the Region Rally in July. Again, we had a great Rally in Amana Colonies, Iowa. We had been there years ago, but there is always something new and different to see.
We are now home again and getting ready for a few family trips including one wedding before the International Rally in Sedalia, Missouri. This will be our last year as State Directors, and we are letting someone else enjoy the position for a while. We started this journey in Colorado at the Rally in Pueblo many years ago, and we’re hanging up our blue badges after Sedalia.
A long-time member from the Northern Kountry Kampers passed away in June. Ralph Hoekstra is survived by his wife and family. Even though they sold their unit, and we haven’t seen them in a while, it’s always sad to say goodbye. Keep making memories and enjoy the travels!
We’ll see you down the road. We can be reached at reritchie@comcast.net or 847-804-4274.
