Bob and Bonnie Martin #22598
ND/SD State Directors
Yes, we are RVers! Starting with our first RV purchase the year of our marriage in 1972, yes
that is 53 years of RVing! We started with three travel trailers that grew in size as our three
children grew in size. Then we graduated to a Class C motorhome so we could pull a four
horse trailer that was needed to accommodate our kids’ participation in Little Britches Rodeos all around Colorado and adjoining states. Turning into empty nesters, we motored about in three fifth-wheel trailers, ending with a 40’ when we really got serious and full-timed for eleven years. We cris-crossed our country several times, visiting all forty-eight states, plus Alaska, and in doing so made a huge X across the North American continent. One year we were in Keywest, FL, and later that summer in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Another time we were in the California Baja at San Felipe, Mexico, then the next summer found us in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador, where only thirty miles of paved road existed. While on that road, we were able to stop several times to watch whales blowing a spray of water into the air in the St. Lawrence Seaway. A four year respite from RVing was brought on because of health issues. After those issues were resolved, we were eager to return to our former life. Cautiously starting out again, and hoping things haven’t changed too much, we found our first Newmar, a 2018 Bay Star. While many changes have taken place, we think the magic is still there, and after trading up to a Ventana diesel pusher, we feel like we are home again.
Our enthusiasm for travel is rewarded by finding the hidden gems and places no one has even heard about. For instance, the first rally we hosted as ND/SD state directors highlighted Theodore Roosevelt National Park {hidden gem} and steak dinner cooked to perfection on pitchforks, followed by a rousing outdoor musical performed by professional and semi-professional actors. Another rally we hosted highlighted the Badlands of South Dakota, where rally goers were treated to a home built observatory in a great dark sky area located in Quinn (eight miles from Wall, and a very well- kept secret). The former professor and amateur astronomer constructed a domed roof to house a high-powered telescope that actually rotates 360 degrees. Outside on the patio, are several other telescopes, homemade and factory-built tied to computers to hone in on distant galaxies and planets. Our favorite was seeing the rings of Saturn.
This Fall’s rally will highlight the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup {ever heard of that?}. We hope rally goers will long remember this event and the historic discoveries of Deadwood, SD. All we can say is, “to truly enjoy extended traveling you must take your living accommodations with you”. Happy Trails and keep exploring!
