John & Diane Svatek – New York State Directors
I am currently watching a hummingbird flit from one rose to another in my backyard, overlooking the Hudson River in Upstate New York. It’s good to be home to our green grass and leafy trees after traveling to Colorado (hot and dry!) for the International Rally in Pueblo. Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones is always a highlight of the rally, along with getting repairs done by the Newmar techs. There were several challenges faced by the leadership teams. We are full of admiration and respect for the problem-solving abilities of our International and Regional Directors, and the work accomplished by the many volunteers. We are looking forward to attending next year’s rally in Lewisburg, West Virginia, and plan to have New York State well represented.
In the weeks following the rally, we’ve attended the Pennsylvania State Rally at the Poconos Raceway, the Region 7 Rally at Swan Bay in the Thousand Islands of NYS, a Hudson Aires rally in Copake, New York, ending the season with the Lakers rally in western NYS over Columbus Day weekend. From small rallies (8-10 coaches) to large (50+), we appreciate the variety of activities, meals and interactions with the people, especially around a campfire. Thanks to all the hosts for your efforts.
At the Copake Camping Resort Rally, one of our excursions was to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Each weekend features two shows, the History of Flight show on Saturdays, and the WWI Air Show on Sundays. Among the stars of the Aerodrome museum are historic airplanes including a 1909 Bleriot, the oldest regularly flying airplane in the Western Hemisphere; the Fokker DR-I Triplane, the most famous fighter of WWI; and a precise replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, which was the first aircraft to fly New York to Paris in 1927.
Fall of 2025 will bring the New York State Rally in Lake George. Dates and details will follow. We can be reached at: John: 518-928-6268, jdsvatek@gmail.com or Diane: 518-928-1020, svatekdc@gmail.com.
