Steve & Phyllis Thornburg (22044)
Indiana State Directors

The Summer of 2022 has been good for fun rally experiences for us. We had an awesome Indiana State Rally in June at the Hogback Lake KOA in Angola, Indiana. We had ten coaches, including two coaches from Michigan, one Fulltimer coach and two First Timer coaches. We had two grandkids who were a lot of fun and gave the group a lot of laughs. And, we had three non-Newmar folks as guests.

We had a chili making contest with four participants. All attendees tasted the chilies and voted for their favorite. Naturally, a chili dinner followed with lots of corn bread. The rally had a Cowboy or Western theme, so most folks came to dinner in their cowboy/cowgirl hats and neckerchiefs (the weather was warm enough we didn’t see many jeans, unless they were shorts). So, we could “Git along little dogie” (a foot-long, ½ pound hot dog) or a regular sized hot dog to go with the chili.

We also had a fishing contest in the campground’s fishing pond. Results were not too spectacular as the only two participants both got “skunked.” We did see a young kid pull a nice ten- or twelve-inch bass out of the pond later in the day, so we know the possibility was there.

We ate well as we hit local restaurants, The Timbers Steak and Seafood, Pizza Hut and Jed’s BBQ and Brew (reputedly the best barbeque in Angola). And we had plenty of Tom’s Donuts (also an Angola specialty), quick breads, muffins, etc. and a super Breakfast Casserole (a Phyllis specialty) for breakfasts.

In July, we headed West to attend the NKK International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming We had a very smooth trip from South Bend to Rock Springs – just pointed West on I-80, set the cruise at 62 MPH, and let Ol’ Chocolate Charlie roll. We spent a couple nights in North Platte, Nebraska, and spent some time learning about the history of Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show. Did you know that I-80 is about 1,000 miles long in the state of Nebraska? Can’t imagine how long it took the Pioneers to make that trip. The altitude change going West was gentle and almost imperceptible, 800 feet in South Bend to over 6200 feet in Rock Springs – just a few ear pops, but Charlie didn’t care, he held that 62 MPH pretty well. Now, the eastbound run was a little different. Our first engine overheat warning with Charlie was approaching the 8,640 feet at Summit Hill by Lincoln, Nebraska. We pulled into the Lincoln Monument rest area and cooled down while we toured the facility and watered the dogs. After the Summit Hill, it was smooth sailing again, all the way home. Our timing coming home was good – we hit Cheyenne, Wyoming in time for the beginning of their Frontier Days Rodeo with all of the campgrounds in the area filled. So, we boondocked in the parking lot of the Cheyenne Camping World. All in all, it was a good trip and a fun time, but Phyllis & I agree – Western Wyoming is a great place for a short visit, but I sure wouldn’t want to live there. Too dry, too windy, no grass and very few trees.

Charlie did have some issues with bleeding oil on the front of our toad both going to and coming from Rock Springs, so we took him to the local repair shop after we got home and had a new valve cover gasket and a new fuel pump installed – seems to have taken care of the leaking. Still some small oil spots on the driveway but I think that’s residual oil falling off from the old leak.

We gained two new memberships for the Hoosier Kountry Klub during the International Rally.

Borrowing from the Hoosier Kountry Klub President’s August Email message to chapter members:

“October – A NO-HOST Chapter Rally will be held in New Castle, Indiana at the Cornerstone Campground and Retreat. The dates are Monday October 10 – Friday the 14th. I have reserved 10 sites until Aug. 31 with more available if needed. There is no fee for this rally as there is NO Host. During our time, we will take a tour of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, followed by lunch out. We will eat dinner one evening at the Montgomery Steakhouse. Please contact Cornerstone @ 765-624-9102 to make your reservation. Their website is: cornerstonecampground.com. If you can remember, drop me a line so I know who’s coming. This is our last Rally of the 2022 season.” (Shirley Blair, hkkpres1@aol.com)

What’s the difference between a Northern fairytale and a Southern fairytale? A Northern fairytale begins “Once upon a time….” A Southern fairytale begins “Y’All ain’t gonna believe this….”

At every party there are two kinds of people: those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.

We look forward to seeing you all soon and frequently. Travel safely and stay safe. We can be contacted by email: sthornbg@aol.com or pdthornbg@aol.com , or telephone 574-329-9188.