It had been four years since Bill & I had attended our first RV Dreams Educational Rally. As I have explained in previous posts, there are three types of RV Dreams rallies, Educational, Boondocking and Reunion. This would be our second Educational Rally. We attended this time as more experienced RV’ers, having been on the road full-time for 3 1/2 years. Bill did an install for one of the attendees and I filled the position of Linda’s assistant. We were both busy.

Tradition has been Howard lighting a campfire each night, maybe one, two, or even three nights before the rally starts for everyone that arrives early. Unfortunately at Nevada Treasure, we weren’t allowed to have a campfire, but that didn’t stop us from gathering, sans fire. Howard & Linda went around the circle and named everyone, another tradition, and one that is quite impressive.

I was curious how it would be, sitting next to Linda at the front of the room, and hearing Howard’s seminars from my now experienced perspective. We knew people who’ve attended their educational rallies more than once, and it fascinated me, as I thought it would be just stuff we already knew. Even though a lot of it was, there were new perspectives, more appreciation of all the info Howard gives attendees, as at this point, I cannot imagine having to head out on the road without it. I was excited to meet new people and when I did, their excitement was palpable, and contagious.

You may be asking “What does Linda’s assistant do?” I helped with anything that needed doing, from acting as a liaison between Linda and the attendees, and keeping staff aware when something needed attention, such as bathrooms needing attention, or the ice water needing to be filled. I helped set up the tables and put out candy. Linda and I set up for the final night dinner and dance, adding very cute centerpieces to the tables, and setting up a photo taking area for attendees. I also would walk around, once in during morning break and once during afternoon break, and talk to attendees, making sure they were all okay, having a good time, and not in need of anything.

As soon as people found out I was (solar installer) Bill’s wife, I would also answer some questions about solar, although mostly I would just say “yes, Bill will talk to you about solar.”

Coffee hour started each morning at 8am, but for those who don’t know me, that is VERY early for me to be up and ready to face the world. Seminars started promptly at 9am, as there was always a lot to learn. Bill headed over to Christine and Angie’s every morning around 8:30am. There were generally two seminars in the morning, with a 10-15 minute break, and two or three in the afternoon, with one or two breaks.

For those of you who have not attended an RV-Dreams rally, the seminars are very informative. I’ve described the subjects as “soup to nuts”, meaning Howard & Linda cover all topics related to full-time RV living. They are very good at dividing the seminars into digestible chunks. Topics include: No Right Way to Full-Time, Emotional Transition (a frequently overlooked subject), Buying an RV (you may be surprised to know about 25% of attendees don’t have their RV yet and stay at local hotels), RV Insurance & Extended Warranties, RVing Basics, Selecting a Home Base, What Does It Cost to Full-Time?, Working on the Road, Internet on the Road, Basic RV Maintenance, Choosing Campgrounds & RV Parks, Boondocking/Solar. Following each “lesson”, Howard allows for questions.

We enjoyed three catered dinners, Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, and one catered breakfast on Sunday. The food at Nevada Treasure was very good.  Thursday night we had a traditional RV rally pot luck. There was a huge variety of items and if you went away hungry, shame on you! That left Wednesday and Friday night dinners on your own. Bill & I tried to sit with different people each night so we could get to meet as many as possible.

There was also lots of fun things planned. As I said above, Saturday and Sunday evenings, we had circle time. Monday, the first night, Linda planned an ice-breaker, which was a lot of fun! Tables had to choose and describe their “outlaw.” The outlaws then had to shoot down targets for points. The winner got bragging rights!

Tuesday was gadget night, which we remembered fondly from our first rally. Bill brought a few things for “show-and-tell.” There were lots of great ideas shared.

Bill brought this item.  Lee actually gave it to him and he uses it all the time.  It measures how much water you put in your fresh water tank.

Wednesday was a free evening on your own, so Bill & I found our way to the hot tub!

Thursday after pot-luck was the RV Newlywed Game! Bill & I did very well when we played this back in 2014. We did not participate this year, as I was bringing spouses outside so there was no opportunity for cheating! After dinner on your own Friday evening, we gathered and the movie “The LONG LONG Trailer” (A Lucy/Desi movie) was shown! Lots of laughter was heard! Saturday was our finale, after dinner there was a DJ and dancing, so much fun!

What a truly great week it was! Bill did work quite a bit of it, but was able to enjoy evening activities, which was great! We made so many wonderful people! RVer’s are the BEST!

I’d just like to give a special shout-out to Linda & Howard for putting together these rallies. Attending their rallies is so much fun and also gave us enough info and confidence that we could live this life, which we now love. Love you guys!