Tuckered in Tucker County

The Rally After the Rally is what they called the last of our three back-to-back rallies. Held in Parsons, WV, at Five River Campground, the Newmar WV and Aloha Aires Chapters of the Newmar Kountry Klub, made an impression. Some in more ways than one after all the rain made a couple of the sites quite soft! The owners were great, and this is the place to be for the Pickin' in Parsons Bluegrass Festival. 

Our rally fee included an evening with the Gandy Dancer Theatre in Elkins, WV. We had such fun clapping and singing along. The performers love what they do, pouring their hearts into their performances, and it shows. I didn't get any photos, but they do a great job.

Harold and I climbed Olson Tower for spectacular views of the surrounding area. The tower flexes in the wind, and I was thankful we were alone when there. I found myself constantly reaching for a hold and adapting a wide stance like one would on a ship. Amazing views, but I didn't linger!

We then visited nearby Blackwater Falls State Park. The falls were going pretty strong with all the rain, and the surrounding woods were a peaceful, lush green. I enjoyed the Almost Heaven swing set up by the WV tourism department. 

I've always said that WV is one of the prettiest states. This visit did not disappoint. 

Olson Tower

Mountain Laurel in bloom

Up and Up

Hanging on

Beautiful

Above the trees

Fern forest

Blackwater Falls

It works!

Just swinging

Approximately 57' drop

Tannins in the water

Going strong with all the rain

Where Are We Going Next?  

Newmar Owners Rally

June 8-14, 2025

We left the Fulltimers Rally and headed straight to the Newmar International Rally at the WV State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg, WV.  Around 250 coaches were parked on the fairgrounds, along with at least one killdeer nest. 

Seminars, vendors, excursions, coach service by Newmar and suppliers, and lots of opportunities to socialize filled the week. In Harold's case, a job opportunity arose! Though Harold decided to stay retired, I was a little proud that his skills and knowledge are noticed by others. 

We had a couple of windows defogged, some caulking done, an antenna replaced, discovered that we needed to get some coach house maintenance scheduled, got our coach washed, and a check engine light diagnosed and a service scheduled for that. 

Then, there's the new model year coaches to walk through. Hmm, is it time to buy?  : )

Killdeer nest

Bring extra water hoses

Newmar alley

Traveling parts store

Training trailer

2026 New Aire

Spartan chassis

Techs on lunch break

Volunteers

Where Are We Going Next?  

Cold War Bunker

 June 8, 2025

In 1992 a reporter exposed the secret congressional bunker at the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. His argument was that the bunker no longer served a purpose. When the bunker was built, nuclear bombs were delivered by plane, allowing Congress time to get out of Washington, D.C. Now bombs are delivered by missile and heads up time has been reduced to minutes as opposed to hours. 

Some of the space is now utilized as data storage. So no photos allowed. Some of the space has been left alone as a mini-museum and tours are offered year-round. We toured the facility with fellow Newmar coach owners. Our tour also included a history tour of the Greenbrier Resort as well. The roses, rhododendrons, and romance theme  envisioned by Dorothy Draper so many years ago is still an integral part of the luxurious hotel surroundings. 

Where Are We Going Next?  

Let the Rallies Begin

 May 30 - Jun 4, 2025

We have three rallies back-to-back this year, a definite first for us. We started with the Newmar Fulltimers Rally in Wytheville, VA. The Wytheville KOA is a family campground with plenty of activities and amenities to keep families busy. This is the only campground we know that has an onsite regular size bowling alley. Lots of nature trails too, though I'm not convinced that all trails lead back to the campground, despite what the office staff said.  

This was our first fulltimers rally. It gave us an opportunity to meet fellow campers like us, that is,  those who live full-time in their Newmar RV. Lots of camaraderie, lots of knowledge-sharing, lots of eating, and a few local excursions - Ft. Chiswell Animal Park and Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater - rounded out the week.  The chapters motto is fun and friendship, and that seems about right!

Where Are We Going Next?  

Air Mobility Command Museum

May 28, 2025

We spent two nights at the Dover AFB famcamp. It was a fairly easy drive from the ferry. The sites were spacious, though a bit noisy since we were at the end of a runway. 

It was one of those rain-all-day kinds of day. So, we decided to visit the Air Mobility Command Museum on base. Though we didn't venture to the outdoor exhibits in the pouring rain, and thus missed many of the exhibits, we were thoroughly impressed with the exhibits inside the hangar. Volunteers lead private tours and operate simulators. The whole thing is free and open to the public. 

D-day plane

Three white stripes - ally, don't shoot

Harold attempts to land the plane

Where Are We Going Next?