One of our objectives on this extended trip around North America is to attend the annual Rally hosted by Redwood RV, the manufacturer of our house on wheels. Although the Rally was only a few days, we decided to stay at Shipshewana South Campground for a week to recharge the batteries after driving across country.

Thursday 7th August 2014

The evening prior to the Rally, as owners, we arranged a desert social. With the campground’s approval, we blocked off one of the roads and set up a line of tables, which were literally filled with deserts, one of which was trifle – Andy’s favourite. Oh well! no diet this week. We had some music going, a fire place and everyone introduced themselves. Did I mention deserts – wow, what a selection.

Friday 8th August 2014

The Service Centre Manager is walking around with a few of his staff, so we discuss our recently leaking shower. No problem, bring her down to the service centre on Monday at 07:00 and we will get her fixed. Great service.

We started the Rally about Noon with the company President introducing his team, followed by opening the floor to a Q & A. Brave chap. Went on for a couple of hours and he really is a go to type of President. Very informative. One of the major suppliers then provided a seminar on the operation of the slides and landing gear system. This was followed by a presentation on electrical, water and propane systems.

After dinner we had a Corn Hole Tournament, which really is a fancy name for bean bag toss. Judi and I started off really slowly, but eventually got the range finder working and stormed into the lead, eventually winning our match.

Saturday 9th August 2014

Early start this morning as we met at the Redwood factory at 09:00 and it is about 30 miles from the campground. After a quick breakfast we split into 4 groups and were given a tour of the factory. Although no work was taking place it was still impressive.

The evening was a farewell pot luck, so again we blocked off the road and set up our tables, which were well filled with tasty selections to whet the taste buds. An excellent fireworks display was supplied by the neighbours, then we flashed up the fireplace again. A number sat around the fire until the wee hours of the morning, solving the world’s problems, but not us, we were in bed at a reasonable hour.

Sunday 10th August 2014

A rather quiet day, especially for those up to the wee hours. We walked the dogs and got caught up with laundry.

Monday 11th August 2014

Real early start to the day – 05:00, to get everything packed, hooked up and down to the service station, which is about a 15 minute drive. We arrived about 06:45 and they started immediately. Once it was in the shop we were asked to walk through the coach with them. They started at the front and identified all the little issues. I asked if they could supply a door hinge and would install it myself. They actually drove to the Redwood factory, about 20 minutes, picked one up and on return they installed it.

The shower was leaking through the fibreglass base, so we had to return the next day, as their contractor was busy.

Tuesday 12th August

Back at the Service Centre by 06:45, we expected to be there for a couple of hours, but no, as soon as we arrived the contractor started. Twenty minutes later he was finished and we were heading North.

Photographs

Here is a link to an album where I uploaded all the Rally photographs. Click here.