We spent six fun filled days with our friends J.C. & Bev at FMCA's Western Rally in Indio California. Area rally's are offered around the country by FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) and this is the third one we have attended (first time at this location). It was held at the Riverside County Fairgrounds and they announced that 1333 rigs attended. The facility was very nice and the seminars were conveniently located to where the motorhomes are parked. We walked most of the time although there was a frequent shuttle service that came in handy at night.
The streets were lined with lots of palm trees and was very attractive. We might volunteer to help out next time. You are able to stay in this area (above) as a volunteer rather than the parking lots.
There were lots of seminars held each day. Some of the choices included motorhome maintenance, fire safety, insurance, destination information, and lots of craft classes. Bev and I learned how to make a sparkle t-shirt with iron on appliques and a crystal memory wire bracelet. John and J.C. attended a wide variety of seminars. John always finds the Spartan Chassis seminar to be very helpful.
We all attended a very informative seminar present by Mike and Terri Church about Alaska. Our plan is to travel there next summer and we were even more excited after attending the seminar. This delightful couple write some great books especially for RVers. Their Alaska book is only $20 and packed with very helpful information.
The vendor booths are always a highlight. You can certainly spend some money there. We are very interested in replacing our couch and liked a new flex steel one that has an air bed and feet that raise up. We bought small items this time and will probably purchase the coach in Indiana. I found a great hat for hiking and stocked up at my favorite micro fiber vendor (Almost Heaven).
There were also lots of motorhomes for sale (new and used). This year models have electric full size refrigerators. They require additional batteries but sure looked nice. Most of the new ones were 42-45 feet long which in our opinion is too long. We tend to camp in places were this size would be hard to manage and would limit where we could stay. We are still very happy with our motorhome and find it is perfect for us. Our friends have invested in solar panels and we are considering that as an option in the future.
Cost for the rally was $125 per rig plus $50 for 30 amp electric service (no sewer or water). We went in a day early and paid an additional $20. This includes your camping, seminars, entertainment, and access to the vendor area.
Our favorite part of the rally was the pirate parade. Members of local chapters built some creative floats. This year the theme was A Pirates Adventure. It was lots of fun. Below are a few pictures of some of the pirates and ladies. Arrh Matey! (wanna talk like a pirate - click on this link).
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| Not a pirate but they sure are cute |
We enjoyed the rally and would attend again. It is timed so that going to Quartsite is very convenient. Most of the vendors will be there too. One note of caution - we did hear that some people had bikes and personal property stolen. This is very unusual at a rally and better security should have been arranged. Taking the time to lock up your bike is also important.
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| Visitor Center |
Before the rally started we also went out to the Whitewater Preserve to hike the Canyon View Loop Trail. I had seen pictures of this preserve on Rick and Paulette's blog and we were looking forward to hiking near some water for a change. It is a very pretty area. We arrived a little late in the day and did not complete the trail (trail signs and information were confusing) but it was very enjoyable.
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| Rainbow Trout Pond (catch/release) |
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| Canyon View Loop Trail |
We enjoyed our time in Indio very much. Our next stop is Joshua Tree National Park and then Quartsite. Happy Trails!
I'll leave you today with my favorite quote about "going out" by John Muir.
