Wow! My husband Jerry and I just got back from Salem, Oregon and the First Annual Western Family Round-Up, our first rally. Did we have a great time? Short answer, yes. Long answer, read on.

First off, I need to know where all the smiles came from. From the moment we lined up for our site until we pulled out to leave, the faces that greeted us were beaming ear to ear. It was hard to believe that these strangers were not long lost friends.

We met wonderful people from all over, each one with stories to share about the RV lifestyle. Conversation was eased by generous pourings of wine and liquor, but the smiles and friendliness came from the sheer fun everyone was having.

In addition to an array of beverages, the food was abundant and delicious. You managed to feed about fifteen hundred people in less than 30 minutes and still kept those smiles. I loved the loose breakfast hour that let me get up early for a seminar or sleep in to recover from the late hour of socializing. Our dinner companions were almost as entertaining as the professionals. We enjoyed great conversations and laughter with new friends.

Speaking of entertainment, New Odyssey was amazing. So many instruments and so few players. What a talented group of musicians. And what a welcome treat Mickey Dean was, a funny comedian who understands his audience. My sides were aching when we headed out that night. The Drifters took us back in time with their wonderful songs. They were the frosting on final celebration.

But most delightful was Monaco Coach Corporation’s own Vicki Stevens. Her lovely voice expressed such passion. It sent chills down my spine. I’d come back just to hear her sing the Star Spangled Banner again.

You did way more than just entertain us. We left each seminar with new and useful information. My favorite was Steve Barth’s digital camera workshop. He had information for both the newbies and the experienced photographers. My husband learned a lot about dry camping and battery maintenance from Vance Buell. This list could go on and on. My only complaint about the seminars is that you didn’t repeat them. This was a true case of too many choices and too little time.

Pat Carroll was charming and amusing as he fielded comments ranging from design to operation. He listened, had another design manager take copious notes, and promised thoughtful consideration of what was asked. We know we will see many of these ideas in future models.

One reason we had less time for seminars was the fascinating tour of the Monaco Coach Corporation plant in Coburg. Impressive. Our guide was charming and handled all our questions expertly. Seeing an RV from raw material to its gleaming finish was fun. We want to do it again.

My best reason for missing seminars was the Ladies’ Driving Class. Again, Steve was an excellent teacher conducting the workshop. He really got us to picture and understand basic techniques. Getting behind the wheel was an empowering experience. Our instructor calmly explained how to handle those emergencies we all fear. He did such a good job preparing us that we all made it through the course without touching a pylon. His tip to drive some every month is sound advice. My husband thanks him for making me willing to drive.

There aren’t enough words to thank Monaco for the repair and maintenance services. You had an amazing crew out there working so hard to fix our problems. Considering all the demands and time constraints they had, they were cordial and gave everyone their full attention.

Oh those vendors, how they got us to buy with their understated sales pitch and friendly approach, but the real shoppers’ paradise was the lot filled with all those gorgeous 2007 motorhomes. It’s an RV buyer’s fantasyland come to life.

But most of all it was the people, from the volunteers, the staff, and primarily, our fellow attendees. A couple of examples: the people from Montana whom we met at the first cocktail party made sure we joined them for meals and good conversation. The man from New Jersey spent much of the bus ride to the factory helping us plan our fall trip to the Northeast. So many others shared these terrific days with us.

Will we be back. You bet. I want more of those huge smiles. Thanks to all of you at Monaco Coach Corporation for making our first rally one of many to come.