Thirty-two states, two Canadian provinces and 3 countries - everybody was represented at the Charleston, South Carolina GetAway in November. We had 251 coaches and 500+ club members ready to party in Charleston. And party they did!

Our event began with a question and answer session with the National RV Service Technicians. Len Southwick, Steve Roddy and their crew from Florida gave us an informative two hours of answering questions regarding all aspects of motorhome care and maintenance.

That same evening, following a welcome reception prepared by Cutting Edge Catering, it was time to catch up with old - and new - friends and listen to some blue grass music.

On our second day we had our golf tournament at the Summerville Country Club. Our first-place team was Bob & Opal Ingram and Gene and Jane Householder. Second place went to Joe and Karen Weber and Ed and Jacquelyn Williams. And Steve Roddy, Gary Prout, and Jean and Robert Roy captured third place. KP went to Wanda Patzer and Ray Duke. Congratulations to all of you.

That evening we had a rousing game of Bingo and drawings. Thirty-five lucky winners took home a wide range of prizes from Wal-Mart Gift Cards, Cracker Barrel Gift Cards and fuel cards to free rally passes and National RV jackets. Everybody loves Bingo!

Throughout the rally we had several seminars conducted by Farm & City Insurance, Freightliner, Dometic, and Workhorse. A special thank you to Dave and Major from MCD Solar Shades for all of their input. Also, a big thanks to Reggie at Blue Ox for their two seminars on towing and braking systems, and all of the help they gave to our members.

On Friday evening we had the River City Dixieland Jazz Band play for us and what a big hit. Everybody was stomping and clapping to the sounds of this great group.

On Saturday arrangements had been made for everybody to attend the Street Rods Show held at the fairgrounds. There were Model-A's, street rods, antique and engine exhibits on display, as well as vendors and crafters showing their wares. All of the proceeds went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

After cocktails and dinner Saturday evening, the David Archer Band really put on a show with everything from standards to rock and the dance floor was crowded. This was a great group and they gave us a chance to reminisce with some of the wonderful sounds we grew up with.

All of the rally attendees were given tickets to tour one of the world's largest Naval and Maritime Museums at Patriots Point. This is the home of the Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown, the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, and the new cold war submarine memorial. All of our club members were wearing their new yellow and black lanyards and were visible all over the historic landmark by other NRV coach owners.

We were blessed with great weather and this afforded our guests the opportunity to tour historic Charleston and the surrounding areas. The Holiday Festival of Lights on James Island was a huge hit and a great way to start the holiday season. Charleston has so much to see and do, places to shop, outdoor activities to fit everybody's wants and needs, historical mansions and unlimited photography opportunities. We knew Charleston would be a delightful place to hold our rally, but the beauty of this part of our country, and the history that abounds, is almost overwhelming. Many of the club members stayed over to take advantage of all that this area offers.

After a fast trip home, we will be returning to the South and finishing up the Albany, Georgia Getaway. This is a return to the scene of our second club event and will be the pre-rally to the FMCA International Rally in Perry, Georgia. So, come on down - or up, or over - and spend some quality fun and exciting times with your National RV Owners Club family. We plan on having a great time in Southern Georgia.

Harold & Marie Upton