SOUTHWEST     BLUEBIRDS and friends

Traditionally, "SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends" rallies are three-day, weekend affairs.  After the 2007 'Q' Rally, Curt and I began planning for another three-day weekend rally in 2008.

We began receiving sign ups from people all over the country, including as far away as New Hampshire; several from Canada; and one who joined us from his summer nest in Mexico.  This past November and December, when I asked for and received ETA's, it became apparent that our three-day rally had become a week long event -- almost half the total attendees were arriving by Sunday, January 20, a week before our scheduled three-day event.  As a result, Curt and I both arrived on Friday, January 18.

By the time of our 'Main Event' weekend, we had a total of 57 units, including 50 Bluebird built motorhomes.  Jim and Denise Benson's 74FC31, and Ross MacKillop's 06LXi450, represented the age range of BB coaches parked in the nest.

This year's rally not only brought together a great bunch of people, but also included visits by several RV related companies that shared some technical expertise, and several members who volunteered to organize and conduct various activities during the rally.

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On the technical side --

Complete Coach Works sent its Service Manager, Jason Reiter and a crew of service personnel to do minor repairs, and consult with coach owners about those nagging little (and maybe not so little) problems we all have on our coaches.  They also brought a selection of parts to distribute.

CCW's participation was a learning experience for Jason and his crew, and for rally attendees.  Jason's people got some hands on experience with different 'birds that will help them in the future as they see more BB's in their shop.  They were quite impressed with the solid construction of our machines, and somewhat in awe of the complexity of them (as we all are).

Also, on the technical side, Peter Schuck, President of SMI Manufacturing and Robert Henderson, of Henderson Line Up visited.  Peter discussed SMI's Air Force One auxiliary brake system for towed vehicles; and Robert discussed brake and suspension issues.

These were 'last minute' additions to our usually informal rally event schedule.  In the future, we'll work on planning, and including, activities like them further in advance to give rally attendees a better opportunity to participate.

Thanks to Jason, Peter, and Robert for taking the time to join us.  We look forward to seeing you in the future.

I'm sure Macy played a role in assuring Jason had the support he needed to bring his crew to Quartzsite.  A BIG thanks to Macy, also.

         And, thanks to Stephen Birtles, who send some giveaway items -- Treatzall Holding Tank Treatment, holding tank dump valves, and paddles.  These items were handed out free to several attendees.

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On the volunteer side --

Rick Archie, led the Texas Convoy to Quartzsite, and acted as our 'parking sherpa' this year, measuring and laying out the parking in our nest.

Rick and his wife, Rosie, also organized several of the week's other activities, including the men's and women's tech-talks; margarita night; wine tasting night; a coach tour session; and led an excursion into town for first timers to Quartzsite.

Shane Fedeli, traveled from Hershey, PA with his smoker and 90 pounds of brisket.  For two days, he prepared a mouth watering treat served to rally attendees at the "BYOB, and Bring Your Best Hearty Hors D'oeuvres to Share Social" on Friday night.  He also made some of the best BBQ sauce you will ever taste.

Adrienne Bodhaine (Barrett), organized a Silent Gift Basket Auction.  Gift baskets provided by attendees were auctioned, with the winning bid being donated to the winning bidder's favorite charity or organization.  Word spread about Dick and Joyce Hayden's son, Brian, who is fighting cancer.  Those who heard about it, chose to direct their winning bid amounts to be paid to Brian.

Kent Barrett, organized a Chili Cook-off contest.  There were half a dozen entries.  The winner, Marvin Kemel, won bragging rights.

Ron Marabito, organized, and led, a convoy of four wheelers into the desert to explore some of the out of the way areas of the Arizona desert, and an abandoned mine shaft.

        Thanks to Don Bradner ("Blue Thunder") for providing WiFi access to our bird's nest.

        Thanks to Tony Eng who made the SOB buttons that were given to our SOB friends.  Tony is a friend of Rob Robinson and planned to attend the rally.  However, he got ill and had to cancel for this year.  Rob informed me that Tony plans to attend next year.

Thanks to Monte Haberman, and his son, Derek, for helping bring Jason and the CCW crew to the rally; and to Tom McCarthy for helping bring SMI Manufacturing and Henderson Line Up to share their technical expertise.

Thanks to all rally attendees who prepared their special dishes to share during our Friday and Saturday evening "BYOB, and Bring Your Best Hearty Hors D'oeuvres to Share Socials".  These socials are regular highlights of all our rallies because they bring everyone together to share food and to socialize.

We also want to thank those attendees who conducted impromptu events that added to the rally's fun and success -- such as Dale and Carol Blemel's peach pancake and REAL maple syrup breakfast around the morning campfire; and Jim and Linda Marsh's rainy Sunday morning pancake, eggs, bacon, and sausage breakfast under their awning.

Of course, we can't forget those who participated in, and prepared their chili for the Chili Cook-off.  Like the Bluebird coach, there are no two alike.

Nor can we forget all who donated a gift basket for the Silent Auction.  You made Adrienne very happy.

And thanks to all who opened their coaches for the "Coach Tour Event".  This is a great way to share ideas and learn.  I'm planning some modifications in my coach and saw what they will look like in Shane's coach.

Finally, I believe I speak for Dick and Joyce Hayden when I express a heart felt "THANK YOU" to all who chose to have their winning bids donated to their son, Brian, who is battling cancer.  This was a spur of the moment happening and not all winning bidders knew about it, but close to $1000.00 is on its way to Brian.  

Thanks to each of you for your volunteer efforts in helping make this rally a success.   Your efforts are greatly appreciated by Curt and myself.

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CURT AND I THANK EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE RALLY FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.  WE ENJOYED STEPPING BACK AND WATCHING EVERYONE HAVING FUN.

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         We look forward to seeing all of you back next year doing the same thing :-) .

Phil & Curt