In September, our Bus Conversion Travelers group had two back-to-back rallies in Arizona. The first rally was in Peach Springs at the Grand Canyon Caverns RV Park, with the second one 147 miles down the road at Camp Verde at the Verde River RV Park. Both parks had their positive and negative points but overall, both parks were functional. 

The weather for both rallies was pleasant; the Caverns are at 5,000 feet and the nights were cold enough for a campfire (although we were not sure if it was permitted). At Camp Verde, or the second location, a propane fire was the only choice; at 3,000 feet nights were not as cool as the Caverns.

At the Caverns rally, we had twelve rigs in attendance. Our host, Gary Nickerson (a safety gun instructor), gave a gun safety course. Those who were interested could go to his nearby ranch for target practice. An educational and fun afternoon. Some of the group took the cavern tour, 210 feet below the surface.

This was the week before the elevator broke down and several people had to climb 21 flights of stairs to get out. Those that went, told me it was interesting and well worth it. Although the group dinner meeting had great fellowship, I’d better not say anything about the food. The typical interactions at bus rallies happened. Engine, interiors, bays, and any other parts were examined and discussed.

There were two potlucks at which we had enough good food to serve twice as many participants. The one bad note was that our host Gary Nickerson “lost” his engine at the check-in office. He was able the drive his coach to the site (with an oil trail) but needed to be lowboy’d back to Lake Havasu City. He is a SUPER STAR! Within a week he had the motor out of his 4106 and found the turbo, one head destroyed, and other problems.

A group of us then caravanned along Route 66 to the Verde River rally. That part of Arizona is just like the movie Cars or, should I say, the movie copied the area. This rally was to have had ten rigs participating but we ended up with seven. The RV Park served Belgium waffles with coffee and OJ every other morning and a $10.00 Oktoberfest dinner (I think I drank $10.00 worth of beer). 

Participation in those events was not on the original agenda but was enjoyable. Camp Verde has many things to see and do in the area. We each went our separate ways exploring the area. Our hosts, Ed Vanlandingham & Janet Hagstrand, had an ice cream social one afternoon which we all enjoyed. Again, potlucks, bus lies, and kicking tires is the norm at these rallies.

Both rallies were well received. Ed has already booked the Verde River Park for next year. Gary Nickerson is working on hosting a rally next year at the Grand Canyon Caverns (after he gets his coach back on the road). Another member, Charles, and Judy McDaniel were inspired to look at hosting a rally in the Tucson area after the Verde River rally. It would be SWEET to have three rallies within 407 miles that are back-to-back-to-back.

The Bus Conversion Road Travelers group is a loosely formed group to promote bus conversion interest and rallies. For more information, our Facebook group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/1019353962217960