On this weeks show we for the first time attended the CMCA Rally. It was unusual how we decided to attend. We were parked up at a campground and had a knock on the van door. Upon answering we chatted to some fellow 5th wheelers who were asking us how we thought this spot to camp was like. The conversation continued and they mentioned were we going along to the rally. We did not even know it was on.
Well firstly we had only joined prior to this trip, because on doing some research discovered we could get discount and also cheaper camping fees in certain places. They mentioned there was a rally coming up at Campbell Town so after getting a few details we enquired and thought why not go along, it was for 5 days and a cost of $90 for both of us, camping fees and activities thrown in, also a chance to meet other travellers and also 5th Wheeler travellers.
Wandering round the event we ran into Lyn and Jan, first aiders and volunteers at the event. Very important considering that many in attendance were on the other side of 50, us included. Both Lyn and Jan we paramedics for the ambulance. Friends they knew were volunteers and decided to do the same. They attended a National Rally which had over 1000 plus vans, roughly 1800 people. Jan has had her first aid certificate for 50 years.
They don’t get a lot of injuries but have many falls and scrapes. They jokingly talk about some of there call outs. Carry there UHF radio with them even to bed.
Lyn is fulltime on the road, travelling round with her dog. Visiting many places and uses a lot of free camps.
Another volunteer we met at the rally is Rhonda who is the rally secretary at this event. This is Rhonda’s first time doing the roll of secretary. Rhonda is President of the Dalrympl Drifters Chapter and been a member for 12 years. Rhonda and her partner have a motor home and also head over to the mainland to travel. There motor home is 21 ft. The role is busy for the first few days and then settles down and also has a team that works with her. Her teams include the rubbish removal, cleaning the toilets, parking officers and then there is the admin side. Most of Rhonda’s chapter have motor homes but they all get together once a month and find a location and join in.
The Wanderer is a magazine that the CMCA publish once a month, full of information, RV parks and the rallys throughout Australia that you can attend. Its available either online and also you can get it hard copy. Rhonda loves reading the magazine.
Next up at the CMCA Rally we chat with Paul and Vicky. Paul is President of the Huon Pine Pioneers chapter. At this rally Vicky is the Treasurer. Vicky was asked to do the role and does all the book keeping which is busier as the event gets going.
Paul also at this rally has been keeping everyone informed, he runs a few interesting talks at the rally.
They have been members of the CMCA for 12 years and travel with their motorhome. They found being members of a chapter you meet fellow travellers and also its a good learning if you have issues as others may have a solution to fix your problem or ideas you had not thought about. You generally at these catch up play disc bowls, pub visits, or meals and Happy Hours.
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