Escape Rally in Merritt, BC

[bvansnell]

Alf, Dan:

Here is a picture of Jim at the potluck so you can judge for yourself how he is eating. That is Tammy next to him.

[reace]

Hi Everyone,

I know I am a little late posting my thank yous but I cannot believe that today is Wednesday.

As many people have already heard the rally was a great success.

On Friday Reace and I left Chilliwack questioning the weather it was pouring rain, windy definitely not what we had planned for the first Escape rally. However, by the time we approached the top of Highway 5 the clouds were breaking and the sun was trying hard to appear. By the time we arrived in Merritt the weather was much nicer and we were excited to be out of the rain.

When we pulled into the Claybanks RV park it was a treat to see Jim and Linda just ahead of us and many other Escape owners already setting up. I have to admit I was very proud of Reace at that moment. By Friday evening almost everyone had checked in with the exception of one or two trailers and even a couple of additional trailers had snuck in.

We gathered together under the covered area to introduce ourselves and say thank you to everyone for coming. It was cold, windy and no one really spent a lot of time once the sun went down socializing.

Saturday we woke up to beautiful sunshine!!!! Some people headed out golfing, and fishing while others choose to stick around the campground socializing. I have to state very clearly I am not a drinker however, by 11am I was feeling no pain and had a perma grin mounted firmly in place. Now this could have been from the Fireball with Cathy and Twyla or the double Rum and coke with Gale and Betty or maybe the few beer I shared with Dirk. ;0) By dinner time I think most people were sporting a tan or sun burn and had enjoyed the opportunity to peek in everyones trailer.

At five o'clock we started to gather for some wine tasting and beer exchanging. The Dead Frog seemed very popular. Shortly thereafter the food began arriving, Salmon, Pork Loin, Ham, Pulled Pork, Turkey, Salad, Meatballs...there was so much food no one had to worry about going hungry. I believe a few people made it up several times. Once dinner was finished we began handing out the door prizes and there was enough for everyone to receive something. Thank you to Interstate, FraserWay RV, Atlas, Praetorian Security, Lordco, CampRiver Woodworking, Tim, Gale and Betty, Hugh for all of your donations. Once dinner was finished those of us that were able to made their way over to the campfire for some Reace stories and music.

Sunday was a great morning also many people enjoyed some fresh fruit, muffins and of course Dirk's now famous pancakes.

We just want to say THANK YOU to everyone for making this rally a great weekend away! We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the laughter, stories and company of everyone who attended the rally. I know we have received a lot of thank you's but really and truly it was everyone who made the first Escape Rally a success.

Thank you all,

Reace and Tammy

[gbaglo]

Well Tammy and Reace, it was all your fault.
When you first proposed the rally, I thought it might attract a half dozen trailers, not thirty.

But then I also overestimated how much beer I'd need.

Came home with three dozen, plus those from the beer swap.

I'm set for at least four days.

I propose a Second Annual Great Escapade.


baglo

[Jim Bennett]

Methinks a 'Round 2' is definitely in order.

[Jim Bennett]

A few shots.

Who's this dashing lookin' fella?



Some folks had way too much fun.



The pancake chef.



Fin gets all the cute girls



Click HERE to see a few more shots

[Hokie Escape]

Jim, put some names on those pics. I know Glenn, Dirk and "Tammy Jr", and see Jeff lurking in the background of one pic, but who are the others (for those of us who weren't there)?

[Jim Bennett]

I could put names on, but I would have to lie for most of them.

I met so many new people, all the names did not register.

But "Miss Reace Jr" is Leah. "Miss Tammy Jr" is Erin, but is not on any of my photos it seems. I really did not take very many, that link has at least 25% of them.

[Eddys]

Delicious photos Jim. How nice to see all those faces - even though we don't know many of them either. So glad you had a great time. What a feat Tammy got all you folks together! Really great to see her and Reace in Brian and Cheryl's photos too.
Jenny and Ian

[reace]

Hey,

Glenn, just an FYI for next year...when you attend the beer exchange you are only supposed to take what you bring.

Jim, the photo of the police...was that you? Did they finally catch you for speeding through the campground without checking in? I guess Lisa is pretty good with the camera. :

Tammy

[Jim Bennett]

LOL......Not me Tammy. The RC's chased some guy across the street right in front of us. That photo of a shoe is one he lost in the chase. He never got far.

[Chuck]

Which person @ the Rally travelled with his family in this trailer built by his Dad

?

[bvansnell]

Chuck:

Was it this guy?

[Chuck]

Brian

No..but its a hell of a lot nicer shot than Jim took
I wonder how many are aware that someone escaped
from the RV Park Sunday morning @ 5:00 am. to wander the streets of Merritt

ps.
great photos by the way

[Chuck]

Dinner guest Sunday night

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Chuck

No..but its a hell of a lot nicer shot than Jim took

I have another of you, but I'm betting you would rather I leave the one up that I did.

Did you eat the Swallowtail, I hear they are quite tasty in a salad.

[Chuck]

ah hah
I was wondering what it was...


Did you eat the Swallowtail, I hear they are quite tasty in a salad.
[/quote]

[Chuck]

[ekhaya2]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Which person @ the Rally travelled with his family in this trailer built by his Dad

?

I think that photo was of Jerry (in the rear car window) and his dad's trailer

[ekhaya2]

Thank you to all who came and made the Escape rally a wonderful event. Could not have asked for a better bunch of people. Looking forward to next years great escape.
Regards Kevan and Pauline

[JeffZ]

Ok..

I combined some pictures from Brian, Jim, Chuck and myself to create a short video of the Rally..

You may need to refresh the page to see the video, depending on your browser..or hit the play button


[url=http://www.escapeforum.org/gallery/rally2010.flv]