One of the activities that often takes place at RV rallies, especially converted bus rallies, is a scheduled open house. People with owner-converted coaches are like a fraternity, and are always interested in what their fellow coach converters have done since they last crossed paths. We are still undecided as to whether we will open our coach because of our cats, who tend to be wary of strangers, but just in case, Linda decided to clean house this morning while I wandered the rally site taking pictures.
Rally organizers and hosts Bill and Brenda Phelan are expecting 100 rigs to show up and by noon today at least 90 had arrived. More arrived during the afternoon and a handful were planning to come in tomorrow. The rally officially starts tomorrow (Sunday) at 7:30 AM with coffee, juice, donuts, and bagels.
1911 Arcadia (FL) Train Depot.
Late morning we drove to the Arcadia, Florida historic district. Most of the district lies between eastbound and westbound FL-70 from FL-17 west for a couple of blocks. There was a sidewalk market throughout the district and we soon figured out that Arcadia is a center for antiques and collectibles. Much of the original architecture remains but except for a few restaurants and other businesses most of the square footage is devoted to vintage resale. This was perfect for us; lots of people out and about and lots of interesting things to look at, absolutely none of which we had any interest in buying. It helps us stay within budget.
Oak Street, Arcadia (FL) Historic District.
We had a light lunch when we got back to the coach after which Linda sat outside and read while I worked on some digital photographs. Even though it was cloudy, the temperature got up a bit past 80 degrees F and the bus reached 84 inside. I shut the computer and network electronics down since heat is their main enemy and we went over and had a long chat with Mike Muller and MaryAnn Nash who are parked two spots down from us. They are another GLCC couple and Mike is the GLCC VP.
Another view of Oak Street.
We returned to our bus around 4:30 PM to read and write when we felt a few raindrops. We put the folding chairs away and went inside just as it started to rain so we closed up the roof vents. The rain was brief, but the forecast for overnight and through the day tomorrow is for widespread, persistent, and occasionally heavy rain. The combination of temperature and wind has been quite pleasant, and we have had very few bugs, but the humidity has been noticeable. We expected that, this being Florida after all, but the storms forecasted for tomorrow are associated with a cold front, behind which the humidity should be a bit lower.
The old opera house in Arcadia (FL).
As dusk settled over the Turner Agri Civic Center we saw folks out strolling and decided to take our wine glasses and go for one ourselves before dinner. Along the way we met John Silver of Central Florida Bus Sales and Repairs. John has two coaches for sale at the rally; a 1994 Prevost XL (DD 8V92) Royale Coach and a 1997 MCI (DD 60 Series) Vantare. Although it was night by the time we got back to the coach, we had good visibility for walking as the main entrance road to the Turner Agri Civic Center has a long line of very tall, very bright lights. Many of the buses had their interior lights on, and some had exterior lights as well. It made for a pretty sight.
A former hotel in Arcadia (FL) Historic District. Mary Margaret’s Tea & Biscuit to the left.
Many RVers like to dine out, especially at rallies with friends. While we enjoy the company of our fellow RVers, we prefer to dine in as much as possible. We have delicious dishes prepared with healthy fresh ingredients in reasonable portion sizes and at modest cost in the comfort of our own home. Tonight was left over Tofurkey with baked potatoes and mustard greens that Linda bought from the only sidewalk vendor we found selling food in the Arcadia HistoricDdistrict today. We started with a small glass of white wine and ended by finishing the vegan chocolate cake.
