Camping with Southern Oklahoma Sams (SOS) - March 2012

In an effort to get to know the members of another Oklahoma Southeast Region Good Sam chapter before the upcoming Spring Samboree, Susan and I joined the "Southern Oklahoma Sams" (SOS), for their March campout at WinStar World Casino and RV Park. 

The RV park is first class with concrete pull-thru pads and and full utility hookups.  Although the WinStar has a very nice rally room for the use of RV clubs, it has no kitchen.  But the park manager informed us that plans are being prepared for the construction of a kitchen once the swimming pool is completed. 

The casino is considered the largest in Oklahoma, and boasts several different themes from various regions of the world.  My complaint, as with most tribal casinos, is that the selection of slots is repetitive throughout the casino with little variation. 

But the casino was secondary to our visit.  We came to meet another bunch of fun folks, and we weren't disappointed!  Suz and I arrived a day early to avoid the stormy forecast, but most members pulled in the following morning.  We received a warm welcome from all members and were quickly integrated into the weekend agenda. 

This chapter takes pride in their membership by displaying their individual yard signs . . . .

While we were there, Susan and I assisted in taking group photos to be used in brochures to market chapter membership. 

As is the case with most chapters, food preparation is a priority.  Don Franks, chapter president, treated us to gourmet hamburgers with blue cheese mixed in the patties.  And like me, Don only grills over charcoal - no propane used here!



Don Franks (right) turns the burgers while Charlie Adams supervises.



A drawing was held for an RV supply basket and two Camping World gift cards . . . .



Rowdy Yates proudly presents his Camping World gift card!



Linda Franks shows off her gift card!



Addie Petersen displays the grand prize, a basket filled with RV supplies.

A friendly game of Skip-Bo helped to finish the evening . . . .

The next evening, the group caravaned across the Red River to Gainsville, Texas, for dinner at Catfish Louie's.

After walking Maynard and letting him socialize with the other dogs, the chapter congregated outside Joe, Linda, and Rowdy Yates' trailer to do what RVers do best, sit and talk.

Susan and I had a wonderful time with this bunch, and we sure do appreciate them sharing their campout with us.  We still need to visit one more chapter to make it complete, but at least we'll recognize familiar faces and many new friends at next month's Samboree! 

Oh, I did take advantage of the time spent inside the coach because of rain to accomplish a much needed task.  For some unknown reason (likely money), Heartland Manufacturing failed to install proper lighting in the living area of our Landmark coach.  The only lighting above the sofa is direct spot lights, which are nice for reading under direct, bright light.  But, when soft, indirect lighting is needed, while watching television, for example, a more appropriate fixture would be a sconce.  Thus, two hours and $110.00 later . . . .

two sconces adorn each side of the sofa adding soft mood lighting at the end of a long day on the road.

Watch for the next segment, as Suz and I will be joining our own chapter, The Modern Wagoneers, as we travel to Southwest Oklahoma and Quartz Mountain.