2012 Fall Samboree and a Little R&R!

Susan and I just returned home from the 2012 Fall Samboree held in Claremore, Oklahoma.  I was recently appointed “Webmaster” for the Oklahoma Good Sam Club, and will be updating the Club’s website and blogging future Samborees. Oklahoma Samborees are lots of fun!  Click on this direct link to experience the fun of the 2012 Oklahoma Fall Samboree:   http://oklahomagoodsamclub.blogspot.com/

Our friends, Johnathan and Angie Bonanno, joined us after the Samboree for a “little R&R” in Branson, Missouri. 

They have visited Branson before, but never took in a music show.  We saw “Six,” which is an a cappella group formed by 6 brothers.  Susan and I think it is currently the best show in Branson.  We also saw “Pierce Arrow,” a quartet accompanied by a hilarious comedian.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen any person (Angie) laugh so much! 

We stayed at the Branson KOA, which is located on Animal Safari Road.  It’s adjacent to Highway 76 and most major music shows and other attractions in Branson.  If you go and don’t mind the extra cost, ask for (or reserve) a “luxury site.” If you’re traveling with another couple, I recommend sites 130-131.  These sites face each other (the Bonanno’s door opened towards our door) and both have patios, furniture, grill, and chimineas. 

Susan and I put in a full week working the Samboree and were quite ready to relax and be entertained.  Branson is the ideal retreat, and the Bonannos proved to be good company. 

  

We try to make a Branson trip twice per year, spring and fall.  Fall is a beautiful time to visit Branson because of the vibrant colors . . . .

Before I forget, if you visit Branson and want to pull a harmless trick on someone, take them to lunch at McFarland’s Restaurant.  They have a “rising table” that slowly ascends as you dine. 

Compare the height of the table in the above pictures.  About the time the table reached the height of the right picture, Angie said: “I think I need a booster-seat!”  

We’ll soon be heading to Duncan, Oklahoma for a Modern Wagoneer campout, and then to the WinStar Casino and RV Park for the Oklahoma Heartland Chapter Fall Rally.  Safe travels! 

Boys and Their Toys!

Is what my wife says when she looks at my truck these days.  I never reach the point of “road rage,” but when other drivers enter major highways and refuse to yield to me while towing the rig, I’ve often wished I had a set of semi air horns that would blow the cell phone out of their hands.  The momentary burst of adrenaline caused by the piercing sound of the horns is far less damaging then the alternative 26,000 lbs of diesel truck and trailer crashing into their rear end. 

I began the search for a good set of air horns several months ago, but I was hesitant to purchase anything I found online for fear it would be inadequate (not loud enough!).  I discovered a set of Hadley horns for sale at Camping World, which is the same kit used on most high-end motorhomes.  But for me, the cost was prohibitive ($495.00 + installation).  The kit included the necessary compressor, air tank, and accessories, but with Camping World installation, I would have close to $1,500.00 invested. 

Patience often pays off!  On a recent trip to my local Camping World for unrelated items, I noticed the lone set of Hadley’s in the same spot on the shelf where they’ve been for months.  Out of curiosity, I checked the price and it was marked down for “closeout” to $199.00.  I quickly loaded the box into the cart and rushed to checkout before anyone else attempted to steal my horns. 

Thanks to Sean at Lewis RV, my horns are installed and working  as expected!  Sean does a meticulous installation and for much less than his competitors.  The compressor and air tank are installed in one of the bed’s storage compartments just below the compressor and tank used for the air bags.  

Sean also installed two switches on the center console that allow me to cycle the pump on/off, and switch between the factory horn and the air horns. 

Susan calls my new horns “toys,” I like to think of them as “truck bling.”  Just wait till the new 5-inch chrome exhaust stacks arrive.