Susan and I assisted Tommy and Luralei Cravens host the first campout of the newly established “Kiamichi Sams,” Oklahoma Good Sam Chapter. Based in McAlester, Oklahoma, Kiamichi Sams currently has eight couples (rigs).
The chapter held its first campout at “Checotah KOA Kampground” near Lake Eufaula.
Susan and I have camped here several times and we’ve adopted this campground as one of our favorites. It’s owned and operated by Dave & Peggy Ruzicka, who are very accommodating hosts. Although the RV sites are grass/gravel, they are mostly level and have full hookups. The grounds are generally level and make for easy walking to and from the onsite cafe and rally room. They also have a nice swimming pool and shaded playground area for the grandkids. To visit Checotah KOA, take Exit 255 at I-40 and Pierce Rd., or call Dave & Peggy at (918) 473-6511 for more information.
As the Assistant State Director of the Southeast Area for the Oklahoma Good Sam Club, Susan and I hosted a charcoal hotdog dinner the first evening of the campout. This worked well as a “meet & greet” so everyone could get acquainted. The dinner was followed by a lively game of “9-Card Golf.”
The next evening we caravanned to Henryetta for Mexican food at “El Charro,” then returned to the rally room for a game of “Bunko.” Les Smith, lower right, earned the nickname “Bunko Man,” by making three Bunkos in one game. Pretty good job for his first time to play Bunko!
Coincidently, the campground erected it’s new flagpole on the day we arrived, which was also “Flag Day” (lower left). The former flagpole was destroyed when an inexperienced driver swung the rear of his coach too close to the pole. The opposite picture depicts the campground staff helping a guest repair his awning after he forgot to retract it before driving out and hitting a low tree branch. It appears that RV parks may encounter many mishaps by negligent or inexperienced RV operators!
Les and Dorothy Smith sport quite a hauler for their coach (lower left). Les tells me it’s a Freightliner with dual exhaust stacks, air-ride, and a specially designed tow dolly (I sure think those chrome exhaust stacks would look good on my truck). Lower right, Susan exits our coach in preparation for the potluck luncheon on the final day of the campout.
Other than the typical hot, humid, Oklahoma climate, the four days spent with the new Kiamichi Sams was a fantastic time for Susan and me. We thoroughly enjoy meeting new people who share our interest in RVing. We are so grateful that we’ve been blessed with the resources to engage in this activity during our retirement, and the opportunity to become acquainted with so many wonderful people along the way. We’re confident Kiamichi Sams’ membership will continue to grow and become a very active chapter of the Oklahoma Good Sam Club. Susan and I wish them our best and safe travels!
