August 11-19: FMCA Convention, Redmond, Oregon

We got an early start and had a nice drive over two “mountain” ranges (nice, but they are no Rockies), heading inland to Redmond, just north of Bend (which is a neat trick, since we started the day in North Bend). We started out going north on US-101 then east on OR-38 across the Coast Range.

We soon made the junction with I-5. Heading north, we traveled familiar roadways to Eugene, then east again on OR-126 to Redmond, this time over the Cascade Range. After a couple of turns on local roads, we were soon at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds and Expo. This is a huge facility, one of the few around the country that can hold these FMCA Conventions. This one attracted 1,876 motorhomes of all shapes and sizes.

We were relaxing on the first evening when word of close thunderstorms with hail came through. We pulled in awnings and slides just in case, but the worst of the weather passed us by. Maya Lynn got to wear her ThunderShirt again, though. After it was all over, we were treated to a nice sunset.

There was no food supplied at this rally (other than coffee and donuts too early in the morning), so we managed to do some cooking. One of the highlights was Geri’s “Famous” Veal-Ricotta Meatballs, which make awesome grinders.

We enjoyed the rally, making a few purchases at the vendor booths and attending several seminars. We also took a side trip back up into the Cascades, along a “scenic route” just east of the little town of Sisters, which was named for a minor feature in the Cascades, the “Three Sisters”. Some kind of legend, yada, yada, yada. But, there’s a huge lava flow from these extinct volcanoes and we did get to see some snow in the distance. The pups enjoyed the ride, too!

There is a viewpoint in the middle of the lava flow, so I tried out a new photo app, “Photo Sphere” from Google. Interesting 360° picture generator.

One thing I’ll say for us, we are quick learners. Staying an extra day after a rally is an excellent idea. So good, in fact, that we did it again. The Expo Center has a nice 100+ site RV Park on site. It was full before and during the Rally, of course, with “VIPs” from FMCA. But, like the casino in North Bend, it cleared out pretty quickly and we were able to stay for three extra nights, one in-place in our rally space (free!) and two more nights in the RV Park. This extra time allowed us to catch up on laundry and hit the local Costco, Walmart, and Fred Meyer. All set for travel!