By Chip Deyerle, F179160D
January 2017
Travelers in some 166 motorhomes converged on McGee Park, San Juan County Fairgrounds, in Farmington, New Mexico, September 25-28, 2016, for the Rocky Mountain Area Rally — affectionately known as the Rocky Mountain Ramble. FMCA members from several chapters came from Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Charlie Adcock, FMCA national president, was a special guest.
The Ramble featured seminars on topics such as escaping from an RV during an emergency; the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program; the Michelin Advantage tire purchasing program; crafts such as jewelry making; and more.
The Frustrated Maestros provided musical entertainment for the Ramble, including the opening and closing ceremonies and each morning’s coffee hour. Fifteen vendors were on hand.
At a chapter fair held in the main conference hall, attendees could learn about chapter activities and check out chapters’ 2017 rally schedules.
Farmington, at the southern end of the Rockies, is home to many artists and craftspeople and their studios, but there was even more for FMCA members to see. Jeep enthusiasts toured areas accessible only via off-road vehicles. Members also explored Aztec Ruins National Monument, which more than 700 years ago was home to a large Ancestral Pueblo community. The nearby Salmon Ruins indicate the presence of a settlement as early as the 11th century, and a museum is filled with exhibits and artifacts.
Now that this year’s Ramble is in the rearview mirror, members are invited to make plans to join the fun next year in Farmington. The dates for the 2017 Ramble are September 20-24. Come celebrate autumn in the Rockies!