Several blog readers have written to ask what the status is on the Winnebago motorhome we looked at earlier this week. Thank you for your interest, but unfortunately, it’s not going to happen at this time. Our private financing fell through, so we’re back to square one. We’re very disappointed, but I guess it’s just not our time yet.
Yesterday we drove down to Sedalia to check things out before going into Escapade on Saturday morning. There are already a bunch of Escapees there who arrived early for pre-rally events or to work on the rally staff. We saw several people we know, including Dee Holt, our longtime friends Ron and Jerrie Lea Hopf, and Art and Caroline Fennell.
Sedalia seems like a nice town, with a population of about 20,000 people. We noted several of our favorite restaurants, so we know we’ll have plenty of places to get together for dinner with all of our RVing friends while we’re in town.
Here’s a heads up for anyone coming into Sedalia from Interstate 70 via U.S. Highway 65. Just as you come into town there is construction on a bridge and the road is down to just one ten foot wide lane, with traffic alternating in crossing. It’s only a short distance, but be aware that there may be delays with all of the RVs coming into town.
Back at the Higginsville Fairgrounds, my buddy Chris Guld from Geeks on Tour spent some time helping me with some internet issues. I am always amazed at how much this attorney-turned-geek knows about computers and the internet. She makes tasks that mystify me seem easy.
Later on Chris’ husband Jim threw some chicken and sausage on the grill, Miss Terry whipped up some goodies, and we had a nice little cookout. We enjoyed sitting at one of the picnic tables next to the walking path here at the fairgrounds, having our meal and visiting.
We’ve had an interesting experience not once, but twice lately. People who have picked up a copy of the Gypsy Journal somewhere or read the blog have noticed the names of old friends they have lost contact with mentioned, and contacted me to see if it was the same person. Both times it was, and I have forwarded on their messages and e-mail reunions have taken place. How cool is that?
Thought For The Day – Good fellows are a dime a dozen, but a true leader is priceless.
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
I didn’t want to say anything earlier, but now that your deal has fallen through I will say that the Winnebago Ultimate was in production for a relatively short time, and had a reputation for having more than it’s share of problems, so maybe providence was looking over your shoulder when your deal went south.
Having had significant problems with delamination on my own Winnie, I am not a big fan of this company. If I were in the market for a diesel pusher, I think I would stick with Newmar or Tiffen, both of whom seem to be surviving the current madness (as is Winnebago). But, that’s just one man’s opinion.
Nick,
I am biased, but take a look at Foretravel coaches that are 7 to 10 years old. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Nick:
During my working years, I worked at the state fair for a couple of days each year. We always found time to have the prime rib dinner at McGrath’s, 2901 W. Broadway, south side oh HWY 50, halfwy between HWY 65 and Wal-Mart.
The food was great, good service and reasonably prices.
Good luck.
Glen
So sorry to read that your RV purchase did not work out. I have to disagree with the post above that said you may be better off. We have an 2002 Ultimate Advantage and have loved it from the day we drove it off the lot. They are truly a fine coach. We have only had one problem with ours, a minor issue that Winnebago was quick to fix.
As low as interest rates are on CDs and savings these days, maybe one of your faithful readers could advance you the money to buy it. If you paid them 5% or 6% they would get a better return than what they are making now. Anyone out there want to invest in Nick and Terry’s new-to-them motorhome?
Sounds like this is your first visit to Sedalia. If so, you are going to love it.
Dan
We travel with a real poodle. He is 70 lbs. We call those other poodles fake poodles. Watch what you say, poodles are very very smart. Smarter even than your average newspaperman.