There is an unwritten rule that every RVer knows about, which states that no RV park can be built anywhere in America unless it is within spitting distance of a railroad track. There is nothing like dropping off to sleep after a long day on the road, only to be blasted awake by the Midnight Flyer blaring its horn as it rattles past you. They blow the horn so you don’t think it’s an earthquake when the train bounces you out of bed in the wee hours of the morning!
I know some veteran RVers who can’t go to sleep in primitive campgrounds way out in the boondocks unless they play a tape recording of freight trains to drown out the annoying sound of crickets and birds chirping!
Here at the Yuma Fairgrounds, which is right across the road from the Marine Corps Air Station, airplanes fly by 
overhead all day long. Menacing looking jet fighters, huge KC-135 tankers, that refuel aircraft in flight, and olive drab helicopters. Folks here at the fairgrounds learn to just ignore the noise, much like RVers ignore trains passing by. Sometimes we have to pause in our conversations, but it’s no big deal. Like I said in a blog last week, that’s the sound of freedom!
This being a military town, we see a lot of Marines in the local stores and restaurants. Anybody who knows me knows that I have the utmost respect for the men and women in our military, and I don’t hesitate to tell them how much I appreciate the job they do for all of us. Whether they are flying those aircraft, working on the flight line to keep them fueled up and ready to go, or sitting at a desk in an administrative job, they are all part of what keeps us secure, and we all owe them our respect and gratitude.
The noise hasn’t bothered our pals Tom and Barbara Westerfield, who are here as part of our advance staff. They are too busy to even notice. Besides helping us with technical duties, printing name tags, planning the parking, and a hundred other tasks, they have put together an excellent seminar on geocaching that I know will be a hit. They will be assisted by some other experienced cachers, Sue Pace, and “Cool Judy” Rinehimer, and between all of those guys and girls, there is an awful lot of geocaching experience. They are even going to place several caches around the fairgrounds for class attendees to find.
No matter how busy we get, there’s always time for dinner with friends. Last night Tom and Barbara, Greg and Jan 
White, and Terry and I had dinner at Famous Dave’s Barbecue. Here is a picture Barbara took of our group. Tom is in the front right, Jan is in the left front, then Greg, myself, and Miss Terry. Barbara was behind the camera, so you can’t see her smiling dace. Some people say that Greg and I look a lot alike, but I don’t see the resemblance. I’m much prettier!
Now, if you think that all of this dining out is an extravagance, how wrong you are! Part of our job as the advance staff is to find all of the best places to eat, so we know where to send our rally attendees. So while it may look like we’re playing, we’re actually hard at work! At least that’s what I’m telling my accountant!
Miss Terry spent some time yesterday mapping out our indoor vendor area. As of right now we have 51 indoor vendor spaces, and five outdoor vendors! Seeing the map really hit home to me that our rallies are becoming big time events!
Thought For The Day – Some people travel only to look – others to see.
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
Nick-
So what did you all think of Famous Dave’s? They’re based here in Minneapolis… one of my favorite BBQ chains right up there with Rudy’s in TX!
It was excellent! I’ve been to several of their restaurants and have always been happy with the food and service.
Our home in Colorado was just outside the perimeter of Buckley Air Base and the jet noise was just a part of our lives. We became used to it very quickly. It certainly rattled the windows at times:) We anxiously watched as the big transports took off, hoping they were going to be able to clear the roof and tree tops:) Like you, we appreciated the “sound of freedom”. Good post:)
Not making your rally this year. But next year DH is retiring and I hope to make all the rallys. Ha. Great job on the blogs. Turned my ranting sister onto Bad Nick and she loves it. Check out my new blog if you ever have time. Keep on keeping on. Marie
We were at Famous Dave’s also last night. Sorry we didn’t bump into you. Good food.
My expereinces with Famous Dave’s amount to this: Excellent food and great wait staff.
I am delighted to hear that so many vendors will be there. I hope to buy some Rescue Tape (which no RVer should be without) and one of those weighted devices that straddle the sewer hose just before it enters the dump station opening.
As for the Sound of Freedom? It is music to my ears.
This will be our first Gypsy Journal Rally.
>>” Seeing the map really hit home to me that our rallies are becoming big time events!”
Are you laying the ground work that you’re going to ask for a pay raise shortly? Doesn’t the pay grade go up as the number of people you manage goes up? See you Sunday noon.
Gene
We are camped close to eglin air force base in Florida and hear the sound of freedom every day. Was at Pensacola Navel Museum the othere day. Lot of planes there too.