Dixie Gulf Streamers go OBX

“Come fly with me” might not be something you would expect to hear from RVers, but it would be appropriate when visiting the home of first in flight. The Dixie Gulf Streamers did just that at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We may even have walked the same path as Wilbur and Orville Wright did on December 17, 1903, when they made history with the airplane’s first flight. If you weren’t there - you missed it. And IT was OBX from Corolla to Cape Lookout. We settled in at Camp Hatteras Campground in Rodanthe and sprung into action each day for a new adventure.

The trigger on the start gun officially was pulled Tuesday evening at the conference center. Old friends drew close again and welcomed new comers as if they had always been in the Dixie Gulf Streamer Family. The Mayor of Nags Head even spoke of the history of the outer banks and its legends. After a night of fun, food, and fellowship, we returned to our rigs for a good night’s sleep.

Morning came and we were off to Jockey Ridge State Park for sand dunes and a chance to try our luck at hand gliding. No was of the mind to step to edge, so after a short visit, we were off again this time to the site of Kill Devil Hill and home to the first flight of the Wright Brothers. Here we were able to visit the museums and walk the flight line where aviation history was made with the first power driven flight. On December 17, 1903, Orville made history in a 27 MPH wind with a flight for 120 feet. Three more flights were made that day with the longest being 852 feet before the wind caught the plane and the damage was beyond repair. Off to lunch and then on to Currituck Light House located at the upper island. The day was gone before we knew it and so back to camp for some short down time.

Thursday came early as we left the campground at 7 a.m. for the Ocracoke Ferry and across the water to Ocracoke Island. Each had a short time before lunch to visit the Light Station, Museum, British Cemetery, or just visit one of the many island shops. After a picnic lunch we were off to ferry across to climb the Hatteras Light House and then visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. History abounds throughout the outer banks. Dinner on your own and rest up for a new day to come.

Friday was a record breaker that has been rumored will never happen again. The women prepared breakfast for the men. Get a cup of coffee, a glass of juice , fill your plate with sausage, French toast, and fruit. Now what else could a man ask for? Note - for the men that had an answer to that question, I will only say - think before you speak! Many thanks to all the women who got up and worked hard to prepare this Happy Father’s Day Breakfast (WE KNOW IT WAS A DAY EARLY). After breakfast we held our Chapter Meeting and once again welcomed our newest members to the club. Meeting over - freshen up and get in line, the caravan is departing for a tour of the Elizabethan Gardens and a visit to the Fort Raleigh National Historical Site. Dinner was at Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant and then we were back on the move to see the Lost Colony Drama. Before the drama, we toured back stage and were introduced to the history of both the settlers and how the drama was born. As each drove back to the campground, I can only imagine what was discussed by each of the day’s events. Time to nap for a new day.

As day broke, the group was off again to tour the historic town of Manteo. First stop was Festival Park where we learned of the legend of Two Path (Indian folklore/history) and walked through the historic village observing blacksmith, marksman, and the construction of canoes. It was a short walk to the docks where we were welcomed aboard a reproduction of one of the ships the pilgrims used to sail the seas. After visiting the North Carolina Maritime Museum, it was lunch at the waterfront own your own. Revived and refreshed, we jumped back in the cars and were off to tour the aquarium. Day’s not done as we travel back to the campground and freshen up for a luau at the beach. While there were no hula girls, there was a lot of good food and best of all was the family fellowship. Night comes and off to sleep.

Dawn revels scattered vacant RV sites while Gulf Streamers are pulling in the awnings as others hookup their tow vehicles. Even as we break camp and depart, I think each not only reflects on the rally but looks ahead for that next turn in the bend. Just image what new adventure is waiting out there. That in itself is enough to make you want to join that next rally’s adventure. If you want to have fun and join a family made of the best there is, come on down to Natchez and enjoy the Mississippi Balloon Race. As with previous rallies, this will be another attendees won’t forget.

From the desk of the President - Happy Trails!

2008 Dixie Gulf Streamer Rallies:

Washington, DC in August
Plans are to have this rally at the Cherry Hill RV Park in Collage Park, Maryland from August 9-16, 2008.    Attached is a very tentative agenda. We have 25 sites set aside, for reservations call (800) 801=6449 and tell them you are with the Dixie Gulf Streamers.  If you have questions you may contact either Lynda Jolly or Sue Richardson at::
Lynda  Phone: (601) 919-0069
                        Email:  rvinmama@bellsouth.net
Sue                  Phone: (803) 345-9053
                        Email:  suenchapin@bellsouth.net
ASAP at (866) 336-1402 and secure your site - again, be sure to tell them you are with the Dixie Gulf Streamers. 

Mississippi River Balloon Race
We have 30 sites held for the Dixie Gulf Streamers from October 16 - 22, 2008, at the River View RV Park in Vidalia, LA.   Call the campground for reservations. Contact Sue or Lynda.