Las Cruces/Mesilla New Mexico Rally Recap
May 6 -10, 2019
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Dates: | May 6 -10, 2019 |
| Location: | Hacienda RV Resort 740 Stern Drive Las Cruces, NM 88005 |
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| Hosts: | Jim and Phyllis Howard Bill and Nancy MacLean |
The rally was held at the upscale Hacienda RV Resort in Las Cruces, New Mexico, which adjoins the picturesque and historic town of Mesilla. The Southwest Region hosted this rally in the South Central Region after approval of Club President Jerry Breu, as at the time this Region did not have a vice-president. Twenty-six club members arrived in fourteen coaches from six states, coming as far away as Pennsylvania and Florida.
All were greeted by hosts Jim and Phyllis Howard and Bill and Nancy MacLean at our traditional heavy appetizer potluck. Bill spoke about this area which he and Nancy know so well.
The next day we had a tour of downtown Mesilla, a town rich in Civil War and Wild West history. Princilliana Sandoval of La Morena Walking Tours met us in the town plaza. She was dressed in the traditional attire reflecting Mesilla's history and her tour was full of anecdotes and fun. A few steps away was La Posta de Mesilla, a restaurant founded in 1939 and reflecting décor and food of Mesilla's history. We had our own room and a menu selected just for us with their specialties. We toured this unique restaurant with its many rooms after dining. In the evening, it was back to our meeting room for happy hour and the great games conducted by members Ken and Beth Giannotti. It is worth coming to a rally just to enjoy the organized fun by this couple. Wendy Schwerin gave us all fairy lights that she made to light our way to our coaches at night.
The following day we were on our own and most went to the famous Las Cruces Farmers Market and toured the museums within walking distance. In the evening we enjoyed a loaded baked potato bar catered by Cracker Barrel and talked about RV technical issues.
The next morning we enjoyed a huge breakfast from Cracker Barrel and then sat around the RV park's lounge to watch a video of the Lone Pine rally prepared by the Giannottis. There was quite a bit of discussion about Manzanar, the Japanese internment camp visited at that rally. The afternoon was spent at the living history New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. This is a full-afternoon experience. A father-and-son duo gave us a demonstration of knife making. Later, we piled into a wagon to see the animals and had a great time. This was followed by another big dinner by Cracker Barrel, a discussion of future rallies, and another send-off of games.
Good weather, great facilities, fun food, history and animals, topped off by games, and at a great price: what's not to like?
(To be noted: The staff at Hacienda RV Park told us on the side that we were the best group they have had, and we left them with a repaired-by-us video system.)
Prepared by Phyllis Howard.